Self-Induced and Progressive Photo-Oxidation of Organophosphonic Acid Grafted Titanium Dioxide.

While synthesis-properties-performance correlations are being studied for organophosphonic acid grafted TiO2 , their stability and the impact of the exposure conditions on possible changes in the interfacial surface chemistry remain unexplored. Here, the impact of different ageing conditions on the evolution of the surface properties of propyl- and 3-aminopropylphosphonic acid grafted mesoporous TiO2 over a period of 2 years is reported, using solid-state 31 P and 13 C NMR, ToF-SIMS and EPR as main techniques. In humid conditions under ambient light exposure, PA grafted TiO2 surfaces initiate and facilitate photo-induced oxidative reactions, resulting in the formation of phosphate species and degradation of the grafted organic group with a loss of carbon content ranging from 40 to 60 wt %. By revealing its mechanism, solutions were provided to prevent degradation. This work provides valuable insights for the broad community in choosing optimal exposure/storage conditions that extend the lifetime and improve the materials' performance, positively impacting sustainability.

Impacto de la primera ola de Covid-19 en el estudiantado de cuarto curso de grado de enfermería de la Escuela Universitaria de Enfermería de Vitoria-Gasteiz / Impact of first wave covid-19 on fourth course nursing students in vitoria-gasteiz´s university school of nursing

Introducción: La pandemia de Covid-19 ocasionó una situación sanita ria grave que provocó la suspensión de las prácticas clínicas en la titulación de Enfermería. Como alternativa a ellas, el estudiantado de 4º curso realizó, en un Call Center, actividades de atención tele fónica y consejo sanitario para personas afectadas por la pandemia, con un con trato laboral de auxilio sanitario. Objetivo: conocer las experiencias vividas por el estudiantado de cuarto curso de la Es cuela Universitaria de Enfermería de Vi toria-Gasteiz participantes en el Call Center durante la primera ola de la pan demia COVID-19. Metodología: estudio cualitativo fenomenológico, donde se realizaron entrevistas en profundidad hasta la saturación del discurso. Resul tados: surgieron tres categorías de análi sis: la valoración del contrato de Auxilio Sanitario en un Call Center como alter nativa, las emociones identificadas en el estudiantado y la necesidad de apoyo psicológico al incorporarse a la actividad profesional. Conclusiones: la participa ción en el Call Center provocó en el es tudiantado diferentes emociones que tu vieron repercusión en su desarrollo pro fesional y se puso de manifiesto la im portancia del apoyo psicológico en una situación similar (AU)

Introduction: Covid-19 pandemic caused a serious health situation that induced the stopping of clinical practices in the Nursing degree. As an alternative, the 4thcourse students did in a Call Cen ter, phone attention and sanitary advice for people affected with Covid-19 and were provided with a labour contract as Sanitary Aid. Objective: to know the ex periences lived by the 4thcourse stu dents of the University School of Nursing of Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Call Center du ring the first wave of Covid-19 pandemic. Methodology: a qualitative phe nomenological study, with deep inter views until saturation. Results: three ca tegories arose in the analysis: the as sessment of the Sanitary Aid contract in a Call Center as an alternative, the iden tified in the student feelings and expe rience and the need of support on joining the labour force. Conclusions: Joining the Call center triggered different feelings in the students that affected their professio nal behavior and showed the evidence of psychological supporting a similar situa tion (AU)

Influence of Fluorine Doping of Activated Carbon Fibers on Their Water Vapor Adsorption Characteristics.

