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Green diesel, also known as renewable diesel, is a biofuel obtained from biomass with similar physical properties than petroleum diesel. Renewable diesel is mainly composed by hydrocarbons free of oxygen, which can be blended at high concentrations with petroleum diesel due to their chemical affinity. Density and viscosity are two important physical properties of fuels that play an important role in the processes of atomization and injection in engines. Also, the knowledge of these properties is important for the correct design, operation, and optimization of chemical processes. Despite their importance, there is low information about experimental data and developed models related to the renewable diesel–petroleum diesel blend. To overcome the above limitation, this paper is focused on the study of four blends of renewable diesel and petroleum diesel in order to study the variation of density and kinematic viscosity with respect to the concentration and temperature. In addition, empirical correlations to predict the density and kinematic viscosity as function of temperature and concentration were developed. Density and viscosity of renewable diesel, petroleum diesel, and their blends were simultaneously measured with a densitometer–viscometer device with an uncertainty in density and viscosity of 0.1 kg/m3 and 1 × 10−8 m2/s. The parameters of the developed correlations were adjusted by the Levenberg–Marquardt optimization method. There was a good agreement between the calculated and experimental data because an average absolute deviation (AAD) of 0.07 and 1.66% were obtained for the predictions of density and kinematic viscosity respectively.

Accommodation providers produce large amounts of wastewater in laundering processes (12–25 L/kg of textile). The composition of this wastewater depends on the washing procedure. Between 2 ...

Objetivos: La COVID-19 fue declarada pandemia en Marzo de 2020. Han sido comunicados los hallazgos clínicos, analíticos y radiológicos. Sin embargo, la diversa evolución de pacientes del mismo brote local lo ha sido escasamente. Comunicamos en este trabajo 6 casos seleccionados de tal evolución. Casos clínicos: Se expone la evolución clínica, radiológica y analítica de 6 pacientes. Éstos fueron seleccionados ya que fueron epidemiológicamente contactos estrechos, y mostraron una evolución clínica particularmente diferente. Resultados: El curso clínico al inicio de la infección (primera semana) fue similar entre los pacientes. En relación con la evolución clínica un curso moderado a severo se relacionó evolutivamente con marcadores elevados de inflamación (dímero D, IL-6, ferritina, linfopenia, etc.). Fueron observadas alteraciones pulmonares típicas, pero fueron comunes también hallazgos neurológicos y neuropsiquiátricos. En la evolución dos pacientes mostraron síntomas moderados, pero los dos más gravemente afectados murieron. Conclusiones: Está por elucidar las diferentes vías evolutivas y resultados finales de los pacientes con COVID-19. En nuestros 6 pacientes del mismo brote local, las características clínicas, de laboratorio y radiológicas fueron diferentes. Discutimos aspectos de la fisiopatología de la enfermedad distintos de los ampliamente descritos del sistema respiratorio.

The effects of two extraction procedures on the yield and properties of APPL (acid-preciμltable polymeric lignin, or solubilized lignocellulose) produced by four streptomycetes during growth in solid-state fermentation were examined. When APPL was extracted with NaOH (0.1 M) rather than distilled water, yields increased threefold, with Streptomyces chattanoogensis exhibiting maximum solubilization levels [163 mg product (g straw)-1]. Alterations in the characteristics of APPL obtained during extraction with NaOH were detected using cross-polarization and magic-angle sμlnning (CPMAS) 13C NMR and IR spectroscopy and by GC-MS analysis after CuO oxidation, with the most significant changes detected in the cinnamic acid and lignin moieties. When APPL was extracted with NaOH, ester links between hemicellulose and lignin and between hemicellulose and cinnamic acid were cleaved, resulting in a decrease in the alkyl and carbonyl groups attached to lignin, enabling greater solubilization. Yields of APPL extracted with water were lower, but spectral characterization of this APPL suggested a possible role for actinomycete peroxidases and phenolic acid esterases in lignin solubilization. For industrial solubilization of lignocellulose, a possible role for the application of streptomycetes, or their enzymes, in alkali extraction is suggested as a means of increasing solubilization levels.

