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Background: Concurrent diagnosis of breast cancer (BC) and pregnancy represents a therapeutic challenge as the indication of any treatment modality requires careful consideration of expected clinical benefit and fetal safety. Anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens have been extensively studied and proven to be relatively safe to use during gestation. However, there is limited data about the safety of taxane-containing regimens during pregnancy or the predominant prescribing practices in real-world clinical settings despite NCCN and ESMO supporting their use when clinically indicated. This study aimed to systematically review and synthesize available evidence regarding gestational taxane use for BC treatment.. Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Web of Science from their inception up to April 14, 2021. Studies considered eligible for this analysis were those that reported gestational taxane use for BC, presented original findings, and disclosed patient-specific outcomes. The retrieved records were independently screened by two authors, with discrepancies resolved by a third. Descriptive statistics were undertaken. Results: A total of 438 unique records were retrieved, of which 32 reports describing 163 BC patients treated with taxane-containing regimens during pregnancy were identified. Of those, 25 publications disclosed sufficient detail to be included in the analysis (63 pregnancies, 64 newborns; median gestational age at taxane initiation = 24 weeks, range 14-32). The most commonly reported regimens were paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 weekly (20%) and docetaxel 75 mg/m2 every three weeks (15%). The median cumulative dose received during pregnancy was 550 mg/m2 (range: 240-1200) for patients treated with paclitaxel and 375 mg/m2 (range: 150-650) for those prescribed docetaxel. A total of 80% were exposed simultaneously or sequentially to other cytotoxic treatments during pregnancy, 13% were additionally treated with anti-HER2 agents, and 10% received G-CSF. Treatment-associated adverse effects or obstetric complications were reported in 41%, predominantly consisting of preterm contractions or rupture of membranes (11%), oligohydramnios (8%), preeclampsia/HELLP syndrome (8%), and cytopenias (8%). The outcome of all pregnancies was reported as live birth. Overall, 52% of deliveries were preterm ( Conclusions: In this review, a high rate of maternal and fetal adverse outcomes was found in cases exposed to taxanes during pregnancy. Anecdotal evidence suggests that a wide variability of taxane-containing regimens are used in clinical practice, with most cases being exposed simultaneously or sequentially to other systemic treatments. Future studies are needed to fully elucidate the optimal taxane-containing regimen to be used during pregnancy, with a special emphasis on treatment safety. Use of taxane-containing regimens during pregnancy. Data are shown as n (%). NR: Not reported Gestational age at taxane initiation 1rst trimester 1 (2%) 2nd trimester 26 (41%) 3rd trimester 13 (21%) NR 23 (37%) Taxane agent administered Paclitaxel 32 (51%) Docetaxel 19 (30%) Both/NR 12 (19%) Pregnancy complications Preterm delivery 33 (52%) Preterm contractions/PROM 7 (11%) Oligohydramnios 5 (8%) Pre-eclampsia/HELLP syndrome 5 (8%) IUGR 5 (8%) Method of delivery Vaginal 13 (20%) C-section 16 (25%) NR 35 (55%) Neonatal complications Preterm delivery 33 (52%) Small for gestational age (n=55) 15 (27%) Need for resuscitation or respiratory support 7 (11%) Hyperbilirubinemia 2 (3%) Citation Format: Ana S. Ferrigno, Andrea Becerril-Gaitan, Bryan F. Vaca-Cartagena, Hatem A. Azim Jr., Cynthia Villarreal-Garza. Use of taxane-containing regimens during pregnancy for the treatment of breast cancer: A systematic review [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-23-03.

Background: Genetic cancer risk assessment is a multidisciplinary approach that enables the invaluable opportunity to recommend measures aimed at decreasing the risk of recurrence and new cancer diagnoses in individuals with inherited cancer predisposition. However, different challenges may limit the uptake of risk-reducing (RR) strategies among patients in underserved settings. This study describes the implementation of RR surgeries or surveillance studies and related barriers among carriers of breast cancer-associated germline pathogenic variants (PV). Methods: PV carriers were identified at two referral cancer centers in Mexico ≥6 months after receiving test results and genetic counseling. From October 2020 to June 2021, participants were invited to answer a multiple-choice survey assessing their uptake rate of RR measures according to NCCN guidelines by type of PV, as well as the challenges that had hindered this uptake. Descriptive statistics and Chi-squared or Fisher’s exact tests were used for data analysis. Results: In total, 162 carriers (median age: 42.5 years [range 21-73]) answered the survey. Most were women (89%), lived in an urban setting (91%), were married/in domestic partnership (72%), had at least high school education (69%), and were employed (51%). Monthly household income was lower than the minimum wage in 25% of cases and most patients had public (53%) or no (32%) healthcare coverage. Overall, 105 (65%) had a personal history of cancer, most commonly unilateral (77%) or bilateral (13%) breast cancer. PV were found in BRCA1/BRCA2 (75%), CHEK2 (11%), PALB2 (6%), ATM (4%), RAD51C (3%), and less frequently (3%) in TP53, NF1 or PTEN. Carriers underwent at least one of the recommended RR surgeries and surveillance studies in 61% and 69% of cases, respectively. Specifically, 52/124 (42%) of female BRCA1/BRCA2, PALB2, PTEN or TP53 PV carriers had undergone RR mastectomy, while 45/77 (58%) of eligible BRCA1/BRCA2 or RAD51C PV carriers had RR salpingo-oophorectomy. As for surveillance studies, carriers performed all, some and none of the recommended examinations according to their PV in 34%, 35% and 31% of cases, respectively. When an annual mammogram was recommended, 69/109 (63%) underwent the study in the previous year; in the case of breast MRI, only 23/103 (22%) had performed it in the last year. Notably, 132 (81%) carriers reported ≥1 challenge that hindered the uptake of RR strategies (median: 2 [range 0-10]). The main barriers were lack of insurance coverage of the recommended interventions (60%), financial limitations (50%), belief that their physician had not requested the studies or procedures (36%), and fear (25%). Uptake of RR strategies was not associated with carriers’ age, education level, employment status, income, place of residence, or type of mutation (high-risk vs moderate- or low-risk PV). Significant associations are reported in the Table. Conclusion: An important proportion of PV carriers in this resource-constrained setting underwent all or some of the recommended RR strategies, with the most cited uptake challenges being financial barriers and lack of endorsement by their physician. Targeted interventions to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and improve patient-physician communication and patients’ understanding of the implications of carrying a genetic mutation are warranted to enhance the uptake of RR surgeries and surveillance strategies among PV carriers. Variables associated with the uptake of RR strategiesVariableUnderwent ≥1 RR surgeryDid not undergo any RR surgeryp-valueVariableUnderwent all or some surveillance studiesDid not undergo any surveillance studiesp-valueMarital status.012Gender Citation Format: Cynthia Villarreal-Garza, Fernanda Mesa-Chavez, Yanin Chavarri-Guerra, Dione Aguilar y Mendez, Andrea Becerril-Gaitan, Bryan F Vaca-Cartagena, Salvador G Santiesteban, Alejandro Aranda-Gutierrez, Daniela Obregon-Leal, Melina Miaja-Avila, Maria F Ochoa Chavez, Andres Rodriguez-Faure, Hermes J Franco Jimenez, Jeffrey N Weitzel. Uptake of risk-reducing strategies and related challenges among carriers of breast cancer-associated germline pathogenic variants in Mexico [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-09-11.

