Bi-based photocatalysts for bacterial inactivation in water: Inactivation mechanisms, challenges, and strategies to improve the photocatalytic activity.

Bi-based photocatalysts have been considered suitable materials for water disinfection under natural solar light due to their outstanding optical and electronic properties. However, until now, there are not extensive reviews about the development of Bi-based materials and their application in bacterial inactivation in aqueous solutions. For this reason, this work has focused on summarizing the state of the art related to the inactivation of Gram- and Gram + pathogenic bacteria under visible light irradiation using different Bi-based micro and nano structures. In this sense, the photocatalytic bacterial inactivation mechanisms are analyzed, considering several modifications. The factors that can affect the photocatalytic performance of these materials in real conditions and at a large scale (e.g., water characteristics, pH, light intensity, photocatalyst dosage, and bacteria level) have been studied. Furthermore, current alternatives for improving the photocatalytic antibacterial activity and reuse of Bi-based materials (e.g., surface engineering, crystal facet engineering, doping, noble metal coupling, heterojunctions, Z-scheme junctions, coupling with graphene derivatives, magnetic composites, immobilization) have been explored. According to several reports, inactivation rate values higher than 90% can be achieved by using the modified Bi-based micro/nano structures, which become them excellent candidates for photocatalytic water disinfection. However, these innovative photocatalytic materials bring a variety of future difficulties and opportunities in water disinfection.

Factores de riesgo relevantes vinculados a molestias musculoesqueléticas en trabajadores industriales / Relevant risk factors linked to musculoskeletal discomfort in industrial workers

Los trastornos musculoesqueléticos (TME) de origen laboral representan una de las enfermedades profesionales más comunes que afectan a gran cantidad de trabajadores industriales. El objetivo de la investigación fue identificar los factores de riesgo relevantes asociados a la existencia de molestias o dolores musculoesqueléticos, según la parte del cuerpo afectada. Para ello se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal de campo, sobre una muestra de 174 trabajadores pertenecientes al área productiva de tres empresas venezolanas del sector cárnico. Para la identificación de TME se utilizó el cuestionario nórdico estandarizado y para la selección de los factores relevantes se emplearon los métodos de minería de datos CfsSubsetEvaly ConsistencySubsetEval, disponibles en Weka. Se encontró una prevalencia general de TME de 77%, destacando los hombros (49,4%) y la espalda (47,1%) como las partes del cuerpo que aquejan a mayor cantidad de trabajadores. Luego de relacionar esta prevalencia con diferentes factores de riesgo biomecánicos, psicosociales e individuales se determinó que los factores que mayor correspondencia presentan con las molestias de los hombros son: la sobrecarga postural, la repetitividad, las exigencias psicológicas y la antigüedad en el puesto de trabajo; mientras que en el caso de las molestias de espalda resaltan: la sobrecarga postural, el levantamiento de cargas, el empuje o arrastre de cargas, el bajo apoyo social y los antecedentes médicos vinculados a TME. Se confirma de esta forma la etiología multifactorial de los TME(AU)

Work-related musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are one of the most common occupational diseases, affecting large numbers of industrial workers. The aim of this study was to identify relevant risk factors associated with the presence of musculoskeletal discomfort or pain, according to the affected body part. A cross-sectional field study was conducted in a sample of 174 workers at three Venezuelan meat processing plants. The standardized Nordic questionnaire was used for the identification of MSDs and the CfsSubsetEvaly ConsistencySubsetEvaldata mining methods, available in Weka,were used to select the relevant factors. MSDs prevalence was 77%; shoulders (49.4%) and back (47.1%) were the most commonly involved body parts. After relating this prevalence to different biomechanical, psychosocial and individual risk factors, those most commonly associated with shoulder discomfort were postural overload, repetitive motion, psychosocial demands and tenure at work. For back discomfort, postural overload, lifting of loads, pushing or pulling loads, low social support and past medical history were the most frequent associations. This study confirms the multifactorial etiology of MSDs(AU)

