Biotrickling filter modeling for styrene abatement. Part 1: Model development, calibration and validation on an industrial scale

Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Evolution of Bacterial Community in a Full-scale Biotrickling Filter by Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH)

The performance of a full-scale biotrickling system for the treatment of exhaust gases from two different paint sources at a furniture facility, was investigated applying Fluorescense in situ hybridization (FISH). This technique allowed the detection of major bacteria groups and, therefore, helped in understanding complex microbial communities. The results indicated that Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, and Deltaproteobacteria were more predominant than Firmicutes and Actiniobacterias. In addition, a variation in the composition of the bacterial community throughout the time of operation and with the paint source was observed. Betaproteobacteria showed similar relative abundance in all analyzed days. However, Gammaproteobacteria, relevant group in the degradation of VOCs, fluctuated with operational changes and the relative abundance of Alphaproteobacteria decreased when the composition of pollutants of the emission source was changed

Un análisis bayesiano de la variación temporal del escenario de compra de los hogares

This paper aims to analyse the underlying factors of varied behaviour shown in the store set of purchase of households during a time period (temporal variation). In order to examine whether there are differences between households with and without shopping varied behaviour, a Bayesian Separate Decisions Model has been used. By using data from AC Nielsen, results show that shopping frequency, monthly expenditure volume per capita, age of the person responsible for purchasing of grocery and household products, social status, household size, geographical area and population size, have a significant influence on the dynamic variation shown by the store set of purchase. The results reported here allow us to provide guidelines for both researchers and practitioners. El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar los determinantes del comportamiento variado de los hogares en la selección de su escenario de compra habitual a lo largo de un período de tiempo (variación temporal). Para ello, se plantea un modelo bayesiano de decisiones separadas que permite, en particular, analizar si existen diferencias entre las familias con y sin comportamiento variado de compra. Utilizando datos de AC Nielsen, los resultados obtenidos muestran que la frecuencia de compra, el volumen de gasto mensual per cápita del hogar, la edad del responsable de la compra, la clase social a la que pertenece la familia, el tamaño del hogar, el área geográfica y el tamaño de la población en la que habitan sus miembros, ejercen una influencia significativa en la variación dinámica de dicho escenario. Dichos resultados permiten ofrecer implicaciones directas para la gestión minorista y para la investigación.Análisis Bayesiano, Comportamiento del Consumidor, Elección de Establecimiento, Modelo de Decisiones Separadas, Variación Temporal. Bayesian Análisis, Consumer Behaviour, Store Choice, Separate Decisions Model, Temporal Variation

Healthcare-associated infections by multidrug-resistant bacteria in Andalusia, Spain, 2014 to 2021

Background: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are among chief causes of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). In Spain, studies addressing multidrug resistance based on epidemiological surveillance systems are lacking. Aim: In this observational study, cases of HAIs by MDR bacteria notified to the epidemiological surveillance system of Andalusia, Spain, between 2014−2021, were investigated. Notified cases and their spatiotemporal distribution were described, with a focus on social determinants of health (SDoH). Methods: New cases during the study period of HAIs caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-/carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales, MDR Acinectobacter baumannii, MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa or meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus were considered. Among others, notification variables included sex and age, while socio-economic variables comprised several SDoH. Cases’ spatial distribution across municipalities was assessed. The smooth standardised incidence ratio (sSIR) was obtained using a Bayesian spatial model. Association between municipalities’ sSIR level and SDoH was evaluated by bivariate analysis. Results: In total, 6,389 cases with a median age of 68 years were notified; 61.4% were men (n = 3,921). The most frequent MDR bacteria were ESBL-producing Enterobacterales (2,812/6,389; 44.0%); the main agent was Klebsiella spp. (2,956/6,389; 46.3%). Between 2014 and 2021 case numbers appeared to increase. Overall, up to 15-fold differences in sSIR between municipalities were observed. In bivariate analysis, there appeared to be an association between municipalities’ sSIR level and deprivation (p = 0.003). Conclusion: This study indicates that social factors should be considered when investigating HAIs by MDR bacteria. The case incidence heterogeneity between Andalusian municipalities might be explained by SDoH, but also possibly by under-notification. Automatising reporting may address the latte

Aspen Plus process-simulation model: Producing biogas from VOC emissions in an anaerobic bioscrubber

A process-simulation model for a novel process consisted of an anaerobic bioscrubber was developed in Aspen Plus®. A novel approach was performed to implement the anaerobic reactor in the simulation, enabling it to be connected to the scrubber. The model was calibrated and validated using data from an industrial prototype that converted air emissions polluted with volatile organic compounds with an average daily concentration of 1129 mgC Nm−3 into bioenergy for more than one year. The scrubber, which showed a removal efficiency within 83-93%, was successfully predicted with an average absolute relative error of 5.2 ± 0.08% using an average height-to-theoretical-plate value of 1.05 ± 0.08 m and 1.37 ± 0.11 m for each of the two commercial packing materials used, respectively. The anaerobic reactor, which treated up to 24 kg of chemical oxygen demand m−3 d−1 with efficiencies of about 93%, was accurately simulated, both in effluent-stream characteristics and in the biogas stream. For example, the average absolute error between the experimental biogas production and the model values was 19.6 ± 18.9%. The model proved its capability as a predictive tool and an aid in design, resulting in savings of time and money for practitioners. In addition, the approach proposed can be expanded to other bioprocesses that include unit operations