Two series of new photocatalysts were synthesized based on modification with Pd of the commercial P25 photocatalyst (EVONIK&reg, ). Two techniques were employed to incorporate Pd nanoparticles on the P25 surface: photodeposition (series Pd-P) and impregnation (series Pd-I). Both series were characterized in depth using a variety of instrumental techniques: BET, DRS, XRD, XPS, TEM, FTIR and FESEM. The modified series exhibited a significant change in pore size distribution, but no differences compared to the original P25 with respect to crystalline phase ratio or particle size were observed. The Pd0 oxidation state was predominant in the Pd-P series, while the presence of the Pd2+ oxidation state was additionally observed in the Pd-I series. The photoactivity tests were performed in a continuous photoreactor with the photocatalysts deposited, by dip-coating, on borosilicate glass plates. A total of 500 ppb of NO was used as input flow at a volumetric flow rate of 1.2 L&middot, min&minus, 1, and different relative humidities from 0 to 65% were tested. The results obtained show that under UV-vis or Vis radiation, the presence of Pd nanoparticles favors NO removal independently of the Pd incorporation method employed and independently of the tested relative humidity conditions. This improvement seems to be related to the different interaction of the water with the surface of the photocatalysts in the presence or absence of Pd. It was found in the catalyst without Pd that disproportionation of NO2 is favored through its reaction with water, with faster surface saturation. In contrast, in the catalysts with Pd, disproportionation took place through nitro-chelates and adsorbed NO2 formed from the photocatalytic oxidation of the NO. This different mechanism explains the greater efficiency in NOx removal in the catalysts with Pd. Comparing the two series of catalysts with Pd, Pd-P and Pd-I, greater activity of the Pd-P series was observed under both UV-vis and Vis radiation. It was shown that the Pd0 oxidation state is responsible for this greater activity as the Pd-I series improves its activity in successive cycles due to a reduction in Pd2+ species during the photoactivity tests.

To evaluate blood-glucose control in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), who are receiving various anti-diabetic treatments, and to analyse the effect of an intervention.Cross-sectional, descriptive, and observational study of prevalence that included patients who were ≥75 years old with T2DM and being treated with two or more antidiabetic drugs. The adequacy of treatments following current recommendations for this population group was analysed, together with the prevalence of macro- and micro-vascular complications, dementia, and hypoglycaemia, the treatments used, and adherence. An intervention was carried out to optimise prescription.A total of 215 patients were included, of which 54.4% were women. The mean age was 82.0±4.1, and 77.2% had micro- and/or macrovascular complications, and 7.4% had dementia. Inadequacy was detected in 67.9% due to an overly intensive blood glucose control (55.6% HbA1c7.5%), or that the dosage was not adapted to glomerular filtration (51.0%). The large majority (81.4%) were being treated with drugs with a risk of producing hypoglycaemia (2.3% had recorded episodes). The HbA1c mean was higher in non-adherent patients (8.1±1.6% vs 7.5±1.3%, P.05). After the intervention, the intensity of hypoglycaemic treatment was reduced in 36.2% of patients, and the dosage of drugs that required adjustment was corrected in 23.1%. The percentage of overtreatment decreased to 40.0% (P.01).More than half of the elderly patients with T2DM and important comorbidities had an overly strict glycaemic control. The launch of an intervention programme has allowed for an improvement in safety and for the optimisation of treatments.

In this work, X-ray diffraction and Mossbauer spectroscopy techniques were used to characterise and carry out a comparison of the corrosion products obtained during the pigging activities in two sour-hydrocarbon-transporting pipelines located in the Gulf of Mexico: the first one being a gas pipeline and the other one a crude oil pipeline. The results indicate that for these specific conditions, there are differences between the corrosion products formed in each pipeline. Iron sulphides and oxides were the main corrosion products and their presence is directly related to the operating conditions prevailing in the pipelines as well as to the hydrocarbon quality. As for the sour gas pipeline, higher concentrations of greigite and pyrite were observed, whereas more proportions of magnetite, mackinawite and marcasite were found in the sour crude oil pipeline. The most important parameters in the formation of the different types of corrosion products are the water content, hydrogen sulphide concentration and ox...

In the present work, we study the photocatalytic activity of carbon-modified TiO2 (C-TiO2)/polymer composite coatings obtained by low pressure cold gas spraying (LP-CGS). To produce the novel coatings, C-TiO2 was mixed with a ductile material, the polymer ECTFE, by means of a low energy ball milling (LEBM) process. The LEBM system permits the mechanical anchoring of small TiO2 aggregates around the large ductile polymeric particles. A well-bonded coating with good mechanical coupling was formed between the ball-milled mixture and the substrate. Photocatalytic tests showed that the LP-CGS nano-TiO2 coatings actively photodegraded NO and the by-product, NO2. Compared to commercial paint, the as-prepared coatings presented here enhanced photocatalytic performance.

This study was aimed to analyze the relationships of fantasy proneness with the personality domains encompassed within the Five-Factor Model of personality in an adult sample. A 15-item scale from the Creative Experiences Questionnaire with adequate internal consistency was used to measure fantasy proneness. The results showed two components of fantasy proneness. First one was characterized by vividness-intensity of imaginings that remained hidden for other people; the second component was composed of developmental antecedents of pretense and make-believe activities. Both components were correlated with Neuroticism (anxiety, depression, and impulsivity), Openness to Experience (fantasy, aesthetics, and feelings), and with general psychological distress and severe psychopathological symptoms. However, only the first component was associated with low Conscientiousnees (competence, order, dutifulness, and self-discipline), and only the second one was correlated with Extraversion (activity, excitement seeking, and positive emotions). Our results fitted with the notion that fantasy proneness might be a multidimensional construct.