Geographic variations in cervical cancer risk in San Luis Potosí state, Mexico: A spatial statistical approach.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, Cervical Cancer (CC) is the fourth most common type of cancer and cause of death in women. It is a significant public health problem, especially in low and middle-income/Gross Domestic Product (GDP) countries. In the past decade, several studies of CC have been published, that identify the main modifiable and non-modifiable CC risk factors for Mexican women. However, there are no studies that attempt to explain the residual spatial variation in CC incidence In Mexico, i.e. spatial variation that cannot be ascribed to known, spatially varying risk factors. METHODS: This paper uses a spatial statistical methodology that takes into account spatial variation in socio-economic factors and accessibility to health services, whilst allowing for residual, unexplained spatial variation in risk. To describe residual spatial variations in CC risk, we used generalised linear mixed models (GLMM) with both spatially structured and unstructured random effects, using a Bayesian approach to inference. RESULTS: The highest risk is concentrated in the southeast, where the Matlapa and Aquismón municipalities register excessive risk, with posterior probabilities greater than 0.8. The lack of coverage of Cervical Cancer-Screening Programme (CCSP) (RR 1.17, 95 % CI 1.12-1.22), Marginalisation Index (RR 1.05, 95 % CI 1.03-1.08), and lack of accessibility to health services (RR 1.01, 95 % CI 1.00-1.03) were significant covariates. CONCLUSIONS: There are substantial differences between municipalities, with high-risk areas mainly in low-resource areas lacking accessibility to health services for CC. Our results clearly indicate the presence of spatial patterns, and the relevance of the spatial analysis for public health intervention. Ignoring the spatial variability means to continue a public policy that does not tackle deficiencies in its national CCSP and to keep disadvantaging and disempowering Mexican women in regard to their health care.

Factores de riesgo biomecánicos y psicosociales presentes en la industria venezolana de la carne / Biomechanical and psychosocial risk factors in the Venezuelan meat processing industry

INTRODUCCIÓN: la identificación y evaluación de factores de riesgo relacionados a trastornos musculoesqueléticos (TME) representa la base para una efectiva adaptación de las condiciones de trabajo. OBJETIVO: evaluar los principales factores de riesgo biomecánico y psicosocial a los que se exponen trabajadores de la industria cárnica. Método: el estudio es descriptivo, transversal, basado en observación directa, encuestas y análisis de videos, para la aplicación de las metodologías RULA, OCRA, ecuación de NIOSH, ERGO y CoPsoQ-ISTAS21, sobre 71 tareas. RESULTADOS: el mayor riesgo postural recae en tareas de embutido y empaque, alcanzándose puntajes RULA de 7. En cuanto a repetitividad destaca el empaque de productos cocidos con 60% de sus tareas en nivel medio. Los mayores riesgos por levantamiento de cargas se ubicaron en las áreas de embutido, con índices inaceptables entre 25% y 50% de sus tareas. En empujes y arrastres de cargas, cinco de las seis áreas presentaron niveles inaceptables de riesgo. Los factores psicosociales de inseguridad, doble presencia, estima y exigencias psicológicas fueron percibidos negativamente por más del 50% de los trabajadores. DISCUSIÓN: entre las principales causantes de los altos niveles de riesgo destacan: levantamiento de productos por encima de hombros, realización de actividades manuales de pre-empaque y el empuje manual de contenedores pesados. CONCLUSIONES: el sector analizado reúne niveles de riesgo biomecánico y psicosocial que lo hace vulnerable a la aparición de TME.

INTRODUCTION: the identification and assessment of risk factors related to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) is the basis for an effective adaptation of working conditions. OBJECTIVE: the aim is to evaluate the main biomechanical and psychosocial risk factors in workers of a meat processing industry. METHOD: the study is descriptive, transversal, based on direct observation, surveys and analysis of videos, for the application of the methodologies RULA, OCRA, NIOSH's equation, ERGO and CoPsoQ-ISTAS21, about 71 tasks. RESULTS: the greater postural risk is in task of inlay and packaging, which reach RULA's scores of 7. In terms of repeatability, the packaging of products cooked stand out with 60% of its tasks at moderate level. The greatest risks by lifting were located in the inlay areas, with unacceptable rates between 25% and 50% of its tasks. Five of the six areas showed unacceptable levels of risk in push and drag. The psychosocial factors: insecurity, double presence, esteem and psychological demands were perceived negatively by more than 50% of the workers. DISCUSSION: the main causes of the high levels of risk include: lifting of products above shoulders, manual activities of pre-packaging and the manual pushing of heavy containers. CONCLUSIONS: the meat industry has biomechanical and psychosocial risk levels that make it vulnerable to MSD.

