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Water scarcity is a global issue, and desalination is an alternative to providing fresh water. Renewable energies could be used in thermal desalination to produce freshwater from high saline concentration solutions. In this paper, the experimental performance of an air-injection-Air Gap Membrane Distillation (AGMD) module is presented. The effect of the operation parameters (saline solution temperature, air flow, and salt concentration) on the distilled water rate was evaluated. The air injection enhanced the distilled water rate by 22% at the highest air flow and a solution flow rate of 80 °C, compared to the conventional condition (without air injection) at a salt concentration of 100,000 ppm. Under the same operating conditions, the increase was 17% at a salt concentration of 70,000 ppm. The maximum distilled water rate was 14.10 L/m2·h at 80 °C and an airflow of 1.5 L/min with the highest salt concentration, while it was also 14.10 L/m2·h at the lower salt concentration was 14.10 L/m2·h. The distilled water quality also improved as the air flow increased, since a conductivity reduction of 66% was observed. With the described mathematical model, 94% of the calculated values fell within ±10% of the experimental data for both salt concentration conditions.

Introduction Empowering people living with multimorbidity (multiple chronic conditions) to gain greater confidence in managing their health can enhance their quality of life. Education focused on self-management is a key tool for fostering patient empowerment and is mostly provided on an individual basis. Virtual communities of practice (VCoP) present a unique opportunity for online education in chronic condition self-management within a social context. This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness/cost-effectiveness of individualised, online self-management education compared with VCoP among middle-aged individuals living with multiple chronic conditions.Methods and analysis People aged 30–60, living with ≥2 chronic conditions and receiving care in primary care (PC) centres and outpatient hospital-based clinics in Madrid and Canary Islands will enrol in an 18-month parallel-design, blinded (intervention assessment and data analysts), pragmatic (adhering to the intention-to-treat principle), individually randomised trial. The trial will compare two 12-month web-based educational offers of identical content; one delivered individually (control) and the other with online social interaction (VCoP, intervention). Using repeated measures mixed linear models, with the patient as random effect and allocation groups and time per group as fixed effects, we will estimate between-arm differences in the change in Patient Activation Measure from baseline to 12 months (primary endpoint), including measurements at 6-month and 18-month follow-up. Other outcomes will include measures of depression and anxiety, treatment burden, quality of life. In addition to a process evaluation of the VCoP, we will conduct an economic evaluation estimating the relative cost-effectiveness of the VCoP from the perspectives of both the National Health System and the Community.Ethics and dissemination The trial was approved by Clinical Research Ethics Committees of Gregorio Marañón University Hospital in Madrid/Nuestra Señora Candelaria University Hospital in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The results will be disseminated through workshops, policy briefs, peer-reviewed publications and local/international conferences.Trial registration number NCT06046326.

Given that mining is considered to be an essential activity for Mexico's industrial development, cyanide has been increasingly used to recover precious metals such as gold and silver. Along with that arises the need to develop new technologies to treat the wastes (mining tailings). In addition to their high cyanide content, metal and other contaminants that are found in tailings also present a problem. As a result, conventional (physicochemical) strategies have been developed to reduce contamination from tailings, nonetheless, these have high operating costs and generate unwanted by-products. For this reason, studies have begun to focus on non-conventional strategies to treat free cyanide and cyanide complexes such as fungi, bacterial consortia, and pure bacteria. These are important because of the mechanisms involved in degrading or modifying contaminants at neutral to high pH levels, which convert contaminants into non-hazardous products. The ability of microorganisms to grow at an alkaline pH prevents HCN volatilization. These studies have been performed at the laboratory level using two types of microbial binding: suspended biomass and immobilized biomass. They have used both natural (granite rock, citrus peels, cellulose, gravel) and synthetic (stainless steel, geotextiles, alginate, plastics) packing material, as well as reactors with different types of flow, namely, batch and continuous.

Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar si el vendaje de 2 capas es más efectivo que el vendaje de crepé en la cicatrización de úlceras venosas tras 12 semanas de seguimiento. Diseño: Ensayo clínico aleatorizado multicéntrico. Emplazamiento: 22 Centros de Salud de Madrid. Participantes: Mayores de 18 años, con diagnóstico de úlceras venosas. Se aleatorizaron 93 pacientes, 56 en el grupo de doble capa y 37 en crepé. Retiradas: 16 en el grupo de doble capa y 7 en el de crepé. Intervenciones: Grupo control: práctica clínica habitual: tratamiento de la herida y vendaje con crepé. Grupo experimental: misma práctica habitual para tratamiento de la herida y vendaje con doble capa. Mediciones principales: Variable respuesta principal: cicatrización completa a las 12 semanas. Variables secundarias: severidad de las lesiones, calidad de vida, reacciones adversas. Evaluación ciega de la variable respuesta. Resultados: Cicatrización completa: 25 (67%) en el grupo crepé (IC al 95% 50,2-81,9) y 32 (57,1%) en doble capa (IC al 95% 43,2-70,3). Sin diferencias en ambos grupos, RR = 1,10 (IC al 95% 0,864-1,424).La severidad de las úlceras basales se asocia al tiempo de cicatrización, HR = 0,86 (IC al 95% 0,78-0,94).Se objetiva mejora significativa en la calidad de vida total y en las dimensiones cosmesis y estado emocional. No se encuentran diferencias según el vendaje utilizado.Sin reacciones adversas graves en ninguno de los grupos. Conclusiones: No encontramos diferencias significativas en la cicatrización entre los 2 tipos de vendaje. Ambos son apropiados para la cicatrización de las úlceras y para mejorar la calidad de vida. Abstract: Objective: To evaluate if the two-layer bandage is more effective than the crepe bandage in the healing of venous ulcers after 12 weeks of follow-up. Design: Randomized multicentre controlled clinical trial. Location: 22 Primary Health Centers of Madrid. Participants: Over 18 years old, with diagnosis of venous ulcers. 93 patients were randomized, 56 in the double layer group and 37 in the crepe group. Withdrawals: 16 in double layer group, 7 in crepe group. Interventions: Control group: usual clinical practice: treatment of the wound and bandage with crepe. Experimental group: same usual clinical practice for wound treatment and bandage with double layer. Main measurements: Primary outcome: complete healing at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes: severity of ulceration, health-related quality of life, adverse events. Blind evaluation of the response variable. Results: Complete healing: in crepe group, 25, 67.5% (95% CI 50.2-81.9) and in double layer group, 32, 57.1% (95% CI 43.2-70.3). No evidence of a difference in both groups, RR = 1.10 (95% CI 0.864-1.424).The basal severity of the ulcers is associated with the healing time. HR = 0.86 (95% CI 0.78-0.94).Our data showed a significant improvement in health-related quality of life, total and in the of cosmesis and emotional dimensions. No evidence of a difference in both groups.We didn’t find serious adverse events in any of the groups. Conclusions: We didn’t find significant differences in the healing between the two bandages evaluated. Both are appropriate for ulcer healing and to improve the health-related quality of life.

Abstract Background C3 hypocomplementemia and the presence of C3 nephritic factor (C3NeF), an autoantibody causing complement system over-activation, are common features among most patients affected by Barraquer-Simons syndrome (BSS), an acquired form of partial lipodystrophy. Moreover, BSS is frequently associated with autoimmune diseases. However, the relationship between complement system dysregulation and BSS remains to be fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive immunological analysis of the complement system status, autoantibody signatures and HLA profile in BSS. Thirteen subjects with BSS were recruited for the study. The circulating levels of complement components, C3, C4, Factor B (FB) and Properdin (P), as well as an extended autoantibody profile including autoantibodies targeting complement components and regulators were assessed in serum. Additionally, HLA genotyping was carried out using DNA extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Results C3, C4 and FB levels were significantly reduced in patients with BSS as compared with healthy subjects. C3NeF was the most frequently found autoantibody (69.2% of cases), followed by anti-C3 (38.5%), and anti-P and anti-FB (30.8% each). Clinical data showed high prevalence of autoimmune diseases (38.5%), the majority of patients (61.5%) being positive for at least one of the autoantibodies tested. The HLA allele DRB1*11 was present in 54% of BSS patients, and the majority of them (31%) were positive for *11:03 (vs 1.3% allelic frequency in the general population). Conclusions Our results confirmed the association between BSS, autoimmunity and C3 hypocomplementemia. Moreover, the finding of autoantibodies targeting complement system proteins points to complement dysregulation as a central pathological event in the development of BSS.

