Pyrolysis of municipal solid waste compost: Pilot plant evaluation as a sustainable practise of waste management.

To evaluate the potential of compost based on municipal solid waste (MSW) and 20% legume pruning under a pyrolysis process, generated products, including solids (biochar), liquids (bio-oil), and gases (non-condensable gases), through experimentation in a pilot plant with a fluidized bed reactor at 450°C and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry have been analysed. In addition, the compost kinetic behaviour by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), using the Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO) method, has been investigated. Four different reaction zones, associated with lignocellulosic materials (hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin) with a first step for water evaporation, in TGA curve have been observed. A biochar with low stability and aromaticity, considering high and low O/C and H/C ratios, respectively, has been obtained. The obtained pyrolytic liquids contain a high concentration of phenolic compounds because of a significant presence of lignins and other high molecular weight compounds in the original material. Moreover, the generated non-condensable gases consist mainly of short-chain compounds, such as alcohols, aldehydes, and alkenes produced from hemicellulose, cellulose, and proteins.

Comparative study of the combustion, pyrolysis and gasification processes of Leucaena leucocephala: Kinetics and gases obtained.

Leucaena leucocephala is a fast-growing leguminous biomass with great energetical and value-added chemical compounds potential (saccharides, biogas, bio-oil, etc.). Using the thermogravimetric and derivative thermogravimetric curves, the different trends followed by L. leucocephala during pyrolysis, 0.25 equivalence ratio (ER) of gasification, 0.50 equivalence ratio of gasification and combustion were analyzed, and the activation energies were obtained by Distributed Activation Energy Model (DAEM) method. Gas samples were collected through adsorption tubes during the gasification at 0.25 ER and 0.50 ER to observe the distribution of the main chemical products in this process by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and were compared with pyrolysis products. It was found that small amounts of oxygen have changes in the kinetics of the process, leading to significant decreases in the activation energy at the beginning of the degradation of components such as cellulose (from 170 to 135 kJ mol-1 at 0.25 conversion at 0.50 ER gasification). The activation energy of lignin disintegration was also reduced (342 kJ mol-1), assimilating the beginnings of gasification processes such as the Boudouard reaction. 0.50 ER gasification is potentially an interesting process to obtain quality bio-oil, since a large amount of hexane is detected (44.96%), and value-added oxygenated intermediates such as alcohols and glycols. Gasification at 0.25 ER, on the other hand, is much more similar to pyrolysis, obtaining a wide variety of short-chain compounds resulting from the disintegration of the main lignocellulosic components, especially ketones such as 1-hydroxypropan-2-one (19.48%), and notable amount of furans and anhydrosugars like d-allose (5.50%).

Estrategias de retroalimentación inmersas en tecnologías de asistencia para promover la participación social de niños con parálisis cerebral: revisión sistemática / Feedback strategies in assistive technology to promote social participation in children with cerebral palsy: Systematic review

Introducción: Vivir con parálisis cerebral tiene consecuencias en la participación social. Las tecnologías utilizadas para generar independencia se limitan a resultados en variables biológicas y fisiológicas. El objetivo es sintetizar la evidencia en intervenciones con tecnologías de asistencia que incluyan sistemas de retroalimentación, con el fin de conocer los desenlaces en la participación social en niños con parálisis cerebral. Metodología: Se tomaron 5 bases de datos de rehabilitación y se obtuvieron 683 artículos, de los cuales se incluyeron 9. Resultados: Los estudios evaluaron la participación social con diversos instrumentos; la mayoría sugieren efectos positivos en actividades como caminar, escribir y jugar, favoreciendo la interacción social en el entorno, utilizando tecnologías como lápices electrónicos, switches, exoesqueletos, entre otros.Conclusión: Debido a la baja calidad metodológica de los estudios, no se establecen conclusiones sólidas. Sin embargo, la evidencia propone que las tecnologías de asistencia con retroalimentación tienen un impacto positivo en los componentes de la participación social.(AU)

Introduction: Living with cerebral palsy has consequences such as social interaction. Assistive technologies used for improving independence only focuses on biological and physiological variables. The main objective in this review is to synthesize the evidence on interventions with assistive technologies, including feedback systems, with the aim of discovering outcomes of social participation in children with cerebral palsy. Methodology: There were 5 databases from rehabilitation which showed 683 articles in which only 9 were included. Results: The studies assessed social participation with several instruments. The majority suggested positive effects in activities such as: walking, writing, playing, and social interaction. There were tools such as electronic pencils, switches, and exoskeletons present. Conclusion: Due to the poor quality of the methodologies of these studies, the search does not establish solid conclusions. However, the evidence suggests that assistive technologies with feedback have a positive impact on aspects of social participation.(AU)

[Feedback strategies in assistive technology to promote social participation in children with cerebral palsy: Systematic review]. / Estrategias de retroalimentación inmersas en tecnologías de asistencia para promover la participación social de niños con parálisis cerebral: revisión sistemática.

