Search

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is one of the listed phthalic acid esters (PAEs) known as the priority toxicants which exhibit carcinogenic and teratogenic properties and is responsible for endocrine disruption. Therefore, its removal has become a matter to tackle with. In this work, the feasibility of DBP degradation by esterase and lipase enzymes obtained from various microorganisms and the immobilization of the most effective in a clayey material were investigated. Esterase from Bacillus subtilis exhibited the highest degradation efficiency reaching a complete degradation. Its immobilization onto halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) by adsorption method was studied by response surface methodology using a central composite design face-centered. The four selected factors that affect the HNT-enzyme composite generation were: pH, adsorption time, enzyme/HNT (E/H) ratio, and adsorption temperature, and the optimal conditions were determined (pH 7, time 360 min, E/H ratio 0.2, temperature 30ºC). Consequently, the activity did not significantly decrease by immobilization, and the adsorption efficiency and relative activity were determined to be 73.15% and 82.7%, respectively. Besides, the immobilization enhanced thermal and storage stability. As for enzyme reusability, after 7 continuous cycles, the composite maintained almost 75% of its initial activity. Both the free enzyme (1 mg/mL) and the composite degraded 100 mg/L DBP with 100% efficiency and several byproducts were detected. Moreover, the composite could be reused for 7 cycles keeping a remarkable catalytic activity. Overall, this study indicated that the HNT-enzyme composite may be used as an effective candidate for remediation of the environmental media contaminated with DBP and other PAEs. Agencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. PCI2022-132941 Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431C 2021-43 Universidade de Vigo/CISUG

In this study, three CuFe-MOFs were successfully synthesized by a solvothermal process by changing the ratio of solvents, salts, or temperature. These MOFs named CuFe(BDC-NH2)R, CuFe(BDC-NH2)S, and CuFe(BDC-NH2)D showed rod-shaped, spindle-like, and diamond-like structures, respectively. The CuFe(BDC-NH2)D and CuFe(BDC-NH2)S were found to exhibit an improved PMS activation for Rhodamine B removal attaining levels around 92%. Their effective removal capability was investigated as a function of the pH, catalyst dosage, and the effect of the application of UV radiation. The best degradation system was photo-assisted activation of PMS when CuFe(BDC-NH2)D and CuFe(BDC-NH2)S were used. Under these conditions, the degradation of a mixture of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drugs (sulfamethoxazole and antipyrine) was evaluated with the results revealing the total degradation of both drugs after 1 h. A higher antibacterial activity was attained with the system CuFe(BDC-NH2)R/PMS due to the high copper content with respect to the others. Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación | Ref. PCI2022-132941 Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación | Ref. PID2020-113667GBI00 Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431C 2021-43

Purpose This assessed the effectiveness of the 0.19 mg fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant by multimodal measurements in patients with non-infectious uveitis (NIU) in a real-world setting in Spain.Methods A prospective study of patients who had NIU including uveitic macular oedema (UME) with ≥ 12 months follow-up was done. Exclusion criteria include infectious uveitis and uncontrolled glaucoma or ocular hypertension requiring more than 2 medications. Effectiveness was assessed using a multicomponent outcome measure that included nine outcomes, with effectiveness defined as all components being met at every timepoint. Secondary outcome measures: onset or progression of glaucoma and investigator-reported adverse events.Results Twenty-six eyes from 22 patients were included, with 96.2% having an indication including UME. During the 12-month study, the FAc implant was effective in 15 (57.7%) eyes, reaching effectiveness as soon as 2 weeks post-implantation. Mean best-corrected visual acuity and mean central macular thickness (CMT) were significantly improved vs. baseline at all timepoints (all comparisons p p Conclusion The FAc implant is safe and effective at treating NIU over 12 months in a real-world setting in Spain.

