Photocatalytic degradation of an agro-industrial wastewater model compound using a UV LEDs system: kinetic study.

An ultraviolet light emitting diode (UV-A LED) system was built to test the capability of performing heterogeneous photocatalysis using TiO2 P25. The LEDs maximum wavelength is 365 nm with an irradiance power of 85 W m-2. The device was tested in batch and continuous (CSTR) mode in a laboratorial scale reactor. The degradation of an agro-industrial wastewater model compound (p-hydroxybenzoic acid, pHBA) was investigated, assessing the effect of different experimental conditions such as pH, pHBA and TiO2 concentration keeping constant the UV-A LEDs power and temperature. The photodegradation of different concentrations of pHBA with [TiO2] = 500 mg L-1, IUV = 85 W m-2 and a T = 21 °C were analysed by pseudo-first order kinetics. The results were applied to the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model yielding kc = 0.885 mg L-1 min-1 and kLH = 0.217 L mg-1. In a comparative experiment the UV-A LEDs system showed faster kinetics (k = 0.0134 min-1) than solar radiation (IUV = 23 W m-2; k = 0.0077 min-1), with [pHBA] = 75 mg L-1 and [TiO2] = 500 mg L-1. The values of the Electric Energy per Order (EEO) = 115 kWh m-3 order-1 and the Specific Applied Energy (ESAE) = 318 kWh mol-1 order-1 were obtained with [TiO2] = 1000 mg L-1 and [pHBA] = 50 mg L-1. Analogous results were obtained ([TiO2] = 500 mg L-1) in a CSTR with a slight decrease in the first order kinetic constant due to the "non-ideal" reactor: from 0.0284 to 0.0158 min-1 and from 0.0143 to 0.00825 min-1 with [pHBA] = 50 mg L-1 and 75 mg L-1, respectively. This work shows that photocatalytic reactors with UV-A LEDs can advantageously replace conventional UV mercury lamps based reactors in the photodegradation of phenolic compounds.

Intensification of UV-C tertiary treatment: Disinfection and removal of micropollutants by sulfate radical based Advanced Oxidation Processes.

This study explores the enhancement of UV-C tertiary treatment by sulfate radical based Advanced Oxidation Processes (SR-AOPs), including photolytic activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and persulfate (PS) and their photocatalytic activation using Fe(II). Their efficiency was assessed both for the inactivation of microorganisms and the removal or micropollutants (MPs) in real wastewater treatment plant effluents. Under the studied experimental range (UV-C dose 5.7-57 J/L; UV-C contact time 3 to 28 s), the photolysis of PMS and PS (0.01 mM) increased up to 25% the bacterial removal regarding to UV-C system. The photolytic activation of PMS led to the total inactivation of bacteria (≈ 5.70 log) with the highest UV-C dose (57 J/L). However, these conditions were insufficient to remove the MPs, being required oxidant's dosages of 5 mM to remove above 90% of carbamazepine, diclofenac, atenolol and triclosan. The best efficiencies were achieved by the combination of PMS or PS with Fe(II), leading to the total removal of the MPs using a low UV-C dosage (19 J/L), UV-C contact time (9 s) and reagent's dosages (0.5 mM). Finally, high mineralization was reached (>50%) with photocatalytic activation of PMS and PS even with low reagent's dosages.

Micropollutants removal by full-scale UV-C/sulfate radical based Advanced Oxidation Processes.

The high chemical stability and the low biodegradability of a vast number of micropollutants (MPs) impede their correct treatment in urban wastewater treatment plants. In most cases, the chemical oxidation is the only way to abate them. Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) have been experimentally proved as efficient in the removal of different micropollutants at lab-scale. However, there is not enough information about their application at full-scale. This manuscript reports the application of three different AOPs based on the addition of homogeneous oxidants [hydrogen peroxide, peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and persulfate anions (PS)], in the UV-C tertiary treatment of Estiviel wastewater treatment plant (Toledo, Spain) previously designed and installed in the facility for disinfection. AOPs based on the photolytic decomposition of oxidants have been demonstrated as more efficient than UV-C radiation alone on the removal of 25 different MPs using low dosages (0.05-0.5 mM) and very low UV-C contact time (4-18 s). Photolysis of PMS and H2O2 reached similar average MPs removal in all the range of oxidant dosages, obtaining the highest efficiency with 0.5 mM and 18 s of contact time (48 and 55% respectively). Nevertheless, PMS/UV-C reached slightly higher removal than H2O2/UV-C at low dosages. So, these treatments are selective to degrade the target compounds, obtaining different removal efficiencies for each compound regarding the oxidizing agent, dosages and UV-C contact time. In all the cases, H2O2/UV-C is more efficient than PMS/UV-C, comparing the ratio cost:efficiency (€/m3·order). Even H2O2/UV-C treatments are more efficient than UV-C alone. Thus, the addition of 0.5 mM of H2O2 compensates the increased of UV-C contact time and therefore the increase of electrical consumption, that it should be need to increase the removal of MPs by UV-C treatments alone.