Exposure prevention is the primary strategy to reduce the risk of occupational bloodborne pathogen infections in healthcare workers (HCW). HCWs should be made aware of the medicolegal and clinical relevance of reporting an exposure, and have ready access to expert consultants to receive appropriate counselling, treatment and follow-up. Vaccination against hepatitis B virus (HBV), and demonstration of immunisation before employment are strongly recommended. HCWs with postvaccinal anti-HBs levels, 1-2 months after vaccine completion, >10 mIU/mL are considered as responders. Responders are protected against HBV infection: booster doses of vaccine or periodic antibody concentration testing are not recommended. Alternative strategies to overcome non-response should be adopted. Isolated anti-HBc positive HCWs should be tested for anti-HBc IgM and HBV-DNA: if negative, anti-HBs response to vaccination can distinguish between infection (anti-HBs >50 mUI/ml 30 days after 1st vaccination: anamnestic response) and false positive results(anti-HBs >10 mUI/ml 30 days after 3rd vaccination: primary response); true positive subjects have resistance to re-infection. and do not need vaccination The management of an occupational exposure to HBV differs according to the susceptibility of the exposed HCW and the serostatus of the source. When indicated, post-exposure prophylaxis with HBV vaccine, hepatitis B immunoglobulin or both must be started as soon as possible (within 1-7 days). In the absence of prophylaxis against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, follow-up management of HCV exposures depends on whether antiviral treatment during the acute phase is chosen. Test the HCW for HCV-Ab at baseline and after 6 months; up to 12 for HIV-HCV co-infected sources. If treatment is recommended, perform ALT (amino alanine transferase) activity at baseline and monthly for 4 months after exposure, and qualitative HCV-RNA when an increase is detected.

The increase in the consumption of anti-ulcer drugs is accompanied by a high rate of incorrect use. The objectives of this study were to analyse the adequacy of repeat prescriptions of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in a Medical Centre, and to evaluate the efficacy of an improvement intervention.A cross-sectional, descriptive and observational study of prevalence was conducted on patients in a medical centre under treatment with PPIs for at least 3consecutive months (November 2016-January 2017). An analysis was performed that included the indication, dosage and time of treatment with PPIs, drug interactions, and possible risks that could be related with their use. An intervention was carried out to optimise rational and efficient prescribing of these medicines.A total of 703 patients were included in the study, which is 5.4% of the total adult patients that are assigned to the centre. Adequacy criteria were not met by 436 (62.0%). Of these, 52.5% were women, 70.0% were over 65 years old, and had been on treatment for a mean of 2.7 ± 1.9 years. Interactions were observed in 48.1%, and 29.0% had some risk factors. After the intervention, the inadequate prescribing was corrected in 112 (25.7%) patients, which was a reduction of 46.1% (P.001).There is a high prevalence of prescription and inadequacy of PPIs in the long term. This suggests that it is necessary to improve training of professionals to strengthen rational use and to reduce risks. The launch of an intervention programme has led to the revision and optimisation of treatments.

In this study, a comparative analysis is made of TiO modified with Pt or Au in NO photoxidation under different radiation and humidity conditions. The metals were deposited on the TiO surface using two methods, photodeposition and chemical reduction. All catalysts were supported on borosilicate 3.3 plates using a dip-coating technique. These modified photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller measurements (BET), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectrum analysis (XPS). It was found from the XPS results that Pt and oxidized Pt species coexist on the samples obtained by photodeposition and chemical reduction. In the case of Au, though other oxidation states were also detected the dominant oxidation state for both catalysts is Au. TEM results showed most Au-C particles are below 5 nm, whereas for Au-P the nanoparticles are slightly bigger. With UV irradiation, the Pt modified catalysts do not show any significant improvement in NO photocatalytic oxidation in comparison with the unmodified P25. For Au, both modified photocatalysts (Au-P and Au-C) exceed the photocatalytic efficiency of the unmodified P25, with Au-C giving slightly better results. The incorporation of metals on the TiO increases its activity in the visible region., We are grateful for the financial support of the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness through the project IPT-2012-0927-420000 (HORMIFOT) and thank the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation for the UNLP10-3E-726 infrastructure co-financed with ERDF funds. Part of this work was supported by research funding from Project Ref. CTQ2015-64664-C2-2-P (MINECO/FEDER, EU). XPS and other research services of SITIUS University of Seville are also acknowledged. M.J. Hernández Rodríguez and E. Pulido Melián would also like to thank the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria for, respectively, their research training grant and postdoctoral contract.