The development of novel approaches to the remotion of pharmaceuticals in wastewater is a subject of concern due to their effect on living beings and the environment. Advanced oxidation processes and the use of relevant catalysts are feasible treatment alternatives that require further development. The development of suitable heterogeneous catalysts is a necessity. This work proposes the synthesis of an iron catalyst in a deep eutectic solvent (Fe-DES) composed of choline chloride and citric acid, which was physically and chemically characterized using SEM-EDS and TEM, FTIR, RAMAN, XRD and XPS. The characterisation confirmed the presence of iron in the form of hematite. Fe-DES was shown to be a multipurpose catalyst that can be applied in the removal of sulfamethoxazole as a reagent in the Fenton and electro-Fenton processes and as an activator of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) processes. After testing the catalyst with the aforementioned techniques, the best result was achieved by combining these processes in an electro-PMS, with great efficiency achieved by dual activation of the PMS with the catalyst and electric field, attaining total elimination at natural pH in 90 min. Furthermore, the degradation was confirmed by the detection of short-chain carboxylic acids (oxalic, succinic, and acetic) and reduction in toxicity values. These results confirm the suitability of Fe-DES to degrade high-priority pharmaceutical compounds. Xunta de Galicia y FEDER | Ref. ED431C 2021-43 Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación | Ref. PCI2022-132941 Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación | Ref. PDC2021-121394-I00

Analysis of the genotype that predicts the phenotypic characteristics of a cohort of glaucoma and ocular hypertension patients, and the correlation with their personal pharmacological response to beta-blockers (BB) and prostaglandin analogues (PGA). Prospective study that included 139 eyes from 72 patients under BB and/or PGA treatment, and in some cases other types of ocular hypotensive treatments. Five single-nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped by real-time PCR assays: prostaglandin-F2α receptor (rs3766355, rs3753380); cytochrome-P450 2D6 (rs16947, rs769258); and beta-2-adrenergic receptor (rs1042714). Other studied variables were mean deviation (MD) of visual field, previous ocular interventions, medical treatment, baseline (bIOP), and treated intraocular pressure (tIOP). From a total of 139 eyes, 71 (51.1%) were left eyes. The main diagnosis was primary open angle glaucoma (66.2%). A total of 57 (41%) eyes were under three or more medications (PGA + BB + other) and, additionally, 57 eyes (41%) had had some kind of glaucoma surgery. The mean bIOP and tIOP were 26.55 ± 8.19 and 21.01 ± 5.54 mmHg, respectively. Significant differences in tIOP were found between heterozygous (HT) (21.07 ± 0.607 mmHg) and homozygous (HM) (20.98 ± 0.639 mmHg) rs3766355 with respect to wildtype individuals (16 ± 1.08 mmHg) (p = 0.031). The MD values presented significant differences between wildtype rs3766355 (−2 ± 2.2 dB), HT (−3.87 ± 4 dB), and HM carriers (−9.37 ± 9.51 dB) (p = 0.009). Significant differences were also observed between the MD in wildtype rs3753380 (−6.1 ± 8.67 dB), HT (−9.02 ± 8.63 dB), and HM carriers (−9.51 ± 7.44 dB) (p = 0.017). Patients carrying the variant rs3766355 in HM or HT presented clinically-significantly higher tIOP than wildtype patients. Additionally, some differences in MD were found in rs3766355 and rs3753380 carriers, and the more alleles that were affected, the worse the MD value, meaning greater severity of the glaucoma. Poor response to treatment and more visual field damage may be associated with being a carrier of these mutated alleles.

Purpose To identify systematic reviews of interventions for glaucoma conditions and to assess their reliability, thereby generating a list of potentially reliable reviews for updating glaucoma practice guidelines. Design Cross-sectional study. Participants Systematic reviews of interventions for glaucoma conditions. Methods We used a database of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in vision research and eye care maintained by the Cochrane Eyes and Vision United States Satellite. We examined all Cochrane systematic reviews of interventions for glaucoma conditions published before August 7, 2019, and all non-Cochrane systematic reviews of interventions for glaucoma conditions published between January 1, 2014, and August 7, 2019. Main Outcome Measures We assessed eligible reviews for reliability, extracted characteristics, and summarized key findings from reviews classified as reliable. Results Of the 4451 systematic reviews in eyes and vision identified, 129 met our eligibility criteria and were assessed for reliability. Of these, we classified 49 (38%) as reliable. We found open-angle glaucoma (22/49) to be the condition with the most reviews and medical management (17/49) and intraocular pressure (IOP; 43/49) to be the most common interventions and outcomes studied. Most reviews found a high degree of uncertainty in the evidence, which hinders the possibility of making strong recommendations in guidelines. These reviews found high-certainty evidence about a few topics: reducing IOP helps to prevent glaucoma and its progression, prostaglandin analogs are the most effective medical treatment for lowering IOP, laser trabeculoplasty is as effective as medical treatment as a first-line therapy in controlling IOP, the use of IOP-lowering medications in the perioperative or postoperative periods to accompany laser (e.g., trabeculoplasty) reduces the risk of postoperative IOP spikes, conventional surgery (i.e., trabeculectomy) is more effective than medications in reducing IOP, and antimetabolites and β-radiation improve IOP control after trabeculectomy. The evidence is weak regarding the effectiveness of minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries. Conclusions Most systematic reviews evaluating interventions for glaucoma are of poor reliability. Even among those that may be considered reliable, important limitations exist in the value of information because of the uncertainty of the evidence as well as small and sometimes unimportant clinical differences between interventions.