Abstract We exploit a unique field experiment to recover the willingness to pay (WTP) for shorter waiting times at a cataract detection clinic in Mexico City, and compare the results with those obtained through a hypothetical dichotomous choice questionnaire. The WTP to avoid a minute of wait obtained from the field experiment ranges from 0.59 to 0.82 Mexican pesos (1 USD = 12.5 Mexican pesos at the time of the survey), while that from the hypothetical choice experiment ranges from 0.33 to 0.48 Mexican pesos. WTP to avoid the wait is lower for lower income individuals, and it is larger the more accurately the announced expected waiting time matches the true values. Finally, we find evidence that the marginal disutility of waiting is not constant.

Introduction Virtual Communities of Practice (VCoP) or knowledge-sharing virtual communities offer ubiquitous access to information and exchange possibilities for people in similar situations, which might be especially valuable for the self-management of patients with chronic diseases. In view of the scarce evidence on the clinical and economic impact of these interventions on chronic conditions, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a VCoP in the improvement of the activation and other patient empowerment measures in patients with ischaemic heart disease (IHD).Methods and analysis A pragmatic randomised controlled trial will be performed in Catalonia, Madrid and Canary Islands, Spain. Two hundred and fifty patients with a recent diagnosis of IHD attending the participating centres will be selected and randomised to the intervention or control group. The intervention group will be offered participation for 12 months in a VCoP based on a gamified web 2.0 platform where there is interaction with other patients and a multidisciplinary professional team. Intervention and control groups will receive usual care. The primary outcome will be measured with the Patient Activation Measure questionnaire at baseline, 6, 12 and 18 months. Secondary outcomes will include: clinical variables; knowledge (Questionnaire of Cardiovascular Risk Factors), attitudes (Self-efficacy Managing Chronic Disease Scale), adherence to the Mediterranean diet (Mediterranean Diet Questionnaire), level of physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire), anxiety (Hospital Anxiety Scale-A), medication adherence (Adherence to Refill Medication Scale), quality of life (EQ-5D-5L) and health resources use. Data will be collected from self-reported questionnaires and electronic medical records.Ethics and dissemination The trial was approved by Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Gregorio Marañón University Hospital in Madrid, Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and IDIAP Jordi Gol in Barcelona. The results will be disseminated through workshops, policy briefs, peer-reviewed publications, local/international conferences.Trial registration number ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT03959631). Pre-results.