The characterization of fluorinated carbon fibers by water sorption has been broadly investigated in this work. In brief, a pitch-based activated carbon fiber (ACF) was submitted to a fluorination process under different conditions of partial pressure (F2:N2 ratio) and temperature. This led to samples with varied fluorine content and C-F type bonding. The effect of the fluorination treatment on the textural properties of the ACF was studied by means of nitrogen and carbon dioxide adsorption at -196 and 0°C, respectively, while the changes induced in the surface chemistry of the materials were analyzed by XPS. Also, the affinity and stability of the materials toward water was evaluated by single and cycling isotherms. The obtained results show that a mild fluorination not only can preserve most of the textural properties of the parent ACF, but enhance the water uptake at the first stages of the water sorption process, together with a shift in the upswing of the water isotherms toward lower relative humidities. This indicates that fluorination under certain conditions can actually enhance the surface hydrophilicity of carbon materials with specific properties. On the contrary, higher partial pressures led to highly fluorinated fibers with lower porosity and more hydrophobic character. Moreover, they presented a lower chemical stability as demonstrated by a change in the shape of the water isotherms after two consecutive measurements. The kinetics of water sorption in the ACFs provided further insights into the different sorption phenomena involved. Hence, water sorption can definitely help to tailor the water affinity, stability and performance of fluorinated porous carbon materials under humid conditions.

Adenine nucleobase directed supramolecular architectures based on ferrimagnetic heptanuclear copper(II) entities and benzenecarboxylate anions.

Two planar organic anions, benzoate and benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate (terephthalate), have been selected as potential π-stacking intercalators among ferrimagnetic [Cu7(µ-adeninato)6(µ3-OH)6(µ-H2O)6]2+ heptameric discrete entities. The resulting supramolecular architecture is highly dependent on the negative charge density distribution, mainly located in the carboxylate groups of the organic anions. In this sense, the benzoate anion, with just one carboxylate group, does not allow its intercalation between the adeninato ligands as it would imply a high steric hindrance among the heptameric entities. As a consequence, these benzoate anions are located inside the voids of the crystal structure reducing the accessible volume of compound [Cu7(µ-adeninato)6(µ3-OH)6(µ-H2O)6](benzoate)2·~17H2O (1). On the contrary, the terephthalate anion, containing two carboxylate groups at opposite sites, adopts a π-stacking sandwich arrangement between two adeninato ligands that affords the porous open structure of formula [Cu7(µ-adeninato)6(µ3-OH)6(µ-H2O)6](terephthalate)·nH2O (2a, 2b; n: 12 and 24, respectively). In addition to that, the less directional nature of the π-stacking interactions in comparison to the complementary hydrogen bonding based supramolecular metal-organic frameworks (SMOFs), suits them with a flexible architecture able to reversibly adsorb/desorb water (up to a 25-30% at 20 °C) altogether with the expansion/shrinkage of the crystal structure. The bridging adeninato and hydroxido ligands are effective magnetic exchange mediators to provide a ST = 5/2 ferrimagnetic state for the heptanuclear entity.

Boosting the Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalytic Performance of Nonprecious Metal Nanocarbons via Triple Boundary Engineering Using Protic Ionic Liquids.

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in aqueous media plays a critical role in sustainable and clean energy technologies such as polymer electrolyte membrane and alkaline fuel cells. In this work, we present a new concept to improve the ORR performance by engineering the interface reaction at the electrocatalyst/electrolyte/oxygen triple-phase boundary using a protic and hydrophobic ionic liquid and demonstrate the wide and general applicability of this concept to several Pt-free catalysts. Two catalysts, Fe-N codoped and metal-free N-doped carbon electrocatalysts, are used as a proof of concept. The ionic liquid layer grafted at the nanocarbon surface creates a water-equilibrated secondary reaction medium with a higher O2 affinity toward oxygen adsorption, promoting the diffusion toward the catalytic active site, while its protic character provides sufficient H+/H3O+ conductivity, and the hydrophobic nature prevents the resulting reaction product water from accumulating and blocking the interface. Our strategy brings obvious improvements in the ORR performance in both acid and alkaline electrolytes, while the catalytic activity of FeNC-nanocarbon outperforms commercial Pt-C in alkaline electrolytes. We believe that this research will pave new routes toward the development of high-performance ORR catalysts free of noble metals via careful interface engineering at the triple point.

Insights on the Use of Carbon Additives as Promoters of the Visible-Light Photocatalytic Activity of Bi2WO6.

