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Aims To evaluate the biological activity of extracts from cultures of marine bacteria against Toxoplasma gondii and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Methods and Results Ethyl acetate extracts obtained from seven marine bacteria were tested against T. gondii GFP-RH and M. tuberculosis H37Rv. The cytotoxicity on HFF-1 cells was measured by a microplate resazurin fluorescent approach, and the haemolytic activity was determined photometrically. The extracts from Bacillus sp. (INV FIR35 and INV FIR48) affected the tachyzoite viability. The extracts from Bacillus, Pseudoalteromonas, Streptomyces and Micromonospora exhibited effects on infection and proliferation processes of parasite. Bacillus sp. INV FIR48 extract showed an minimum inhibitory concentration value of 50 µg ml−1 against M. tuberculosis H37Rv. All the extracts exhibited relatively low toxicity to HFF-1 cells and the primary culture of erythrocytes, except Bacillus sp. INV FIR35, which decreased cell viability under 20%. Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry analysis of the most active bacterial extract Bacillus sp. INV FIR48 showed the presence of peptide metabolites related to surfactin. Conclusions The extract from culture of deep-sea Bacillus sp. INV FIR48 showed anti-T. gondii and anti-tuberculosis (TB) biological activity with low cytotoxicity. In addition, peptide metabolites were detected in the extract. Significance and Impact of the Study Toxoplasmosis and TB are among the most prevalent diseases worldwide, and the current treatment drugs exhibit side effects. This study confirm that marine bacteria are on hand sources of anti-infective natural products.

Selective laser melting (SLM) additive manufacturing (AM) technologies provide an alternative to conventional casting and milling procedures in fabricating metal-ceramic dental prostheses. However, the quality of porcelain bond strength to the SLM AM cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) metal framework of a dental restoration is unclear.The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to identify in vitro studies that reported the porcelain bond strength to SLM AM Co-Cr dental metal alloys and compare the porcelain bond strength values to cast, milled, and additively manufactured Co-Cr dental alloys.An electronic systematic review was performed in different databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, World of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus. A manual search was also conducted. Studies that reported the porcelain bond strength to SLM Co-Cr metal alloys and in the English language were included. Two investigators evaluated the quality assessment of the studies by applying the JBI critical appraisal checklist for quasi-experimental studies (nonrandomized experimental studies). A third investigator was consulted to resolve lack of consensus. Two subgroups were created based on the test used, 3-point bend and shear bond strength tests. The porcelain bond strength of cast, milled, and AM Co-Cr dental alloys were compared. The I2 statistic and its associated P value were used to assess the heterogeneity between studies. The Eger test was used for determining significance of the funnel pots.A total of 216 studies were collected from the electronic and manual searches. After independently evaluating the titles and abstracts by the reviewers, 26 articles were identified. Three of these were excluded after full-text revision. The porcelain bond strength comparison between the cast and AM alloys for the 3-point bend subgroup revealed a significant result for overall effect (P.001) favoring the SLM method with considerable heterogeneity (I2=83%, P.001). Furthermore, the porcelain bond strength comparison between cast and milled alloys for the shear bond strength subgroup revealed a significant test for overall effect (P=.04) favoring milled procedures with a nonsignificant unimportant heterogeneity (I2= 0%, P.47) and for the 3-point bend subgroup (P.001) favoring milled specimens with a significant considerable heterogeneity (I2=79%, P.001).The metal manufacturing method had no effect on the porcelain bond strength to Co-Cr dental metal alloys.

To determinate the antimicrobial effect of chloramphenicol and aqueous extract against multidrug-resistant enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium in C...

Objectives The main goal of this study was to accurately detect azole resistance in species of the Aspergillus fumigatus complex by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Methods Identification of isolates (n = 868) was done with MALDI-TOF MS using both commercial and in-house libraries. To determine azole susceptibility, the EUCAST E.Def. 9.3.2 method was applied as the reference standard. Identification of resistant isolates was confirmed by DNA sequence analysis. Protein spectra obtained by MALDI-TOF MS were analysed to differentiate species within the A. fumigatus complex and to detect azole-resistant A. fumigatus sensu stricto isolates. Results Correct discrimination of A. fumigatus sensu stricto from cryptic species was accomplished in 100% of the cases applying principal component analysis (PCA) to protein spectra generated by MALDI-TOF MS. Furthermore, a specific peak (4586 m/z) was found to be present only in cryptic species. The application of partial least squares (PLS) discriminant analysis allowed 98.43% (±0.038) discrimination between susceptible and azole-resistant A. fumigatus sensu stricto isolates. Finally, based on PLS and SVM, A. fumigatus sensu stricto isolates with different cyp51A gene mutations were correctly clustered in 91.5% of the cases. Conclusions MALDI-TOF MS combined with peak analysis is a novel tool that allows the differentiation of A. fumigatus sensu stricto from other species within the A. fumigatus complex, as well as the detection of azole-resistant A. fumigatus sensu stricto. Although further studies are still needed, the results reported here show the great potential of MALDI-TOF and machine learning for the rapid detection of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus isolates from clinical origins.

The reaction of [TaCpRX4] (CpR = η5-C5Me5, η5-C5H4SiMe3, η5-C5HMe4; X = Cl, Br) with SiH3Ph resulted in the formation of the dinuclear hydride tantalum(IV) compounds [(TaCpRX2)2(μ-H)2], structurally identified by single-crystal X-ray analyses. These species react with azobenzene to give the mononuclear imide complex [TaCpRX2(NPh)] along with the release of molecular hydrogen. Analogous reactions between the [{Ta(η5-C5Me5)X2}2(μ-H)2] derivatives and the cyclic diazo reagent benzo[c]cinnoline afford the biphenyl-bridged (phenylimido)tantalum complexes [{Ta(η5-C5Me5)X2}2(μ-NC6H4C6H4N)] along with the release of molecular hydrogen. When the compounds [(TaCpRX2)2(μ-H)2] (CpR = η5-C5H4SiMe3, η5-C5HMe4; X = Cl, Br) were employed, we were able to trap the side-on-bound diazo derivatives [(TaCpRX)2{μ-(η2,η2-NC6H4C6H4N)}] (CpR = η5-C5H4SiMe3, η5-C5HMe4; X = Cl, Br) as intermediates in the N=N bond cleavage process. DFT calculations provide insights into the N=N cleavage mechanism, in which the ditantalum(IV) fragment can promote two-electron reductions of the N=N bond at two different metal–metal bond splitting stages., The series of dinuclear tantalum(IV) hydrides [{TaCpRX2}2(μ-H)2] (CpR = η5-C5Me5, η5-C5H4SiMe3, η5-C5HMe4; X = Cl, Br) show the ability to promote N=N bond cleavage in their reactions with azobenzene and benzo[c]cinnoline in absence of reducing reagents. Both the characterization of intermediate species and DFT studies point to a mechanism in two stages, in which the Ta−Ta bond splitting is key for the reduction of the N=N bond and its complete scission.