Objectives To compare the effectiveness of oral versus intramuscular (IM) vitamin B12 (VB12) in patients aged ≥65 years with VB12 deficiency.Design Pragmatic, randomised, non-inferiority, multicentre trial in 22 primary healthcare centres in Madrid (Spain).Participants 283 patients ≥65 years with VB12 deficiency were randomly assigned to oral (n=140) or IM (n=143) treatment arm.Interventions The IM arm received 1 mg VB12 on alternate days in weeks 1–2, 1 mg/week in weeks 3–8 and 1 mg/month in weeks 9–52. The oral arm received 1 mg/day in weeks 1–8 and 1 mg/week in weeks 9–52.Main outcomes Serum VB12 concentration normalisation (≥211 pg/mL) at 8, 26 and 52 weeks. Non-inferiority would be declared if the difference between arms is 10% or less. Secondary outcomes included symptoms, adverse events, adherence to treatment, quality of life, patient preferences and satisfaction.Results The follow-up period (52 weeks) was completed by 229 patients (80.9%). At week 8, the percentage of patients in each arm who achieved normal B12 levels was well above 90%; the differences in this percentage between the oral and IM arm were −0.7% (133 out of 135 vs 129 out of 130; 95% CI: −3.2 to 1.8; p>0.999) by per-protocol (PPT) analysis and 4.8% (133 out of 140 vs 129 out of 143; 95% CI: −1.3 to 10.9; p=0.124) by intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis. At week 52, the percentage of patients who achieved normal B12 levels was 73.6% in the oral arm and 80.4% in the IM arm; these differences were −6.3% (103 out of 112 vs 115 out of 117; 95% CI: −11.9 to −0.1; p=0.025) and −6.8% (103 out of 140 vs 115 out of 143; 95% CI: −16.6 to 2.9; p=0.171), respectively. Factors affecting the success rate at week 52 were age, OR=0.95 (95% CI: 0.91 to 0.99) and having reached VB12 levels ≥281 pg/mL at week 8, OR=8.1 (95% CI: 2.4 to 27.3). Under a Bayesian framework, non-inferiority probabilities (Δ>−10%) at week 52 were 0.036 (PPT) and 0.060 (ITT). Quality of life and adverse effects were comparable across groups. 83.4% of patients preferred the oral route.Conclusions Oral administration was no less effective than IM administration at 8 weeks. Although differences were found between administration routes at week 52, the probability that the differences were below the non-inferiority threshold was very low.Trial registration numbers NCT 01476007; EUDRACT (2010-024129-20).

PURPOSE:Uncertainty exists regarding the best way to communicate cardiovascular risk (CVR) to patients, and it is unclear whether the comprehension and perception of CVR varies according to the format used. The aim of the present work was to determine whether a strategy designed for communicating CVR information to patients with poorly controlled high blood pressure (HBP), but with no background of cardiovascular disease, was more effective than usual care in the control of blood pressure (BP) over the course of a year. METHODS:A pragmatic, two-arm, cluster-randomized controlled trial was performed. Consecutive patients aged 40-65 years, all diagnosed with HBP in the last 12 months, and all of whom showed poor control of their condition (systolic BP ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg), were recruited at 22 primary healthcare centres. Eleven centres were randomly assigned to the usual care arm, and 11 to the informative intervention arm (Educore arm). At the start of the study, the Educore arm subjects were shown the "low risk SCORE table", along with impacting images and information pamphlets encouraging the maintenance of good cardiovascular health. The main outcome variable measured was the control of HBP; the secondary outcome variables were SCORE table score, total plasma cholesterol concentration, use of tobacco, adherence to prescribed treatment, and quality of life. RESULTS:The study participants were 411 patients (185 in the Educore arm and 226 in the usual care arm). Multilevel logistic regression showed that, at 12 months, the Educore intervention achieved better control of HBP (OR = 1.57; 1.02 to 2.41). No statistically significant differences were seen between the two arms at 12 months with respect to the secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS:Compared to usual care, the Educore intervention was associated with better control of HBP after adjusting for age, baseline SBP and plasma cholesterol, at 12 months.