We have explored the impact of the incorporation of various amounts of carbons from varied physicochemical features as additives to Bi2WO6 for the photocatalytic degradation of a dye using simulated solar light. Data has revealed that the composition and acidic character of the carbon additive are important parameters in the performance of the Bi2WO6/carbon catalysts. The presence of a carbon additive improved the conversion of the dye, evidencing the occurrence of charge transfer reactions that involve radical mediated reactions. The catalysts prepared with 2 and 5 wt.% of carbon additive outperformed the bare semiconductor, despite the shielding effect of the carbon matrix. The acidic nature of the Bi2WO6/carbon catalysts governs the degradation pathway (due to the preferential adsorption of the dye), that proceeds via the deethylation of the auxochrome groups of the dye at short irradiation times, followed by the cleavage of the chromophore at long irradiation times. Regarding the characteristics of the carbons, the photocatalytic degradation rate is accelerated by carbons of acidic character and high oxygen content, whereas the porosity seems to play a minor role. The presence of the carbon additives also affects the toxicity of the treated solutions, rendering lower values after shorter irradiation periods.

Efectividad de una intervención no sedativa para prevenir las reacciones ansiosas y claustrofóbicas en la resonancia magnética / Effectiveness of a non-sedative intervention to prevent anxious and claustrophobic reactions in magnetic resonance imaging

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Photochemistry of nanoporous carbons: Perspectives in energy conversion and environmental remediation.

The interest in the use of nanoporous carbon materials in applications related to energy conversion and storage, either as catalysts or additives, has grown over recent decades in various disciplines. Since the early studies reporting the benefits of the use of nanoporous carbons as inert supports of semiconductors and as electron acceptors that enhance the splitting of the photogenerated excitons, many researchers have investigated the key role of carbon matrices coupled to all types of photoactive materials. More recently, our group has demonstrated the ability of semiconductor-free nanoporous carbons to convert the absorbed photons into chemical reactions (i.e. oxidation of pollutants, water splitting, reduction of surface groups) opening new opportunities beyond conventional applications in light energy conversion. The aim of this paper is to review the recent progress on the application of nanoporous carbons in photochemistry using varied illumination conditions (UV, simulated solar light) and covering their role as additives to semiconductors as well as their use as photocatalysts in various fields, describing the photochemical quantum yield of nanoporous carbons for different reactions, and discussing the mechanisms postulated for the carbon/light interactions in confined pore spaces.

MR imaging-based assessment of the female pelvic floor.

Pelvic floor weakness is a functional condition that affects the anatomic structures supporting the pelvic organs: fasciae, ligaments, and muscles. It is a prevalent disorder among people older than 50 years, especially women, and may substantially diminish their quality of life. Many complex causes of pelvic floor weakness have been described, but the greatest risk factors are aging and female sex. Pelvic floor weakness can provoke a wide range of symptoms, including pain, urinary and fecal incontinence, constipation, difficulty in voiding, a sense of pressure, and sexual dysfunction. When the condition is diagnosed solely on the basis of physical and clinical examination, the compartments involved and the site of prolapse are frequently misidentified. Such errors contribute to a high number of failed interventions. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, which allows visualization of all three compartments, has proved a reliable technique for accurate diagnosis, especially when involvement of multiple compartments is suspected. MR imaging allows precise evaluation of ligaments, muscles, and pelvic organs and provides accurate information for appropriate surgical treatment. Moreover, dynamic MR imaging with steady-state sequences enables the evaluation of functional disorders of the pelvic floor. The authors review the pelvic floor anatomy, describe the MR imaging protocol used in their institutions, survey common MR imaging findings in the presence of pelvic floor weakness, and highlight key details that radiologists should provide surgeons to ensure effective treatment and improved outcomes.

Visible-light photochemical activity of nanoporous carbons under monochromatic light.

By using monochromatic light the ability of semiconductor-free nanoporous carbons to convert the low-energy photons from the visible spectrum into chemical reactions (i.e. phenol photooxidation) is demonstrated. Data shows that the onset wavelength of the photochemical activity can be tuned by surface functionalization, with enhanced visible-light conversion upon introducing N-containing groups.