INTRODUCTION: Living with cerebral palsy has consequences such as social interaction. Assistive technologies used for improving independence only focuses on biological and physiological variables. The main objective in this review is to synthesize the evidence on interventions with assistive technologies, including feedback systems, with the aim of discovering outcomes of social participation in children with cerebral palsy. METHODOLOGY: There were 5 databases from rehabilitation which showed 683 articles in which only 9 were included. RESULTS: The studies assessed social participation with several instruments. The majority suggested positive effects in activities such as: walking, writing, playing, and social interaction. There were tools such as electronic pencils, switches, and exoskeletons present. CONCLUSION: Due to the poor quality of the methodologies of these studies, the search does not establish solid conclusions. However, the evidence suggests that assistive technologies with feedback have a positive impact on aspects of social participation.

CT presentations of adult and pediatric SARS-CoV-2 patients: A review of early COVID-19 data.

OBJECTIVE: Initial COVID-19 reports described a variety of clinical presentations, but lower respiratory abnormalities are most common and chest CT findings differ between adult and pediatric patients. We aim to summarize early CT findings to inform healthcare providers on the frequency of COVID-19 manifestations specific to adult or pediatric patients, and to determine if the sensitivity of CT justifies its use in these populations. METHODS: PubMed was searched for the presence of the words "CT, imaging, COVID-19" in the title or abstract, and 17 large-scale PubMed and/or Scopus studies and case reports published between January 1, 2020 and April 15, 2020 were selected for data synthesis. RESULTS: Initial CT scans identified ground-glass opacities and bilateral abnormalities as more frequent in adults (74%, n = 698, and 89%, n = 378, respectively) than children (60%, n = 25, and 37%, n = 46). At 14+ days, CT scans evidenced varied degrees of improvement in adults but no resolution until at least 26 days after the onset of flu-like symptoms. In pediatric patients, a third (n = 9) showed additional small nodular GGOs limited to a single lobe 3-5 days after an initial CT scan. CONCLUSION: Early adult CT findings suggest the limited use of CT as a supplemental tool in diagnosing COVID-19 in symptomatic adult patients, with a particular focus on identifying right and left lower lobe abnormalities, GGOs, and interlobular septal thickening. Early pediatric CT findings suggest against the use of CT if RT-PCR is available given its significantly lower sensitivity in this population and radiation exposure.

[CT Presentations of Adult and Pediatric SARS-COV-2 Patients: A Review of Early COVID-19 Data]. / Comparación de los hallazgos en la tomografía computarizada de pacientes adultos y pediátricos con COVID-19.

Objective: Initial COVID-19 reports described a variety of clinical presentations, but lower respiratory abnormalities are most common and chest CT findings differ between adult and pediatric patients. We aim to summarize early CT findings to inform healthcare providers on the frequency of COVID-19 manifestations specific to adult or pediatric patients, and to determine if the sensitivity of CT justifies its use in these populations. Methods: PubMed was searched for the presence of the words "CT, imaging, COVID-19" in the title or abstract, and 17 large-scale PubMed and/or Scopus studies and case reports published between January 1, 2020 and April 15, 2020 were selected for data synthesis. Results: Initial CT scans identified ground-glass opacities and bilateral abnormalities as more frequent in adults (74%, n = 698, and 89%, n = 378, respectively) than children (60%, n = 25, and 37%, n = 46). At 14+ days, CT scans evidenced varied degrees of improvement in adults but no resolution until at least 26 days after the onset of flu-like symptoms. In pediatric patients, a third (n = 9) showed additional small nodular GGOs limited to a single lobe 3-5 days after an initial CT scan. Conclusión: Early adult CT findings suggest the limited use of CT as a supplemental tool in diagnosing COVID-19 in symptomatic adult patients, with a particular focus on identifying right and left lower lobe abnormalities, GGOs, and interlobular septal thickening. Early pediatric CT findings suggest against the use of CT if RT-PCR is available given its significantly lower sensitivity in this population and radiation exposure.