Fundamento: La insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) es un importante problema de salud pública debido a su creciente prevalencia y la descompensación que conlleva un ingreso hospitalario representa un aumento del riesgo de muerte. El objetivo de este trabajo fue comparar varios métodos para modelizar la variable hospitalizaciones y determinar el efecto de los factores asociados con los ingresos hospitalarios en casos incidentes de IC. Método: Se realizó un estudio de cohortes restrospectivo con información extraída de la historia clínica electrónica de Atención Primaria (AP). Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 24 años que habían realizado al menos 1 consulta en AP durante el año 2006. Se analizaron las hospitalizaciones registradas de casos incidentes de IC entre 2006 y 2010 o hasta su fallecimiento y se compararon modelos de regresión de Poisson, Binomial Negativa (BN), inflados con ceros y de Hurdle para identificar factores asociados a las hospitalizaciones. Resultados: Se identificó a 3.061 personas con IC en una cohorte de 227.984 pacientes. Respecto a los factores asociados con las hospitalizaciones y según el modelo de regresión BN inflado con ceros, los pacientes con valvulopatías (OR=2,01; IC95%: 1,22-3,30) o en tratamiento con antitrombóticos (OR=3,45; IC95%: 1,61-7,42) o diuréticos (OR=2,28; IC95%:1,13-4,58) tuvieron mayor probabilidad de hospitalización. Los factores asociados a una mayor tasa de ingresos fueron tener valvulopatías (IRR=1,37; IC95%: 1,03-1,81) o diabetes mellitus (IRR=1,38, 1,07-1,78) y estar en tratamiento con calcioantagonistas (IRR=1,35; IC95%: 1,05-1,73) o IECAS (IRR=1,43; IC95%:1,06- 1,92). Haber tenido derivaciones a cardiología tuvo efecto protector (IRR=0,86; IC95%: 0,76-0,97). Conclusión: El modelo de regresión que tiene mejor ajuste es el BN inflado con ceros. Según este modelo los factores asociados con un incremento en los ingresos hospitalarios son las valvulopatías, la diabetes mellitus y el tratamiento con calcioantagonistas.

Objetivo: Conocer la capacidad de detección de patología psiquiátrica por el médico de familia, comparando la presencia de patología psiquiátrica detectada mediante test validados y la referida por su médico de familia. Diseño: Estudio transversal de doble fase. Emplazamiento: Centros de Salud de un área urbana de Madrid. Participantes: Pacientes entre 18 y 65 años que acuden a consulta por motivos no administrativos. Mediciones principales: Para la detección de posible patología psiquiátrica, en la sala de espera se utilizaron instrumentos de cribado, el GHQ-28 (punto de corte 6 o superior) y el MULTICAGE CAD-4 (punto de corte 2 o superior). Como instrumento de identificación de «caso» en la segunda fase se utilizó la entrevista MINI en los pacientes con puntuación positiva en uno de los instrumentos de cribado y un 20% de los negativos. Por otro lado, cuando los pacientes entraban en la consulta entregaban a su médico una tarjeta con un número de identificación para que, de manera ciega, registrase: presencia de patología psiquiátrica actual según su criterio y existencia, o no, de tratamiento actual con psicofármacos. Resultados: Participaron 628 sujetos. La prevalencia de patología psiquiátrica corregida por metodología de doble fase fue del 31,7% (IC 95%: 27,9-35,5). De 185 pacientes con patología psiquiátrica detectada, el 44,2% (IC 95%: 36,7-51,7) fueron identificados como pacientes con patología psiquiátrica por su médico de familia. Las patologías mejor identificadas fueron: hipomanía, trastorno distímico, episodio depresivo con síntomas melancólicos y trastorno por angustia. Conclusiones: Un porcentaje importante de pacientes con patología psiquiátrica detectada con test validados no han sido identificados por su médico de familia.

Following the publication of the original article [1], the authors have requested to amend the Abstract and Discussion section as follows.