Conventional and advanced oxidation processes used in disinfection of treated urban wastewater.

The purpose of the current study is to compare the inactivation of Escherichia coli in wastewater effluents using conventional treatments (chlorination) and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) such as UV irradiation, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)/solar irradiation, and photo-Fenton processes. In addition, an analysis of the operational costs of each treatment is carried out taking into account the optimal dosages of chemicals used. Total inactivation of bacteria (7.5 log) was achieved by means of chlorination and UV irradiation. However, bacterial regrowth was observed 6 hours after the completion of UV treatment, obtaining a disinfection value around 3 to 4 log. On the other hand, the combination H2O2/solar irradiation achieved a maximum inactivation of E. coli of 3.30 ± 0.35 log. The photo-Fenton reaction achieved a level of inactivation of 4.87 ± 0.10 log. The order of disinfection, taking into account the reagent/cost ratio of each treatment, is as follows: chlorination > UV irradiation > photo-Fenton > H2O2/sunlight irradiation.

Diagnóstico del TDAH / Diagnosis of ADHD

El TDAH es un trastorno del neurodesarrollo cuyo diagnóstico está basado en criterios clínicos, pues no disponemos actualmente de biomarcadores específicos del trastorno. Los criterios DSM, actualmente la edición 5ª, son los más usados. Se requiere la elaboración de una historia clínica minuciosa que integre diversas fuentes de información. El diagnóstico requiere la persistencia de los síntomas de inatención y/o hiperactividad/impulsividad con una intensidad que interfiere de forma significativa en el funcionamiento del niño en al menos dos ambientes distintos. Se debe explorar en cada caso la presencia de comorbilidad y posible diagnóstico diferencial (AU)

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose diagnosis is based on clinical criteria, since not currently have specific biological markers of the disorder. The DSM criteria, currently edition 5th, are the most used. Developing o thorough clinical history that integrates various sources of information is required. Diagnosis requires a persistent pattern of symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity with an intensity that interferes significantly in the child's functioning in at least two different settings. Presence of comorbility and differential diagnosis should be explored in each case (AU)

Tratamiento farmacológico estimulante del TDAH / Stimulant drug treatment

El trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH) es el trastorno del neurodesarrollo más frecuente en la infancia. Es un trastorno cognitivo-conductual con una base genética y neurobiológica (neuroanatómica, neuroquímica y neuropsicológica) bien establecida y una sintomatología clínica muy heterogénea aunque identificable a través de unos síntomas nucleares de inatención, que evolucionan a lo largo de la vida. Debe ser considerado un problema de primer nivel individual (académicas, laborales y sociales) y socioeconómico ( elevado riesgo de abuso de sustancias, exclusión social e incluso criminalidad). Por tanto, su diagnóstico y tratamiento precoz son de vital importancia en el pronóstico a largo plazo del mismo. El tratamiento debe ser individualizado y ajustarse a las necesidades del individuo según su edad, gravedad de los síntomas, repercusión funcional e incluso preferencias del paciente y su familia. Sin embargo, diversos estudios demuestran que, de forma aislada y salvo excepciones, el tratamiento farmacológico tanto con psico-estimulantes como con fármacos no estimulante es el más eficaz. Los psico-estimulantes tienen un tamaño de efecto mayor que los no psico-estimulantes y un porcentaje de éxito entre el 70-80% de los pacientes en los que se inicia, mostrando eficacia y seguridad contrastada desde hace muchos años. las formas de liberación prolongada son, a priori, nuestra primera elección pues facilitan el cumplimiento terapéutico con un efecto más estable a lo largo del día y menor riego de abuso. En este artículo revisaremos las características, indicaciones, dosis y efectos adversos del tratamiento farmacológico del TDAH con psicoestimulantes (metilfenidato, lisdexanfetamina, etc.) (AU)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most frequent childhood and adolescence neurodevelopment disorder. ADHD is a neurocognitive disorder with a well-established genetic and neurobiological basis (neuroanatomical, neurochemical, and neuropsychological). The core behavioral symptoms of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity which evolve over the life. Considering the individual (academic, job, social) and socioeconomic consequences (e.g. risk of substance abuse, social exclusion, or even criminality), ADHD should be considered a mayor health issue. Therefore an early diagnosis and treatment are of primary importance to make long-term prognosis even better. Treatment should be individualized and adjusted to the individual characteristics (age, severity of symptoms, functional impairment, or the preferences of the patient or their relatives). Multimodal treatment is often the best way to treat, being pharmacological intervention with stimulants or non-stimulants drugs, the treatment of choice in children and adolescents with ADHD. Stimulants have a larger effect size than non-stimulants, being around 70-80% responders and the safety profile is acceptable and widely known for years. The use of extended-release formulations are preferable due to several advantages such as a lower risk of abuse, easy dosing and administration, lower patient variability and uniform action throughout the day. The current study reviews the characteristics, indications, doses, and side effects of stimulants on ADHD (AU)