Fluoride-doped TiO2 (F-TiO2) was synthesized by an efficient and simple one-step synthesis and successfully used for the UV-photo-degradation of the toxic and stable pollutants methylene blue (MB) and bisphenol A (BPA). Initially, the synthesized catalyst was characterized and compared to untreated TiO2 (P25 Degussa) by different physical–chemical analyses such as XRD, band gap calculation, SEM, EDS, FITR, ECSA, or EIS. F-TiO2 defeated commercial TiO2, and almost complete pollutant removal was achieved within 30 min. The energy consumption was reduced as a result of the suitable reactor set-up, which reduced light scattering, and by the application of a long-pulse radiation procedure, where the lamp was switched off during periods where the radical degradation continued. This enhanced the overall photocatalysis process performance. Under these conditions, 80% of MB removal was attained within 15 min radiation with an energy consumption of only 0.070 Wh min−1, demonstrating a much better efficiency when compared to previously reported data. The catalyst was reusable, and its performance can be improved by the addition of H2O2. The results were validated by BPA degradation and the treatment of real wastewaters with both pollutants. The results were so encouraging that a scale-up reactor has been proposed for future studies. Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED481B 2019/091 Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431C 2021-43 Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación | Ref. PCI2022-132941 Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación | Ref. PID2020- 113667GB-I00

Financiado para publicación en acceso aberto: Universidade de Vigo/CISUG Adsorption process has proven its efficiency in the abatement of pharmaceuticals in liquid media, even if large volumes of wastewater need to be treated. Nevertheless, exhausted adsorbent regeneration is economically and environmentally necessary. For this reason, recent studies are aimed at finding new methods of regeneration. In this study, an on-site adsorption-regeneration method was assessed. Initially, a model pharmaceutical, Antipyrine (Apy), has been adsorbed onto a low-cost biochar. Apy adsorption followed a pseudo-second order kinetic and a Langmuir isotherm. In a second step, spent biochar was regenerated by oxidation using SO4- . To do this, SO4- was generated by activation of persulfate by ultrasound and assisted by the iron inherently into the biochar. To facilitate the availability of this iron, the addition of an enhancing agent such as oxalic acid was evaluated. The regenerated biochar proved its stability and reusability achieving an uptake percentage of around 87% after the third adsorption-regeneration cycle. Therefore, this on-site regeneration method could be promising for treating other kinds of adsorbents and resolving the pollution problems caused by the non-controlled throw of the exhausted adsorbents. Agencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. PID2020-113667GB-I00 Agencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. PDC2021-121394-I00 Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431C 2021-43

The synthesis and characterization of novel graphene oxide coupled to TiO2 (GO-TiO2) was carried out in order to better understand the performance of this photocatalyst, when compared to well-known TiO2 (P25) from Degussa. Thus, its physical-chemical characterization (FTIR, XRD, N2 isotherms and electrochemical measurements) describes high porosity, suitable charge and high electron mobility, which enhance pollutant degradation. In addition, the importance of the reactor set up was highlighted, testing the effect of both the irradiated area and distance between lamp and bulb solution. Under optimal conditions, the model drug methylthioninium chloride (MC) was degraded and several parameters were assessed, such as the water matrix and the catalyst reutilization, a possibility given the addition of H2O2. The results in terms of energy consumption compete with those attained for the treatment of this model pollutant, opening a path for further research. Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED481B 2019/091 Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación | Ref. PID2020-113667GB-I00

