Ductility and Toughness Improvement of Injection-Molded Compostable Pieces of Polylactide by Melt Blending with Poly(e-caprolactone) and Thermoplastic Starch

[EN] The present study describes the preparation and characterization of binary and ternary blends based on polylactide (PLA) with poly("-caprolactone) (PCL) and thermoplastic starch (TPS) to develop fully compostable plastics with improved ductility and toughness. To this end, PLA was first melt-mixed in a co rotating twin-screw extruder with up to 40 wt % of different PCL and TPS combinations and then shaped into pieces by injection molding. The mechanical, thermal, and thermomechanical properties of the resultant binary and ternary blend pieces were analyzed and related to their composition. Although the biopolymer blends were immiscible, the addition of both PCL and TPS remarkably increased the flexibility and impact strength of PLA while it slightly reduced its mechanical strength. The most balanced mechanical performance was achieved for the ternary blend pieces that combined high PCL contents with low amounts of TPS, suggesting a main phase change from PLA/TPS (comparatively rigid) to PLA/PCL (comparatively flexible). The PLA-based blends presented an ¿island-and-sea¿ morphology in which the TPS phase contributed to the fine dispersion of PCL as micro-sized spherical domains that acted as a rubber-like phase with the capacity to improve toughness. In addition, the here-prepared ternary blend pieces presented slightly higher thermal stability and lower thermomechanical stiffness than the neat PLA pieces. Finally, all biopolymer pieces fully disintegrated in a controlled compost soil after 28 days. Therefore, the inherently low ductility and toughness of PLA can be successfully improved by melt blending with PCL and TPS, resulting in compostable plastic materials with a great potential in, for instance, rigid packaging applications.This research was supported by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities (MICIU) program numbers MAT2017-84909-C2-2-R and AGL2015-63855-C2-1-R, and by the EU H2020 project YPACK (reference number 773872).Quiles-Carrillo, L.; Montanes, N.; Pineiro, F.; Jorda-Vilaplana, A.; Torres-Giner, S. (2018). Ductility and Toughness Improvement of Injection-Molded Compostable Pieces of Polylactide by Melt Blending with Poly(e-caprolactone) and Thermoplastic Starch. Materials. 11(11):1-20. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11112138S1201111Hopewell, J., Dvorak, R., & Kosior, E. (2009). Plastics recycling: challenges and opportunities. 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Tritolylporphyrin dimer as a new potent hydrophobic sensitizer for photodynamic therapy of melanoma

We report the synthesis, photochemical and photophysical properties and preliminary studies on biological effect of a new tritolylporphyrin dimer (T-D). Absorption and emission properties of T-D suggest its possible use in photodynamic therapy. T-D is capable of singlet oxygen production with 0.8 quantum yield. It also has a high photostability. The photodynamic properties of the dimer were examined following the growth of SKMEL 188 (human melanoma) cells irradiated with red light (cut off vs. non-irradiated cells) for an 81 J/cm2 dose. Our results suggest that tritolylporphyrine dimer T-D may be an interesting hydrophobic sensitizer for photodynamic therapy

Effects of the European Union agricultural and environmental policies in the sustainability of most common Mediterranean soils

Agro-environmental measures promoted by the European Union focus mainly on environmental protection by maintaining sustainable levels of productivity that are adequate to the agro-ecological conditions of each region on different Member States. Among these European Union promoted measures the one known as Extensive Forage Systems is particularly relevant for the Mediterranean Region. In order to analyze the impact of this measure and to verify if the high expenditure of communitarian funds, with its implementation in Mediterranean soils, is aligned with the predicted benefits, a seven-year study in a southern Portugal region was conducted. In this regard, several soil chemical parameters such as organic matter, pH, electrical conductivity, available phosphorus, "available" potassium and heavy metal levels (Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb and Ni), were assessed, in 1329 different plots in order to represent some of the existing diversity of the Mediterranean environment, identified by the Portuguese Parcel Identification System, and considering the possibility to evaluate the evolution of these parameters on the main soil types of the region. The obtained results enabled us to verify that the application of the agro-environmental measure Extensive Forage Systems did not lead, during the 7 years of the study, to any significant change in terms of organic matter, soil pH and/or heavy metals content. Still it contributed for a small growth on "available" phosphorus and potassium levels and to a significant increase on Soil electrical conductivity (EC). As a final conclusion we can refer that the application of the agro-environmental measure Extensive Forage Systems, in soil, clime and cultural conditions prevailing in this study (Typical Mediterranean conditions from the South of Europe), did not reach its main objective, which was to increase the organic matter content in soils.Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia [UID/AGR/04129/2013]info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Invasive management of renal cell carcinoma in von hippel-lindau disease