The ZrSn composites materials were prepared in one pot by chemical co-precipitation method. SnO2 was incorporated to ZrxOy modifying the molar percentage from 1 to 5 mol%. The ZrSn composites were characterized by different techniques: XRD, FTIR, DRS, SEM, N2 physisorption and HR-TEM. The ZrSn composites were dried at 80 °C and thereafter were evaluated in the photodegradation of phenol under UV irradiation. The percentages of degradation and mineralization were determined after a reaction time of 150 min by UV–Vis spectroscopy and Total Organic Carbon analysis (TOC), respectively. The composite containing SnO2 in a 3 mol% showed the highest photoactivity with a 72% of photodegradation, a higher value compared with the obtained with TiO2-P25 (62%). Finally, a possible reaction mechanism was proposed based on certain studies, which allows to follow the formation of the active species •OH, •O2− and h+. The formation of the •OH specie was measured by fluorescence spectroscopy whereas the inhibition of the species •O2− and h+ was determined by UV–Vis spectroscopy. The results showed that the ZrSn composites not promotes the hydroxyl radical formation. In addition, the holes capture showed a full-loss of the photoactivity while the minimization of (•O2−) radicals in the reaction media results in a decrement of the photoactivity. The formation of heterojunctions and the presence of localized states in the synthesized composites offer an excellent alternative for a fast photodegradation of phenol.

A series of Pt/CeO2 (5 wt%) and bimetallic Cu-Pt/CeO2 (4 wt% Cu and 1 wt%) catalysts supported on different CeO2 nano shapes (polyhedra, rods, and cubes) were studied as catalytic systems for hydrogen production from the methanol decomposition (MD) reaction. Supports were prepared by hydrothermal approach and the active phase was incorporated by wet impregnation. Materials were characterized by SEM, HRTEM-STEM, N2 adsorption, EDS, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, H2-TPR, and CO-DRIFTS. The catalytic properties for MD reaction were studied as a function of temperature in the 100–450 °C range and as a function of time on-stream for 24 h at 350 °C. Despite the high methanol conversion presented by the Pt/CeO2 catalysts, more important in polyhedra and rods, these catalysts exhibited a low hydrogen yield. Differences in the properties of bimetallic Cu-Pt/CeO2 samples were established to be support-morphology-dependent, and the dispersion of copper and the ceria reducibility were superior in samples supported on polyhedra and rods as in the case of platinum catalysts. An improvement of the oxygen vacancies in the bimetallic system was also observed, as a result of the close interaction between copper and ceria. TOF values indicated that catalytic performances are promoted not only by the size of the active phase nanoparticles, but also by the facet predominantly exposed by ceria. The formation of bimetallic phase and the presence of surface Cu-Pt alloy sites in the rod-shaped sample accounted for the slightly better methanol conversion in the stability tests. The H2 yield in the bimetallic samples was superior compared to platinum, which makes them suitable candidates for the hydrogen production from the methanol decomposition.

Iron, cobalt, and bimetallic catalysts were synthesized from their cationic solutions and impregnated on mesoporous silica support (i.e., SBA-15) to study their behavior in the catalytic hydrogenation of CO (Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis). N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms at 77 K showed that the mesoporous structure remained unchanged after the metal impregnation; however, the overall textural properties of impregnated materials decreased. SEM images did not show the presence of metal deposits on the support surface; however, both EDS and XRF analysis indicated the presence of iron and cobalt. Both XPS and TPR identified hematite and cobalt oxide as the main components in catalysts. In the Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis, the bimetallic catalysts presented higher activity than monometallic catalysts. The two bimetallic catalysts presented a decrease in methane selectivity and high production of gasoline and hydrocarbon chains larger than decane.

BiVO4 coupled to N-Doped TiO2 were obtained using the sol gel method assisted by microwave. Double modifications of TiO2 by doping with nitrogen and BiVO4 were induced to improve the UV visible response of TiO2 and improves the separation of generated charge carriers. The structural and morphological analyses support the formation of uniform BiVO4 and N-TiO2 heterostructures, with the surface area significantly increased by approximately 2.5 times in comparison with the bare TiO2. Doping with N and BiVO4 shifted the TiO2 band gap energy from 3.2 eV to around 2.4 eV. The photocatalytic activities of the catalysts were evaluated in the degradation reaction of Rhodamine B and Ofloxacin in aqueous solution. The resulting structures showed superior photocatalytic activity compared to their individual counterparts. More than 98% and 92% of Rhodamine B and Ofloxacin, respectively, could be degraded with the most active BiVO4/N-TiO2 catalyst under visible light radiation. The enhanced photocatalytic activity displayed by the heterostructures could be explained in terms of higher absorption of visible light due to the synergistic effect of N-doping of TiO2 and BiVO4 coupling and improved charge separation due to the formation of an n–n junction at the interface of N-TiO2 and BiVO4 semiconductors. The showed enhance photocatalytic response for the degradation for both pollutants was attributed to electrons and holes from photo-oxidation by ROS, confirmed by carrier scavenger experiments. The separation efficiency of photoinduced charge carriers was further affirmed by photoluminescence and electrochemical studies. The structures were stable even after the third catalytic cycle, indicating their efficiency in potential treatments of pollutants. Finally, based on experimental and test results, a reaction mechanism was proposed.

Resumen En el mundo la producción de suero de leche está en aumento y su aprovechamiento insuficiente genera impactos ambientales y económicos que se reflejan en el deterioro del medio ambiente y la pérdida de recursos económicos para las comunidades. El objetivo de la presente revisión bibliográfica fue consultar en la literatura científica y técnica los diferentes usos que se le en la actualidad al lactosuero, desde las proteínas y la lactosa. Se identificó que el lactosuero se utiliza aún, por lo general, para obtener lactosueros en polvo y concentrados, así como aislados de proteína, entre otros productos. El procesamiento del lactosuero genera residuos como, por ejemplo, la lactosa, la cual representa un serio problema ambiental y económico por la posible contaminación de fuentes hídricas y el alto costo que tiene su tratamiento (mano de obra e insumos). En este sentido, el proceso de producción de galactooligosacáridos (compuestos prebióticos de alto interés), puede ser una alternativa de inversión y desarrollo tecnológico para el sector lácteo de Colombia que busca nuevas formas de valorizar los residuos y disminuir el impacto ambiental de estos procesos. Abstract In the world the production of whey is increasing and its insufficient use generates environmental and economic impacts that are reflected in the deterioration of the environment and the loss of economic resources for the communities. The aim of the present review was to consult in the scientific and technical literature the different uses of whey from proteins and lactose. It was identified that whey is still commonly used to obtain powdered whey and concentrates and protein isolates, among other products. The processing of whey generates waste such as lactose, which represents a serious environmental and economic problem due to the contamination of water sources and the high cost of its treatment (labor and consumables). In this sense, the production process of galactooligosaccharides (prebiotic compounds of high interest) can be an alternative of investment and technological development for the dairy sector of Colombia that searches for new ways to valorize the waste and diminish the environmental impact of these processes.

