This work has the aim to employ the agave bagasse, a waste from Tequila and Mescal industries, to obtain a product of high commercial value such as activated carbon. The activated carbon production ...methodology was based on a chemical activation, by using ZnCl
2 and H
3PO
4 as activating agent and agave bagasse as a natural source of carbon. The activation temperature (150–450 °C), activation time (0–60 min) and weight ratio of activating agent to precursor (0.2–4) were studied. The produced carbon materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and nitrogen physisorption at −196 °C. In addition, the activating agent recovery was evaluated. We were able to obtain highly microporous activated carbons with micropore volumes between 0.24 and 1.20 cm
3/g and a surface area within 300 and 2139 m
2/g. These results demonstrated the feasibility to treat the industrial wastes of the Tequila and Mescal industries, being this wastes an excellent precursor to produce highly microporous activated carbons that can be processed at low activation temperatures in short times, with the possibility of recycling the activating agent.
Background
COVID‐19 pandemic causes high global morbidity and mortality and better medical treatments to reduce mortality are needed.
Objective
To determine the added benefit of cyclosporine A (CsA), ...to low‐dose steroid treatment, in patients with COVID‐19.
Methods
Open‐label, non randomized pilot study of patients with confirmed infection of SARS‐CoV‐2 hospitalized from April to May 2020 at a single centre in Puebla, Mexico. Patients were assigned to receive either steroids or CsA plus steroids. Pneumonia severity was assessed by clinical, laboratory, and lung tomography. The death rate was evaluated at 28 days.
Results
A total of 209 adult patients were studied, 105 received CsA plus steroids (age 55.3 ± 13.3; 69% men), and 104 steroids alone (age 54.06 ± 13.8; 61% men). All patients received clarithromycin, enoxaparin and methylprednisolone or prednisone up to 10 days. Patient's death was associated with hypertension (RR = 3.5) and diabetes (RR = 2.3). Mortality was 22 and 35% for CsA and control groups (P = 0.02), respectively, for all patients, and 24 and 48.5% for patients with moderate to severe disease (P = 0.001). Higher cumulative clinical improvement was seen for the CsA group (Nelson Aalen curve, P = 0.001, log‐rank test) in moderate to severe patients. The Cox proportional hazard analysis showed the highest HR improvement value of 2.15 (1.39–3.34, 95%CI, P = 0.0005) for CsA treatment in moderate to severe patients, and HR = 1.95 (1.35–2.83, 95%CI, P = 0.0003) for all patients.
Conclusion
CsA used as an adjuvant to steroid treatment for COVID‐19 patients showed to improve outcomes and reduce mortality, mainly in those with moderate to severe disease. Further investigation through controlled clinical trials is warranted.
Currently, emerging alimentary alternatives are growing, leading to the consumption of natural products including bio, fermented, and traditional foods. The studies over functional properties of food ...matrices and their derived compounds have resulted in the development of new functional alimentary items. However, most of the population still has limited access to, and information about, suitable foods. Analyzing traditional fermented products, we found fermented food matrices containing beneficial bacteria, with the possibility of exerting effects on different substrates enhancing the bioavailability of short-chain fatty acids (SFCAs), antioxidants, among other food-derived products. Maize (Zea mays L.), agave varieties, nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica), and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were key foods for the agricultural and nutritional development of Mesoamerica. We believe that the traditional Mexican diet has relevant ingredients with these functionalities and their association will allow us to develop functional food suitable for each population and their current needs. In this review, the functional properties of maize, agave, nopal, and frijol are detailed, and the functional food innovation and development opportunities for these food matrices are analyzed, which may be an important precedent for future basic and applied research.
Resumen Introducción: La rehabilitación cardíaca de fase I es un programa hospitalario que tiene como objetivo reducir los efectos que se pueden derivar del reposo prolongado en cama e instruir al ...paciente para el ingreso a la fase ambulatoria de rehabilitación. Objetivo: Analizar los efectos de la rehabilitación cardíaca de fase I en pacientes sometidos a revascularización miocárdica y cambios valvulares, mediante una revisión sistemática de la literatura. Método: La revisión incluyó ensayos clínicos controlados aleatorizados que analizaran los efectos de la rehabilitación cardíaca de fase I. Se emplearon las bases de datos Scopus, ScienceDirect, Embase y Embase classic OVID. La búsqueda se limitó a los artículos publicados entre los años 2000 y 2017, en inglés, portugués y español. Los estudios que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión recibieron un análisis de la calidad metodológica, el nivel de evidencia y el grado de recomendación según las escalas PEDro y Scottish. Resultados: Fueron elegibles 298 artículos, de los cuales cuatro fueron seleccionados y analizados; todos estos incluyeron población que había sido sometida a revascularización quirúrgica cardíaca y dos a población con reparación o reemplazo valvular quirúrgico. En cuanto a la calidad metodológica, dos fueron categorizados como de buena calidad con un nivel de evidencia 1+ y 1++ y un grado de recomendación A y B. Los protocolos de tratamiento utilizados fueron las técnicas respiratorias, los ejercicios activos de extremidades y la deambulación. Conclusiones: La literatura analizada sugiere incluir los procesos de rehabilitación cardíaca de fase I, lo cual puede mejorar la función pulmonar y disminuir la ansiedad, variable que se asoció de manera directa con la estancia hospitalaria en los pacientes posquirúrgicos cardíacos.