Disinfection of wastewater effluents with the Fenton-like process induced by electromagnetic fields.

This research work is focused on the application and assessment of effectiveness of the Fenton-like processes induced by radiofrequency for the inactivation of faecal bacteria (Escherichia coli and Enterococcus sp.) present in treated urban wastewater effluents. Fenton processes were carried out at near neutral pH (pH 5) with different iron sources, such as iron salts (ferric chloride, 5, 50 and 100 mg/L Fe(3+)), magnetite (1 g/L) and clay (80 g/L), hydrogen peroxide (25 mg/L) and in absence and presence of radiofrequency. Two different electromagnetic field intensities (1.57 and 3.68 kA/m) were used in Fenton processes induced by radiofrequency. Different agents used in the Fenton processes induced by electromagnetic fields (iron source, hydrogen peroxide and RF) were analyzed individually and in combination under the same experimental conditions. First assays of ferromagnetic material/H2O2/radiofrequency processes achieved promising results in terms of bacterial inactivation. For instance, Fe(3+)/H2O2/Radiofrequency achieved a maximum level of E. coli inactivation of 3.55 log after 10 min of treatment. These results are higher than those obtained in absence of radiofrequency. The thermal activation of iron atoms allows the Fenton reaction to intensify, increasing the final yield of the treatment. On the other hand, different behavior was observed in the inactivation of E. coli and Enterococcus sp. due to the structural differences between Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

Identification of pathogen bacteria and protozoa in treated urban wastewaters discharged in the Ebro River (Spain): water reuse possibilities.

The aim of this research work is to identify the presence of pathogens, bacteria and protozoa, in different treated urban wastewaters and to relate biological pollution with the processes used in wastewater treatment plants. A study of the possibilities for water reuse is carried out taking into account bacterial and parasite composition. The analysed bacteria and protozoa are: Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens (spore), Salmonella spp., Legionella spp., helminths eggs, Giardia, Cryptosporidium spp. and free-living amoebae (FLA). The selected municipal wastewater treatment plants (MWTPs) are located in Navarra (Spain) and the main difference between them is the use of natural lagoons as tertiary treatment in some plants. The results concerning bacteriological identification showed contamination of mainly faecal origin, and the use of natural lagoons as tertiary treatment in some MWTPs produced an important disinfection effect. Moreover, pathogen parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium were not detected in the samples studied although FLA were identified in all cases.

Inactivation of Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli present in treated urban wastewater by coagulation-flocculation and photo-Fenton processes.

The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the inactivation of three different kinds of bacteria usually present in municipal wastewater treatment effluents (Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) using a coagulation-flocculation-decantation (CFD) process combined with photo-Fenton treatment at pH 5. Different concentrations of Fe(3+)-H2O2 (0.4/25, 5/25 and 15/25 mg L(-1)), and H2O2 (25 mg L(-1)) were evaluated for 210 minutes under artificial solar irradiation in a solar chamber ATLAS SUNTEST CPS+. The results were compared applying the CFD process before or after the disinfection treatment. The results of the bacteria inactivation show that the highest rate was observed using CFD-photo-Fenton treatment with 15 mg L(-1) of Fe(3+) and 25 mg L(-1) of H2O2, obtaining the total inactivation of Pseudomonas sp., a 5.64-log inactivation of Enterococcus sp. and a 4.61-log inactivation of E. coli. In addition, turbidity and suspended solids decreased more than 90% with the combined treatments. The treated wastewater samples could be reused in urban, agricultural, industrial, recreational and environmental uses according to current Spanish legislation (RD 1620/2007).

