Highly Stable Hierarchically Structured All-Polymeric Lubricant-Infused Films Prevent Thrombosis and Repel Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens.

Thrombus formation and infections caused by bacterial adhesion are the most common causes of failure in blood-contacting medical devices. Reducing the interaction of pathogens using repellent surfaces has proven to be a successful strategy in preventing device failure. However, designing scale-up methodologies to create large-scale repellent surfaces remains challenging. To address this need, we have created an all-polymeric lubricant-infused system using an industrially viable swelling-coagulation solvent (S-C) method. This induces hierarchically structured micro/nano features onto the surface, enabling improved lubricant infusion. Poly(3,3,3-trifluoropropylmethylsiloxane) (PTFS) was used as the lubricant of choice, a previously unexplored omniphobic nonvolatile silicone oil. This resulted in all-polymeric liquid-infused surfaces that are transparent and flexible with long-term stability. Repellent properties have been demonstrated using human whole blood and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria matrices, with lubricated surfaces showing 93% reduction in blood stains and 96.7% reduction in bacterial adherence. The developed material has the potential to prevent blood and pathogenic contamination for a range biomedical devices within healthcare settings.

Understanding the Reinforcement of Graphene in Poly(Ether Ether Ketone)/Carbon Fibre Laminates.

PEEK appears as an excellent candidate to substitute epoxy resins in carbon fibre laminates for high-performance aeronautical applications. The optimization of the properties and, in particular, of the transition region between the fibres and the matrix appear as a major issue prior to serial production. Graphene, modified with two compatibilizers, has been incorporated in the polymer layer with the purpose of imparting additional functionalities and enhancing the matrix-fibre interaction. It is found that both carbon fibres and modified graphene significantly influence the crystallization behaviour and smaller, and/or more imperfect crystals appear while the degree of crystallinity decreases. Despite this, nanoindentation studies show that the PEEK layer exhibits significant modulus improvements (≈30%) for 5 wt.% of graphene. Most importantly, the study of the local mechanical properties by nanoindentation mapping allows the identification of remarkably high modulus values close to the carbon fibre front. Such a relevant mechanical enhancement can be associated with the accumulation of graphene platelets at the polymer-fibre boundary, as revealed by electron microscopy studies. The results offer a feasible route for interlaminar mechanical improvement based on the higher density of graphene platelets at the fibre front that should promote interfacial interactions. Concerning electrical conductivity, a large anisotropy was found for all laminates, and values in the range ~10-4 S/cm were found for the through-thickness arrangement as a consequence of the good consolidation of the laminates.

Análisis de la consulta enfermera de Atención Primaria en la Comunidad de Madrid (España) / An analysis of primary nurse consultation in the Community of Madrid

Objetivo: Analizar las características de la consulta enfermera en Atención Primaria e identificar los factores asociados a los diferentes tipos de actividad. Método: Estudio observacional multicéntrico transversal sobre 662 consultas de 164 enfermeras diferentes (23 centros de salud, Comunidad de Madrid). La consulta se clasificó según una propuesta de consenso en: «actividades de prevención» (AdP), «déficit de autocuidados» (DA), «afrontamiento y adaptación» (AyA) y «procedimientos diagnósticos y terapéuticos» (PDyT). Se recogieron características sociodemográficas, de necesidad en salud y relativas a la consulta. Se hizo un análisis inferencial bivariante y se construyeron modelos multivariantes explicativos. Resultados: El 63,6% (IC del 95%: 59,9-67,3%) de las consultas fueron PDyT. En el 24,3% (IC del 95%: 21,0- 27,7%) de los casos la consulta era a demanda. No hubo diferencias en el tipo de consultas por género (p = 0,858), ni para inmigrantes (p = 0,428). Los sujetos de clases sociales superiores ocuparon con más frecuencia consultas de AdP (p = 0,007). No había otras diferencias en accesibilidad. Las consultas de PDyT se relacionaron con la existencia de hospitalizaciones previas (OR: 1,191; IC del 95%: 1,088-1,304), o el uso previo de servicios (consulta enfermera OR: 1,002, IC del 95%: 1,000-1,003; consulta médica OR: 1,003, IC del 95%: 1,000-1,006). Conclusiones: La consulta enfermera en nuestro medio se dirige preferentemente a la realización de procedimientos y predomina la consulta autoconcertada respecto a la demanda. No se detectan inequidades en la accesibilidad, pero el tipo de atención para diferentes grupos sociales no fue homogéneo