The decolourization and mineralization of simulated wastewaters from wool dyeing tanks were investigated by Fenton and photo-Fenton processes. Yellow, red and blue dyebaths with azo-type and anthraquinone dyes and additives were selected as colored effluents. Photo-Fenton reaction was much more efficient than the respective dark reaction under identical experimental conditions. The effect of H 2 O 2 and Fe(II) dosage and fractional or initial addition of these reagents on the photo-mineralization processes were studied and the optimal conditions found. Experiments at a pilot plant based on compound parabolic collectors (CPCs) confirmed that, under optimal conditions, 100% of color removal was obtained requiring low accumulated energy. No toxic effects on marine bacteria Vibrio fischeri were observed at the end of photo-Fenton treatment for all studied effluents. High concentrations of sodium acetate are used as additive in the wool dying process. HPLC and TOC analysis of the effluents after photo-Fenton process confirmed that the remaining organic carbon is due to the presence of acetates. The obtained results showed the feasibility of photo-Fenton process to achieve suitable water qualities for internal reuse.

In this study, mortar specimens were prepared with a cement:sand:water ratio of 1:3:0.5, in accordance with standard EN196-1. Portland CEM I 52.5 R grey (G) and white (W) cements were used, together with normalised sand and distilled water. Different amounts of TiO2 photocatalyst were incorporated in the preparation of the mortar samples. The effect of the addition of TiO2 was studied on mechanical properties of the mortar and cement including compressive and flexural strength, consistency (the flow table test), setting time and carbonation. Characterization techniques, including thermogravimetry, mercury porosimetry and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), were applied to study the physico-chemical properties of the mortars. It was shown that adding the photocatalyst to the mortar had no negative effect on its properties and could be used to accelerate the setting process. Specimen photoactivity with the incorporated photocatalyst was tested for NOx oxidation in different conditions of humidity (0% RH and 65% RH) and illumination (Vis or Vis/UV), with the results showing an important activity even under Vis radiation.

A comparative study of the photocatalytic activity of two different TiO 2 catalysts in solar photocatalytic oxidation, mineralization and detoxification of waters containing herbicides 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), bentazon and toxic intermediates was performed in a pilot plant scale photoreactor. Commercial TiO 2 (Degussa P25) and TiO 2 synthesized by citrate sol–gel method (ECT-1023t) were selected as photocatalysts. The optimal basic operational parameters to eliminate these herbicides and toxic intermediates were established for both catalysts at laboratory scale. ECT-1023t showed better photocatalytic activity than the commercial Degussa P25 at solar pilot plant scale with both herbicides in real water at natural pH (6.8–7.8) without any additive. The toxicity of the treated solutions was evaluated using the Microtox test based on the inhibition of bioluminescence of the bacteria Vibrio fischeri . The toxic effect of the main intermediate of 2,4-D, the 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), was higher than the parental herbicide. Acute toxicity of 2,4-D and intermediates (2,4-DCP) was reduced during the photocatalytic treatment by using ECT-1023t as photocatalyst. Longer times were necessary to obtain similar results when using P25 as photocatalyst. No inhibitory growth effect of the herbicide bentazon and its photoproducts on Vibrio fischeri bacteria bioluminescence was observed for either photocatalyst in any of the irradiated samples collected at predetermined times using an initial concentration of 0.1325 mM of the herbicide.

A comparison is made in this study of the effectiveness of various commercial catalysts in the oxidation of NO by heterogeneous photocatalysis. The following catalysts were considered: Aeroxide TiO P25, Aeroxide TiO P90, Hombikat UV-100, Kronos vlp7000, CristalACTIV PC105, CristalACTIV PC500, Kemira 650 and Anatasa Aldrich. All catalysts were deposited by a dip-coating technique onto borosilicate 3.3 glass plates. Optimization of catalyst load showed no significant enhancement of photoactivity, in general, above a deposited mass of 1.16 mg cm. Differences between photocatalyst activity were more apparent at longer illumination times. Photoactivity decreased in the presence of humidity and differences in the adsorbed products were detected. Photocatalyst activity was strongly influenced by specific surface area, with the best results obtained by the catalysts with the largest surface area, namely the PC500, Hombikat and Kronos. Photocatalyst stability was demonstrated in successive reuse cycles., We are grateful for the financial support of the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness through the project IPT-2012-0927-420000 (HORMIFOT) and CTQ2011-24784 and thank the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation for the UNLP10-3E-726 infrastructure, co-financed with ERDF funds. M.J. Hernández Rodríguez and E. Pulido Melián would also like to thank the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria for their research training grant and postdoctoral contract, respectively.