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among young women worldwide. This population usually presents with more advanced stages at diagnosis compared to their older counterparts, exposing them to more intensive treatments which compromise their quality of life (QOL). This study aims to determine the change in QOL in young women with locally-advanced BC over time. Methods: Women aged ≤40, newly diagnosed with locally-advanced BC from 2016 to 2020 at three cancer referral centers in Mexico and accrued in the Joven & Fuerte cohort were included and asked to complete the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 questionnaires at diagnosis, six months, and one year follow-up. Differences in mean values were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA tests. The Mauchly's test was employed to assess the assumption of sphericity and if violated the Huynh-Feldt correction was used. Adjustment of multiple comparisons was performed with the Bonferroni correction. Results: A total of 195 patients with a median age at diagnosis of 35 years (IQR: 32-38) were analyzed. Most patients (59%) were married or in a domestic partnership and the majority (60%) were housewives or unemployed. The distribution of clinical stages at diagnosis was: IIB (41%), IIIA (39%), IIIB (11%), and IIIC (10%). Regarding treatment modalities, most patients underwent mastectomy (n=111, 57%), neoadjuvant (n=103, 53%) or adjuvant chemotherapy (n=79, 41%), and adjuvant endocrine therapy (n=106, 54%). QLQ changes over time are shown in the Table. Most functional scales worsened significantly at six months. Although most of them improved at one year of follow-up, they did not reach baseline levels. Certain symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, financial difficulties, and arm symptoms worsened from baseline. When analyzing QLQ changes according to the different treatment modalities (mastectomy vs lumpectomy), (neoadjuvant vs neoadjuvant/adjuvant vs adjuvant chemotherapy) and (receiving hormone therapy vs not) no significant differences were found in functional scales or BC symptoms over time. Conclusion: Young women with BC experience physical and psychological distress that negatively impacts their QOL. Several BC specific domains worsened from baseline, such as body imaging, sexual satisfaction, and arm symptoms. Thus, strategies aimed at addressing these specific areas are warranted. QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 at baseline, six months and one yearMean (SEM)NumberBaselineSix monthsOne yearp valueQLQ-C30Global health status14277.76 (1.65)73.53 (1.81)78.46 (1.59)0.047Physical Functioning14290.09 (0.93)86.62 (1.16)89.20 (1.02)0.026Role Functioning14286.97 (1.53)80.16 (1.86)87.68 (1.37) Citation Format: Cynthia Villarreal-Garza, Bryan F Vaca-Cartagena, Andrea Becerril-Gaitan, Alejandra Platas, Melina Miaja, Fernanda Mesa-Chavez, Ana S Ferrigno, Alan Fonseca, Marlid Cruz-Ramos, Lucero Labra, Enrique Bargallo-Rocha, Alejandro Mohar. Quality of life in Mexican young women with locally-advanced breast cancer: A cohort study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-10-20.

PURPOSE In response to the worldwide shortage of oncologists, ASCO established Oncology Student Interest Groups (OSIGs) to increase oncology exposure at medical schools. However, there is limited guidance on the activities they should undergo. The main purposes of this study were (1) to assess the preferences and perceptions of OSIG members about their group events and (2) to describe the difficulties faced by leaders to carry out OSIGs' tasks. METHODS In this multicenter, cross-sectional study, group members and leaders from five active Latin American OSIGs were invited to answer anonymous web-based surveys exploring members' attitudes toward group activities and leaders' challenges when carrying them out. Data collection was conducted from March to June 2021. RESULTS Responses from 142 medical students and four OSIGs leaders were analyzed. In total, 83% of student members considered that lectures with an oncology-related expert was very useful for increasing their overall interest in oncology. For increasing interest in cancer research, 87% deemed that participating in oncology research projects was very useful. Shadowing oncology professionals was very useful for at least 70% of members to increase their oncology knowledge and their interest in following an oncology-related career. Moreover, leaders' main challenges were having a high academic load, little response from members, lack of interesting ideas and protected time for OSIGs' events, and limited support from their school. CONCLUSION OSIGs' leaders, medical schools, and international oncology organizations should work together to design activities that increase medical students' exposure to oncology-related professionals and encourage their participation in international oncological events. These schools and organizations should actively support OSIG leaders when facing difficulties to prevent members' disengagement and groups' discontinuation.

Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) is a nut that has been grown in the Amazon Rainforest and the high Andes Mountains of Peru for countless centuries. The oil of this nut, natural source of omega 3, 6 and 9, has been recognized by its high antioxidant capacity in humans. In this work, oil from Sacha Inchi was fortified with two commercial antioxidants (Ecoprol 2020 and tocopherol) in order to prepare a fresh cheese from cow's milk. The antioxidant capacities of Sacha Inchi and commercial antioxidants were used as preservatives with the purpose to increase the shelf-life of fresh cheese besides nutritional content. The factorial method was necessary to prepare seven formulations in order to find the optimal concentration of the antioxidants added to Sacha Inchi oil andthe addition of this oil to the fresh cheese. A sensory analysis was performed to choose the best formulation. The results showed that an oil formulation (F4) with tocopherol (150 mg/kg of oil) and Ecoprol 2020 (1000 mg/kg of oil) displayed the lowest peroxide values (PI: 2.6 ± 0.1 meq O2/kg of oil, p < 0.001) and it was able to reduce approximately 50% of fatty acid oxidation in Sacha Inchi oil in relation to the PI control. Then, F4 was used to elaborate further nine formulations (F’1 – F’9), enriched with Sacha Inchi oil (1 to 4%) to prepare the fresh cheese. Microbiological analysis for all formulations were performed (limits of mold, yeasts, coliforms, salmonella, and bacteria) in order to meet the legal requirements of health and safety in Peru. The cheese taste acceptability was determined through the sensorial evaluation, which reached 7.2 according to the 9- hedonic scale for F'5. Thus, an optimum fresh cheese was obtained from the formulation (F’5) with 22.5g/L of salt and 2.5% of Sacha Inchi oil enriched with 150 mg/kg of tocopherol and 1000 mg/kg of Ecoprol 2020. The cheese shelf-life was also evaluated, increasing it up from 7 days to 16 days in refrigeration. Key words: cheese, antioxidant, Sacha Inchi, shelf-life, Ecoprol 2020, tocopherol

Background: Choosing the appropriate treatment for patients with early hormone receptor (HR)-positive and HER2-negative breast cancer (BC) remains a challenging process that must balance possible therapy benefits against potential side effects. Recent reports on premenopausal patients raise concerns about the safety of omitting chemotherapy (CT), and no consensus has been reached to define the use of these tools in the decision-making process. Thus, further research is needed to guide the use of genomic testing on this young group. Due to the limited data of the EndoPredict (EP) assay performance in premenopausal women, we aim to describe the follow-up results of a prospective cohort that utilized the EP assay to guide adjuvant treatment decision-making in this group of patients. Methods: Premenopausal women with HR-positive, HER2 negative, T1-T2, and N0-N1 BC who received adjuvant treatment guided by the results of the EP assay in two referral BC centers in Mexico were included. Clinicopathological and genomic characteristics were collected. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and distant disease-free survival (DDFS) were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier estimate. The Chi-squared and Log-rank tests were employed for group comparisons. Results: A total of 99 patients with a median age at diagnosis of 43 years (IQR 39-46) were analyzed. Most patients had T2 (54%), node-negative disease (72%), and low/intermediate-grade disease (85%). The distribution of clinical stages at diagnosis was: IA (38%), IB (2%), IIA (37%), IIB (22%). Regarding EPclin scores, 54% patients were categorized as high-risk while 47% had low-risk of distant recurrence. With respect to CT, 15% of patients in the low-risk group received CT compared to 100% in the high-risk category (p Clinicopathological characteristics of patients with recurrent disease.Age (y) at diagnosisStage (pT pN)GradeER (%)PR (%)Ki67 (%)EP resultEPclin scoreCTHTType of recurrence37IIA (T2 N0)29595N/ILow risk2.7NoTamoxifenLocal/regional43IA (T1c N0)2802010Low risk2.9NoTamoxifenLocal/regional45IA (T1c N0)21006020Low risk3.2NoTamoxifenLocal/regional42IIA (T2 N0)N/I1007040High risk3.9YesTamoxifenLocal/regional38IIA (T2 N0)2704040High risk4.2YesTamoxifenDistant35IIB (T2 N1)2604010High risk4.4YesTamoxifenDistant41IIB (T2 N1)2909070High risk5.1YesTamoxifen (after CT-induced ovarian failure)DistantER= Estrogen receptor status. PR= Progesteron receptor status. N/I= No information. Citation Format: Daniela Vazquez-Juarez, Bryan F Vaca-Cartagena, Andrea Becerril-Gaitan, Zuratzi Deneken-Hernandez, Ana S Ferrigno, Antonio Maffuz-Aziz, Edna A Lopez-Martinez, Regina Barragan-Carrillo, Jose F Muñoz-Lozano, Cynthia Villarreal-Garza. Follow-up of prospective cohort of Mexican premenopausal women with breast cancer who received guided adjuvant treatment with the EndoPredict assay [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-05-15.

Two ternary polymer gel electrolyte systems are compared, containing either polyethylene oxide (PEO) or the poly-ionic liquid poly(diallyldimethylammonium) bis(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide (PDADMA-TFSI). Both gel types are based on the ionic liquid 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide (P14TFSI) and LiTFSI. We study the influence of the polymers on the local lithium ion dynamics at different polymer concentrations using 7Li spin-lattice relaxation data in dependence on frequency and temperature. In all cases the relaxation rates are well described by the Cole-Davidson motional model with Arrhenius dependence of the correlation time and a temperature dependent quadrupole coupling constant. For both polymers the correlation times are found to increase with polymer concentration. The activation energy of local motions slightly increases with increasing PEO concentration, and slightly decreases with increasing PDADMA-TFSI concentration. Thus the local Li+ motion is reduced by the presence of either polymer; however, the reduction is less effective in the PDADMA+ samples. We thus conclude that mechanical stabilization of a liquid electrolyte by a polymer can be achieved at a lower decrease of Li+ motion when a cationic polymer is used instead of PEO. Fil: Brinkkötter, M.. University of Muenster; Alemania Fil: Gouverneur, M.. University of Muenster; Alemania Fil: Sebastião, P. J.. Universidade de Lisboa; Portugal Fil: Vaca Chávez Fornasero, Fabián. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Matemática, Astronomía y Física; Argentina Fil: Schönhoff, M.. University of Muenster; Alemania