Objective: to analyse the characteristics of primary care nurse consultation and to identify the factors associated with different types of activity. Method: A cross-sectional multicentre observational study in 23 health centres (Community of Madrid), on 164 different nurses. The consultation was classified according to a consensus proposal in: "preventive activities" (PA), "self-care deficit" (SD), "coping and adaptation" (CA) and "diagnostic and therapeutic procedures" (DTP). Sociodemographic characteristics, health needs, and consultation characteristics were collected. A bivariate inferential analysis was made, and explanatory multivariate models were constructed. Results: Of the total consultations 63.6% (95% CI: 59.9-67.3%) were classified as DTP. The consultation was directly requested by the patient in 24.3% (95% CI: 21.0- 27.7%) of the cases. There were no differences in the type of consultations by gender (P=.858), or for immigrants (P=.428). Subjects from higher social classes more frequently attended PA consultations (P=.007). There were no other differences in accessibility. The DTP consultations related to previous hospitalizations (OR: 1.191, 95% CI: 1.088-1.304), or the previous use of services (nurse consultation OR: 1.002, 95% CI: 1.000-1.003, medical consultation OR: 1.003, 95% CI: 1.000-1.006). Conclusions: The nurse consultation is mainly aimed at carrying out procedures and previously arranged consultation prevails over patient demanded consultation. No inequities in accessibility were detected, but the type of care for different social groups was not homogeneous

An analysis of primary nurse consultation in the Community of Madrid. / Análisis de la consulta enfermera de Atención Primaria en la Comunidad de Madrid (España).

OBJECTIVE: to analyse the characteristics of primary care nurse consultation and to identify the factors associated with different types of activity. METHOD: A cross-sectional multicentre observational study in 23 health centres (Community of Madrid), on 164 different nurses. The consultation was classified according to a consensus proposal in: "preventive activities" (PA), "self-care deficit" (SD), "coping and adaptation" (CA) and "diagnostic and therapeutic procedures" (DTP). Sociodemographic characteristics, health needs, and consultation characteristics were collected. A bivariate inferential analysis was made, and explanatory multivariate models were constructed. RESULTS: Of the total consultations 63.6% (95% CI: 59.9-67.3%) were classified as DTP. The consultation was directly requested by the patient in 24.3% (95% CI: 21.0- 27.7%) of the cases. There were no differences in the type of consultations by gender (P=.858), or for immigrants (P=.428). Subjects from higher social classes more frequently attended PA consultations (P=.007). There were no other differences in accessibility. The DTP consultations related to previous hospitalizations (OR: 1.191, 95% CI: 1.088-1.304), or the previous use of services (nurse consultation OR: 1.002, 95% CI: 1.000-1.003, medical consultation OR: 1.003, 95% CI: 1.000-1.006). CONCLUSIONS: The nurse consultation is mainly aimed at carrying out procedures and previously arranged consultation prevails over patient demanded consultation. No inequities in accessibility were detected, but the type of care for different social groups was not homogeneous.

Unexpected [4 + 2] Cycloaddition through Chromium Non-Heteroatom-Stabilized Alkynyl Carbene Complexes: Regioselective Access to Substituted 6-Azaindoles.

A formal [4 + 2] heterocycloaddition of non-heteroatom-stabilized alkynyl carbene complexes and iminopyrroles is described. The reaction implies a totally regioselective synthesis of 6-azaindole derivatives through the formation of the pyridine ring. The mechanism of the reaction has been explored by means of density functional theory calculations, which showed a preference for the [4 + 2] cycloaddition instead of the [2 + 2] or [3 + 3] cycloadditions observed with other imines. The structure of the products also shows an unusual connectivity pattern from carbene complexes.

Long-Term Underwater Hydrophobicity: Exploring Topographic and Chemical Requirements.

A family of hybrid organoinorganic silica-based particles with varied chemical natures and morphologies has been synthesized to test their ability to develop coatings with underwater hydrophobicity. The particles were characterized by elemental microanalysis, scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering to evaluate the organic content, observe the morphology, and estimate the aggregate size, respectively. These morphologies were transferred into surface topographies by spraycoating dispersions made from the particles onto glass supports, resulting in coatings with an ample range of profiles and roughness but all of them being superhydrophobic. Atomic force microscopy and optical profilometry were used to map the coating surfaces and analyze the topography. Then, underwater hydrophobicity endurance was tested by immersion under a 2 cm 20 °C water column perpendicular to circular glass supports coated with the particles. The so-called mirror effect derived from the occurrence of the primary plastron (continuous air layer occluded between the surface and the water) was observed on the surface of all of the coatings tested. Apart from the dependency of plastrons on the water temperature and substrate shape, the plastron quality and lifetime is notably different depending on the particle morphology and thus on the coating topography. These experiments have demonstrated that the most persistent mirror effects, and therefore underwater superhydrophobicity, were produced on coatings that exhibited the smoothest topographies at the micrometric scale. In addition, these particle-only coatings can be made mechanically stable and robust by blending with a polymer matrix.

Poly(ethylene oxide) functionalized polyimide-based microporous films to prevent bacterial adhesion.