Pt and Ir catalysts (3% w/w) supported on Ce0.97Ru0.03O2 were synthesized and successfully tested in a low-temperature CO oxidation process. The CO oxidation was followed in-operation, by FTIR spectroscopy. The catalysts were characterized by SEM-EDS, HTEM, XRD, DRS UV–vis, XPS techniques and BET isotherms. It was found that Pt and Ir nanoparticles on Ce0.97Ru0.03O2 drastically improved the CO oxidation in comparison to CeO2, showing the best performance the Pt/ Ce0.97Ru0.03O2 system. From the FTIR studies, a route for CO oxidation was proposed. The CO oxidation pathway in Ce0.97Ru0.03O2 considers that CO was adsorbed at the Ce and Ru sites, while O2 is adsorbed on the surface oxygen vacancies, being activated by nearby Ru species. Subsequently, the activated oxygen reacts with CO linked to Ce and Ru to produce CO2. Also, Pt and Ir promotes oxygen vacancies, increasing the activation-adsorption of O2 and, consequently, the activity of the catalyst was improved.

Aims: In this work, we propose the implementation of three carbon sponges, generated from the carbonization of melamine-formaldehyde sponges coated with different HKUST-type metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in different thermal conditions. Background: Nowadays, numerous investigations are focused on the development of new technologies for the rapid separation of water/oil mixtures. Several these processes use hydrophobic materials of different nature for efficient oil capture. Despite these efforts, the water/oil separation still remains a great challenge. The main oil absorbers that are commercially available tend to be expensive and have complex synthesis; however, they usually have an acceptable cost/benefit ratio. Despite this, the passage of time has brought us new generations of materials, which seek to solve the problems in a more efficient way, as in the case of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which stand out for the great ease with which their morphological and surface aspects can be controlled. MOFs are extensively investigated in the fields of adsorption and catalysis; the MOF coated sponges do not meet the selectivity and stability standards to be applied in oil spills in water. However, this completely changes when subjected to the pyrolysis process, giving the material an increase in its surface area, hydrophobic and magnetic properties in addition to making the material suitable for this application. Objective: Creation of a low-cost 3D template and the study of morphological properties of MOFs, for the formation of carbon-based materials by a fast, simple and low-cost method, promoting the use of new generations of materials to more effectively solve persistent environments. Methods: The employed MOF precursors are trimesic acid (BTC), nickel and cobalt salts. The monometallic HKUST type MOFs were synthesized using a simple method of controlled precipitation, which starts from two precursor solutions. The first one consisted of a ligand solution, dissolving the BTC in deionized water. In the case of mixed-metal MOFs, they were synthesized using the same procedure described for monometallic MOFs, but in this case a mixture of metal salts with a 1:1 molar ratio was performed. The methodology for the production of the sponges decorated with MOF was carried out in two steps. In the first stage, the sponges were subjected to a wash to remove dust and impurities, being rinsed with acetone in an ultrasonic bath for 30 min. The sponges were subsequently immersed in deionized water and subjected to an ultrasonic bath for 10 min. Finally, the sponges were dried at 60°C for 3 h. The second step is the addition of the HKUST-type MOFs to the sponges was carried out by means of the immersion method, preparing a dispersion of the corresponding MOFs in ethanol. Results: It was revealed that the carbon sponges can selectively absorb the oil in the water/oil mixture, possessing magnetic and enhanced hydrophobic and super hydrophobic properties. All the pyrolyzed carbon sponges, obtained at 500 and 700°C, were not the most optimal since they had absorption capacities of around 25 g/g and only supported up to 4 absorption cycles. On the other hand, the carbon sponges, obtained at 300°C, had absorption capacities greater than 40 g/g, in addition to being able to be reused up to 12 times without showing significant changes in their absorption capacity and having acceptable hydrophobic characteristics for the removal of oil dispersed in water. Among the three sponges obtained at 300°C, we highlight the sponges coated with BTC-Co which have the highest absorption capacity (54 g/g) among all fabricated sponges. Conclusions: The sponges obtained in the present work are a promising alternative to the materials that are traditionally used, since they have great advantages such as their simple production method, low-cost starting materials and good absorption capacities. This work sheds light on the production of carbon materials from 3D templates decorated with MOFs, through a one-step carbonization process and we demonstrate that these materials have characteristics that make them applicable in the removal of oil dispersed in water, giving us a practical, economic and friendly alternative to the environment.

Objective This study was designed to evaluate potential differences in circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (cpRNFL) thickness and segmented macular retinal layers between dominant and nondominant eyes on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in a pediatric population. Design Cross-sectional study. Participants 89 healthy children attending a general pediatric clinic. Methods Participants underwent sighting dominant testing and macular and cpRNFL spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Segmented macular layer thicknesses and cpRNFL thickness were compared for individual patients based on their ocular dominance. Results Ocular dominance occurred particularly in the right eye (64.7%). Dominant and nondominant eyes did not differ significantly in axial length or spherical equivalent refraction; axial length: 22.99 ± 1.17 mm versus 22.98 ± 1.19 mm; p = 0.51 and spherical equivalent refraction: −0.09 ± 2.68 D versus 0.32 ± 2.93 D; p = 0.41. In the comparison of the macular ganglion layer the average thickness in the 1 mm central Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study area was significantly different between the dominant and nondominant eye (16.56 ± 6.02 μm vs 17.58 ± 8.32 μm; p = 0.02). However, when compensating with Bonferroni, this difference was no longer statistically significant. There were no differences in the analyses of average global and sectorial cpRNFL thickness in dominant and nondominant eyes. Conclusion Dominant eyes demonstrated no significantly thicker average macular retinal nerve fiber layer (mRNFL), Ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness or cpRNFL thickness. No ocular characteristic was found to be associated with the relative dominance of an eye in eyes with low anisometropia.