Chitosan/albumin/CaCO3 as mimics for membrane bioreactor fouling: genesis of structural mineralized-EPS-building blocks and cake layer compressibility.

Membrane bioreactor biofouling is usually described as an extracellular matrix in which biopolymers, inorganic salts and active microbes co-exist. For that reason, biomineralization (BM) models can be useful to describe the spatial organization and environmental constraints within the referred scenario. BM arguments were utilized as background in order to (1) evaluate CaCO(3) influence on flux decline; pore blocking and cake layer properties (resistance, permeability and compressibility) in a wide range of Chitosan/Bovine serum albumin (BSA) mixtures during step-pressure runs and, (2) perform membrane autopsies in order to explore the genesis of mineralized extracellular building blocks (MEBB) during cake layer build up. Using low molecular weight chitosan (LC) and BSA, 2 L of 5 LC/BSA mixtures (0.25-1.85 ratio) were pumped to an external ultra filtration (UF) membrane (23.5cm(2), hydrophobic, piezoelectric, 100kDa as molecular weight cut-off). Eight different pressure steps (40±7 to 540±21kPa) were applied. Each pressure step was held for 900 s. CaCO(3) was added to LC/BSA mixtures at 0.5, 1.5 and 3mM in order to create MEBB during the filtration tests. Membrane autopsies were performed after the filtration tests using thermo gravimetric, scanning microscopy and specific membrane mass (mgcm(-2)) analyses. Biopolymer-CaCO(3) step-pressure filtration created compressible cake layers (with inner voids). The formation of an internal skeleton of MEBB may contribute to irreversible fouling consolidation. A hypothesis for MEBB genesis and development was set forth.

Therapeutic efficacy of voriconazole against a fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans isolate in a vaginal model.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the therapeutic efficacy of oral versus intravaginal voriconazole and compare it with fluconazole for the treatment of experimental vaginitis caused by a fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans isolate. METHODS: Mice were treated with voriconazole at 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg once a day and 20 mg/kg twice a day or with fluconazole at 20 mg/kg once or twice a day orally. Intravaginal treatments were evaluated with voriconazole and fluconazole at 0.5, 1 and 5 mg/kg once a day. All treatment regimens were given on days 1-5 post-challenge. One day 6, the vaginas were swabbed to assess treatment effects. RESULTS: Mice treated orally with voriconazole at >or=10 mg/kg and fluconazole at >or=20 mg/kg showed significantly reduced fungal counts over controls (P = 0.0002-0.007). Significant differences were found between the groups that received voriconazole at 20 mg/kg once or twice daily and those that received fluconazole at 20 mg/kg once or twice daily, orally (P = 0.010 and 0.001, respectively). Mice treated with voriconazole or fluconazole administered intravaginally at >or=0.5 mg/kg exhibited a reduced fungal burden when compared with the control group (P = 0.0002-0.007). There was no statistically significant difference in fungal burden between topical treatment with doses of 0.5, 1 and 5 mg/kg once daily of voriconazole or fluconazole. Sterilization of vaginas was not observed with voriconazole and fluconazole without taking into consideration the therapeutic modality. CONCLUSIONS: Voriconazole could emerge as a new alternative for treatment of vaginal candidosis.

[Percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation in patients with obstructive septal hypertrophic myocardiopathy. Acute results and 3-year follow-up]. / Ablación miocárdica septal transluminal percutánea en pacientes con miocardiopatía hipertrófica septal obstructiva. Resultados agudos y seguimiento a 3 años.

OBJECTIVE: To report the acute and Long term results of percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (PTSMA), for the treatment of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). PTSMA has been considered as an alternative to surgical treatment in patients with HOCM and drug-refractory symptoms or unresponsive to the implantation of a pacemaker. Acute response is generally satisfactory, but long term results have not been sufficiently described. METHODS: We did PTSMA in eight patients, with functional class III-IV of NYHA, and with a transaortic gradient at rest > or = 40 mmHg. ALcohol was administered to seven of them, and small absorbant gelatin sponge particles in the other. Acute and long term clinical and echocardiographical follow-up was done. RESULTS: During the procedure the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient at rest was reduced significantly and the systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve (SAM) also. Five remained on functional class I, and two in class II. One patient died one year later of sepsis unrelated to the cardiopathy. CONCLUSIONS: PTSMA is an excellent non surgical option to reduce the LOVT gradient and the consequent symptoms in this patients. Long term follow-up shows they remain in a good functional class and their evolution is free of cardiovascular complications.

