High-performance luminescent solar concentrators based on poly(Cyclohexylmethacrylate) (PCHMA) films

In this study, we report on the use of poly(cyclohexylmethacrylate) (PCHMA) as an alternative to the commonly used poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) for the design of efficient luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs). PCHMA was selected due to its less polar nature with respect to PMMA, a characteristic that was reported to be beneficial in promoting the fluorophore dispersibility in the matrix, thus maximizing the efficiency of LSCs also at high doping. In this sense, LSC thin films based on PCHMA and containing different contents of Lumogen F Red 305 (LR, 0.2–1.8 wt%) demonstrated optical efficiencies (ηopt) comprising between 9.5% and 10.0%, i.e., about 0.5–1% higher than those collected from the LR/PMMA systems. The higher LR/polymer interactions occurred using the PCHMA matrix maximized the solar harvesting characteristics of the fluorophore and limited the influence of the adverse dissipative phenomena on the fluorophore quantum efficiency. These effects were also reflected by varying the LSC film thickness and reaching maximum ηopt of about 11.5% in the case of PCHMA films of about 30 µm

Modelo psicoeducativo basado en el neocórtex cerebral y su influencia en la personalidad de estudiantes universitarios

The objective of the study is to demonstrate the influence of the model-based psychoeducational cerebral neocórtex as informational social-psychological system that improve the level of personality adjustment and interpersonal values in UNHEVAL university students.Methods: An experimental study, non-probability sampling with two groups of 25 students, were used inventory of personality fit and reliability of r = 0.96, the questionnaire test retest reliability interpersonal values vary between 0.71 and 0.86 Kuder-Richardson  adapted to Peruvian scales. Statistical Mc Nemar test, significance level of 0.05 and contingency table 2 x 2 and 2 frequency inputs, designs before and after, were observed and no improvement, improvement achieved by the experimental and control groups.Results: Post-test, the improvement was achieved in the inventory adjustment in the areas of personality: emotional (48%) excellent (40%) good, achieving an improvement (88%), who have control of their emotions, conflicts tolerance, free from fear, Health (52%) good, (44%) and regular (4%) with excellent and improved (56%). Social (80%) and aggressive (8%) very aggressive, improve (88%), home (40%) good (60%) regularly, improves the qualities of the father-child relationship and brotherly. Scales of interpersonal values support the high level (56%), dealing with understanding, kindness, affection, support and encouragement of others; compliance (52%), attitudes of respect, acceptance of social norms and rules, to the socially correct; recognition (76%), with attitudes of admiration, be considered important person and get recognition from others; independence (48%), free to make decisions for yourself, act for their own judgment; benevolence (60 %), sense of mission and solidarity, leadership (84%). Conclusions: The model applied based psychoeducational cerebral neocórtex as informational social-psychological system, showed significant improvement in the quality levels of personality adjustment and interpersonal values.El objetivo del estudio es demostrar la influencia del modelo psicoeducativo basada en el neocórtex cerebral como sistema informacional social-psíquica que permiten mejorar los nivel de ajuste de la personalidad y valores interpersonales en estudiantes universitarios de la UNHEVAL. Métodos: Es un estudio experimental, muestreo no probabilística con dos grupos de 25 estudiantes, se utilizaron el inventario de ajuste de la personalidad y su confiabilidad de r= 0.96, el cuestionario de valores interpersonales confiabilidad test retest varían entre 0.71 y 0.86 de Kuder- Richardson adaptado a baremos peruanos. Estadístico de prueba de Mc Nemar, nivel de significación de 0.05 y tabla de contingencia de 2 x 2 y de 2 entradas de frecuencia, diseños de antes y después; se observaron la mejora y no mejora alcanzados por los grupos experimental y control. Resultados: Post test, se logró la mejoría en el inventario de ajuste de la personalidad en las áreas: emocional (48%) excelente, (40%) bueno, alcanzando una mejora del (88%); quienes ejercen control de sus emociones, tolerancia hacia sus conflictos, libre de temores; Salud (52%) bueno,(44%) regular y (4%) excelente y con una mejora del (56%). Social (80%) agresivo y (8%) muy agresivo, mejoran el (88%); hogar (40%) bueno (60%) regular, mejora las calidades de la relación paterna- filiales y fraternales. Escalas de valores  interpersonales el nivel alto soporte (56%), el trato con comprensión, amabilidad, afectividad, apoyo y aliento de otras personas; conformidad (52%), actitudes de respeto, aceptación a las normas y reglas sociales, a lo socialmente correcto; reconocimiento (76%), con actitudes de admiración, ser considerado persona importante y conseguir el reconocimiento de los demás; independencia (48%), libre para tomar decisiones por sí mismo, actuar a favor de su propio criterio; benevolencia (60%),vocación altruista y solidaridad; liderazgo(84%). Conclusiones: El modelo psicoeducativo aplicado basada en el neocórtex cerebral como sistema informacional social-psíquica, mostró mejoría significativa de los niveles de calidad de ajuste de la personalidad y valores interpersonales