Preventing microbial adhesion onto membranes is a crucial issue that determines the durability of the membrane. In this Research Article, we prepared aromatic polyimides (extensively employed for the elaboration of ultrafiltration membranes) containing PEO branches. Four polyimide-g-PEO copolymers were prepared from 6F dianhydride and a novel aromatic diamine containing PEO-550 side groups. The copolymers were designed to have variable PEO content, and were characterized by their spectroscopic and physical properties. The Breath Figure technique was successfully applied to create an ordered surface topography, where the PEO chains were preferentially located on the surface of the micrometer size holes. These unique features were explored to reduce bacterial adhesion. It was established that surface modified polyimide membranes have a high resistance to biofouling against Staphylococcus aureus. In particular, we observed that an increase of the PEO the content in the copolymer produced a decrease in the bacterial adhesion.

Intermolecular and regioselective access to polysubstituted benzo- and dihydrobenzo[c]azepine derivatives: modulating the reactivity of group 6 non-heteroatom-stabilized alkynyl carbene complexes.

We highlight the versatility of non-heteroatom-stabilized tungsten-carbene complexes 3 synthesized in situ, which have been used in a modular approach to access 2-benzazepinium isolable intermediates 5. By employing very mild conditions, benzazepinium derivatives 5 have been obtained in high yield from simple compounds, such as acetylides 2, Fischer-type alkoxycarbenes 1, and phenylimines 4. The process, involving a formal [4+3] heterocycloaddition, occurs in a totally regioselective manner, which differs from the approach previously observed in similar procedures for other carbene analogues. This work, which involves three components, reveals a control of the reactivity of non-heteroatom-stabilized carbene complexes 3 ([4+3] vs. [2+2]-heterocycloaddition reactions) depending on the acetylide substitution pattern. The influence of the substitution pattern in the behavior of the complexes has been computationally analyzed and rationalized. Finally, elaboration of the 2-benzazepinium intermediates allows access to 3H-benzo[c]azepines 6 and 3H-1,2-dihydrobenzo[c]azepines 7-9 with high control of the substitution of the nine positions of the heterocycle.

X-ray diffraction, calorimetric, and dielectric relaxation study of the amorphous and smectic states of a main chain liquid crystalline polymer.

Liquid crystalline polymers (LCPs) are complex systems that include features of both orientationally ordered mesophases and amorphous polymers. Frequently, the isotropic amorphous state cannot be studied due to the rapid mesophase formation. Here, a new main chain LCP, poly(triethyleneglycol methyl p,p'-bibenzoate), PTEMeB, has been synthesized. It shows a rather slow mesophase formation making possible to study independently both the amorphous and the liquid crystalline states. The structure and phase transitions of PTEMeB have been investigated by calorimetry, variable-temperature MAXS/WAXS employing synchrotron radiation, and X-ray diffraction in oriented fibers. These experiments have pointed out the presence of two glass transitions, related to the amorphous or to the liquid crystal phases. Additionally, the mesophase seems to be a coexistence of orthogonal and tilted smectic phases. A dielectric relaxation study of PTEMeB over broad ranges of temperature and pressure has been performed. The dynamic glass transition turns out to be slower for the amorphous state than for the liquid crystal. Monitoring of the α relaxation has allowed us to follow the isothermal mesophase formation at atmospheric pressure. Additionally, the dynamical behavior at high pressures has pointed out the fast formation of the mesophase induced by sudden pressure changes.

Regioselective synthesis of 4,6,7-trisubstituted benzofurans from furfural imines and nonheteroatom stabilized alkynylcarbene complexes.

Nonheteroatom stabilized chromium alkynylcarbene complexes 3,6, generated in situ from Fischer cabene complexes 1, smoothly react with furan-2-ylmethanimines 4 to provide substituted 7-aminobenzofurans 5 in moderate to good yields. The procedure involves the construction of the arene ring by a regioselective [3+3] carbocyclization reaction.

Proteomic analysis from haploid and diploid embryos of Quercus suber L. identifies qualitative and quantitative differential expression patterns.

Quercus suber L. is a Mediterranean forest species with ecological, social and economic value. Clonal propagation of Q. suber elite trees has been successfully obtained from in vitro-derived somatic and gametic embryos. These clonal lines play a main role in breeding and genetic studies of Q. suber. To aid in unravelling diverse genetic and biological unknowns, a proteomic approach is proposed. The proteomic analysis of Q. suber somatic and gametic in vitro culture-derived embryos, based on DIGE and MALDI-MS, has produced for the first time proteomic data on this species. Seventeen differentially expressed proteins have been identified which display significantly altered levels between gametic and somatic embryos. These proteins are involved in a variety of cellular processes, most of which had been neither previously associated with embryo development nor identified in the genus Quercus. Some of these proteins are involved in stress and pollen development and others play a role in the metabolism of tannins and phenylpropanoids, which represent two of the major pathways for the synthesis of cork chemical components. Furthermore, the augmented expression levels found for specific proteins are probably related to the homozygous state of a doubled-haploid sample. Proteins involved in synthesis of cork components can be detected at such early stages of development, showing the potential of the method to be useful in searching for biomarkers related to cork quality.