Análisis de la mortalidad en ciudades: resultados en Valencia y Alicante

ResumenObjetivosDescribir los patrones de mortalidad, general y por causas específicas seleccionadas, en Valencia y Alicante; establecer las diferencias internas por distritos, y evaluar los cambios en la magnitud de estas desigualdades en el tiempo.MétodosLas defunciones ocurridas en residentes en las ciudades de Valencia y Alicante durante los períodos 1990-1992 y 1996-1998 se asignaron a los distritos municipales de residencia. La comparación entre los períodos de estudio o entre ciudades se ha realizado a través del riesgo relativo estimado mediante regresión de Poisson. Se calculó la razón comparativa de mortalidad (RCM) según los 17 grandes grupos de la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades (9.a revisión). Por distritos se han calculado en cada período de estudio las tasas ajustadas por el método directo, la razón de mortalidad estandarizada (RME), la razón de años potenciales de vida perdida (RAPVP) y la esperanza de vida al nacimiento.ResultadosLos riesgos de muerte por todas las causas disminuyen del primer al segundo período tanto en varones, como en mujeres en ambas ciudades. La esperanza de vida aumenta significativamente en ambas ciudades en los varones, y en Valencia en las mujeres. La ciudad de Valencia presenta un mayor riesgo de muerte en ambos períodos. Algunos grupos de causas de muerte aumentan (grupos 5 y 6, que incluyen trastornos mentales y enfermedades del sistema nervioso y órganos de los sentidos). Por distritos, se observa una mayor variabilidad en Valencia —donde destacan los distritos 1 y 11 con un elevado riesgo de mortalidad— que en Alicante.ConclusionesEl proceso de vigilancia de la mortalidad interna, por distritos, es reproducible. En la ciudad de Valencia existen diferencias en la mortalidad que se mantienen en el tiempo. La ciudad de Alicante presenta una menor variabilidad interna en sus indicadores de mortalidad.AbstractObjectivesTo describe mortality patterns, in general and by selected specific causes in Valencia and Alicante, to establish internal inequalities by districts, and to evaluate changes in the magnitude of these inequalities over time.MethodsDeaths among residents of Valencia and Alicante in the periods 1990-1992 and 1996-1998 were assigned to residential municipal districts. Comparisons between the periods studied and between cities were carried out using the relative risk derived from a Poisson regression model. A comparative mortality figure was calculated using the 17 largest groups of the 9th International Classification of Diseases. Rates adjusted by the direct method, standardized mortality ratio, potential years of life lost (PYLL) ratio and life expectancy at birth were calculated by districts in each study period.ResultsThe risks of death from all causes decreased between the first and second periods in both men and women in both cities. Life expectancy significantly increased in both cities for men and in Valencia for women. The city of Valencia had the greatest risk of death in both periods. Some causes of death increased (groups 5 and 6, mental and nervous system disorders and sensory organ diseases). By districts, there was greater variability in Valencia than in Alicante, especially in districts 1 and 11 in Valencia, which showed a high risk of death.ConclusionsThe process of internal mortality surveillance by districts is reproducible. In the city of Valencia there were inequalities in mortality that were maintained over time. The city of Alicante showed less internal variability in its mortality indicators

3D analysis of bone mineral density in a cohort: age and sex-related differences

Women have lower areal BMD (g/cm2) than men; however, the women have smaller-size bones. Our study showed that women ? 59 years have a hip volumetric BMD by DXA 3D similar to that of men of the same age. This makes us think about the importance of taking into account bone size at the time of analyzing the sex-related differences in bone mass. Purpose: Women have lower areal BMD (g/cm2) than men; however, these studies do not take into account that women have smaller-size bones. Recently, three-dimensional (3D) modeling methods were proposed to analyze volumetric BMD (vBMD). We want to determine the values of vBMD at the hip by DXA-based 3D modeling in a cohort of people in order to know the age- and sex-related differences. Methods: A total of 2647 people of both sexes (65% women) were recruited from a large cohort (Camargo cohort, Santander, Spain). 3D-SHAPER® software (version 2.8, Galgo Medical, Barcelona, Spain) was used to derive 3D analysis from the hip DXA scans at baseline RESULTS: The differences were less pronounced for vBMD (cortical sBMD 9.3%, trabecular vBMD 6.4%, integral vBMD 2.2%) compared to aBMD (FN aBMD 11.4% and TH aBMD 13.3%). After stratifying by age (? 59 years, 60-69 years, 70-79 years, and ? 80 years), we observed in ? 59 years that aBMD was lower in women compared to men, at FN (0.758 [0.114] g/cm2 vs. 0.833 [0.117] g/cm2; p = 1.4 × 10-20) and TH (0.878 [0.117] g/cm2 vs. 0.990 [0.119] g/cm2; p = 4.1 × 10-40). Nevertheless, no statistically significant difference was observed for integral vBMD (331 [58] mg/cm3 in women and 326 [51] mg/cm3 in men; p = 0.19) and trabecular vBMD (190 [41] mg/cm3 in women and 195 [39] mg/cm3 in men; p = 0.20). Conclusion: Our results make us think about the importance of taking into account bone size at the time of analyzing the sex-related differences in bone mass.o Acknowledgements Funded by grants from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (PI 18/00762) Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, Spain. o Funding This study was funded by grants from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (PI 18/00762) Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, Spai