Prenatal and Perinatal Morbidity in Children with Tic Disorders: A Mainstream School-based Population Study in Central Spain.

BACKGROUND: While current research suggests that genetic factors confer the greatest risk for the development of tic disorders, studies of environmental factors are relatively few, with a lack of consistent risk factors across studies. Our aim is to analyze the association of tic disorders with exposure to prenatal and perinatal morbidity. METHODS: This was a nested case-control study design. Cases and controls were selected and identified from a mainstream, school-based sample. The diagnosis of tic disorders was assigned by a movement disorder neurologist using 'Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 4th edition, text revision' criteria, and neuropsychiatric comorbidities were screened using the Spanish computerized version of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children Predictive Scale. Information regarding the exposure to pre-perinatal risk factors was collected by a retrospective review of the birth certificates. Logistic regression analyses were then performed to test the association of tic disorders with pre-perinatal risk factors. RESULTS: Out of 407 participants, complete pre-perinatal data were available in 153 children (64 with tics and 89 without tics). After adjusting for family history of tics, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, body mass index, prenatal infection, and coexisting comorbid neuropsychiatric disturbances, tic disorders were associated with prenatal exposure to tobacco (odds ratio [OR] = 3.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24-7.60, p = 0.007), and cesarean section (OR = 5.78, 95% CI 1.60-20.91, p = 0.01). DISCUSSION: This nested case-control study of children with tic disorders demonstrates higher adjusted odds for tics in children with exposure to cesarean delivery and maternal smoking. Longitudinal, population-based samples are required to confirm these results.

MR imaging evaluation of perianal fistulas: spectrum of imaging features.

Perianal fistulization is an inflammatory condition that affects the region around the anal canal, causing significant morbidity and often requiring repeated surgical treatments due to its high tendency to recur. To adopt the best surgical strategy and avoid recurrences, it is necessary to obtain precise radiologic information about the location of the fistulous track and the affected pelvic structures. Until recently, imaging techniques played a limited role in evaluation of perianal fistulas. However, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging now provides more precise information on the anatomy of the anal canal, the anal sphincter complex, and the relationships of the fistula to the pelvic floor structures and the plane of the levator ani muscle. MR imaging allows precise definition of the fistulous track and identification of secondary fistulas or abscesses. It provides accurate information for appropriate surgical treatment, decreasing the incidence of recurrence and allowing side effects such as fecal incontinence to be avoided. Radiologists should be familiar with the anatomic and pathologic findings of perianal fistulas and classify them using the St James's University Hospital MR imaging-based grading system.

The sensory process in man its analysis by means of cortical and subcortical evoked potentials

El proceso sensorial del hombre se puede analizar por medio de los potenciales somatosensoriales, auditivos y visuales evocados que se registran a partir de la superficie del cuero cabelludo en todos los pacientes, y de las profundidades del cerebro en algunos pacientes que tienen electrodos implantados con finalidades diagnósticas y terapéuticas. La sensación y la percepción son dos etapas consecutivas del proceso sensorial por medio de las cuales se perciben y analizan los estímulos ambientales. La atención selectiva es un filtro funcional que facilita la percepción de los estímulos importantes y bloquea los que carecen de importancia. La sensación se valora mediante potenciales evocados de latencia breve (tempranos) que revelan la activación del receptor, de las vías específicas y de las cortezas primarias; en tanto que la percepción se valora por los potenciales de latencia larga (tardios) que revelan un sistema reticulotalámico inespecífico que media de manera parcial las funciones de filtrado de la atención y de análisis percentual. La modulación de los impulsos sensoriales por un asa corticorreticulotalamocortical (sensorial en la primera etapa cortical y motor en la segunda) en el hombre, y no a nivel periférico como ocurre en los animales, permite al cerebro humano estar informado de manera continua sobre los acontecimientos periféricos y afrontarlos con patrones sensoriales y motores organizados en tiempo y espacio mediante vías receptores y centros corticales específicos. Esto es, permite comprender y manipular el ambiente por medio de su representación en un mosaico somatosensorial cerebral