Financiado para publicación en acceso aberto: Universidade de Vigo/CISUG There are several disposal and governance difficulties due to rapid bio-waste growth. Therefore, recycling and repurposing them for environmental purposes is garnering increasing attention. Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) followed by phosphoric acid activation was used in this investigation to synthesize a novel activated hydrochar (AHPP) from pomegranate peels. X-Ray Diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) surface area analysis and Barrett- Joyner-Halenda (BJH) pore size distribution, and pH of zero charge were exploited to define the characteristics of AHPP, which was then used to assess the uptake of Basic Red 46 (BR46) dye in the batch mode. Isothermal and kinetic investigations were accomplished with pH = 6, 0.5 g.L−1 of adsorbent, 400 rpm at 298 K upon 60 min. The Freundlich model accurately presented the equilibrium curves with an adsorption capacity of 998.95 mg g−1, while the PSO kinetic model adequately corresponded to the experimental data. Furthermore, thermodynamic data disclosed that the process was spontaneous, endothermic, and linked to a growing disorder at the adsorbent- adsorbate interface. Lastly, the reuse investigation using HCl ascertained that AHPP might be recycled ten times, whereas a probable adsorption mechanism was proffered. Overall, it is possible to conclude that activated hydrochar generated from pomegranate peels as cost-effective waste could be employed as an alternative sorbent in dining substantial effluents retaining BR46 Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación | Ref. PID2020-113667GBI00

Purpose: To evaluate real-life outcomes of XEN45 stent surgery including bleb needling (BN) and surgical bleb revision (SBR). Methods: Retrospective analysis of all XEN45 gel stents implanted in a tertiary glaucoma center with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. The main outcomes were intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of glaucoma medications, postoperative maneuvers like BN, and subsequent SBR. Success was defined as IOP ⩽ 18 and 20% reduction (criterion A), ⩽15 and 25% reduction (criterion B), and ⩽12 mmHg and 30% reduction (criterion C) reached with (qualified) or without (complete) medications at the last visit. Complete failure was defined as additional glaucoma surgery, loss of light perception, or sight-threatening complications. Multivariable Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival estimates tests were performed. Results: Fifty-eight eyes with either stand-alone or combined Phaco-XEN surgery were included. Complete success by the different definitions was 50.0% (95% confidence interval, 5.8%–84.5%) (A), 50.0% (5.8%–84.5%) (B), and 25% (0.9%–66.5%) (C) whereas qualified success was 38.3% (1.6%–80.1%), 31.7% (2.0%–71.4%), and 0%, respectively, at the 24-months visit. 30% of cases underwent BN with 5-Fluorouracil, and SBR was performed in 17.5% of eyes. Low IOP levels at 1-month and early BN were significantly associated with success. The highest chance of failure was achieved in the combined Phaco-XEN group undergoing SBR. Conclusions: In our real-life setting, the first month IOP was associated with greater success rates. Although BN obtained improved IOP values, SBR was associated with a greater bleb survival in the stand-alone XEN group. Both BN and SBR had poor outcomes in the combined Phaco-XEN group.

The synthesis and characterization of novel graphene oxide coupled to TiO

Financiado para publicación en acceso aberto: Universidade de Vigo/CISUG Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) harm ecosystems and human health. The focus is now being put on regulating discharges at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Stressful and lonely lifestyles, accentuated by the COVID-19 outbreak, have led to an increase in the consumption of antidepressants, particularly in the form of Fluoxetine (FLX). A highly effective process for the removal of PPCPs is of key importance for the economic feasibility of the process in the industry. Consequently, a high-capacity adsorption/regeneration system is crucial to solving this problem. In this study, the removal of FLX by an adsorption process and the subsequent in situ regeneration of the adsorbent was evaluated in successive cycles. NQ40 honeycomb 3D carbon aerogel was employed as a high-capacity adsorbent, obtaining uptakes of 125.24 mg/g. A detailed study of NQ40 and the mechanisms governing the adsorption process was conducted, with chemisorption and intra-particle diffusion playing the main role. A Fenton and a Fenton-like process with peroxymonosulfate (PMS) were evaluated for regeneration purposes, finding hydrogen peroxide to be more efficient in removing a high concentration of FLX. A regeneration capacity of 98.85% was achieved in the first NQ40 adsorption-regeneration cycle and 98.04% in the second one, without negatively affecting the structural characteristics of NQ40. Therefore, with a high porosity, low density, high biocompatibility, high chemical stability and 3D structural stability, this aerogel is at the forefront of novel high-capacity adsorbent materials for industrial-scale use in WWTPs. Agencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. PID2020-113667GB-I00 Agencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. PDC2021-121394-I00 Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431C 2021-43