In this study, a new hybrid material with superior CO2 sorption capacity was prepared by the growth of carbon nanotubes (CNT) into the macroporous structure of acid carbonized fibers (ACF). The ...growth of CNT was carried out by chemical vapor deposition using acetylene as a carbon source for 3.5 min at 700 °C. Selected materials were characterized by N2 physisorption, FTIR, potentiometric titrations, acid digestions, Raman spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The CO2 capture was measured in static mode at pressure up to 10 atm in a sorptometer and in dynamic mode in a thermogravimetric analyzer at pressure of 1 atm. CNTs were homogeneously grown on the entire surface of ACF. The surface area of carbonized fibers increased from 2 to 452 m2/g after CNT growth and treatment at 300 °C for 1 min in air. The CO2 capture capacity of the ACF increased from 2.30 to 3.51 mmol/g at 25 °C and 10 atm after CNTs growth and air treatment (ACF3-CNT-AT1). The CO2 capture rate was also higher, from 0.023 to 0.032 mmol/g·min for ACF and ACF3-CNT-AT1 at 25 °C and 1 atm, respectively. These results were mainly attributed to the increase in basic groups and highly reactive edge sites. In addition, regeneration capacities of 99% and 95% were obtained for the first 3 sorption-desorption cycles and an apparent selectivity (QCO2/QN2) of 1.65 and 2.48 for ACF and ACF3-CNT-AT1, respectively. The rapid sorption-desorption kinetics, coupled with the high reversibility of CNT-modified ACFs, makes this hybrid material viable for use in CO2 capture systems.
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•CNT grew homogeneously onto ACF.•ACF containing CNT improved the CO2 capture capacity by 38.8%.•Modified ACF reported a CO2 capture capacity of 1.61 mmol/g in 50 min.•ACF containing CNT are 95% regenerable after three adsorption-desorption cycles.
Exposure to toxins during pregnancy is the main modifiable behavior that affects the placenta and, consequently, the fetus. In particular, smoking is a recognized risk factor for negative outcomes. ...Our study pretended to examine gross and microscopic placental features in women who reported exposure to tobacco, alcohol, or other psychoactive substances.
In this observational case-control study, we collected 706 placentas to assess precise substance exposure histological-interaction features of in the placenta. We examined gross and microscopic placental features, and then recorded maternal and newborn clinical conditions.
We found that 4.8% of mothers admitted to consumption of some type of (harmful) substance. The most common pre-existing maternal condition was obesity (20.3%); predominant complications included amniotic infection (32.3%), urinary tract infection (14.5%) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (14.5%). In newborns, we discovered positive associations as respiratory distress syndrome. Macroscopically, exposed mothers had heavier placentas, more true knots, and single umbilical artery; microscopically, they were more likely to exhibit fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM).
Until our present study, no research linked umbilical cord defects to toxic substance exposure; our study results do confirm association with adverse outcomes in neonates and alterations in the neuro-cardio-placental circuit through FVM.
The results are confirming the importance of this modifiable risk factor and how its presence may potentially affect the course of pregnancy, as well as the health of both mother and child.
Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) is a commensal pathogen that usually colonizes the upper respiratory tract of children. Likewise, Spn colonization has been considered a critical factor in the ...development of pneumococcal invasive disease. However, Spn prevalence in adults remains unclear. This study performs a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the prevalence of Spn Nasopharynx - Oropharynx Colonization (NOC) in adults.
A Systematic review of scientific databases was utilized to identify eligible studies that follow strict selection criteria. Subsequently, a meta-analysis was conducted to establish NOC prevalence in adults (≥18 years old). The heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses were assessed using the microorganism identification technique, sample type, and age subgroups.
Initial selection includes 69 studies, with 37 selected for the meta-analysis, involving 23,724 individuals. The overall prevalence (95 % CI) of Spn NOC among adults was 6 % (5–9). The subgroup analysis revealed that young adults (YA), 18–64 years old, had a prevalence of 10 %, whereas older adults (OA), ≥65 years old, had a prevalence of 2 %. The identification of Spn NOC may vary depending on the method of diagnosis used. High heterogeneity (I2 > 90 %) was observed but diminished to 70 % when the analysis was restricted to oropharyngeal swabs as an identification method. Furthermore, heterogeneity decreased to 58 % when exclusively employing traditional culture as the identification method.
This study found a low prevalence of Spn NOC in adults. Notably, the prevalence of Spn NOC was higher in younger adults than in older adults. It is essential to highlight a significant heterogeneity among studies, which indicates there is no standardized method of Spn NOC identification.