Energetic valorization of MSW compost valorization by selecting the maturity conditions.

MSW compost valorization under combustion, at two different composting process conditions, have been studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The composting operating parameters such as aeration and moisture affect the biodegradability of compost and results of the combustion (different gross heating values for each reactors). The obtained TGA showed that maximum weight loss for 10-12% (245-247 °C), 32-34% (407-411 °C) and 44-46% (760-769 °C) in correspondence to hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin-humic-fulvic acids decomposition for each reactor are observed. Obtained valued in kinetic study (Flynn-Wall-Ozawa method) results in suitable coefficients of determination. In that form, to establish the assumption that combustion of compost under a first-order reaction may be appropriate. Moreover, in both reactors, the conversion rate increased and the activation energy decreased with composting time is found. The maximum gross heating value versus minimum activation energy (for α = 0.25 and α = 0.5) corresponds to final composts and under aeration of 0.050 and 0.175 Lair kg-1 d-1 and moisture of 40% and 55% for R1 and R2 reactors respectively. For MSW, under proper conditions, composting could be used as a suitable biodrying process, stabilizing and concentrating the heating value.

Biological characterization of a new silicon based coating developed for dental implants.

Taking into account the influence of Si in osteoblast cell proliferation, a series of sol-gel derived silicon based coating was prepared by controlling the process parameters and varying the different Si-alkoxide precursors molar rate in order to obtain materials able to release Si compounds. For this purpose, methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMOS) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) were hydrolysed together and the sol obtained was used to dip-coat the different substrates. The silicon release ability of the coatings was tested finding that it was dependent on the TEOS precursor content, reaching a Si amount value around ninefolds higher for coatings with TEOS than for the pure MTMOS material. To test the effect of this released Si, the in vitro performance of developed coatings was tested with human adipose mesenchymal stem cells finding a significantly higher proliferation and mineralization on the coating with the higher TEOS content. For in vivo evaluation of the biocompatibility, coated implants were placed in the tibia of the rabbit and a histological analysis was performed. The evaluation of parameters such as the bone marrow state, the presence of giant cells and the fibrous capsule proved the biocompatibility of the developed coatings. Furthermore, coated implants seemed to produce a qualitatively higher osteoblastic activity and a higher number of bone spicules than the control (uncoated commercial SLA titanium dental implant).

[Analysis of ocular toxicity of fluconazole and voriconazole eyedrops using HET-CAM]. / Análisis de la toxicidad ocular de los colirios de voriconazoly fluconazol con HET-CAM.

PURPOSE: The objective of the study is to provide toxicological information through the HET-CAM test of Fluconazole and Voriconazole eye drops prepared commonly in Pharmacy Services for the treatment of fungal keratitis. METHOD: Experimental Study. The ocular toxicity of topical voriconazole 10 mg/ml and fluconazole 2 mg/ml were evaluated by the hen's egg test (HET) on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). The effects on blood vessels were based on its behavior during 300 seconds and processes that may occur at each time, then we calculated the irritation index (is, irritation score). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Both eye drops, voriconazol and fluconazole have been proven to be safe, since the IS that we obtained was zero for both samples and did not present significant signs of irritation. Therefore, these eyedrops are considered suitable for ocular use from a toxicological point of view.

OBJETIVO: El objetivo del estudio es aportar información toxicológica mediante el ensayo HET-CAM, de los colirios de Fluconazol y Voriconazol elaborados de manera habitual en los Servicios de Farmacia para el tratamiento de las queratitis fúngicas. MÉTODOS: Estudio experimental en el que se ensaya la potencial toxicidad ocular del colirio de voriconazol 10 mg/ml y fluconazol 2 mg/ml mediante el método Hen s Egg Test-Chorioallantoic Membrane (HET-CAM). Los resultados se fundamentan en la observación de los posibles procesos dañinos que pudiesen ocurrir en los vasos sanguíneos de la membrana corioalantoidea del embrión de pollo durante un tiempo de contacto de 300 segundos, calculándose posteriormente el índice de irritación (IS, Irritation Score). RESULTADOS Y CONCLUSIONES: Se obtienen IS nulos para ambas muestras, no mostrando por tanto indicios de irritación aguda apreciables, considerándose por tanto aptos para su utilización desde el punto de vista toxicológico.