In this study, the removal of persistent emerging and dangerous pollutants (pharmaceuticals and pathogens) in synthetic wastewater was evaluated by the application of heterogeneous Advanced Oxidation Processes. To do that, a Metal-Organic Framework (MOF), Basolite® F-300 was selected as a catalyst and combined with peroxymonosulfate (PMS) as oxidants in order to generate sulphate radicals. Several key parameters such as the PMS and Basolite® F-300 concentration were evaluated and optimized using a Central Composite Experimental Design for response surface methodology for the inactivation of Escherichia coli. The assessment of the degradation of an analgesic and antipyretic pharmaceutical, antipyrine, revealed that is necessary to increase the concentration of PMS and amount of Basolite® F-300, in order to diminish the treatment time. Finally, the PMS-Basolite® F-300 system can be used for at least four cycles without a reduction in its ability to disinfect and degrade persistent emerging and dangerous pollutants such as pharmaceuticals and pathogens. Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431C 2021-43 Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación | Ref. PID2020-113667GBI00

Aim and objective This study aimed to evaluate the performance of and indication for different surgical techniques in the management of uveitic glaucoma (UG). Materials and methods A retrospective audit of records of all patients with UG who underwent ≥1 glaucoma surgery, between January 2007 and December 2016. The main outcomes were intraocular pressure (IOP) and the need for antihypertensive medication at each follow-up visit. The total number of surgical interventions needed to control IOP was recorded. Postoperative interventions and complications were analyzed. Results Forty eyes from 34 patients were assessed. Overall, baseline IOP was 30.7 ± 8.2 mm Hg, and postoperative mean IOP at the last visit was 16.4 ± 2.0 mm Hg, with a mean follow-up of 28 months. Antihypertensive medications were reduced from 2.8 ± 0.8 to 0.8 ± 1.2. During the follow-up, 61.8% of the eyes required only one glaucoma surgery. There was no correlation between the location of uveitis and the total number of glaucoma surgeries required. The greatest IOP reductions were in cases treated with non-penetrating deep sclerectomy (21%), Ahmed valve (23%), and cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) (51%); in cases where an Ahmed implant was the first surgical option, a 43% reduction was achieved. Conclusion Filtering procedures, glaucoma drainage devices, and CPC are all good options for IOP control in UG, but all are prone to failure over time. With respect to IOP reduction, the safety profile, and postoperative care, Ahmed implants and CPC might be the best first surgical option. Clinical significance The article highlights the versatility of the surgical techniques required to treat UG, which is one of the most difficult types of glaucoma to manage. How to cite this article Ventura-Abreu N, Mendes-Pereira J, Pazos M, et al. Surgical Approach and Outcomes of Uveitic Glaucoma in a Tertiary Hospital. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2021;15(2):52–57.

In the current study, a novel-fangled sequential approach, adsorption/electro-Fenton, was developed for the elimination of micropollutants from aqueous matrixes. Therefore, the prompt removal of a pharmaceutical, sulfamethizole, by adsorption on carbonaceous materials is proposed. After that, the concentrated solution was treated by electro-Fenton using novel synthesized perlite-based catalyst. Initially, three different carbonaceous adsorbents (pellets carbonaceous nanogel doped with iron, honeycomb carbonaceous aerogel and orange biochar) were considered. The kinetics and isotherms of the pollutant adsorption were studied. The higher removal level was attained by the pellets with the adsorption process following a pseudo-2nd order model and being well defined by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. After that, the pollutant was extracted from the pellets, concentrated in aqueous solution and treated by different advanced oxidation processes (anodic oxidation and electro-Fenton process). The results confirmed the higher efficiency of electro-Fenton treatment and its improvement was evaluated using a novel synthesized iron perlite catalyst. For this purpose, the synthesis of iron catalysts supported in perlite was performed by different methods (carbonisation, precipitation and hydrothermal). Among them, the hydrothermal synthesis produced catalysts with high catalytic activity, significant pollutant removal (>95 %), high stability and without iron leaching after several cycles of treatment. Based on these results, the development of a continuous treatment system was successfully carried out attaining high TOC removal values. Moreover, the feasibility of the treatment was also validated in complex water matrixes and toxicity assays demonstrated the viability of the proposed treatment for a global management of this pollutant.