[Anesthetic management for left ventricular epicardial lead implantation with minimally invasive thoracoscopic guidance]. / Manejo anestésico para la implantación de electrodos epicáirdicos en el ventrículo izquierdo, mediante cirugía mínimamente invasiva asistida.

Medical treatment for left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction and congestive heart failure has improved quality of life for patients but mortality rates have remained unaffected. For a subgroup of such patients with interventricular conduction delays and ventricular contraction dyssynchrony, cardiac resynchronization by placement of a LV epicardial lead is a new approach to management. We report 3 cases in which such electrodes were implanted under the guidance of minimally invasive thoracoscopy. In the first 2 cases it was decided to place the LV electrode using thoracoscopic guidance because of complications or technical difficulties in the percutaneous procedure. In the third case thoracoscopy was used because of deterioration of the patient's condition after implantation of a double-chamber pacemaker and shifting of the lead to the right ventricle. The literature on the anesthetic management of such patients is scarce. Although sedation with general anesthesia and single-lung ventilation is indicated for percutaneous procedures, that technique also proved adequate for the thoracoscopic procedures.

Manejo anestésico para la implantación de electrodos epicárdicos en el ventrículo izquierdo, mediante cirugía mínimamente invasiva asistida / Anesthetic management for left ventricular epicardial lead implantation with minimally invasive thoracoscopic guidance

El tratamiento médico de los pacientes con disfunciónsistólica del ventrículo izquierdo (VI) y afectos de insuficienciacardiaca congestiva (ICC), ha mejorado su calidadde vida pero no así la mortalidad. Existe un subgrupode estos pacientes, con alteraciones en laconducción interventricular y asincronía de la contracciónventricular, en los que la terapia de resincronizacióncardiaca (TRC), se consideró una nueva alternativaen su manejo mediante implantación de un electrodoepicárdico en VI. Se exponen tres casos en los que seprocedió a su implantación mediante cirugía mínimamenteasistida. En los dos primeros casos se decidió laimplantación del electrodo epicárdico a VI, mediantecirugía mínimamente invasiva, por complicaciones odificultad técnica del procedimiento percutáneo y en eltercer caso por deterioro clínico del paciente, tras lacolocación de marcapasos bicameral, y desplazamientode electrodo epicárdico a ventrículo derecho.La literatura es escasa en el manejo anestésico deestos pacientes. Si bien para técnicas percutáneas serecurrió a la sedación, con anestesia general medianteventilación unipulmonar, se logró un manejo adecuadoen el procedimiento asistido por toracoscopia

Medical treatment for left ventricular (LV) systolicdysfunction and congestive heart failure has improvedquality of life for patients but mortality rates haveremained unaffected. For a subgroup of such patientswith interventricular conduction delays and ventricularcontraction dyssynchrony, cardiac resynchronization byplacement of a LV epicardial lead is a new approach tomanagement. We report 3 cases in which such electrodeswere implanted under the guidance of minimally invasivethoracoscopy. In the first 2 cases it was decided toplace the LV electrode using thoracoscopic guidancebecause of complications or technical difficulties in thepercutaneous procedure. In the third case thoracoscopywas used because of deterioration of the patient's conditionafter implantation of a double-chamber pacemakerand shifting of the lead to the right ventricle.The literature on the anesthetic management of suchpatients is scarce. Although sedation with general anesthesiaand single-lung ventilation is indicated for percutaneousprocedures, that technique also proved adequatefor the thoracoscopic procedures

Analgesia epidural con ropivacaína en el parto de una paciente afecta de transposición corregida congénita de grandes arterias y síndrome de wolffparkinson-white / Epidural analgesia with ropivacaine for childbirth in a patient with corrected congenital transposition of the great arteries and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

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Morphometric study on the interhemispheric asymmetries in the Wistar rat and the effects of early experience.

Sixty male Wistar rats were used for this experiment and assigned at random to the control group or to the stimulation method. Control rats show cerebral asymmetry with right bias at the frontal and occipital lobes. In the case of stimulated rats the differences from the occipital zone increase while those from the frontal lobe disappear.