Initial results of robot-assisted Ivor-Lewis oesophagectomy with intrathoracic hand-sewn anastomosis in the prone position.

BACKGROUND: There is scanty experience concerning robot-assisted Ivor-Lewis oesophagectomy, so every new experience is helpful. METHODS: We describe the techniques and short-term results of Ivor-Lewis oesophagectomy using a laparoscopic approach and robot-assisted thoracoscopy, and an observational study of prospective surveillance of the first 14 patients treated for oesophageal cancer. A gastric tube was created laparoscopically. Oesophagectomy was performed through a robot-assisted thoracoscopy followed by hand-sewn intrathoracic anastomosis. RESULTS: There were no conversion cases. Mortality was zero. Six patients had a major complication. There were no cases of respiratory complication or recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. Three patients had a radiological fistula (21.4%), successfully treated by endoscopic stenting, and one (7.1%) had an anastomosis leak needing reoperation. There were two cases of chylothorax (14.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Our initial results suggest that the reported technique is safe and satisfies the oncological principles. It provides the advantages of minimally invasive surgery by overcoming some limitations of conventional thoracoscopy.

Maximising municipal solid waste--legume trimming residue mixture degradation in composting by control parameters optimization.

Composting is one of the most successful biological processes for the treatment of the residues enriched in putrescible materials. The optimization of parameters which have an influence on the stability of the products is necessary in order to maximize recycling and recovery of waste components. The influence of the composting process parameters (aeration, moisture, C/N ratio, and time) on the stability parameters (organic matter, N-losses, chemical oxygen demand, nitrate, biodegradability coefficient) of the compost was studied. The composting experiment was carried out using Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and Legume Trimming Residues (LTR) in 200 L isolated acrylic barrels following a Box-Behnken central composite experimental design. Second-order polynomial models were found for each of the studied compost stability parameter, which accurately described the relationship between the parameters. The differences among the experimental values and those estimated by using the equations never exceeded 10% of the former. Results of the modelling showed that excluding the time, the C/N ratio is the strongest variable influencing almost all the stability parameters studied in this case, with the exception of N-losses which is strongly dependent on moisture. Moreover, an optimized ratio MSW/LTR of 1/1 (w/w), moisture content in the range of 40-55% and moderate to low aeration rate (0.05-0.175 Lair kg(-)(1) min(-1)) is recommended to maximise degradation and to obtain a stable product during co-composting of MSW and LTR.

Synthesis of hybrid sol-gel materials and their biological evaluation with human mesenchymal stem cells.

Surface engineering of biomaterials could promote the osseointegration of implants. In this work, two types of hybrid sol-gel materials were developed to stimulate cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation of osteogenic cells. One type was synthesised from vinyl triethoxysilane (VTES) and tetraethyl-orthosilicate (TEOS) at different molar ratios, while the other from VTES and hydroxyapatite particles (HAp). Hybrid materials were systematically investigated using nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and contact angle metrology. The biocompatibility and osseoinduction of the coatings were evaluated by measuring mesenchymal stem cell proliferation using MTT assays and analysing the mineralised extracellular matrix production by quantifying calcium-rich deposits. The results highlighted the versatility of these coatings in obtaining different properties by changing the molar ratio of the VTES:TEOS precursors. Thus, mineralisation was stimulated by increasing TEOS content, while the addition of HAp improved cell proliferation but worsened mineralisation.

Biorefinery process for production of paper and oligomers from Leucaena leucocephala K360 with or without prior autohydrolysis.

Lignocellulosic material from Leucaena leucocephala was subjected to a two-stage fractionation process to obtain a valorized effluent containing hemicellulose derivatives and a solid phase for producing cellulose pulp by conventional soda-anthraquinone delignification. This solid phase allows the production of cellulose pulp, under less rigorous conditions from NaOH-AQ process (177 °C, 21%, 120 min) than without pretreatment delignification (185 °C, 25%, 150 min) and better or similar properties in the paper sheets obtained (yield 27.6 and 34.0%, brightness 39.3 and 31.6% ISO, tensile index 7.8 and 10.5 N m/g, burst index 0.43 and 0.29 MPa m(2)/kg with and without previous autohydrolysis) have be found. Also, the first autohydrolysis stage allows up to 46.6% of the initial hemicellulose in the raw material to be extracted as xylooligomers, xylose and furfural into the liquid phase.