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•The CO2 sorption rate was improved through the ionic liquid-carbon fiber synergy.•The optimal mass ratio of impregnated carbon fiber with ionic liquid was 1:10−3.•The complex CO2 ...sorption mechanism involves chemical and physical interactions.•The hybrid material is 91% regenerable in the CO2 sorption-desorption cycles.
In this research a new hybrid material was prepared to improve the kinetics and CO2 sorption capacity of an ionic liquid supported on the macroporous structure of carbonized agave bagasse fibers, which are low-cost renewable materials. The ionic liquid was 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate that has high affinity for CO2. The CO2 capture was assessed in a dynamic mode at atmospheric pressure by monitoring the weight change of the fibers in a thermogravimetric analyzer when passing a CO2 gas stream. The CO2 capture was evaluated on carbonized fibers (CF), acid washed carbonized fibers (CFw) and carbonized fibers impregnated with ionic liquid (IL) using a mass ratio that ranges from 1:10−3 to 1:1 (wt CFw: wt IL). The BET surface area of CF was 75 m2/g that decreased after the acid wash to 2 m2/g. However, after impregnation with IL, the surface area was maintained at 2 m2/g when using the lowest impregnation ratio (1:10−3). The impregnated sample with a mass ratio of 1:10−3 (CFwIL1:10−3) exhibited the highest sorption capacity (1.29 mmol CO2/g evaluated at 50 min of CO2 exposure) and sorption rate of 0.02 mmol CO2/min*g. These values were superior to those obtained by the IL (0.77 mmol CO2/g and 0.012 mmol CO2/min*g), which showed the synergy between the IL and the support in the CO2 capture. Finally, the cycles of CO2 capture (25 °C, 50 min) and thermal desorption (80 °C, 50 min, under nitrogen atmosphere) reported that the IL captured up to 1.07 mmol CO2/g but released only 41.5%, in contrast the impregnated carbon fibers (CFwIL1:10−3) captured 1.13 mmol CO2/g and released 91%. The rapid CO2 sorption-desorption processes and high reversibility of the impregnated carbon fibers suggest that this material could be used in CO2 concentrators.
Context. The Crab pulsar is the only astronomical pulsed source detected at very high energy (VHE, E > 100 GeV) gamma rays. The emission mechanism of VHE pulsation is not yet fully understood, ...although several theoretical models have been proposed. Aims. In order to test new models, we measured the light curve and the spectra of the Crab pulsar with high precision by means of deep observations. Methods. We analyzed 135 h of selected MAGIC data taken between 2009 and 2013 in stereoscopic mode. In order to discuss the spectral shape in connection with lower energies, 5.5 years of Fermi-LAT data were also analyzed. Results. The known two pulses per period were detected with a significance of 8.0σ and 12.6σ. In addition, significant emission was found between the two pulses with 6.2σ. Conclusions. We discovered the bridge emission above 50 GeV between the two main pulses. This emission can not be explained with the existing theories. These data can be used for testing new theoretical models.
In this study, Fe:Ce bimetallic oxide particles (BOP) were immobilized in poly(vinyl) alcohol (PVA) hydrogel, aiming to engineer a granular material that preserves the adsorptive properties of BOP ...powder, allowing their use in conventional water treatment systems. Through a detailed evaluation of the synthesis conditions, we were able to produce a composite (PVA/BOP) with excellent physicochemical properties, while retaining up to 100% of the BOP arsenic adsorption capacity, even at ppb of As(V) concentrations. The composites were characterized by SEM, N2 physisorption, FT-IR, potentiometric titration, and compression test. Also, adsorption experiments including isotherms, kinetics, pH effect and selectivity were performed. The inclusion of BOP in the PVA hydrogel improved the mechanical properties of the hydrogel, increasing the elastic limit from 60% for PVA to 90% for the composite, making it suitable for packed bed systems. The BOP particles showed a uniform dispersion in the composite as evidenced by SEM. The surface area of the composite reached 10 m2/g and has an acidic surface (pHpzc of 4.1). The FTIR analyses allowed us to demonstrate the interactions of BOP with PVA, and to propose the arsenic adsorption mechanism. The dry composite labeled as C7P60 showed excellent arsenic removal: adsorption capacity of 77.62 mg/g measured at 0.8 mg As/L and pH 7; adsorption kinetics of 1.69 mg As(V)/min·g reaching equilibrium in less than 30 min; and a high affinity for arsenic in presence of competing anions, including F−, Cl−, HCO3−, NO3−, SO42− and H2PO4−. The results reported herein suggest that this granular composite PVA/BOP can be an excellent candidate to address arsenic water contamination problems.
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•The As(V) adsorption capacity of BOPs into the composite was maintained.•The composite reported an As(V) uptake of up to 77 mg/g at 0.8 mg/L.•The composite reached the adsorption equilibrium in 30 min.•The granular compound has adequate resistance to be used in water treatment systems.
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