Binding of DNA by a dinitro-diester calix[4]arene: denaturation and condensation of DNA

A study of a dinitro-diester calix[4]arene (5,17-(3-nitrobenzylideneamino)-11,23-di-tert-butyl- 25,27-diethoxycarbonyl methyleneoxy-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene) interaction with calf-thymus DNA was carried out using several techniques. The measurements were done at various molar ratios X=[calixarene]/[DNA]. Results show diverse changes in the DNA conformation depending on the X value. Thus, at low macrocycle concentration, the calixarene binds to the polynucleotide. This interaction, mainly in groove mode, weakens the hydrogen bonds between the base pairs of the helix inducing the denaturation of the double strands, as well as the condensation of the macromolecule, from an extended coil state to a globular state. An opposite effect is observed at X molar ratios higher than 0.07. The de-condensation of DNA happens, that is, the transition from a compact state to a more extended conformation, probably due to the stacking of calixarene molecules in the solution. Results also show the importance of making a proper choice of the system under consideration

Antecedentes prenatales en pacientes con síndrome de goldenhar (sg) atendidos en la consulta de genética años 1989-2002

Analizar los antecedentes prenatales y su prevalencia en Síndrome de Goldenhar (SG) diagnosticados entre el año 1989 y 2002 en la consulta genétic

Les antefixes romanes del Vallès

Projecte d'Investigació Coordinat "Els elements integrants dels programes decoratius de les villae romanes d'Hispania (escultura, pintura, mosaic): estudi i interpreració" financat per la DGICYT del Ministeri d'Educació i Ciencia PB 93-0883-C03-01, dintre del qual s'enquadra aquest article

Binding of DNA by a dinitro-diester calix[4]arene: Denaturation and condensation of DNA

A study of a dinitro-diester calix[4]arene (5,17-(3-nitrobenzylideneamino)-11,23-di-tert-butyl-25,27-diethoxycarbonyl methyleneoxy-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene) interaction with calf-thymus DNA was carried out using several techniques. The measurements were done at various molar ratios X=[calixarene]/[DNA]. Results show diverse changes in the DNA conformation depending on the X value. Thus, at low macrocycle concentrations, the calixarene binds to the polynucleotide. This interaction, mainly in groove mode, weakens the hydrogen bonds between base pairs of the helix inducing denaturation of the double strands, as well as condensation of the macromolecule, from an extended coil state to a globular state. An opposite effect is observed at X molar ratios higher than 0.07. The de-condensation of DNA happens, that is, the transition from a compact state to a more extended conformation, probably due to the stacking of calixarene molecules in the solution. Results also show the importance of making a proper choice of the system under consideration.Junta de Andalucía P08-FQM-03623, P12-FQM-110

Preliminary Study on the Effect of an Early Physical Therapy Intervention after Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: A Multicenter Non-Randomized Controlled Trial

Selective sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) represents a minimally invasive surgery in patients with breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to explore the possible effect of an early physiotherapy intervention for the recovery of the upper limb and the surgical scars after SLNB in comparison with usual care. A total of 40 patients were enrolled in either the control group (n = 20) or the experimental group (n = 20). The intervention group performed an early physiotherapy program based on functional exercises, scar manual therapy, and educational tips. The control group received usual care. Shoulder range of motion (ROM), grip strength, upper limb pain and disability (SPADI), scar recovery (POSAS), myofascial adhesions (MAP-BC), quality of life (EORTCQLA-BR-23) and the presence of axillary web syndrome (AWS) and lymphoedema were assessed at baseline and immediately after intervention. A follow-up period of 6 months was performed for lymphoedema surveillance. Between groups significant differences in favor of the intervention were found for ROM (r = 0.43), grip strength (r = 0.32), SPADI (d = 0.45), POSAS (d = 1.28), MAP-BC (d = 1.82) and EORTCQLQ-BR 23 general function subscale (d = 0.37) (p < 0.05 for all variables). Our results suggest that an early physical therapy program seems to be more effective than usual care in women after SLNB. However, results should be interpreted with caution and future randomized trial with a larger sample size is neededThis research was partially supported by ICPFA. Grant number 04722/19P/MA. The funder had no role in the design of the study and collection, analysis, and interpretation of data, and in writing the manuscript. Partial funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málag