[EN] What is known and objective: Antiretroviral treatment (ART) is hampered by complicated regimens, high pill burden, drug–drug interactions, and frequent short- and long-term adverse effects, leading to decreased adherence. Over recent years, considerable effort has been directed at developing regimens that are less burdening. We undertook a 7-year retrospective study of the records of 264 HIV-infected subjects enrolled in a pharmaceutical care programme to document the progress made and to study the influence of the number of ART pills and doses on the level of treatment adherence. Methods: Antiretroviral dispensing records were analysed for the number of pills and doses administered and the ART adherence rate estimated. Results and discussion: In 2005, the patients took a mean of 6 2 pills daily (CI 95%: 5 9–6 6), and 92 9% of them were on a twice-a-day (BID) dosage regimen. By 2012, the mean number of pills was reduced to 4 1 (CI 95%: 3 8–4 4), and only 50 9% were on a BID regimen. No statistically significant relation was observed between number of daily pills and doses and ART adherence reached by the patients in any of the analyses performed. What is new and conclusions: There has been a continuous reduction in the number of pills and doses of antiretrovirals taken by individual patients over the last 7 years due largely to the introduction of improved treatments and regimens. More daily pills or doses was not associated with worse ART adherence in our pharmaceutical care programme.

Introduccion: la junta directiva de la Asociacion Madrilena de Pediatria de Atencion Primaria (AMPap) decidio realizar una encuesta a los socios colaboradores en la docencia de residentes de Pediatria cuatro anos y medio despues de que fuera publicada la resolucion conjunta de los Ministerios de Sanidad y Consumo y de Educacion y Ciencia, por la que se establecian los requisitos generales para la acreditacion de centros de salud vinculados a unidades docentes acreditadas para la formacion de especialistas en Pediatria y sus areas especificas. Material y metodos: en junio de 2011 enviamos a la lista de correo de nuestra sociedad una encuesta disenada con la herramienta Google Docs® y dirigida a los socios que fueran asiduos colaboradores en la docencia de residentes de Pediatria. Contestaron a 12 preguntas relacionadas con la ubicacion de su centro de trabajo, hospital de referencia, numero de residentes que reciben, tiempo de rotacion y distribucion. Resultados: hemos obtenido 47 respuestas y hemos comprobado que menos de la mitad de los residentes de Pediatria hacen la rotacion obligatoria en Atencion Primaria (AP). Conclusiones: hemos comprobado como, a pesar de que mas de la mitad de los pediatras madrilenos desarrollan su labor en la AP y de que la Comision Nacional de la Especialidad ha dado importancia a este hecho planteando una rotacion obligatoria de tres meses, solo dos de cada cinco residentes de Pediatria en nuestra comunidad la cumplen. Planteamos la necesidad de que algun pediatra colaborador en la docencia o los coordinadores de pediatras de las Direcciones Asistenciales formen parte de las Comisiones de Docencia de los hospitales o de las nuevas Unidades Multiprofesionales y que la labor docente de los pediatras colaboradores sea valorada curricular y profesionalmente.

Resumen Objetivos Evaluar si la aparicion de glucosa en el fluido obtenido espontaneamente del cateter epidural tras su insercion, durante la anestesia combinada intradural-epidural realizada con bupivacaina hiperbara, es un suceso habitual. Pacientes y metodos Estudio observacional prospectivo en 34 pacientes con anestesia combinada intradural-epidural a los que despues de localizar el espacio epidural con solucion salina, insertar la aguja espinal e inyectar bupivacaina hiperbara, se les introdujo un cateter epidural. Tras observar si goteaba espontaneamente algun fluido por el, se determino si este contenia glucosa. Retirada la aguja epidural y lavada su luz con solucion salina, se comprobo si en el lavado existia glucosa. Las muestras se analizaron con un glucometro. Cuando desaparecio el bloqueo motor se administro una dosis de anestesico local por el cateter epidural. Se valoro la asociacion de los parametros demograficos con el goteo espontaneo por el cateter epidural. Resultados En 22 pacientes se produjo goteo espontaneo por el cateter epidural tras su insercion. Todas las muestras obtenidas contenian glucosa. En 9 de 34 muestras del lavado de aguja epidural existia glucosa. Ningun paciente sufrio bloqueo sensitivomotor excesivo. Se encontro asociacion estadisticamente significativa (p Conclusion El hallazgo de glucosa en el fluido obtenido por el cateter epidural es un suceso frecuente y sin significacion clinica. Proponemos que pudo deberse a fuga de liquido cefalorraquideo por el agujero de puncion dural durante o despues de la administracion de la bupivacaina hiperbara y al derrame de esta en el espacio epidural.

Introduccion: las lesiones por fototoxicidad son poco frecuentes en edad pediatrica y son un motivo excepcional de consulta en Atencion Primaria. Caso clinico: una paciente de 12 anos nacida en Espana de madre nicaraguense acude a la consulta de Pediatria por aparicion de lesiones marronaceas asintomaticas. Llamaba la atencion la distribucion lineal a lo largo de los miembros inferiores. Se solicito una interconsulta a Dermatologia, donde fue diagnosticada de reaccion fototoxica. Posteriormente, la paciente refirio haberse derramado sobre las piernas una solucion alcoholica con extracto de ruda. Conclusion: las lesiones cutaneas lineales adquiridas suelen tener una causa exogena. Es importante indagar las circunstancias que preceden la aparicion de las lesiones para hacer un diagnostico correcto.