Current management of diabetic macular edema (DME) predominantly involves treatment with short-acting intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGFs) and/or corticosteroids; however, short-acting therapies (lasting between 1 and 6 months) require frequent injections to maintain efficacy, meaning a considerable treatment burden for diabetic patients with multiple comorbidities. Continuous injections needed in some cases are an economic burden for patients/healthcare system, so real-life clinical practice tends to adopt a reactive approach, ie, watch and wait for worsening symptoms, which consequently increases the risk of undertreatment and edema recurrence. On March 7th 2019, a group of experts in retinal medicine and surgery held a roundtable meeting in Madrid, Spain to discuss how to (1) optimize clinical outcomes through earlier use of fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant (ILUVIEN®) in patients with persistent or recurrent DME despite therapy; and, (2) to provide guidance to assist physicians in deciding which patients should be treated with ILUVIEN. In this regard, a 36-month follow-up consensus protocol is presented. In conclusion, patients that achieve a complete or partial anatomical, and preferably functional, response following one or two intravitreal dexametha-sone implants, but with recurrence of edema after 3–4 months, are deemed by the authors most likely to benefit from ILUVIEN, and the switch to FAc implant should not be delayed more than 12 months after the initiation of at least the first dexamethasone implant.

Nowadays, water pollution is one of the most dangerous environmental problems in the world. The presence of the so-called emerging pollutants in the different water bodies, impossible to eliminate through conventional biological and physical treatments used in wastewater treatment plants due to their persistent and recalcitrant nature, means that pollution continues growing throughout the world. The presence of these emerging pollutants involves serious risks to human and animal health for aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Therefore, in recent years, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have been postulated as a viable, innovative and efficient technology for the elimination of these types of compounds from water bodies. The oxidation/reduction reactions triggered in most of these processes require a suitable catalyst. The most recent research focuses on the use and development of different types of heterogeneous catalysts, which are capable of overcoming some of the operational limitations of homogeneous processes such as the generation of metallic sludge, difficult separation of treated water and narrow working pH. This review details the current advances in the field of heterogeneous AOPs, Fenton processes and photocatalysts for the removal of different types of emerging pollutants. Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación | Ref. PID2020-113667GB-I00 Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación | Ref. PDC2021-121394-I00 Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED481B 2018/096

Water quality is essential to both human and ecosystem health, and a fast detection of emerging pollutants is claimed, along with effective wastewater treatment plants to eliminate these types of substances. The goal of this study was the development of a sensitive and selective methodology to customize a handle device that meets this demand. Clozapine and its pharmacological formulation, Leponex®, were used as a model. The results obtained from the studies by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) demonstrated that this methodology allows a simpler and cheaper decentralized analysis without losing sensitivity, performing electrochemical measurements in situ, in real-time and directly without sample treatment, with a good precision (RSD 3.7 %) and excellent accuracy (recoveries between 97.6 and 99.9 %). Moreover, the methodology was successfully used for direct follow-up the medicine removal in real samples by electro-Fenton (EF) treatment. The results gathered showed a relative error of less than 2 % concerning the measurements made with the conventional potentiostat. Bearing this in mind, the effectiveness of these electrochemical techniques used in tandem with the comfort and high specificity offered by the portable device, a more exhaustive control of water quality can be achieved, thus improving the quality of life in the planet. Agencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. PID2020-113667GB-I00 Agencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. PDC2021-121394-I00 Agencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. CTM2017-87326-R Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431C 2017/47 Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431D 2017/06