Acquired generalized lipodystrophy (AGL) is a rare condition characterized by an altered distribution of adipose tissue and predisposition to develop hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, diabetes, and hypertriglyceridemia. Diagnosis of AGL is based on the observation of generalized fat loss, autoimmunity and lack of family history of lipodystrophy. The pathogenic mechanism of fat destruction remains unknown but evidences suggest an autoimmune origin. Anti-adipocyte antibodies have been previously reported in patients with AGL, although their involvement in the pathogenesis has been poorly studied and the autoantibody target/s remain/s to be identified. Using a combination of immunochemical and cellular studies, we investigated the presence of anti-adipocyte autoantibodies in patients with AGL, acquired partial lipodystrophy, localized lipoatrophy due to intradermic insulin injections or systemic lupus erythematosus. Moreover, the impact of anti-adipocyte autoantibodies from AGL patients was assessed in cultured mouse preadipocytes. Following this approach, we identified anti-perilipin 1 IgG autoantibodies in the serum of patients with autoimmune variety-AGL, but in no other lipodystrophies tested. These autoantibodies altered the ability of perilipin 1 to regulate lipolysis in cultured preadipocytes causing abnormal, significantly elevated basal lipolysis. Our data provide strong support for the conclusion that perilipin 1 autoantibodies are a cause of generalized lipodystrophy in these patients.

Objetivo: Describir la supervivencia de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) con seguimiento en atención primaria (AP) y analizar el efecto del sexo, edad, factores clínicos, de utilización de servicios y nivel de renta, en la supervivencia. Diseño: Estudio observacional longitudinal de una cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes a partir de la historia clínica electrónica. Emplazamiento: Área 7 de AP de la Comunidad de Madrid. Participantes: Pacientes mayores de 24 años con una consulta en AP en el año 2006. Mediciones principales: Casos incidentes de IC desde 2006 a 2010 o hasta su fallecimiento. Análisis de supervivencia de Kaplan-Meier y de regresión multivariante de riesgos proporcionales de Cox. Resultados: Se identificaron 3.061 pacientes en una cohorte de 227.984. Su supervivencia fue del 65% a los 5 años. Fallecieron 519 pacientes con una supervivencia media de 49 meses. Los factores asociados a mayor riesgo de mortalidad fueron la edad (HR = 1,04; 1,03-1,05) y tener diagnóstico de cardiopatía isquémica (HR = 1,45; 1,15-1,78) o de diabetes (HR = 1,52; 1,17-1,95). Los factores con un efecto protector fueron ser mujer (HR = 0,72; 0,59-0,86), no pensionista (HR = 0,43; 0,23-0,84), haber recibido la vacunación de la gripe anualmente (HR = 0,01; 0,00-0,06), tener prescritos hipolipidemiantes (HR = 0,78; 0,61-0,99) o IECA (HR = 0,73; 0,60-0,88), así como que se le hubieran solicitado analíticas (HR = 0,98; 0,95-1), radiografías (HR = 0,81; 0,74-0,88) y electrocardiogramas (HR = 0,90; 0,81-0,99) en AP. Conclusiones: Los datos de los pacientes con IC seguidos en AP indican que su supervivencia es mejor que la obtenida en otros países, apoyando el argumento de la mejor evolución de la IC en los países mediterráneos.

Fundamento: La mamografía de cribado es el método más efectivo para la detección precoz de cáncer de mama. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es valorar el grado de conocimiento, opinión y participación de los médicos de familia de la Comunidad de Madrid en el programa de detección precoz de cáncer de mama. Métodos: La población de estudio fueron los médicos de familia del Area 7 de Madrid. Se diseñó un cuestionario anónimo autoadministrado, con 30 preguntas, agrupadas en características del médico, y opinión sobre los programas de detección precoz de cáncer de mama. Resultados: Se obtuvo un respuesta del 46%. El 94% de los médicos creen que es función suya informar a sus pacientes acerca de las actividades preventivas, incluidas el cribado de cáncer de mama, y el 95% creen que su consejo es útil para convencer a las mujeres a que se realicen una mamografía. El 72% cree que le falta información sobre el programa. Durante el periodo de realización de mamografías en su centro, el 24% pregunta siempre o casi siempre a las mujeres si tienen dudas o quieren más información, el 43% si les ha llegado la citación y el 95% les aconsejan que se realicen la mamografía. Conclusiones: Los médicos de familia tienen buena opinión del programa de detección precoz de cáncer de mama, y creen en la efectividad de su consejo para mejorar la participación en él. Refieren falta de información, y en pocas ocasiones informan a la mujer sobre el programa.