During the characterization of sediments formed in pipelines transporting hydrocarbons, the knowledge of the microbiological diversity becomes very interesting, especially when it is related to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). The presence of microorganisms is considered as one of the factors that affect the corrosion processes occurring at the pipeline; therefore, their corrosiveness must be determined. In this way, the identification of new species affecting the MIC processes is still considered relevant. In this work, the effect of Clostridium celerecrescens upon the corrosion of API KL 52 steel was evaluated. This microorganism was isolated and identified from the sediments collected during the inner cleaning procedures of a gas pipeline. The polarization resistance (PR) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques were considered to estimate the microorganism behavior during the corrosion process. The results were complemented with a metal surface analysis, using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The resistance values induced by the presence of the microorganisms clearly indicated that C. celerecrescens has an effect on the corrosion process occurring at the API XL 52 steel surface.

The effect of sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) upon the cathodic protection of XL 52 steel was determined, in order to identify if the potential value of −0.950 V versus copper/copper sulfate electrode is good enough to protect the metal surface. During the experiments, different operational parameters were monitored: hydrogen sulfide production, iron concentration, electrolyte alkalinity, microorganisms' population, as well as the metal surface damage. At the same time, the corrosion rate was determined using two electrochemical techniques: polarization resistance (PR) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). According to the results, it was observed that the protection potential of −0.950 V versus copper/copper sulfate electrode is not enough to control the microbiologically induced corrosion. This situation is reinforced by the fact that significant iron concentration was found in the electrolyte. The microbiological activity is not affected by the protection potential. On the contrary, the population growth is slightly strengthened. The alkalinity generated by the applied potential did not stop the SRB growth. A type of localized corrosion was developed during the experiments with microorganisms, even when the protection potential was applied to the system.

The Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), was used to evaluate and compare the behavior of three different corrosion inhibitors: quaternary amine (QA), oleic imidazoline (OI) and amino coco propionic acid (ACP), on the corrosion of mild steel in 3% NaCI solutions, saturated with CO 2 gas, under static conditions. Two pH values: 3.8 and 5.5 were considered. Under the conditions considered in this work, the results indicated film formation at the metal surface, probable due to the formation of iron carbonate. This condition modified the values of the resistance and double layer capacitance of the system. In general terms, the ACP inhibitor exhibited better performance, compared to the QA and OI. During the impedance measurements with OI and ACP, some deviations were observed at high frequencies, indicating probably that the inhibitors adsorption occurs in different way to the QA inhibitor and the amine adsorption is weaker than the other two inhibitors adsorption.

International audience; Selected high-resolution seismic-reflection profiles and multibeam bathymetry acquired along the convergent Ecuador margin during the ATACAMES cruise on onboard the R/V L’Atalante (Jan.15–Feb.18, 2012) allow a preliminary evaluation of the neotectonic development and stratigraphic evolution of the margin based on the sismo-stratigraphic analysis of Quaternary sediment preserved on the margin shelf and upper slope. We present three major preliminary results. (1) The evolution of the Esmeraldas, Guayaquil and Santa Elena canyons. The head of the Esmeraldas canyon is the location of a continuous significant sediment transport. The Guayaquil canyon shows several episodes of deposition and incision. Aggrading sedimentation pattern in the canyon records several changes in relative sea-level. The subsidence of the Gulf of Guayaquil probably contributes to the good preservation of the canyon filling stages. The Santa Elena canyon is controlled by a SW–NE trending normal fault. (2) Variations of sediment accumulation and relative vertical motions are shown along-strike the shelf edge. Offshore the uplifted Manta peninsula, a pronounced subsidence of the shelf edge is documented by sedimentary clinoforms that have deposited in a morphological reentrant, and have migrated upslope testifying of a local subsidence meanwhile the adjacent La Plata Island area underwent uplift. In the Esmeraldas canyon area, a local uplift of the shelf is documented. (3) Two neotectonic fault systems with a possible transcurrent component are imaged across the shelf edge and upper margin slope offshore Jama, and Cape Galera. This possible transcurrent motion could be related to the reactivation of ancient faults of the upper plate by the subduction. These preliminary results indicate that the ATACAMES data set has a strong potential to evaluate the spatial and temporal contribution of tectonic and climate changes on the structural development and stratigraphic evolution of the Ecuador continental margin.

The microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is a very dangerous process, which affects the oil industry. The activity and microorganisms' growth at the pipelines steel cause surface modifications, which can induce a more complex corrosion process. The biocide evaluation for the MIC decrease has been normally based upon microbiological tests, and just a few references mention alternating methods which can be used as criteria for their evaluation. In this work, a commercial biocide was tested, using different electrochemical laboratory techniques, to determine its effect upon a biofilm generating bacteria consortium. Using microbiological techniques, the biocide lethal concentration was determined, and a concentration of 200 ppm was used to kill completely the consortium population in both, plancktonic and sessile parts. The electrochemical techniques: Polarisation Resistance (PR) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), allowed describing the corrosion process associated to the microbial consortium and the biocide effect upon it.

The microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is a process, which affects the oil industry, particularly the hydrocarbons extraction, transport and storage. MIC evaluation has been normally based upon microbiological tests, and just a few references mention alternating methods, such as the electrochemical techniques, which can be used as criteria for their evaluation. In this work, two different electrochemical laboratory techniques, polarisation resistance and electrochemical noise were used, in order to determine the corrosion behaviour of a microbial consortium, obtained from a gas transporting pipeline, located in the southeast of Mexico. The bacteria population growth was found to be different for sessile and plancktonic microorganisms. Moreover, long incubation times were required to reach the maximum concentration of sessile bacteria. The electrochemical techniques used in this study exhibited a similar tendency on the corrosion rate behaviour with time, and values above 0.3 mm year−1 were observed at the end of the experiments. The experiments were complemented with surface analysis. Scanning electron microscope observation of APIXL52 steel coupons, exposed to the consortium action, revealed bacteria presence, as well as a damaged steel surface. A type of localized corrosion was observed on the metal surface, and it was associated to the bacteria effect.

The Electrochemical Impedance Technique was used to evaluate the influence of a microbial consortium, isolated from a gas pipeline, upon API XL52 steel corrosion rate. The bacteria growth exhibited two different kinetics behavior, one for the plancktonic and the other for the sessile phase. The sessile bacteria were found to be the main responsible for the corrosion rate increment observed during the experiments and no relationship between the plancktonic microorganisms and the corrosion rate increment was found. The diagrams obtained from the electrochemical impedance measurements, indicated a biofilm formation and that the system changed from activation to diffusion control. Although the system was under diffusion control, an increment on the corrosion rate was detected, and a localized corrosion process was induced. The results were complemented with some surface analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy.

Pyrolysis/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py/GC/MS) was used to elucidate whether the chemical modifications produced by streptomycetes on wheat straw are related with the lignocellulose degrading enzymes produced by the microorganism on such substrate. Thus, Streptomyces sp. UAH 47 was grown on wheat straw under solid-state fermentation and periodically the major solubilisation product of this substrate (lignin–carbohydrate complex) and the residual wheat straw were pyrolysed. In parallel, different enzyme activities related with lignocellulose degradation were evaluated. The characteristic pyrolysis products detected by GC/MS from both solubilised lignocarbohydrate complex and residual wheat straw demonstrated an oxidative action of the microorganism on the lignin. Either oxidation or oxidation followed by cleavage of the C3 alkyl chain, from S and G units, mainly at the Cα and Cβ position could be detected. A correlation between the oxidation degree of lignin and both l -3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine and 2,6-dimethoxyphenol peroxidases produced by the strain can be inferred. Moreover, a liberation of ferulic and p-coumaric acids from the substrate was detected by HPLC, which probably involves the action of ferulic and coumaric acid esterases secreted by the microorganism. These enzymes could be partially responsible for the different pattern in the relative area of 4-vinylguaiacol and 4-vinylphenol detected in all samples along the incubation time. At last, the pyrolysis data suggest a straight correlation between the relative area of the compounds derived from carbohydrates and the pattern of hemicellulolytic and cellulolytic enzymes produced by the strain.

The ability of three Streptomyces strains to degrade alkali-lignin, produced from the treatment of wheat straw by the same organisms, was examined. Decolourisation and loss of alkali-lignin was only detected in cultures supplemented with ammonium as an inorganic N source. The pH of cultures supplemented with inorganic N reached lower pH than in those supplemented with yeast extract. From FT-IR spectra corresponding to the alkalilignin obtained from the same cultures, a degradation of carbohydrate component concomitant with a modification in the aromatic moiety of lignin could be inferred. The results indicate that streptomycetes are suitable for use in the treatment of alkali-lignin effluents from the biological treatment of wheat straw by the same organisms and therefore support the role for these organisms in the development of clean technologies in pulp and paper industry.

The Young-Laplace equation is usually introduced using mechanical rather than thermodynamic arguments when teaching surface phenomena at an elementary level. We discuss here three mechanical methods to deduce this equation, with the intention of avoiding certain misunderstandings that are found in these derivations, thus providing the correct demonstrations of the equation.