The motivation of this study was to explore theviability of a new strategy, aimed at substantially improving boththermal and dielectric performance of polypropylene (PP),especially under oxidative conditions, by preparing in a singlestep a self-cross-linkable functionalized PP. For that purpose, anα-olefin bearing theN-alkylpyrrole moiety was copolymerized withpropylene, by using metallocene catalysis, and the obtainedmaterials thoroughly characterized. Thermal treatment at process-ing temperatures of the obtained copolymers proved that radicalchemistry associated with this function provides,per se,efficient PPcross-linking. The copolymers show high dielectric reliability andretain aflexible behavior, thus breaking new ground in the single-step preparation of high thermal stability PP-based dielectrics., The financial support from project Polymeric Nanodielectrics, Proyecto Intramural Especial, PIE202060E215 (CSIC, Spain) is greatly acknowledged. A.M. thanks the Universidad de Educación a Distancia (UNED) and the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) for the opportunity of performing her final degree project.

COVID-19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome; Corticosteroids; Intensive care unit Síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda asociado a COVID-19; Corticosteroides; Unidad de cuidados intensivos Síndrome de dificultat respiratòria aguda associada a la COVID-19; Corticosteroides; Unitat de cures intensives Background Some unanswered questions persist regarding the effectiveness of corticosteroids for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. We aimed to assess the clinical effect of corticosteroids on intensive care unit (ICU) mortality among mechanically ventilated COVID-19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients. Methods This was a retrospective study of prospectively collected data conducted in 70 ICUs (68 Spanish, one Andorran, one Irish), including mechanically ventilated COVID-19-associated ARDS patients admitted between February 6 and September 20, 2020. Individuals who received corticosteroids for refractory shock were excluded. Patients exposed to corticosteroids at admission were matched with patients without corticosteroids through propensity score matching. Primary outcome was all-cause ICU mortality. Secondary outcomes were to compare in-hospital mortality, ventilator-free days at 28 days, respiratory superinfection and length of stay between patients with corticosteroids and those without corticosteroids. We performed survival analysis accounting for competing risks and subgroup sensitivity analysis. Results We included 1835 mechanically ventilated COVID-19-associated ARDS, of whom 1117 (60.9%) received corticosteroids. After propensity score matching, ICU mortality did not differ between patients treated with corticosteroids and untreated patients (33.8% vs. 30.9%; p = 0.28). In survival analysis, corticosteroid treatment at ICU admission was associated with short-term survival benefit (HR 0.53; 95% CI 0.39–0.72), although beyond the 17th day of admission, this effect switched and there was an increased ICU mortality (long-term HR 1.68; 95% CI 1.16–2.45). The sensitivity analysis reinforced the results. Subgroups of age

Amoebae from the genus Acanthamoeba are important pathogens responsible for severe illnesses in humans such as Acanthamoeba keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. In the last few decades, AK diagnoses have steadily increased. Most patients suffering from AK were contact lens users and the infection was related to poor hygiene. However, therapy is not yet well established, and treatments may last for several months due to resistance. Moreover, these treatments have been described to generate cytotoxicity. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic strategies against AK. In this study, the amoebicidal activity of different generation cationic carbosilane dendrons derived with 4-phenylbutyric acid was demonstrated against Acanthamoeba polyphaga and Acanthamoeba griffini trophozoites and cysts. In addition, the combination of chlorhexidine digluconate and the most effective dendron (ArCO(2)G(2)(SNMe3I)(4)) showed an in vitro effect against Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts, reducing the minimal trophozoite amoebicidal concentration as well as concentrations with cysticidal activity., Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, Universidad de Alcalá, Comunidad de Madrid

An attractive approach to reduce the carbon dioxide footprint of deep soil mixing (DSM) is to replace Portland cement-based binders by geopolymers based on metakaolin. Safe design requires a good understanding of the mechanical and hydraulic properties of the improved ground, but very little is known about metakaolin–soil mixtures. For instance, shrinkage during curing is a significant issue for metakaolin-based concretes but has not been previously studied in soilcretes. In this work the permeability and strength of sand- and silty sand-based metakaolin soilcretes are studied under different curing conditions. The development of microcracks induced by geopolymer shrinkage is confirmed through a microstructural study using mercury intrusion porosimetry, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray computed tomography. The influence of microporosity and binder filling on permeability and strength is clarified adapting well-established soil models. A modified Kozeny–Carman formulation is proposed for permeability. A mixture ratio model is calibrated to represent strength. In general, the metakaolin-stabilised materials present excellent mechanical and hydraulic properties, although these are very sensitive to curing conditions.

The catalytic properties of K-grafted USY zeolite in fast pyrolysis of acid-washed wheat straw have been investigated using the parent USY sample as a reference. Potassium was incorporated into the zeolite by replacing H+ protons from framework hydroxyl groups with K+ cations. CO2-TPD confirmed the presence of basic sites, with mainly weak-mild strength, in the resulting material. Catalytic tests were performed in a down-flow fixed bed reactor with two furnaces. The thermal zone operated at 550 °C, whereas the temperature of the catalytic bed was varied from 400 to 500 °C. The catalysts were tested at two different catalyst to biomass ratios (C/B = 0.2 and 0.6). The K-USY sample was quite more active in bio-oil* (bio-oil in a water-free basis) conversion and upgrading than the parent zeolite, as denoted by the increased production of gases and the lower oxygen content of the organic liquid phase, although it also suffered higher coke deposition. Sharp changes were observed in the bio-oil* composition when using the K-USY catalyst. In particular, the presence in this material of a high population of weak-mild basic sites favoured the conversion of lignin oligomers and the occurrence of ketone-forming reactions from holocellulose. As a result, phenols and ketones were the main components (with an overall concentration up to 31.5 wt.%) in the bio-oil* obtained over K-USY, which is an interesting result due to their potential use for the preparation of fine chemicals with high-added value.