Introduction Patients affected by von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease experience an increased risk for bi-lateral, synchronous, and metachronous renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Oncologic and functional outcomes are the main goals in the management of renal masses. We present our protocol for patients with VHL disease-associated RCC alongside functional and oncologic results observed in our series. Material and methods We performed a retrospective analysis of our clinical database of patients with VHL disease-associated RCC referred to our department between June 2005 and December 2017. We offer surveillance for lesions <2 cm and active management with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for lesions 2–3 cm, and nephron-sparing surgery (NSS), RFA or embolization techniques for lesions >3 cm or growth rate >1 cm/year. Results Our series comprises 14 patients, of whom 13 had undergone at least one invasive procedure for RCC, mean age at first intervention was 27 years (range 18–60). Overall, 30 interventions were performed in 21 kidneys: four radical nephrectomies, 13 RFAs, 12 NSSs, and one embolization. During follow-up (median time: 41 months, range: 6–149), eight patients (57%) presented with new lesions that required treatment, with a mean time between treatments of 32 ±18.5 months. No metastatic progression or need for dialysis was recorded; the success rate for RFA was 85%. Conclusions Management of VHL kidney disease by NSS is the standard of care with a cut-off at 3 cm, ablative procedures should be offered to lesions ranging 2–3 cm in size. Follow-up should be done strictly in referral centers that can provide all treatment options to renal function and control oncologic progression.This research was funded by Madrid Regional Government Research Grant [S2010/BMD-2326 IMMUNOTHERCAN-CM (B2017/BMD-3733)/FEDE

Predicting Clinical Outcome with Phenotypic Clusters in COVID-19 Pneumonia: An Analysis of 12,066 Hospitalized Patients from the Spanish Registry SEMI-COVID-19

(1) Background: Different clinical presentations in COVID-19 are described to date, from mild to severe cases. This study aims to identify different clinical phenotypes in COVID-19 pneumonia using cluster analysis and to assess the prognostic impact among identified clusters in such patients. (2) Methods: Cluster analysis including 11 phenotypic variables was performed in a large cohort of 12,066 COVID-19 patients, collected and followed-up from 1 March to 31 July 2020, from the nationwide Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI)-COVID-19 Registry. (3) Results: Of the total of 12,066 patients included in the study, most were males (7052, 58.5%) and Caucasian (10,635, 89.5%), with a mean age at diagnosis of 67 years (standard deviation (SD) 16). The main pre-admission comorbidities were arterial hypertension (6030, 50%), hyperlipidemia (4741, 39.4%) and diabetes mellitus (2309, 19.2%). The average number of days from COVID-19 symptom onset to hospital admission was 6.7 (SD 7). The triad of fever, cough, and dyspnea was present almost uniformly in all 4 clinical phenotypes identified by clustering. Cluster C1 (8737 patients, 72.4%) was the largest, and comprised patients with the triad alone. Cluster C2 (1196 patients, 9.9%) also presented with ageusia and anosmia; cluster C3 (880 patients, 7.3%) also had arthromyalgia, headache, and sore throat; and cluster C4 (1253 patients, 10.4%) also manifested with diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Compared to each other, cluster C1 presented the highest in-hospital mortality (24.1% vs. 4.3% vs. 14.7% vs. 18.6%; p 20 bpm, lower PaO2/FiO2 at admission, higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and the phenotypic cluster as independent factors for in-hospital death. (4) Conclusions: The present study identified 4 phenotypic clusters in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, which predicted the in-hospital prognosis of clinical outcomes

Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes hipertensos en un Consultorio Médico de Santa Clara

High blood pressure is a chronic non-transmittable disease, which is also a risk factor for the development of other clinical conditions. The incidence of arterial hypertension in the Cuban population is high.Aim: to characterize the evolution of arterial hypertension in a Family Doctor's Office.Methods: an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out at the Family Doctor's Office 17-19 in the municipality of Santa Clara. The study covered the months of January to March 2020. Of the 256 hypertensive patients, a sample of 52 was selected by a simple random method.Results: Males predominated (53.84 %), together with the age group between 40 and 49 years (28.84 %). A total of 63.46 % of the patients were white-skinned. 51.61% presented risk factors. The risk factors with the highest incidence were smoking, followed by obesity and sedentary lifestyle.Conclusions: the most affected hypertensive patients are male. Most patients have a family history of high blood pressure. Smoking is a high incidence risk factor in the hypertensive population.Introducción: la hipertensión arterial es una enfermedad crónica no transmisible, que a la vez constituye un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de otras enfermedades. La incidencia de la hipertensión arterial en la población de Cuba es alta.Objetivo: caracterizar el comportamiento de la hipertensión arterial en un Consultorio Médico de Familia.Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal en el Consultorio Médico de Familia 17-19 del municipio Santa Clara. El período de estudio comprendió los meses de enero a marzo del 2020. La población fue de 256 hipertensos y se escogió una muestra de 52 hipertensos por muestreo aleatorio simple.Resultados: predominó el sexo masculino (53,84 %), y el grupo de edad entre 40 y 49 años (28,84 %). El 63,46 % de los pacientes fueron de color de la piel blanca. El 51,61 % presentaron factores de riesgo. Los factores de riesgo de mayor incidencia fueron el tabaquismo, seguido por la obesidad y el sedentarismo.Conclusiones: los pacientes hipertensos más afectados son los del sexo masculino. La mayor parte de los pacientes tienen antecedentes familiares de hipertensión arterial. El tabaquismo es un factor de riesgo de alta incidencia en la población hipertensa

IAS 38: Intangible Assets and their Financial and Tax Effect in Information Technology Companies Located in San Isidro, 2018

La presente investigación "NIC 38 Activos Intangibles y su Impacto Financiero y Tributario en las empresas de tecnologías informáticas en San Isidro, año 2018" plantea determinar el impacto financiero como tributario que tiene esta NIC, es por ello que necesitamos reconocer y medir un intangible dentro de una organización. En el Marco Teórico, realizamos la investigación a través de fuentes primarias en las cuales se desarrollan conceptos generales de la NIC 38 como son definiciones, objetivos, alcance, reconocimiento, medición e información a revelar y su relación con las empresas de tecnologías informáticas, también el impacto financiero y tributario de la NIC. Luego, en el Plan de investigación, mostraremos los problemas, objetivos e hipótesis generales como específicos. En la metodología se define la población y muestra para aplicar el método de investigación mixta, que se encarga de obtener la información tanto cualitativa y cuantitativa, a través de entrevistas en profundidad a expertos en NIIF y tributación; y encuestas a contadores de empresas del sector. En el Desarrollo, plasmaremos la aplicación de la metodología y se desarrollará el caso práctico antes y después de aplicar la NIC. Posteriormente, en el Análisis de Resultados, realizamos el análisis de los instrumentos aplicados en las entrevistas, encuestas y el resultado del caso práctico. Concluyendo con la validación de las hipótesis generales y específicas con la aplicación correcta de la NIC 38 y con ello verificar si impacta financieramente y tributariamente y ante ello planteamos recomendaciones para un correcto uso de la norma.This research entitled "IAS 38: Intangible Assets and their Financial and Tax Effect in Information Technology Companies located in San Isidro, 2018" proposes to determine both the financial and tax effect of this IAS. For this purpose, we need to identify, recognize and measure an intangible asset within an organization. In the Theoretical Framework, research is carried out through primary sources in which the general concepts of IAS 38 are developed. This includes definitions, objectives, scope, recognition, measurement, data and their association with the IT companies as well as the financial and tax effect of the aforementioned IAS. In the Research Plan, we will describe the problems, objectives and hypotheses both general and specific. In the Methodology, we define the population and sample in order to apply the mixed methods research, which collects and analyzes qualitative and quantitative data using in-depth interviews with IAS and taxation experts; and surveys conducted to accountants currently working in the relevant field. In the Research Development, the application of the methodology will be shown and the case study will be developed before and after the application of the IAS 38. Subsequently, in the Analysis of Results, we study the instruments applied in the interviews, surveys and the outcome of the case study. To conclude, the general and specific hypotheses are validated by applying the IAS 38 and we can determine if they impact the IT companies financially and tributarily. If this is the case, we will propose recommendations for the correct use.Tesi

IAS 38: Intangible Assets and their Financial and Tax Effect in Information Technology Companies Located in San Isidro, 2018

This research entitled "IAS 38: Intangible Assets and their Financial and Tax Effect in Information Technology Companies located in San Isidro, 2018" proposes to determine both the financial and tax effect of this IAS. For this purpose, we need to identify, recognize and measure an intangible asset within an organization. In the Theoretical Framework, research is carried out through primary sources in which the general concepts of IAS 38 are developed. This includes definitions, objectives, scope, recognition, measurement, data and their association with the IT companies as well as the financial and tax effect of the aforementioned IAS. In the Research Plan, we will describe the problems, objectives and hypotheses both general and specific. In the Methodology, we define the population and sample in order to apply the mixed methods research, which collects and analyzes qualitative and quantitative data using in-depth interviews with IAS and taxation experts; and surveys conducted to accountants currently working in the relevant field. In the Research Development, the application of the methodology will be shown and the case study will be developed before and after the application of the IAS 38. Subsequently, in the Analysis of Results, we study the instruments applied in the interviews, surveys and the outcome of the case study. To conclude, the general and specific hypotheses are validated by applying the IAS 38 and we can determine if they impact the IT companies financially and tributarily. If this is the case, we will propose recommendations for the correct use.TesisLa presente investigación "NIC 38 Activos Intangibles y su Impacto Financiero y Tributario en las empresas de tecnologías informáticas en San Isidro, año 2018" plantea determinar el impacto financiero como tributario que tiene esta NIC, es por ello que necesitamos reconocer y medir un intangible dentro de una organización. En el Marco Teórico, realizamos la investigación a través de fuentes primarias en las cuales se desarrollan conceptos generales de la NIC 38 como son definiciones, objetivos, alcance, reconocimiento, medición e información a revelar y su relación con las empresas de tecnologías informáticas, también el impacto financiero y tributario de la NIC. Luego, en el Plan de investigación, mostraremos los problemas, objetivos e hipótesis generales como específicos. En la metodología se define la población y muestra para aplicar el método de investigación mixta, que se encarga de obtener la información tanto cualitativa y cuantitativa, a través de entrevistas en profundidad a expertos en NIIF y tributación; y encuestas a contadores de empresas del sector. En el Desarrollo, plasmaremos la aplicación de la metodología y se desarrollará el caso práctico antes y después de aplicar la NIC. Posteriormente, en el Análisis de Resultados, realizamos el análisis de los instrumentos aplicados en las entrevistas, encuestas y el resultado del caso práctico. Concluyendo con la validación de las hipótesis generales y específicas con la aplicación correcta de la NIC 38 y con ello verificar si impacta financieramente y tributariamente y ante ello planteamos recomendaciones para un correcto uso de la norma