The possible differential biodegradation of wheat straw performed by different Streptomyces strains was investigated on solid-state fermentation conditions. The modified lignin polymer named acid-precipitable polymeric lignin (APPL), harvested with NaOH or water, from wheat straw transformed by selected Streptomyces strains was tentatively characterized by pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (PY/GC/MS). For comparative analyzes, lignin-carbohydrate-protein complexes obtained from uninoculated wheat straw were used as controls. Significant differences in the p-hydroxyphenyl: guaiacyl: syringyl(H: G: S) and in the syringyl guaiacyl ( S G ) ratios of the APPLs extracted with water from wheat straw transformed by the strains Streptomyces UAH 23, Streptomyces UAH 52 and Streptomyces viridosporus T7 A were detected compared with the control. While S. UAH 23 produced a preferential degradation of the non-condensed Slignin units, a decrease in the condensed G-units was produced byS. UAH 52 and S. viridosporus T7 A. From the results obtained it can be concluded that PY/GC/MS is a suitable technique to establish differences in the composition of the main product of solubilization of lignocellulose by different Streptomyces strains. Nevertheless for chemical characterization of this polymer, it is important to select the method to be used to extract the APPL from degraded residues in order to prevent chemical modifications of the substrate as occurred when NaOH was used which make difficult to attribute the changes observed to the microbial activity.

To determine the pharyngolaryngeal anomalies not usually included in the evaluation of difficult airway, in order to investigate the influence of these anomalies in the prediction of difficult intubation. To do this, indirect laryngoscopy with a 70° rigid laryngoscope was performed on all patients during the preoperative period.This is an observational, prospective study on 300 consecutive patients who were scheduled for endotracheal intubation under general anesthesia. In addition to assessing the airway in the preoperative period by demographic and clinical predictors of difficult airway, rigid indirect laryngoscopy was performed to diagnose pharyngolaryngeal anomalies. Later, under general anesthesia and direct laryngoscopy it was checked to see if there was difficulty in intubating the larynx, and its association with all previous variables was investigated. A logistic regression model for prediction purposes was developed, and its power of discrimination was achieved by assessing the area under the curve.During the examination by indirect laryngoscopy 46 anomalies were found, which were as follows: 31 abnormalities of the epiglottis (22 omega epiglottis, 9 flaccid or hypertrophic epiglottis); 6 findings of hypertrophic lingual tonsils, 3 cases of upper airway tumors, and 6 patients with tongue disorders. Intubation difficulty was found in 14 cases (4.66%). The regression model found, and its coefficients to develop it were: f(x)=1.322+(2.173 thyromental distance6.5 cm)+(1.813 omega epiglottis)-(1.310*cm opening mouth). Global power of discrimination was 0.83, with a 95% confidence interval from 0.709 to 0.952).Indirect laryngoscopy allowed pharyngolaryngeal anomalies to be diagnosed, including omega epiglottis, which was one of the variables included in the logistic regression model.

The aim of this study was to determine the rate of recurrence, reulceration and new episodes of osteomyelitis and the duration of postoperative antibiotic treatment in a prospective cohort of patients with diabetes who underwent conservative surgery for osteomyelitis.The prospective cohort included patients with diabetes and a definitive diagnosis of osteomyelitis who were admitted to the Diabetic Foot Unit (Surgery Department, La Paloma Hospital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain) and underwent surgical treatment from 1 November 2007 to 30 May 2010.Eighty-one patients were operated on for osteomyelitis during the study period. Seven patients were lost to follow-up at different stages of the study. The median duration of follow-up was 101.8 weeks (quartile 1 = 56.6, quartile 3 = 126.7). Forty-eight patients (59.3%) underwent conservative surgery, 32 (39.5%) had minor amputations and there was one (1.2%) major amputation. Twenty patients (24.7%) required reoperation because of persistent infection. Postoperative antibiotic treatment over a median period of 36 days was provided. Wound healing was achieved by secondary intention for a median of 8 weeks. Sixty-five patients were available for follow-up after healing. The percentage of recurrence, reulceration, and new episodes of osteomyelitis was 4.6% (3/65), 43% (28/65) and 16.9% (11/65), respectively. Mortality during follow-up (excluding in-hospital deaths and patients lost to follow-up) was 13% (9/69).A low rate of recurrence of osteomyelitis after surgical treatment for osteomyelitis was achieved. Despite new episodes, our approach to managing this cohort of patients with diabetes and foot osteomyelitis achieved 98.8% limb salvage.

Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterobacter spp. are a major cause of infections in hospitalised patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate rates and trends of resistance to third-generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones in infected patients, the trends in use for these antimicrobials, and to assess the potential correlation between both trends. The database of national point prevalence study series of infections and antimicrobial use among patients hospitalised in Spain over the period from 1999 to 2010 was analysed. On average 265 hospitals and 60,000 patients were surveyed per year yielding a total of 19,801 E. coli, 3,004 K. pneumoniae and 3,205 Enterobacter isolates. During the twelve years period, we observed significant increases for the use of fluoroquinolones (5.8%-10.2%, p