Introducción— La humanidad debe cuidar el agua potable que es un recurso vital para la vida y se utiliza para infinidad de procesos, algunos de estos como resultado contaminan el agua utilizada que vuelve a la naturaleza porque no se realiza ningún tratamiento, por ejemplo, en algunas plantas metalúrgicas. Centrándonos en esta situación, se diseñó y montó una planta piloto para el tratamiento de aguas residuales de una industria metalúrgica utilizando conocimientos en el área de la automatización y la química. Se eligió el sistema Arduino para el procesamiento de datos, con los sensores en los tanques y el manejo de las bombas de surtido de los tanques y el motor agitador para el proceso de tratamiento. Por otro lado, en el proceso químico se eligió óxido de calcio (CaO) y un floculante polimérico comercial, con el fin de reducir las cantidades de sólidos solubles, disueltos y sedimentables, el tratamiento realizado a los 30 minutos según el diseño obtuvo una reducción del 9,2% de los sólidos disueltos, 44,4% de los sólidos en suspensión y 93% de los sólidos totales e iones metálicos en valores aceptables, logrando una recuperación del 75% de las aguas tratadas Introduction— Humanity must take care of drinking water which is a vital resource for life and it is used for an infinite number of process, some of these as result pollute the water used which come back to the nature because no treatment is carried out, for instance, in some metallurgical plants. Focusing in this situation, we design and assembly of a pilot plant for the treatment of wastewater from a metallurgical industry using knowledge in the area of automation and chemistry, the Arduino system was chosen for data processing, with the sensors in the tanks and the handling of the tank assortment pumps and the agitator motor for the treatment process. On the other hand, in the chemical process, calcium oxide (CaO) and a commercial polymeric flocculants were chosen, in order to reduce the amounts of soluble solids, dissolved and settle able, the treatment carried out after 30 minutes according to the design obtained a reduction of 9.2% of the dissolved solids, 44.4% of the suspended solids and 93% of the total solids and metal ions in acceptable values, achieving a recovery of 75% of the treated waters.

Although magnesium intake is inversely associated with the risk of metabolic abnormalities, whether magnesium intake plays a role on metabolically healthy obese (MHO) phenotype has not been explored. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether the magnesium intake is associated with the MHO phenotype. Apparently, healthy women and men aged 20–65 years with obesity were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Subjects were allocated into MHO (n=124) and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) (n=123) groups. MHO phenotype was defined by abdominal obesity (waist circumference ≥90 cm in men and ≥80 cm in women) and none, or not more than one of the following risk factors: triglyceride levels ≥150 mg/dL; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels

16 p.-7 fig., Cone photoreceptor cell death in inherited retinal diseases, such as Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), leads to the loss of high acuity and color vision and, ultimately to blindness. In RP, a vast number of mutations perturb the structure and function of rod photoreceptors, while cones remain initially unaffected. Extensive rod loss in advanced stages of the disease triggers cone death by a mechanism that is still largely unknown. Here, we show that secondary cone cell death in animal models for RP is associated with increased activity of histone deacetylates (HDACs). A single intravitreal injection of an HDAC inhibitor at late stages of the disease, when the majority of rods have already degenerated, was sufficient to delay cone death and support long-term cone survival in two mouse models for RP, affected by mutations in the phosphodiesterase 6b gene. Moreover, the surviving cones remained light-sensitive, leading to an improvement in visual function. RNA-seq analysis of protected cones demonstrated that HDAC inhibition initiated multi-level protection via regulation of different pro-survival pathways,including MAPK, PI3K-Akt, and autophagy. This study suggests a unique opportunity for targeted pharmacological protection of secondary dying cones by HDAC inhibition and creates hope to maintain vision in RP patients even in advanced disease stages., This work was supported by the ProRetina foundation,the Kerstan Foundation, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFGTR 1238/4-1), Swiss National Science Foundation (31003A_173008),BMBF (FKZ: 01EK1613E), and GC2018-098557-B-I00 from MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE. RGS is a recipient of a JIN grant RTI2018-098990- J-I00 from MCIU, Spain.

Vitamin D has shown to play a role in multiple diseases due to its skeletal and extraskeletal actions. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency has become a worldwide health issue. Few supplementation guidelines mention calcifediol treatment, despite being the direct precursor of calcitriol and the biomarker of vitamin D status. This 1-year, phase III-IV, double-blind, randomized, controlled, multicenter clinical trial assessed the efficacy and safety of calcifediol 0.266 mg soft capsules in vitamin D-deficient postmenopausal women, compared to cholecalciferol. Results reported here are from a prespecified interim analysis, for the evaluation of the study's primary endpoint: the percentage of patients with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels above 30 ng/ml after 4 months. A total of 303 patients were enrolled, of whom 298 were included in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. Patients with baseline levels of serum 25(OH)D

In the last decade, Candida glabrata has become an important emerging opportunistic pathogen not only because of the increase in nosocomial infections frequency but also because of its ability to form biofilms and its innate resistance to commercial antifungals. These characteristics make this pathogen a major problem in hospital settings, including problems regarding equipment, and in immunosuppressed patients, who are at high risk for candidemia. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of and search for new antifungal drugs. In this study, the efficacy of two dendritic wedges with 4-phenyl butyric acid (PBA) at the focal point and cationic charges on the surface ArCO(2)G(2)(SNMe3I)(4) (1) and ArCO(2)G(3)(SNMe3I)(8) (2) was studied against C. glabrata strain to inhibit the formation of biofilms and eliminate established biofilm. For this, MBIC (minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration), MBDC (minimum biofilm damaging concentrations), as well as MFCB (minimum fungicidal concentration in biofilm) and MBEC (minimum biofilm eradicating concentration) were determined. In addition, different combinations of dendrons and amphotericin B were tested to study possible synergistic effects. On the other hand, cytotoxicity studies were performed. C. glabrata cells and biofilm structure were visualized by confocal microscopy. ArCO(2)G(2)(SNMe3I)(4) (1) and ArCO(2)G(3)(SNMe3I)(8) (2) dendrons showed both an MBIC of 8 mg/L and a MBDC of 32 mg/L and 64 mg/L, respectively. These dendrons managed to eradicate the entirety of an established biofilm. In combination with the antifungal amphotericin, it was possible to prevent the generation of biofilms and eradicate established biofilms at lower concentrations than those required individually for each compound at these conditions., Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, Comunidad de Madrid, Universidad de Alcalá

This paper is the companion paper of Córdoba-Jabonero et al. (2021). It deals with the estimation of the long-wave (LW) and net dust direct radiative effect (DRE) during the dust episode that occurred between 23 and 30 June 2019 and was paired with a mega-heatwave. The analysis is performed at two European sites where polarized micro-pulse lidars ran continuously to retrieve the vertical distribution of the dust optical properties: Barcelona, Spain, 23–30 June, and Leipzig, Germany, 29–30 June. The radiative effect is computed with the GAME (global atmospheric model) radiative transfer model separately for the fine- and coarse-mode dust. The instantaneous and daily radiative effect and radiative efficiency (DREff) are provided for the fine-mode, coarse-mode and total dust at the surface, top of the atmosphere (TOA) and in the atmosphere. The fine-mode daily LW DRE is low (< 6 % of the short-wave (SW) component), which makes the coarse-mode LW DRE the main modulator of the total net dust DRE. The coarse-mode LW DRE starts exceeding (in absolute values) the SW component in the middle of the episode, which produces positive coarse-mode net DRE at both the surface and TOA. Such an unusual tendency is attributed to increasing coarse-mode size and surface temperature throughout the episode. This has the effect of reducing the SW cooling in Barcelona up to the point of reaching total net positive dust DRE (+0.9 W m−2) on one occasion at the surface and quasi-neutral (−0.6 W m−2) at TOA. When adding the LW component, the total dust SW radiative efficiency is reduced by a factor of 1.6 at both surface (on average over the episode the total dust net DREff is −54.1 W m−2 τ−1) and TOA (−37.3 W m−2 τ−1). A sensitivity study performed on the surface temperature and the air temperature in the dust layer, both linked to the heatwave and upon which the LW DRE strongly depends, shows that the heatwave contributed to reducing the dust net cooling effect at the surface and that it had nearly no effect at TOA. Its subsequent effect was thus to reduce the heating of the atmosphere produced by the dust particles.

The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its cardiac comorbidities as cardiac hypertrophy (CH) have increased considerably due to the high consumption of carbohydrates, such as sucrose and/or fructose. We compared the effects of sucrose (S), fructose (F) and their combination (S + F) on the development of MetS in weaned male Wistar rats and established the relationship between the consumption of these sugars and the degree of cardiac CH development, oxidative stress (OS) and Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type II subunit delta oxidation (ox-CaMKIIδ). 12 weeks after the beginning of treatments with S, F or S + F, arterial pressure (AP) was measured and 8 weeks later (to complete 20 weeks) the animals were sacrificed and blood samples, visceral adipose tissue and hearts were obtained. Biochemical parameters were determined in serum and cardiac tissue to evaluate the development of MetS and OS. To evaluate CH, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), CaMKIIδ and ox-CaMKIIδ were determined by western blot and histological studies were performed in cardiac tissue. Our data showed that chronic consumption of S + F exacerbates MetS-induced CH which is related with a higher OS and ox-CaMKIIδ.

Tn7 transposable elements are unique for their highly specific, and sometimes programmable, target-site selection mechanisms and precise insertions. All the elements in the Tn7-family utilize a AAA+ adaptor (TnsC) to coordinates target-site selection with transposase activation and prevent insertions at sites already containing a Tn7 element. Due to its multiple functions, TnsC is considered the linchpin in the Tn7 element. Here we present the high-resolution cryo-EM structure of TnsC bound to DNA using a gain-of-function variant of the protein and a DNA substrate that together recapitulate the recruitment to a specific DNA target site. We find that TnsC forms an asymmetric ring on target DNA that segregates target-site selection and transposase recruitment to opposite faces of the ring. Unlike most AAA+ ATPases, TnsC uses a DNA distortion to find the target site but does not remodel DNA to activate transposition. By recognizing pre-distorted substrates, TnsC creates a built-in regulatory mechanism where ATP-hydrolysis abolishes ring formation proximal to an existing element. This work unveils how Tn7 and Tn7-like elements determine the strict spacing between the target and integration sites.

Solanum nudum Dunal (Solanaceae) is most commonly known and used by the population of the colombian Pacific coast as an antimalarial treatment. This article study into optimization and quantitative analysis of compounds steroidal over time of development of this species when grown in vitro and wild. A new steroidal compound named SN6 was elucidated by NMR and a new method of quantification of seven steroidal compounds (Diosgenone DONA and six steroids SNs) using HPLC-DAD-MS in extracts of cultures in vitro and wild was investigated. Biology activity of extracts was found to a range of antiplasmodial activity in FCB2 and NF-54 with inhibitory concentration (IC50) between (17.04 -100 μg/mL) and cytotoxicity in U-937 of CC50 (7.18 -104.7 μg/mL). This method creates the basis for the detection of seven sterols antiplasmodial present in extracts from S. nudum plant as a quality parameter in the control and expression of phytochemicals.

ugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) is moderately sensitive to salinity and the effects on plant performance vary according to stress level and genotype. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of salt stress induced by application of different NaCl levels in the irrigation solution on plant height, indirect index of chlorophylls (SPAD), and macronutrients concentration (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) and Na in leaves of two sugarcane varieties: CP 72-2086 and Mex 69-290. The experiment was set in a completely randomized design with a 2×5 factorial arrangement. The study factors were sugarcane variety (CP 72-2086 and Mex 69-290) and NaCl concentration (0.0, 71.8, 143.6, 215.4, and 282.7 mM NaCl). Salinity as a single factor negatively affected plant height, SPAD units and N and P concentration in leaves; Ca concentrations increased, while K, Mg and S remained unaffected by the tested NaCl levels. Mex 69-290 grew higher and concentrated greater levels of N and K. Interactions of factors showed that salinity reduced growth in both varieties, but this reduction was more pronounced in CP 72-2086. SPAD units were also significantly reduced by salinity in both varieties. Concentrations of N and P in leaves decreased in both varieties in response to NaCl, while those of K and Ca increased in Mex 69-290. Concentration of Na was higher in Mex 69-290 which exhibited better performance than CP 72-2086. Sodium concentrations in leaves increased in direct relation to the tested NaCl concentrations. Mex 69-290 reached higher concentrations of Na in leave tissues but displayed better health than CP 72-2086. Thus, the variety Mex 69-290 showed more efficient Na-tolerance mechanisms related to Ca and K concentrations, and an indirect chlorophyll index better than CP 72-2086.

Due to the negative consequences carried by the usage of synthetic insecticides, a global interest into finding substitutes for these chemical compounds through natural products has arisen. When yielded to external attacks, plants generally produce metabolites to defend themselves. The physicochemical characteristics of this kind of compounds have allowed their usage as potential bioinsecticides. The Hymenaea courbaril L. (algarrobo) has proven to be a plant rich in metabolites with outstanding biological activity, in such a way that some of its extracts have been tested as insecticides. The goal of this study was to know the phytochemical composition of Hymenaea courbaril L.’s resin and perform evaluations in vivo of its toxic and genotoxic effects in the biological model Drosophila melanogaster. For this, two resin extracts were prepared and both a phytochemical analysis were carried out on them, having found in the ethanolic total extract the presence of terpenes, flavonoids and coumarins, while in the partial ethanolic extract only presence of terpenes and flavonoids was found. Drosophila larvae were submitted to different concentrations of the extracts and both the survival and the sexual ratio were evaluated, finding that larvae are more sensitive to the partial ethanolic extract. Subsequently, the induction of somatic mutation and mitotic recombination (SMART) was evaluated in the flies’ eyes. The most significant affectations at a genotoxic level were found when larvae were tested with the partial extract, indicating that possibly the coumarins absence makes this insect more susceptible to damages at a genetic material level.

Herein we report the synthesis of three light emitting rod-shaped gold(I) complexes by combining ethynyl-functionalized 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (BTD), with different N-heterocyclic (imidazole, benzimidazole and phenantroimidazole) carbene gold(I) complexes. As could be determined by single crystal structure determination, the size of the N-heterocyclic carbene affects the relative disposition of the two ligands in the linear gold complexes (nearly perpendicular in the benzimidazole vs. planar in the phenantroimidazole derivative) which translates to different types of interactions between neighbouring units. In fact, the planar conformation in the more π-extended phenantroimidazole carbene allows Au(I) atoms to get sufficiently closer favouring aurophilic interactions. This compound is obtained as two different colour emitting solids which is ascribed to changes in packing modes probably leading to differences in the strength of aurophilic interactions. Interestingly, while the emission in the solid state is almost quenched, the incorporation of the compounds in polymer matrixes enhances the emissive properties of the compounds reaching near unity quantum yields.

Two series of cyclometalated PtII and IrIII complexes with general formula [Pt(pbt){PPh2(R)-P,O)}] (2a-2c) and [Ir(pbt)2{PPh2(R)-P,O)}] (3a-3c), where Hpbt is 2-phenylbenzothiazol and PPh2(R) is a diphenylphosphino donor functionalized deprotonated based acid (R = o-C6H4CO2 a, o-C6H4SO3 b, CH2CH2CO2 c) are presented. The structures of 1, 2a-2c, 3a and 3b were confirmed by single X-ray diffraction analyses, and the intermolecular interactions in 2a were studied using Hirshfeld surface analysis and Non Covalent Interaction (NCI) methods on its X-ray structure. Their photophysical properties were investigated by absorption and emission [CH2Cl2, solid (298, 77 K) and doped polystyrene (PS) films], supported by TD-DFT calculations on 1, 2a-2c and 3a. The PtII complexes exhibit bright phosphorescence in the region 525-543 nm, adscribed to a mixed 3IL/3MLCT excited state with predominant 3IL contribution. The IrIII derivatives (3a-3c) show orange photoluminescence (534-584 nm, 298 K), blue shifted at 77 K (527-560 nm), originated from admixture of 3IL/3MLCT/3LLCT excited states. Interestingly, the photoluminescence quantum yields of the Pt complexes 2a-2c ( = 46.5-66.5%) in PS films are remarkably higher than those of the iridium corresponding complexes ( = 17.3-32%) and the precursor 1 ( = 17%). The calculated 3MC-3IL/3MLCT energy gap for 2a and 3a accounts for the higher quantum yield of the Pt in relation to the Ir complexes.

An alternative anodeto metallic sodium based on the high capacity of Sn4P3 alloy is investigated for the first time in Na–O2 batteries. This alloy is synthesised by an easy and scalable method based on ball milling which is further optimized in order to obtain the most suitable morphology while avoiding agglomeration of the material. First, the stability of Sn4P3/C composite within the battery environment is analysed and compared to that of metallic Na. Second, the electrochemical study reveals the formation of sodium superoxide on both the metallic anode and Sn4P3 alloy for the first time, which evidences the existence of O2/O2− crossover processes. Complementary impedance studies, at various voltages and as a function of cycle number, demonstrate a higher stability of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) throughout cycling in addition to presenting lower reactivity and greater stability than the metallic Na system. Regarding the cycling performance, although it is lower than that of metallic Na, it surpasses that exhibited by other alternative anodes under similar conditions. This work therefore demonstrates the viability of a new family of anodes, paving the way for the development of more stable and safer Na–O2 batteries. Moreover, the importance of oxygen crossover is highlighted which is a common problem regardless of the anode used.

Excitatory amino acid transporters (EAAT) play a key role in glutamatergic synaptic communication. Driven by transmembrane cation gradients, these transporters catalyze the reuptake of glutamate from the synaptic cleft once this neurotransmitter has been utilized for signaling. Two decades ago, pioneering studies in the Kanner lab identified a conserved methionine within the transmembrane domain as key for substrate turnover rate and specificity; later structural work, particularly for the prokaryotic homologs GltPh and GltTk, revealed that this methionine is involved in the coordination of one of the three Na+ ions that are co-transported with the substrate. Albeit extremely atypical, the existence of this interaction is consistent with biophysical analyses of GltPh showing that mutations of this methionine diminish the binding cooperativity between substrates and Na+. It has been unclear, however, whether this intriguing methionine influences the thermodynamics of the transport reaction, i.e., its substrate:ion stoichiometry, or whether it simply fosters a specific kinetics in the binding reaction, which, while influential for the turnover rate, do not fundamentally explain the ion-coupling mechanism of this class of transporters. Here, studies of GltTk using experimental and computational methods independently arrive at the conclusion that the latter hypothesis is the most plausible, and lay the groundwork for future efforts to uncover the underlying mechanism.

Reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are secreted by human cells in response to infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Although RNS can kill Mtb under some circumstances, Mtb can adapt and survive in the presence of RNS by a process that involves modulation of gene expression. Previous studies focused primarily on stress-related changes in the Mtb transcriptome. This study unveils changes in the Mtb proteome in response to a sub-lethal dose of nitric oxide (NO) over several hours of exposure. Proteins were identified using liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). A total of 2911 Mtb proteins were identified, of which 581 were differentially abundant (DA) after exposure to NO in at least one of the four time points (30 min, 2 h, 6 h, and 20 h). The proteomic response to NO was marked by two phases, with few DA proteins in the early phase and a multitude of DA proteins in the later phase. The efflux pump Rv1687 stood out as being the only protein more abundant at all the time points and might play a role in the early protection of Mtb against nitrosative stress. These changes appeared to be compensatory in nature, contributing to iron homeostasis, energy metabolism, and other stress responses. This study thereby provides new insights into the response of Mtb to NO at the level of proteomics.

Introduction The treatment of such primary brain tumours such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) presents numerous difficulties, considerably impacting patient survival rates. The search for new compounds with therapeutic potential focuses on the identification of molecules that can be produced through chemical and enzymatic processes and that present anticancer effects in different types of tumours. Methods Given the need for new treatments for GBM, we conducted a study to synthesise ortho-coumaric acid alkyl esters (OCAAE) and to evaluate them in an appropriate study model, a three-dimensional (3D) culture using the Matrigel extracellular matrix. We tested cytotoxicity with the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) technique and by determining phosphatidylserine externalisation with annexin V and active caspase-3 expression as markers of apoptosis, and the subsequent degradation of DNA as a marker of cell death. Results Medium-chain OCAAEs, such as butyl-o-coumarate (BOC) and its isomer, showed the greatest effect on most of the parameters evaluated in 3D cultures of GBM, followed by methyl-, propyl-, and ethyl-o-coumarate (MOC, POC and EOC); these compounds showed effects both in reducing cell viability and in increasing the expression of active caspase-3 and annexin V and the degradation of DNA, in comparison with the first-line treatment for GBM, temozolomide. Conclusion These results, together with those of previous researchers, show that the different OCAAEs have a potential therapeutic effect on GBM, and that 3D culture of GBM cells is an appropriate model for the study of new antitumour molecules.

In this research, we perform a theoretical interpretation of molecular and electronic properties of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanoflakes through the density functional theory. Here, two pristine graphene nanoflake systems were passivated by hydrogen atoms at their edges, armchair (C58H20) and zigzag (C54H20); besides, we implemented 12 rGO systems with a range of low oxide coverage (1, 3, and 4%). Computational calculations were carried out employing the functional hybrid B3LYP and the basis 6-31G(d, p) and 6-311G(d, p) levels of theory. We brought the proposed molecular structures to a stable minimum. We determined the global reactivity descriptors through chemical potential, hardness, softness, and index of electrophilicity. Besides, the maps of electrostatic potential were generated. We found that the hydroxyl and epoxy functional groups dope the graphene molecule in p-type and n-type forms, respectively. In addition, we could attribute the increases of the oxide coverage and the chemical potential to the softness of the molecule. These results suggest that structures with this type of doping can help in developing advanced electronics of sensors and devices.

A route to waste cooking oil (WCO) transesterification to produce biodiesel using sulfonated polyphenylsulfone (S-PPS) and blends of polyphenylsulfone (PPS) and sulfonated polyphenylsulfone (PPS:S-PPS) as catalytic membranes was tested. Thin catalytic membranes from S-PPS and PPS:S-PPS presented a good balance between their ion exchange capacity (IEC), swelling degree, and weight loss after crosslinking. In particular, the crosslinked dense membrane with 56% sulfonation degree PPS:S-PPS 56 (MD 3 C) that presents IEC value 1.00 ± 0.02 meq H+/g and 328.37% swelling degree in methanol, shows the best balance. MD 3 C membrane transesterification reaction using WCO reached 86% biodiesel conversion with a WCO feedstock containing 0.24% water, 68 g/100 g of iodine value and 93% triglycerides. The use of S-PPS membrane acid-catalyzed biodiesel production from WCO is a promising and cleaner solution for preventing water and soil pollution with an added value. Further test should be performed to determine catalytic membrane stability, number of catalytic activity cycles and evaluate the sustainability of the PPS:S-PPS catalytic membranes for biodiesel production.

Introduction: The sofosbuvir-velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) combination is a direct-acting antiviral therapy that is authorized and available in Mexico, making the performance of a real-world multicenter study that evaluates the sustained virologic response at 12 weeks post-treatment a relevant undertaking. Methods: A retrospective review of the case records of 241 patients seen at 20 hospitals in Mexico was conducted to assess hepatitis C treatment with the SOF/VEL combination (n = 231) and the sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/ribavirin (SOF/VEL/RBV) combination (n = 10). The primary efficacy endpoint was the percentage of patients that achieved SVR at 12 weeks after the end of treatment. Results: Overall SVR was 98.8% (95% CI 97.35–100%). Only three patients did not achieve SVR, two of whom had cirrhosis and a history of previous treatment with peg-IFN. Of the subgroups analyzed, all the patients with HIV coinfection, three patients with genotype 3, and the patients treated with the SOF/VEL/RBV combination achieved SVR. The subgroups with the lower success rates were patients that were treatment-experienced (96.8%) and patients with F1 fibrosis (95.5%). The most frequent adverse events were fatigue, headache, and insomnia. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Treatments with SOF/VEL and SOF/VEL/RBV were highly safe and effective, results coinciding with those of other international real-world studies. Resumen: Introducción: La combinación de sofosbuvir-velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) es una terapia antiviral de acción directa que está autorizada y disponible en México. Esto hace que la evaluación de la respuesta virológica sostenida (RVS) 12 semanas después del tratamiento, por medio de la realización de una revisión multicentro en el mundo real, sea una tarea relevante. Métodos: Se efectuó una revisión retrospectiva de los registros de 241 casos de pacientes atendidos en 20 hospitales en México para evaluar el tratamiento contra la hepatitis C con la combinación SOF/VEL (n = 231) y sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/ribavirin (SOF/VEL/RBV) (n = 10). El objetivo de eficacia primario fue el porcentaje de pacientes que lograron la RVS 12 semanas posterior a la finalización del tratamiento. Resultados: En general, la RVS fue de 98.8% (IC 95% 97.35 a 100%). Solo tres pacientes no lograron la RVS, de los cuales dos padecían cirrosis y una tenía historia previa de tratamiento con interferón pegilado (peg-IFN). De los subgrupos analizados, todos los casos con infección de virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), tres con genotipo 3 y aquellos tratados con la combinación SOF/VEL/RBV, lograron RVS. Los subgrupos con tasas menores de éxito fueron los pacientes que tenían experiencia con tratamiento (96.8%) y pacientes con fibrosis F1 (95.5%). Los eventos adversos más frecuentes fueron fatiga, cefalea e insomnio. No se reportaron eventos adversos graves. Conclusión: Los tratamientos con SOF/VEL y SOF/VEL/RBV fueron altamente seguros y efectivos y los resultados coinciden con los de otros estudios internacionales realizados en el mundo real.

INTRODUCTION The effect of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation on muscle mass in patients with cirrhosis and sarcopenia is unknown. METHODS This is a pilot, prospective, randomized, and double-blind study of a cohort of 32 patients with cirrhosis and sarcopenia diagnosed by computed tomography scan who underwent a nutritional and physical activity intervention for 12 weeks. They were divided into 2 groups (placebo: 17 patients; BCAA: 15 patients). The study protocol was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04073693). RESULTS Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. After treatment, only the BCAA group presented a significant improvement in muscle mass (43.7 vs 46 cm2/m2; P = 0.023). Seventeen patients (63%) presented improvement in muscle mass overall, which was more frequent in the BCAA group (83.3 vs 46.7%; P = 0.056). Regarding frailty, there was a significant improvement in the Liver Frailty Index in the global cohort (n = 32) after the 12 weeks (4.2 vs 3.9; P < 0.001). This difference was significant in both groups: in the placebo group (4.2 vs 3.8; P < 0.001) and in the BCAA group (4.2 vs 3.9; P < 0.001). After treatment, the BCAA group had a higher increase in zinc levels than the placebo group (Δzinc: 12.3 vs 5.5; P = 0.026). In addition, there was a trend for greater improvement of albumin levels in the BCAA group (Δalbumin: 0.19 vs 0.04; P = 0.091). DISCUSSION BCAA supplementation improves muscle mass in cirrhotic patients with sarcopenia.