Pooling expert opinion on environmental discounting: an international Delphi survey

The primary aim of this study is to examine the various issues involved in environmental discounting using a Delphi survey of a worldwide panel drawn from specialists in issues relating to discounting and long-term investment evaluation. The environmental discount rate is applied when performing cost–benefit analysis (CBA) on projects with environmental impact, in order to aggregate tangible and intangible effects. A review of the preceding literature shows that, after decades of academic debate, opinions have gradually converged. Furthermore, public administrations have begun to echo the need for a new look at the long-term discounting. One of the main findings of this study is the virtual unanimity of experts regarding the need to modify the approach to intergenerational discounting. The survey also yields a proposal for specific values for discount rates, based on the time horizon for the project under evaluation. The application of the resulting rates in the socio-economic evaluation of a project of environmental restoration provides numerical evidence of the importance of the choice of both discount rate and discount strategy

Bone turnover markers in Spanish postmenopausal women: the Camargo cohort study

BACKGROUND. This cross-sectional study was performed to determine the reference ranges for two bone turnover markers -aminoterminal propeptide of type I collagen (P1NP) and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen ( - CrossLaps, -CTX)- in normal postmenopausal Spanish women as determined in serum by automated methods. METHODS. A community-based population of 1080 healthy postmenopausal women was evaluated. Data regarding risk factors for osteoporosis and fractures were collected by means of a structured questionnaire. Fasting serum levels of P1NP, -CTX, 25-Hydroxivitamin D (25OHD), and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were measured on the Elecsys 2010 automated analyzer (Roche). BMD at lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip was determined by DXA. RESULTS. The mean age of subjects was 63±9. Logarithmic transformation of both markers was performed to allow for normal distributions. Mid-95% ranges for P1NP and -CTX were 19-100 ng/ml and 0.112-1.018 ng/ml, respectively. Mean values of P1NP (47.7±19.9 ng/ml) were similar to those previously determined by the manufacturer of the assays, whereas -CTX mean values (0.387± 0.197 ng/ml) were lower. Both markers were higher among osteoporotic women. CONCLUSIONS. Values obtained from this well-characterized population study provide reference ranges for serum automated P1NP and -CTX in normal Spanish postmenopausal women

Pharmacogenetics of osteoporosis: a pathway analysis of the genetic influence on the effects of antiresorptive drugs

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder defined by a decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and an increased susceptibility to fractures. Bisphosphonates and selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERM) are among the most widely used drugs. They inhibit bone resorption by targeting the mevalonate and oestrogen pathways, respectively. The aim of this study was to determine if common variants of genes in those pathways influence drug responses. We studied 192 women treated with oral aminobisphosphonates and 51 with SERMs. Genotypes at 154 SNPs of the mevalonate pathway and 806 in the oestrogen pathway were analyzed. Several SNPs located in genes FDPS and FNTA were associated with the bisphosphonate-induced changes in hip bone mineral density (BMD), whereas polymorphisms of the PDSS1, CYP19A1, CYP1A1, and CYP1A2 genes were associated with SERM-induced changes in spine BMD. After multivariate analyses, genotypes combining genes FDPS and FNTA showed a stronger association with bisphosphonate response (r = 0.34; p = 0.00009), whereas the combination of CYP19A1 and PDSS1 genotypes was associated with the response to SERMs (r = 0.62, p = 0.0003). These results suggest that genotyping genes in these pathways may help predict the response to antiresorptive drugs and hence make personalized therapeutic choices.Funding: Supported by grants from Instituto de Salud Carlos III (PI18/00762; PI21/00532) that could be cofunded by European Union FEDER funds. Genotyping service was carried out at CEGEN-PRB3-ISCIII; it is supported by grant PT17/0019, of the PE I+D+i 2013–2016, funded by ISCIII and ERDF. Acknowledgments: Alvaro del Real received support by the postdoctoral grant Augusto Gonzalez de Linares of the University of Cantabria. We thank the skilful technical assistance of Carolina Sañudo and Alicia Martin-Rebollo