Background: Escherichia coli is the main bacterium associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs), including cystitis and pyelonephritis. Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) harbors numerous genes that encode diverse virulence factors contributing to its pathogenicity. The treatment of UTIs has become complicated due to the natural selection of E. coli strains that are multiresistant to several groups of antibiotics regularly used in clinical settings such as hospitals. Genomic reports of the global composition and distribution of the antibiotic resistance and virulence genes of these pathogenic strains are lacking in the Mexican population. Purpose and methods: The aim of this study was to globally characterize the genomes of a group of UPEC strains by massive parallel sequencing to determine the prevalence and distribution of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes associated with different serotypes and phylogenetic groups. Results: The strains exhibited 138-197 virulence genes and 29 antibiotic resistance genes related to antibiotics that are commonly used in clinical practice. Conclusions: These findings are relevant to the definition of new strategies for treating urinary tract infections in public hospitals and private practice. To further define the epidemiological distribution and composition of these virulence and antibiotic resistance genes, larger studies are needed.

A molecular recognition process has been used to form new mesogenic molecular structures, where intermolecular hydrogen bonding occurs between 4-(octyloxy)benzoic acid (8BAO) and four 4-alkylbenzoic acids (nBAs, n = 2, 5, 6, 7). The synthesis of these complexes has been attained by resorting to mechanochemistry. The resulting materials have been characterized by polarizing optical thermal microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, vibrational spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and 1H NMR relaxometry. All the elements of the series show the formation of a mesophase. For one of the complexes, its electro-optical properties have also been assessed, resulting comparable to those of other widely used liquid crystals.

Tropospheric ozone is considered one of the most significant air pollutants due to its negative effects on human health, agricultural crops, ecosystems and climate. The features of the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula (high temperatures and high solar radiation, the presence of the Guadalquivir basin and sources of precursors) favour the occurrence of episodes of high concentrations that cause exceedances of legal thresholds with relative frequency. Despite this, no study examining regional ozone episodes has been carried out in this region until now. In the present work a surface hourly ozone dataset (2003–2006) measured at 11 representative stations located in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula (western Andalusia) was analysed in order to identify and characterise, for the first time, the regional ozone episodes that occur in this area. Using a statistical criterion, eight regional episodes were identified and analysed. The analysis of synoptic weather patterns revealed that these episodes occur in conjunction with two different synoptic conditions (high surface pressure either close to the British Isles or over the Atlantic Ocean). Both conditions generate weak isobaric surface pressure over the Iberian Peninsula, favouring the establishment of easterly winds at 500 m and the development of winds with two main prevailing directions (southwest-northwest, following the Guadalquivir basin) in the study area. During episodic days ozone follows a similar daily cycle to that observed on non-episode summer days, although the levels reached during the former are higher. In both cases, a direct relationship between the daily ozone cycle and the local wind regimen was not observed. This therefore seems to indicate that the daily cycle followed by ozone is mainly regulated by the precursor emissions produced in the environment, by the temperature changes taking place during the day and by the influence of the lower troposphere during anticyclonic weather conditions.

Two ternary polymer gel electrolyte systems are compared, containing either polyethylene oxide (PEO) or the poly-ionic liquid poly(diallyldimethylammonium) bis(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide (PDADMA-TFSI). Both gel types are based on the ionic liquid 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide (P

Surface ozone is one of the most important photochemical pollutants in the low atmosphere, causing damage to human health, vegetation, materials and climate. The weather (high temperatures and high solar radiation), orography (presence of the Guadalquivir valley) and anthropogenic (the cities of Cadiz, Cordoba, Huelva and Seville and two important industrial complexes) characteristics of the southwestern Iberian Peninsula make this region ideal for the formation and accumulation of ozone. To increase the knowledge of ozone behaviour in this area, the monthly, daily and weekly variations of ozone and its precursors, nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2), were analysed over a 4-year period (2003 to 2006). Using the k-means cluster technique, 12 representative stations of five different areas with different ozone behaviour were selected from a total of 29 monitoring sites. This is the first time that the analysis of these atmospheric pollutants has been carried out for the whole area, allowing therefore a complete understanding of the dynamics and the relationships of these compounds in this region. The results showed an opposite behaviour among ozone and NO and NO2 concentrations in urban and suburban zones, marked by maximums of ozone (minimums NOx) in spring and summer and minimums (maximums) in autumn and winter. A seasonal behaviour, with lower amplitude, was also observed in rural and industrial areas for ozone concentrations, with the NO and NO2 concentrations remaining at low and similar values during the year in rural zones due to the absence of emission sources in their surroundings. The daily cycles of ozone in urban, suburban and industrial sites registered a maximum value in the early afternoon (14:00–17:00 UTC) while for NOx two peaks were observed, at 7:00–10:00 UTC and 20:00–22:00. In the case of rural stations, no hourly peak of ozone or NOx was registered. The weekend effect was studied by using a statistical contrast tests (Student’s t). The results indicated that only areas influenced by important traffic emissions presented a weekend effect for NO and NO2, whereas an ozone weekend effect was not detected in any case.

Titanium is a very important element for several industrial applications, being one of the ninth most abundant elements in the Earth’s crust (0.63% wt). In this work it will discuss the different mining and industrial activities involved in the production of titanium dioxide. The first step analyzed will treat about the beneficiation mining process of titanium mineral, and secondly, it will discuss the two main processes of the TiO2 manufacturing (sulphate and chloride routes). In addition, we will show different uses of the titanium dioxide pigment as filler in paper, plastics and rubber industries and as flux in glass manufacture, etc. Finally, we will show that the old wastes are currently called co-products since they were valorized, being commercialized by the Spanish industry of TiO2 production in different fields such as agriculture, civil engineering, or cement manufacturing.

Nafion® is the polymer electrolyte membrane most used in fuel cells (PEMFC), however Nafion® presents some limitations due to the water loss with increasing temperature. In this work is presented the study of the molecular dynamics in modified Nafion®/ionic liquids (IL) cations membranes with increasing temperature, by proton NMR relaxometry (1H NMRD). Three Nafion® membranes modified with Phenyltrimethylammonium (TMPA+), 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium (BMIM+) and n-dodecyltrimethylammonium (DTA+) IL cations were considered. This study allowed the evaluation of the effect of the IL cations incorporation in Nafion® membranes and to assess the degree of confinement of the IL cations in the membranes matrix in relation with the water content. Thermogravimetry analysis was also performed to study the water loss with increasing temperature of the Nafion®/IL cations membranes. It was possible to establish a correlation between the water content and the IL cations self-diffusion coefficients. The sequential order of the hydration level obtained for the studied systems was Nafion®/DTA+>Nafion®/BMIM+ ≳ Nafion®/H+>Nafion®/TMPA+, while the water loss follows the sequence Nafion®/H+>Nafion®/BMIM+∼Nafion®/DTA+>Nafion®/TMPA+. The Nafion®/BMIM+ presented the largest temperature variation of both the self-diffusion coefficient and the hydration conditions. In terms of PEMFCs efficiency, the Nafion®/DTA+ modified membrane seems to offer the largest and stable hydration conditions with temperature.

The Tinto and Odiel rivers in southwest Spain drain the world's largest sulfide mineral formation: the Iberian Pyrite Belt which has been worked since 2,500 BC. The Tinto and Odiel estuarine zones include both an extensive area of salt marsh and an intensively industrialized urban area. As a consequence of pyrite oxidation, the Tinto and Odiel rivers are strongly acidic (pH 3) with unusually high and quite variable metal concentrations. In this study, seasonally varying concentrations of dissolved major and trace elements were determined in the acid mine drainage affected estuary of the Ría de Huelva. During estuarine mixing, ore-derived metal concentrations exhibit excellent correlations with pH as the main controlling parameter. As pH increases, concentrations of dissolved ore-associated elements are attenuated, and this process is enhanced during the summer months. The decrease in Fe and Al concentrations ranged from 80 to 100 % as these elements are converted from dissolved to sediment-associated forms in the estuary. Coprecipitation/adsorption processes also removed between 60 and 90 % of the originally dissolved Co, Cu, Mn, Pb, Zn, and Th; however, Cd and Ni exhibited a greater propensity to remain in solution, with an average removal of approximately 60 %. On the other hand, As and U exhibited a different behavior; it is likely that these elements remain in dissolved forms because of the formation of U carbonates and soluble As species. Concentrations of As remain at elevated levels in the outer estuary (average = 48 μg L(-1)) which exceeds concentrations present in the Tinto River. Nevertheless, the estuary has recently witnessed improvements in water quality, as compared to results of several previous studies reported in the 1990s.

A study about the distribution of several radionuclides from the uranium and the thorium series radionuclides along the production process of a typical NORM industry devoted to the production of titanium dioxide has been performed. With this end the activity concentrations in raw materials, final product, co-products, and wastes of the production process have been determined by both gamma-ray and alpha-particle spectrometry. The main raw material used in the studied process (ilmenite) presents activity concentrations of around 300 Bq kg−1 for Th-series radionuclides and 100 Bq kg−1 for the U-series ones. These radionuclides in the industrial process are distributed in the different steps of the production process according mostly to the chemical behaviour of each radioelement, following different routes. As an example, most of the radium remains associated with the un-dissolved material waste, with activity concentrations around 3 kBq kg−1 of 228Ra and around 1 kBq kg−1 of 226Ra, while the final commercial products (TiO2 pigments and co-products) contain negligible amounts of radioactivity. The obtained results have allowed assessing the possible public radiological impact associated with the use of the products and co-products obtained in this type of industry, as well as the environmental radiological impact associated with the solid residues and liquid generated discharges.

This work analyzes and evaluates the main mechanical, elastic and thermodynamic properties of cements manufactured with different proportions of red gypsum (RG), a waste generated by the titanium dioxide industry. The results show that red gypsum can be used as a safe substitute for natural gypsum in the manufacturing of commercial cements with no reduction in quality. In addition, the mobility of the original pollutants in red gypsum is negligible in the cements made from this waste, with the quantities of leached pollutants similar to those measured in standard reference cements formed with natural gypsum.

In order to fill a gap in the open literature, occupational exposures and activity concentrations have been assessed in two NORM industrial plants, located in the south-west of Spain, devoted to the production of mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP) and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilisers. The annual effective doses received by the workers from these plants are clearly below 1 mSv yr(-1) and the contribution due to external radiation is similar to that due to inhalation. The contribution to the maximum effective doses due to inhalation of particulate matter has been estimated to be about 0.12 mSv yr(-1), while the (222)Rn concentrations inside the plants are of no concern. Consequently, no additional actions or radiological protection measures need to be taken to decrease the natural radiation received by the workers in these facilities.

A study of the proton NMR spin-lattice relaxation time, T(1), of the A131 liquid crystal compound as a function of temperature and Larmor frequency, using a combination of fast field-cycling and standard NMR techniques, is presented. The frequency dispersion in a wide range (from 10 kHz to 300 MHz) at different temperatures and the temperature variation of T(1), in several frequency conditions, were analyzed considering the contributions of the molecular movements generally detected in liquid crystals. In the case of nematic phases of calamitic liquid crystals, the nuclear spin relaxation is dominated by collective movements and local molecular reorientations. The experimental results clearly show a transition within the nematic range of this compound, previously identified as one from the uniaxial to the biaxial phase. This transition can be associated with a slowing down of the molecular rotations around the long molecular axis, where the preferred orientation defines the principal director as detected in the T(1) dispersion analysis.

The Huelva Estuary in Huelva, Spain, has been one of the most studied environmental compartments in the past years from the point of view of naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) releases. It has been historically affected by waste releases, enriched in radionuclides from the U-decay series, from factories located in the area devoted to the production of phosphoric acid and phosphate fertilizers. Nevertheless, changes in national regulations forced a new waste management practice in 1998, prohibiting releases of phosphogypsum into the rivers. The input of natural radionuclides from phosphate factories to rivers was drastically reduced. Because of this there was a unique opportunity for the study of the response of a contaminated environmental compartment, specifically an estuary affected by tidal influences, after the cessation of the contaminant releases to, in this case, the Huelva Estuary (henceforth referred to as the Estuary). To investigate the environmental response to this new discharge regime, the specific activities of radionuclides 226Ra and 210Pb in water and sediment samples collected in four campaigns (from 1999 to 2005) were determined and compared with pre-1998 values. From this study it is possible to infer the most effective mechanisms of decontamination for the Estuary. Decontamination rates of 210Pb and 226Ra in the sediments and water have been calculated using exponential fittings and corresponding half-lives have been deduced from them. The cleaning half-life in the whole area of the Estuary is about 6 and 3.5 years for 226Ra and 210Pb respectively. The observed trend clearly shows that contamination of the Estuary by natural radionuclides is now decreasing and radioactive levels in waters and sediments are approaching the natural background references. This work attempts to evaluate whether it can be expected that the decontamination of the enhanced levels of natural radioactivity in the Estuary can be performed via natural processes.

The present study was conducted to characterize several raw materials and co-products from the titanium dioxide industry in relation to their elemental composition (major, minor and trace elements), granulometry, mineralogy, microscopic morphology and physical composition. The main objective was to gain basic information for the future potential application of these co-products in fields such as agriculture, construction, civil engineering, etc. Microscopic studies were performed by applying scanning electron microscopy with X-ray microanalysis (SEM-XRMA) while the mineralogical compositions were analysed by means of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The concentrations of major elements such as Na, Al, Si, Ca, Ti, Fe, S and K were determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), while heavy metals and other trace elements were determined by ICP-MS. The physicochemical characterization of the raw materials used in the titanium dioxide industry, in addition to the characterization of the co-products generated, has enabled the evaluation of the degree of fractionation of different elements and compounds between the different co-products, as well as the control of the possible variations in the physicochemical composition of the raw materials throughout the time and the study of the influence of these variations in the characteristics of the obtained co-products. As a main conclusion of our study, it is possible to indicate that the levels of the pollutant elements associated to the co-products analysed were, in general, within safe limits and, therefore, they could potentially be used in composites as fertilizers or for building materials in road construction, etc. Nevertheless, for the specific application of each of these co-products in agriculture, construction and civil engineering, additional studies need to be performed to evaluate their appropriateness for the proposed application, together with specific studies on their health and environmental impact.

Estuaries are sinks of materials and substances which are released directly into them or transported from rivers that drain the basin. It is usual to find high organic matter loads and fine particles in the sediments. We analyzed radionuclide concentrations ((210)Po, (230)Th, (232)Th, (234)U, (238)U, (226)Ra, (228)Th, (228)Ra, (40)K) in sediments and three different organs (roots, stems and leaves) of three species of halophytes plants (Spartina maritima, Spartina densiflora and Sarcocornia perennis). The study was carried out in two tidal salt marshes, one polluted by U-series radionuclides and another nearby that was unpolluted and was used as a control (or reference) area. The Tinto River salt marsh shows high levels of U-series radionuclides coming from mining and industrial discharges. On the contrary, the unperturbed Piedras River salt marsh is located about 25 km from the Tinto marsh, and shows little presence of contaminants and radionuclides. The results of this work have shown that natural radionuclide concentrations (specially the U-isotopes) in the Tinto salt marsh sediments are one order of magnitude higher than those in the Piedras marsh. These radionuclide enhancements are reflected in the different organs of the plants, which have similar concentration increases as the sediments where they have grown. Finally, the transfer factor (TF) of the most polluted radionuclides (U-isotopes and (210)Po) in the Tinto area are one order of magnitude higher than in the Piedras area, indicating that the fraction of each radionuclide in the sediment originating from the pollution is more available for the plants than the indigenous fraction. This means that the plants of the salt marshes are unhelpful as bioindicators or for the phytoremediation of radionuclides.

This Letter presents a proton fast field cycling Nuclear Magnetic Resonance study of the molecular dynamics in the region above the smectic A-isotropic phase transition in thermotropic liquid crystals. The proton spin-lattice relaxation time was measured as a function of temperature at different Larmor frequencies and the experimental results were interpreted in term of the Landau De Gennes theory. Mechanisms provided by both individual reorientational fluctuations and fluctuations of the local order parameter can be distinguished at the different Larmor frequency scales.

Surface ozone is one of the most important photochemical pollutants in the low atmosphere, causing damage to human health, vegetation, materials and climate. The weather (high temperatures and high solar radiation), orography (presence of the Guadalquivir valley) and anthropogenic (the cities of Cádiz, Córdoba, Huelva and Seville and two important industrial complexes) characteristics of the southwestern Iberian Peninsula make this region ideal for the formation and accumulation of ozone. To increase the knowledge of ozone behaviour in this area, the monthly, daily and weekly variations of ozone and its precursors, nitrogen oxides (NO(x) = NO + NO2), were analysed over a 4-year period (2003 to 2006). Using the k-means cluster technique, 12 representative stations of five different areas with different ozone behaviour were selected from a total of 29 monitoring sites. This is the first time that the analysis of these atmospheric pollutants has been carried out for the whole area, allowing therefore a complete understanding of the dynamics and the relationships of these compounds in this region. The results showed an opposite behaviour among ozone and NO and NO2 concentrations in urban and suburban zones, marked by maximums of ozone (minimums NO(x)) in spring and summer and minimums (maximums) in autumn and winter. A seasonal behaviour, with lower amplitude, was also observed in rural and industrial areas for ozone concentrations, with the NO and NO2 concentrations remaining at low and similar values during the year in rural zones due to the absence of emission sources in their surroundings. The daily cycles of ozone in urban, suburban and industrial sites registered a maximum value in the early afternoon (14:00-17:00 UTC) while for NOx two peaks were observed, at 7:00-10:00 UTC and 20:00-22:00. In the case of rural stations, no hourly peak of ozone or NO(x) was registered. The weekend effect was studied by using a statistical contrast tests (Student's t). The results indicated that only areas influenced by important traffic emissions presented a weekend effect for NO and NO2, whereas an ozone weekend effect was not detected in any case.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance proton spin-lattice measurements in phentylcyano-phenylcy-clohexane liquid crystal at the Larmor frequencies 1.235 MHz and 48 kHz in a temperature range above the nematic-isotropic phase transition are reported. The Landau-De Gennes theory for nematic-isotropic phase transition is used to analize the temperature dependence of the spin-lattice correlation functions. We conclude that the low frequency approximation can be applied only when the experiment is carried out at Larmor frequencies in the kHz range.

The first experimental evidence of director fluctuations in a micellar lyotropic liquid crystal, studied by 1H spin-lattice relaxation rate, is reported. The system is constituted by the ternary mixture: potassium laurate/1-decanol/water. With the aim to test the slow dynamics, the experiment has been performed over a broad range of Larmor frequencies (2 × 103− 6.6 × 106 Hz), using fast field-cycling NMR relaxometry. The results evidence that in the nematic and isotropic mesophases and the poliphasyc region, director fluctuations are responsible for the spin-lattice relaxation dispersion in the low Larmor frequency range ( 105 Hz), two relaxation mechanisms are assigned: i) molecular reorientation by translational diffusion on the micellar surface, and ii) molecular exchange between the micelle and the bulk.

Field cycling nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry was used to study the slow molecular dynamics in the nematics and isotropic phases and polyphasic region of the phase diagram in the thernary mixture: potassium laurate/1-decanol/water. The experiment has been performed over a broad range of Larmor frequencies (2×103−6.6×106 Hz). The first experimental evidence of director fluctuations in a micellar lyotropic nematic liquid crystal, studied by 1H spin-lattice relaxation rate, is reported. The results evidence that in the nematic mesophases, director fluctuations are responsible for the spin-lattice relaxation dispersion in the low Larmor frequency range (≲105 Hz). By increasing the intermicellar water content, a crossover was found between a quasi-isotropic three-dimensional (3D) director fluctuation behavior and a two-dimensional (2D) pseudo-lamellar undulation fluctuation. In spite of the fact that no menatic phases of this micellar complex fluid are isotropic with respect to light scattering, they pr...

The NMR spin-lattice relaxation time at three Larmor frequencies – ν L =28 MHz , 1.235 MHz and 48 kHz – in the isotropic phase of butylcyano-phenylcyclohexane has been measured in the temperature range close to the isotropic–nematic phase transition. Spin-lattice relaxation mechanisms provided by both individual reorientational fluctuations and fluctuations of the local director can be distinguished at the different Larmor frequency scales. We conclude that the Landau–De Gennes theory for the weak first order nematic–isotropic phase transition, together the low frequency approximation can be applied if the experiment is carried out at Larmor frequencies in the kHz range.

A big fertilizer industrial complex and a vast extension of phosphogypsum piles (12 km2), sited in the estuary formed by the Odiel and Tinto river mouths (south-west of Spain), are producing an unambiguous radioactive impact in their sourrounding aquatic environment, through radionuclides from the U-series. The levels and distribution of radionuclides in the different water phases of this estuarine system (filtered and particulate fractions) have been determined. The analyses of radionuclide concentrations and activity ratios have provided us with interesting information with which to evaluate the extension, degree and routes of the radioactive impact, as well with the knowledge of the different pathways followed for the radioactive contamination which disturbs this natural system. The obtained results indicate that the main pathway of radioactive contamination of the estuary is through the dissolution in its waters of the radionuclides released by the industrial activities and their later fixation on the particulate materials. On the other hand, the tidal activity plays an important role in the transport and homogeneization along the estuary of the radioactivity released from the fertilizer plants. Additionally, the results obtained for the different studied natural radionuclides (U-isotopes, Th-isotopes and 210Po) in the filtered and particulate fractions have provided very rich information about their different environmental behaviour in this aquatic system.

The flux and concentration of 90 Sr in an alkaline pulp mill located in the South of Spain have been obtained. 90 Sr activity has been measured via its daughter 90 Y by the Cerenkov counting with a liquid scintillation counter. A parameterised colour quenching correction was introduced in order to adequately evaluate the 90 Y sample activity concentration. Pulp production, recovery cycles and the biofuel-powered electric and heat plant were the main mill sections studied in this work. As expected 90 Sr seems to be retained at the Ca-cycle. 90 Sr concentrations and flux have also been calculated in the controlled solid, liquid and gaseous waste discharges. It is estimated that, respectively, some 5.6, 5×10 -4 and 2 GBq are annually discharged into the environment under typical working conditions.

The temperature behavior of the director order fluctuation coherence length in the nematic mesophase of butylcyano-phenylcyclohexane is measured from the NMR spin–lattice relaxometry profile. The physical significance of the plateau in the relaxation profiles at low Larmor frequencies is discussed.

This paper describes a comprehensive study of the behaviour of U in the Ria of Huelva estuary, formed by the Tinto and Odiel rivers. This ecosystem is conditioned by two hydrochemical facts: one connected with the acid mining drainage (AMD) generated in the first section of the river basins, and another one related to the fertilizer industry located at the estuary. AMD gives a singular character to these rivers; low pH and high redox potential that keep high amounts of toxic elements and radionuclides in dissolution. Most of the data for dissolved U in estuaries indicate conservative mixing, but there are examples of non-conservative behaviour attributed to oxidation/reduction processes or solubility variations. In the Ria of Huelva estuary the U shows a non-conservative behaviour due to solubility changes produced by variations in the pH. A complete removal of riverine dissolved U is observed in a pH range of 4–6. At higher pH values, U release from suspended matter, and probably also from sediments into the dissolved phase is found.

The fluxes and concentrations of 90 Sr and 137 Cs have been studied in an alkaline pulp mill located in the South of Spain. Both radionuclides can be utilized to trace the production process and to optimize the processes involved.

[EN] The main objective of this research has been the valorisation of a waste from the TiO2 production process (sulphate method), called red gypsum, in the production of cements. This waste is mainly formed by di-hydrate calcium sulphate and iron hydroxides. To cover this objective it has been necessary to perform the physico-chemical characterisation of the red gypsum as well as the main components in the production of cements and of the new cements generated. Moreover, for the red gypsum, has been analyzed its radioactive content because it is generated in a NORM (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials) industry. Finally, the most important properties of the obtained cements with different proportions of red gypsum in their composition have been studied by comparing them with the standard ones obtained in a Portland cement. Lastly, we have demonstrated that the new cements fulfil all the quality tests imposed by the European legislation., [ES] El objetivo de esta investigación ha sido analizar la valorización de un residuo generado en el proceso de producción de dióxido de titanio (vía sulfato), denominado yeso rojo, en la producción de cementos. Dicho residuo está compuesto fundamentalmente por sulfato de calcio di-hidratado e hidróxidos de hierro. Para ello, ha sido necesaria la caracterización físico-química del yeso rojo, así como la de los otros componentes fundamentales en la fabricación de cementos y de los cementos generados con el mencionado residuo. Además, en el caso del yeso rojo, se ha analizado su contenido radiactivo al generarse éste en una industria NORM (Natural Occurring Radioactive Materials). Posteriormente, se han estudiado las propiedades más importantes de los cementos producidos con diferentes porcentajes de yeso rojo añadido, comparando estas mezclas con las propiedades de un cemento Portland comercial, comprobándose que se cumplen todas las normas Europeas de calidad exigibles., This work has been supported by the PROFIT Project “Valorization of red gypsum from the industrial production of titanium dioxide” (CIT-310200-2007-47).

The environmental degradation resulting from the acid mine drainage (AMD) and discharge from effluents of phosphogypsum (PG) piles in the watershed of Tinto and Odiel Rivers estuary over long periods of time has resulted in significant impact on the ecosystem of this estuary, resulting that the sediments are highly polluted by heavy metals and radionuclides from the discharge AMD and leachates from the PG. During resuspension of benthic sediments some of the radionuclides are desorbed making them bioavailable. In the present study, we investigate the spatial distribution of radionuclides U, Th and Ra and assess the factors and processes that caused the spatial distribution of these nuclides in this estuarine system. This study has global significance for other polluted environmental systems that are impacted by AMD and PG.

In order to find a potential valorization of a waste generated in the industrial process devoted to the production of TiO2 pigments, and as an essential and basic step, this waste must firstly be physically and chemically characterized. Moreover, the content of radioactivity is taken in to account due to it comes from a NORM (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material) industry. With this end, microscopic studies were performed by applying scanning electron microscopy with X-ray microanalysis (SEM–XRMA), while the mineralogical compositions were carried out by means of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The concentrations of its major elements were determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), while heavy metals and other trace elements were ascertained through Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results obtained for this waste have revealed several lines of research into potential applications. Firstly, with the refractory properties of mineral phases observed leading to a possible use in the ceramics industry or in thermal isolators. And secondly, attending to the characteristic particle-size spectra can be used as an additive in the manufacture of cement and finally, its high concentration of titanium may be used as a bactericide in brick production., This work has been supported by the PROFIT Project “Valorization of red gypsum from the industrial production of titanium dioxide” (CIT-310200-2007-47), and the Excellence Project of the Junta of Andalucía Government “Modeling and characterization of the phosphogypsum stacks located at Huelva (Spain) for its management and environmental control” (RNM-6300).

Trackers based on scintillating-fiber technology are being considered by the Solenoidal Detector Collaboration at SSC and the DO collaboration at Fermilab. Some 600 fibers in the Fermilab Tevatron CO area were irradiated, thereby obtaining a hadronic irradiation at realistic rates. Four-meter-long samples of ten Bicron polystyrene-based fibre types, maintained in air, dry nitrogen, argon, and vacuum atmospheres within stainless-steel tubes, were irradiated for seven weeks at various distances from the accelerator beam pipes. Maximum doses, measured by thermoluminescence detectors, were about 80 krad. Fiber properties, particularly light yield and attenuation length, were measured over a one-year period. A description of the work together with the results is presented. At the doses achieved, corresponding to a few years of actual fiber-tracking detector operation, little degradation was observed. Recovery after several days' exposure to air was noted. Properties of unirradiated samples kept in darkness show no changes after one year. >

The determination of 90Sr in environmental samples can be done by using a gas-flow proportional counter (β-counting) or a liquid-scintillation spectrometer (Cherenkov counting). In this work, we present the factor of merit (FOM) and the minimum detectable activity (MDA) for both the counters. Quantitative relationships are proposed for FOM and MDA determination.