In this research, a bench-scale installation was tested for the heterogeneous electro-Fenton treatment of clofibric acid. The setup consists of a pressurized flow-through electrochemical cell equipped with a catalyst fluidized-bed and aerated with a jet mixer. The novelty of the research is two-fold: the use of the pressurized-jet aerator on an electro-Fenton treatment is tested and it is one of the first studies combining pressure with heterogeneous catalysis in electro-Fenton. Moderate relative pressures, up to 2 bar, were analyzed. Initially, the electrogeneration of hydrogen peroxide was tested, showing that it is remarkably boosted by the application of pressure. Then, the elimination of clofibric acid by means of an electro-Fenton treatment was carried out at 0.12 and 0.25 A, using iron-containing alginate beads as the catalyst. Regardless of the current intensity, the increase from atmospheric pressure to 1 gauge bar boosted the elimination of the pollutant and reduced the specific energy consumption of the electrochemical cell. Specifically, at 0.25 A an abatement higher than 98% was achieved in 8 h at atmospheric pressure while only 1 h was required at 1 bar of gauge pressure. However, a further increase of the pressure to 2 bar did not report a major improvement. Moreover, the effect of pressure on the catalyst was analyzed, concluding that the integrity of the alginate beads was not compromised by pressure. In fact, the iron leaching was very similar at 0, 1 and 2 bar: around 30% after 8 h of treatment. Finally, a mathematical model was developed, using the experimental data to obtain the necessary fitting parameters, which allowed to understand better the behavior of the bench-scale reaction system., En esta investigación se probó una instalación a escala de banco para el tratamiento electro-Fenton heterogéneo del ácido clofíbrico. La configuración consta de una celda electroquímica de flujo presurizado equipada con un lecho fluidizado de catalizador y aireado con un mezclador de chorro. La novedad de la investigación es doble: se prueba el uso del aireador de chorro a presión en un tratamiento de electro-Fenton y es uno de los primeros estudios que combina presión con catálisis heterogénea en electro-Fenton. Se analizaron presiones relativas moderadas, hasta 2 bar. Inicialmente se probó la electrogeneración de peróxido de hidrógeno, demostrando que se potencia notablemente con la aplicación de presión. A continuación, se realizó la eliminación del ácido clofíbrico mediante un tratamiento electro-Fenton a 0,12 y 0,25 A, utilizando como catalizador perlas de alginato con contenido de hierro. Independientemente de la intensidad de la corriente, el aumento de la presión atmosférica a 1 bar manométrico potenció la eliminación del contaminante y redujo el consumo energético específico de la celda electroquímica. Concretamente, a 0,25 A se logró una reducción superior al 98% en 8 h a presión atmosférica mientras que solo se requirió 1 h a 1 bar de presión manométrica. Sin embargo, un aumento adicional de la presión a 2 bar no reportó una mejora importante. Además, se analizó el efecto de la presión sobre el catalizador, concluyendo que la integridad de las perlas de alginato no se vio comprometida por la presión. De hecho, la lixiviación del hierro fue muy similar a 0, 1 y 2 bar: en torno al 30% tras 8 h de tratamiento. Finalmente, se desarrolló un modelo matemático, utilizando los datos experimentales para obtener los parámetros de ajuste necesarios

Soil pollution has become a substantial environmental problem which is amplified by overpopulation in different regions. In this review, the state of the art regarding the use of Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) for soil remediation is presented. This review aims to provide an outline of recent technologies developed for the decontamination of polluted soils by using AOPs. Depending on the decontamination process, these techniques have been presented in three categories: the Fenton process, sulfate radicals process, and coupled processes. The review presents the achievements of, and includes some reflections on, the status of these emerging technologies, the mechanisms, and influential factors. At the present, more investigation and development actions are still desirable to bring them to real full-scale implementation. Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431C 2021-43 Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación | Ref. PID2020-113667GBI00

Photodegradation of plastic in solid-phase requires the polymer to be composited with an efficient photocatalyst. We report herein the successful synthesis and characterization of fluoride-doped-TiO

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and retinography in the detection of glaucoma through a telemedicine program. Methods: A population-based sample of 4113 persons was randomly selected. The screening examination included a fundus photograph and OCT images. Images were evaluated on a deferred basis. All participants were then invited to a complete glaucoma examination, including gonioscopy, visual field, and dilated fundus examination. The detection rate, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated. Results: We screened 1006 persons. Of these, 201 (19.9%) were classified as glaucoma suspects; 20.4% were identified only by retinographs, 11.9% only by OCT images, and 46.3% by both. On ophthalmic examination at the hospital (n = 481), confirmed glaucoma was found in 58 (12.1%), probable glaucoma in 76 (15.8%), and ocular hypertension in 10 (2.1%), and no evidence of glaucoma was found in 337 (70.0%). The detection rate for confirmed or probable glaucoma was 9.2%. Sensitivity ranged from 69.4% to 86.2% and specificity from 82.1% to 97.4%, depending on the definition applied. Conclusions: The combination of OCT images and fundus photographs yielded a detection rate of 9.2% in a population-based screening program with moderate sensitivity, high specificity, and predictive values of 84–96%. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion