Solar photocatalytic degradation of polyethylene terephthalate nanoplastics: Evaluation of the applicability of the TiO2/MIL-100(Fe) composite material

For the first time, TiO2/MIL-100(Fe) photocatalysts supported on perlite mineral particles prepared by the solvothermal/microwave methods and post-annealing technique were tested in the degradation of polyethylene terephthalate nanoplastics (PET NPs). Powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, N2 physisorption, photoluminescence emission spectroscopy, photocurrent response, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to characterize the as-prepared materials. The response surface methodology approach was used to study the effects: pH of the NPs suspension and incorporated amount of MIL-100(Fe) on the TiO2/MIL-100(Fe) catalyst to optimize the photocatalytic degradation of the PET NPs under simulated solar light. The degradation of the PET NPs was evaluated by measuring turbidity and carbonyl index (FTIR) changes. The total organic carbon (TOC) in the solution during the degradation of the PET NPs was assessed to measure NPs oxidation into water-soluble degradation by-products. The active species involved in the photocatalytic degradation of PET NPs by the TiO2/MIL-100(Fe) composite was further examined based on trapping experiments. The use of 12.5 wt% TiO2/MIL-100(Fe) catalyst showed improved photocatalytic efficacy in the oxidation of PET NPs at pH 3 under simulated sunlight compared to bare TiO2. The increase in the carbonyl index (CI = 0.99), the reduction in the turbidity ratio (0.454), and the increase in the content of TOC released (3.00 mg/L) were possible with 12.5 wt% TiO2/MIL-100(Fe) material. In contrast, the PET NPs were slowly degraded by TiO2-based photocatalysis (CI = 0.96, turbidity ratio = 0.539, released TOC = 2.12 mg/L). The mesoporous TiO2/MIL-100(Fe) composites with high specific surface area, capacity to absorb visible light, and effective separation of photogenerated electron-hole charges clearly demonstrated the enhancement of the photocatalytic performance in the PET NPs degradation under simulated solar light

Description of the annual reproductive cycle of wreckfish; Polyprion americanus, in captivity

Successful spontaneous reproduction and the production of viable offspring of wild fish in captivity can take some years of adaptation, and may also involve different environmental conditions, sex ratios and densities compared to natural populations. We followed the reproductive cycle of wreckfish Polyprion americanus—a late maturing, deep-sea benthic species—in captivity in three different broodstocks in Spain under natural photoperiod and temperature, and one broodstock in Greece under a constant temperature of 16 °C for two consecutive years, to describe the reproductive cycle of the species and the associated sex steroid hormone profiles. Oogenesis begun in the fall and post-vitellogenic oocytes of 1250 μm were present between March and June. Males were in spermiation condition and produced good-quality sperm throughout the year, regardless of the temperature profile to which they were exposed. Some females completed oogenesis, underwent oocyte maturation, and spawned spontaneously under both constant and fluctuating temperatures. The sex steroid hormones of both males and females followed the already-known profiles during fish gametogenesis, except for 17,20β-dihydroxy-progesterone, which did not seem to be related to either female or male maturation. The female reproductive dysfunctions that were identified included (a) the arrest of oogenesis at the cortical alveoli stage in certain females; (b) the failure to undergo oocyte maturation in others; and (c) the production of large percentages of unfertilized eggs from the females that spawned spontaneously. Our study suggests that reproduction in captivity is possible in wreckfish maintained under typical marine aquaculture conditions, but that reliable spawning and production of high-quality eggs may require some years of adaptation to captivity, before the reproductive dysfunctions will be overcome.Versión del edito

Association Between the Use of a Mobile Health Strategy App and Biological Changes in Breast Cancer Survivors: Prospective Pre-Post Study

The objectives of this study were to: (1) check whether it is feasible to find changes in inflammation biomarkers through an mHealth strategy app as a delivery mechanism of an intervention to monitor energy balance; and (2) discover potential predictors of change of these markers in breast cancer survivors (BCSs). Analyzing changes in inflammatory biomarker concentrations after using the mHealth app, differences between preassessment CRP (4899.04 pg/ml; SD 1085.25) and IL-6 (87.15 pg/ml; SD 33.59) and postassessment CRP (4221.24 pg/ml; SD 911.55) and IL-6 (60.53 pg/ml; SD 36.31) showed a significant decrease in both markers, with a mean difference of –635.25 pg/ml (95% CI –935.65 to –334.85; P<.001) in CRP and –26.61 pg/ml (95% CI –42.51 to –10.71; P=.002) in IL-6. Stepwise regression analyses revealed that changes in global quality of life, as well as uMARS score and hormonal therapy, were possible predictors of change in CRP concentration after using the mHealth app. In the same way, the type of tumor removal surgery conducted, as well as changes in weight and pain score, were possible predictors of change in IL-6 concentration after using the app. In conclusion, through the results of this study, we hypothesize that there is a possible association between an mHealth energy balance monitoring strategy and biological changes in BCSs. These changes could be explained by different biopsychosocial parameters, such as the use of the application itself, quality of life, pain, type of tumor removal surgery, hormonal treatment or obesity.The study was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (Plan Estatal de I+D+I 2013-2016), Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria del Instituto de Salud Carlos III (PI14/01627), Fondos Estructurales de la Unión Europea (FEDER), and by the Spanish Ministry of Education (FPU14/01069 and FPU17/00939)

Tennis play intensity distribution and relation with aerobic fitness in competitive players

15 p.Los objetivos de este estudio fueron (1) describir la intensidad relativa del juego de tenis simulado en función del tiempo acumulado en tres zonas de intensidad metabólica y (2) determinar las relaciones entre esta distribución de intensidad de juego y la aptitud aeróbica de un grupo de jugadores competitivos. 20 jugadores masculinos de nivel avanzado a élite (ITN) realizaron una prueba de tenis de resistencia específica en el campo incremental hasta el agotamiento para determinar el consumo máximo de oxígeno (VO2max) y los umbrales de ventilación primero y segundo (VT1, VT2). Los parámetros de ventilación y de intercambio de gases se monitorizaron utilizando un analizador de gas portátil telemétrico (K4 b2, Cosmed, Roma, Italia). Dos semanas después, los participantes jugaron un juego de tenis simulado contra un oponente de nivel similar. Las zonas de intensidad (1: baja, 2: moderada y 3: alta) fueron delimitadas por los valores individuales de VO2 correspondientes a VT1 y VT2, y se expresaron como porcentaje del VO2 máximo y la frecuencia cardíaca. Cuando se expresó en relación con el VO 2 máx. El porcentaje de tiempo de juego en la zona 1 (77 ± 25%) fue significativamente mayor (p <0,001) que en la zona 2 (20 ± 21%) y la zona 3 (3 ± 5%). Se encontraron correlaciones positivas de moderadas a altas entre VT1, VT2 y VO2max, y el porcentaje del tiempo de juego transcurrido en la zona 1 (r = 0,68-0,75), así como las correlaciones inversas de bajas a altas entre las variables metabólicas y el porcentaje de tiempo empleado en las zonas 2 y 3 (r = -0.49–0.75). Los jugadores con mejor aptitud aeróbica juegan a intensidades relativamente más bajas. Concluimos que los jugadores pasaron más del 75% del tiempo en su zona de baja intensidad, con menos del 25% del tiempo dedicado a intensidades moderadas a altas. La aptitud aeróbica parece determinar la intensidad metabólica que los jugadores pueden mantener durante todo el juegoS

First observations of oblique ionospheric sounding chirp signal in Mexico

The results of the first experiment of oblique ionospheric sounding (OIS) chirp signal reception in Mexico are reported. Maximal and Lowest Observed Frequencies variations were studied under the quiet Space Weather conditions. The diurnal ionospheric variations by OIS signal confirm the results based on GNSS data in the Mexican region. The best HF radio propagation conditions along the considered path are during morning and daytime hours. The multi-hop propagation is frequent. The interlayer propagation modes are present at nighttime

VETTONIA PROJECT: A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT FOR THE EDUCATIONAL DISSEMINATION OF THE IRON AGE

The VETTONIA project aims to disseminate the rich heritage from the Iron Age of the western Iberian Peninsula and the archaeological investigations carried out on this topic in recent years. The project utilizes new technologies such as virtual tours, 3D models, and impressions to create interactive and stimulating ways to access the results of the most recent archaeological research. Using these resources, lectures and seminars are being given in various forums with diverse types of audiences to present the virtual tours and the rest of the dissemination initiatives. In addition, the project presents its different initiatives during the annual archaeological interventions developed in the oppidum of Ulaca (Solosancho, Ávila, Spain), with good reception by the attending public. The VETTONIA project represents a pioneering dissemination experience that takes advantage of the educational opportunities offered by new technologies. In the future, tools such as virtual tours to archaeological sites may prove essential in classroom teaching at different levels and could promote sustainable tourism in fragile natural environments such as those that constitute the major settlements of the Late Iron Age (ca. 400–50 BC)

Prevalence and risk factors of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in newly diagnosed patients of diabetes mellitus attending at national hospital

Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia y factores de riesgos asociados de neuropatía diabética periférica (NDP) en pacientes recientemente diagnosticados de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) en el Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza (HNAL). Material y MétOdOs. Estudio analítico prospectivo de corte transversal en pacientes del servicio de Endocrinología del HNAL, Lima. Se reclutaron pacientes mayores de 18 años con diagnóstico reciente (menor de 3 meses) de DM2 según los criterios ADA. Se excluyó a pacientes con diabetes gestacional, diabetes secundaria, antecedente de neuropatía periférica no diabética y en crisis hiperglucémica. Los pacientes reclutados fueron evaluados con el biotensiómetro para calificar como portador de NDP a los que no se les encontró un umbral de percepción de vibración mayor de 25 V en la región plantar del primer dedo de al menos uno de los pies. Para describir las características de la población se usó frecuencias y porcentajes para variables categóricas, media y desviación estándar (DE) para variables continuas. Se calculó la prevalencia de NDP usando frecuencia y porcentaje y se utilizó ji cuadrado para explorar potenciales factores relacionados a NDP. resultadOs. Se reclutaron a 96 pacientes, con una edad media de 52,6 años (DE ± 12,3) y 59 (61,5 %) de sexo femenino, con índice de masa corporal promedio de 30,2 kg/m2 (DE ± 5,0) y HbA1c promedio de 9,9 % (DE ± 2,8 %). La presión arterial sistólica y presión arterial diastólica promedio fueron 114,1 mmHg (DE ± 15,0) y 69,9 mmHg (DE ± 10,4), respectivamente. La NDP estuvo presente en 16 pacientes (16,7 %). La edad mayor de 60 años estuvo asociado a una mayor prevalencia de NDP. Teniendo como desenlace NDP, la razón de prevalencia cruda de edad ≥ 60 años en comparación a edad &lt; 60 años fue de 4,86 (IC95% 1,69-13,9). En el modelo ajustado por sexo y HbA1c &gt; 8 %, la razón de prevalencia para edad &gt; 60 años fue de 5,24 (IC95% 1,82-15,12). COnClusión. Casi 2 de cada 10 personas con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) ya tienen neuropatía diabética periférica (NDP) al momento del diagnóstico, y que la prevalencia de la NDP es cinco veces mayor en los mayores de 60 años que en los más jóvenes. Esto enfatiza la necesidad de realizar un tamizaje para NDP desde el momento del diagnóstico de DM2, sobre todo en la población mayor de 60 años, e implementar medidas de cuidado de pies y buen control glucémico en los en los que se encontrara NDP.ObjeCtive. To determine the prevalence and risk factors of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in newly diagnosed patients of diabetes mellitus (DM2) attending Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza (HNAL). Material and MethOds. Prospective, cross-sectional analytical study in patients attending the Endocrinology Service of HNAL, Lima. Inclusion criteria were a recent diagnosis (less than 3 months) of DM2 according to ADA criteria and age ≥18 years old. Patients with gestational diabetes, secondary diabetes, history of non-DPN and those in hyperglycemic crises were excluded. DPN was evaluated using a biothesiometer and was defined as the presence of a vibration perception threshold greater than 25 V in the plantar region of the first toe of at least one of the feet. To describe the characteristics of the population, frequencies and percentages were used for categorical variables, mean and standard deviation (SD) were used for continuous variables. The prevalence of DPN was calculated using frequency and percentage and chi-square was used to explore potential factors related to diabetic neuropathy. We used generalized linear models, Poisson family to estimate crude and adjusted prevalence ratios and their respective 95 % confidence intervals (95%CI). results. 96 patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 52,6 years (SD ± 12,3) and 59 of them females (61,5 %). Mean body mass index was 30,2 kg/m2 (SD ± 5,0) and mean HbA1c was 9,9 % (SD ± 2,8 %). Mean systolic blood pressure and mean diastolic blood pressure were 114,1 mmHg (SD ± 15,0) and 69,9 mmHg (SD ± 10,4) respectively. DPN was found in 16 patients (16,7 %). Being older than 60 years was associated with a higher prevalence of diabetic neuropathy. Having as outcome DPN, the prevalence ratio of age ≥ 60 years compared to age &lt; 60 years was 4,86 (95%CI 1,69-13,9). In the model adjusted for gender and HbA1c &gt; 8 %, the prevalence ratio for age ≥ 60 years was 5,24 (95%CI 1,82-15,12). COnClusiOns. Our study, the first of its kind in our country and the second in Latin America, found that almost two out of 10 people with DM2 already have peripheral diabetic neuropathy at the time of diagnosis and that the prevalence of this condition is five times higher in patients over 60 years old compared to younger patients. This emphasizes the need to perform a screening for diabetic neuropathy starting at the time of diagnosis of DM2, especially in the population over 60 years of age, to ensure early adequate foot care and glycemic control

Raicilla clúster de turismo

El Proyecto de Aplicación Profesional nombrado “Desarrollo de Clústers de Turismo Regional” tiene como principal objetivo la aplicación de conocimientos y habilidades obtenidos durante la carrera profesional, por medio del diseño de una planeación turística de la región productora de Raicilla, como resultado, se contribuirá al desarrollo social de la misma por medio de una propuesta innovadora así como un modelo turístico sostenible. Tomando como referencia el desarrollo del proyecto del periodo anterior (Primavera 2022), se busca la creación de un diagnóstico de la zona indicada que compone a pueblos que cuentan con la denominación de origen, esto por medio de las visitas de campo guiadas tanto por el Mtro. Mauricio Margulles como por los raicilleros dueños y trabajadores de las tabernas seleccionadas. Posteriormente se busca la creación y el desarrollo de una propuesta que sea implementable y trabaje en conjunto con el Consejo Promotor de la Raicilla, siendo benéfica para la sociedad. Entre los principales resultados a destacar están la definición de problemáticas de las localidades de Mascota, la Yerbabuena y Navidad, la creación de una guía genérica dirigida hacia los taberneros que facilite el proceso de las visitas guiadas a turistas y la guía del contenido de los videos entregables posteriores a las visitas de campo, orientado para futuros alumnos que opten por llevar el PAP, entre otros productos que se desarrollarán a lo largo del documento.ITESO, A.C

Demographic and clinical profile of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients in Spain: the SEPAR National Registry

BackgroundLittle is known on the characteristics of patients diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in Spain. We aimed to characterize the demographic and clinical profile of IPF patients included in the IPF National Registry of the Spanish Respiratory Society (SEPAR).MethodsThis is a prospective, observational, multicentre and nationwide study that involved 608 IPF patients included in the SEPAR IPF Registry up to June 27th, 2017, and who received any treatment for their disease. IPF patients were predominantly males, ex-smokers, and aged in their 70s, similar to other registries.ResultsUpon inclusion, meanSD predicted forced vital capacity was 77.6%+/- 19.4, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide was 48.5%+/- 17.7, and the 6-min walk distance was 423.5m +/- 110.4. The diagnosis was mainly established on results from the high-resolution computed tomography in the proper clinical context (55.0% of patients), while 21.2% of patients required invasive procedures (surgical lung biopsy) for definitive diagnosis. Anti-fibrotic treatment was prescribed in 69.4% of cases, 51.5% pirfenidone and 17.9% nintedanib, overall with a good safety profile.Conclusions The SEPAR IPF Registry should help to further characterize current characteristics and future trends of IPF patients in Spain and compare/pool them with other registries and cohorts

National Prevalence and Trends of HIV Transmitted Drug Resistance in Mexico

BACKGROUND: Transmitted drug resistance (TDR) remains an important concern for the management of HIV infection, especially in countries that have recently scaled-up antiretroviral treatment (ART) access. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We designed a study to assess HIV diversity and transmitted drug resistance (TDR) prevalence and trends in Mexico. 1655 ART-naïve patients from 12 Mexican states were enrolled from 2005 to 2010. TDR was assessed from plasma HIV pol sequences using Stanford scores and the WHO TDR surveillance mutation list. TDR prevalence fluctuations over back-projected dates of infection were tested. HIV subtype B was highly prevalent in Mexico (99.9%). TDR prevalence (Stanford score>15) in the country for the study period was 7.4% (95% CI, 6.2∶8.8) and 6.8% (95% CI, 5.7∶8.2) based on the WHO TDR surveillance mutation list. NRTI TDR was the highest (4.2%), followed by NNRTI (2.5%) and PI (1.7%) TDR. Increasing trends for NNRTI (p = 0.0456) and PI (p = 0.0061) major TDR mutations were observed at the national level. Clustering of viruses containing minor TDR mutations was observed with some apparent transmission pairs and geographical effects. CONCLUSIONS: TDR prevalence in Mexico remains at the intermediate level and is slightly lower than that observed in industrialized countries. Whether regional variations in TDR trends are associated with differences in antiretroviral drug usage/ART efficacy or with local features of viral evolution remains to be further addressed