Ablación miocárdica septal transluminal percutánea en pacientes con miocardiopatía hipertrófica septal obstructiva: resultados agudos y seguimiento a 3 años / Percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation in patients with obstructive septal hypertrophic myocardiopathy: acute results and 3-year follow-up

OBJECTIVE: To report the acute and Long term results of percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (PTSMA), for the treatment of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). PTSMA has been considered as an alternative to surgical treatment in patients with HOCM and drug-refractory symptoms or unresponsive to the implantation of a pacemaker. Acute response is generally satisfactory, but long term results have not been sufficiently described. METHODS: We did PTSMA in eight patients, with functional class III-IV of NYHA, and with a transaortic gradient at rest > or = 40 mmHg. ALcohol was administered to seven of them, and small absorbant gelatin sponge particles in the other. Acute and long term clinical and echocardiographical follow-up was done. RESULTS: During the procedure the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient at rest was reduced significantly and the systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve (SAM) also. Five remained on functional class I, and two in class II. One patient died one year later of sepsis unrelated to the cardiopathy. CONCLUSIONS: PTSMA is an excellent non surgical option to reduce the LOVT gradient and the consequent symptoms in this patients. Long term follow-up shows they remain in a good functional class and their evolution is free of cardiovascular complications.

Spatial configuration of land-use/land-cover in the Pujal-Coy project area, Huasteca Potosina region, Mexico.

This article analyzes the relationship between the configuration and spatial reorganization of land-use and land-cover in the Pujal-Coy project area, Huasteca Potosina region, eastern San Luis Potosí, Mexico, as well as the relationship between these changes and the environmental conditions prevailing in the area. Land-use and land-cover changes were determined through the analysis and interpretation of satellite images from different dates. The changes identified in the different study periods were correlated with the prevailing physical factors. The results show that the spatial configuration of farming activities, initially induced by the implementation of a regional development project, is highly correlated to the presence of limiting factors such as soil type, slope, and climate. Particularly, the former represents the element that has led to the establishment of the current distribution pattern of farming activities.

Spatial relations between floodplain environments and land use - land cover of a large lowland tropical river valley: Pánuco basin, México.

Large lowland river valleys include a variety of floodplain environments that represent opportunities and constraints for human activities. This study integrates extensive field observations and geomorphic data with analysis of satellite remote sensing data to examine spatial relations between land use/land cover (LULC) and floodplain environments in the lower Pánuco basin of eastern Mexico. The floodplain of the lower Pánuco basin was delineated by combining a digital elevation model with a satellite image of a large flood event. The LULC was classified by combining a hybrid classification strategy with image stratification, applied to 15-m-resolution ASTER data. A geomorphic classification of floodplain environments was performed using a dry-stage image (ASTER data) and a 1993 Landsat image acquired during a large flood event. Accuracy assessment was based on aerial photographs (1:38,000), global positioning satellite ground-truthing, and a Landsat 7ETM(+) image from 2000, which resulted in an overall accuracy of 82.9% and a KHAT of 79.8% for the LULC classification. The geomorphic classification yielded 83.5% overall accuracy, whereas the KHAT was 81.5%. LULC analysis was performed for the entire floodplain and individually within four valley segments. The analysis indicates that the study area is primarily utilized for grazing and farming. Agriculture is primarily associated with coarse-grained (sandy/silty) natural levee and point bar units close to the river channel, whereas cattle grazing occurs in distal and lower-lying reaches dominated by cohesive fine-grained (clayey) deposits, such as backswamps. In the Pánuco valley, wetlands and lakes occur within backswamp environments, whereas in the Moctezuma segments, wetlands and lakes are associated with relict channels. This study reveals considerable variation in LULC related to spatial differences in floodplain environments and illustrates the importance of considering older anthropogenic influences on the landscape. The research design should be applicable for other large lowland coastal plain river valleys where agriculture is a major component of the floodplain landscape.