Development of a New Method for the Determination of Manganese, Cadmium, Mercury and Lead in Whole Blood and Amniotic Fluid by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

Environmental exposure to metals among women, revealed their adverse effects on pregnancy. During this stage, blood levels of some metals increase so research on heavy metals transference from the mother’s blood to the developing foetus is of special interest and much attention has been paid to this matter. The amniotic fluid can be considered as a valuable marker of this prenatal exposure to exogenous factors. The aim of this study was to develop a method for the simultaneous determination of Mn, Cd, Hg, and Pb in whole maternal blood and amniotic fluid by ICP-MS. Strategies were given to minimise memory effects related to mercury and two widespread digestion procedures (open-vessel and microwave-assisted) were compared. Several quality controls, such as methodological and reagent blanks, spiked samples and duplicates were used to test the goodness of the developed method. Once optimised, the method was applied for the monitoring of Mn, Cd, Hg and Pb in 15 maternal blood and amniotic fluid samples obtained at delivery after informed consent. This study establishes that heavy metals pass into and accumulate in amniotic fluid and maternal blood. Thus, mean concentrations of Mn were similar in the two biological fluids studied, 21.6 ng/mL in maternal blood and 20.5 ng/mL in amniotic fluid. Mean Cd and mercury levels in blood and amniotic fluid were 1.3 and 6.3 ng/mL and 3.4 and 3.8 ng/mL, respectively. Concentrations of Pb were 16.4 ng/mL in blood and 13.7 ng/mL in amniotic fluid. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term health effects derived from this exposure.Plan Propio of the University of SevilleFundación Farmacéutica Avenzoa

Promoción del consumo de ácido fólico (af) en una población de alta incidencia de defectos del tubo neural (dtn)

Promocionar el consumo de ácido fólico en las mujeres de edad fértil para prevenir la ocurrencia de DTN

Projected Changes in Photosynthetic Picoplankton in a Warmer Subtropical Ocean

The oligotrophic subtropical gyres are the largest biome on Earth, where picoplankton constitute the dominant autotrophs. The trend for autotrophic picoplankton to increase with sea temperature has led to predictions that picophytoplankton abundance will increase with warming. Here we conducted a global survey in the open subtropical-tropical ocean to resolve the functional relationships between picophytoplankton abundance and oceanic properties (water temperature, chlorophyll a concentration, nutrient concentrations, and underwater visible and ultraviolet B radiation). We then used these relationships to build models projecting the future changes of Synechococcus, Prochlorococcus, and eukaryotic picoautotrophs populations in the subtropical gyres with warming. Our goal is to refine the forecasts for this large biome and implement the analysis by including the picoeukaryotes, absent in previous models, but a relevant component of picophytoplankton. The data obtained and the relationships found in our global survey of the subtropical-tropical ocean between picophytoplankton abundance and ocean properties differed from previous global studies including colder (temperate, subpolar, and polar) and coastal waters. These differences included a lower abundance of Synechococcus populations, significant negative relationships between Prochlorococcus abundance and nutrient concentrations, and positive relationships for picoeukaryotes and no relationship for Synechococcus abundance, and, a moderate response to temperature in the warm waters of the tropical-subtropical open ocean. A model based on temperature increase alone forecasts a general increase in picoautotrophs by year 2100, although minimal for picoeukaryotes, and much more moderate for Synechococcus than previously forecasted. However, a global change model linking the thermal increase with the associated decline in chlorophyll a, and increased underwater solar radiation penetration, projected a decline in the abundance of autotrophic picoplankton. The decline was larger at the surface layer and partially compensated by the increased importance of deep picophytoplankton blooms, especially those of Prochlorococcus. The global change model predicted an increased dominance of Prochlorococcus sp. in the subtropical-tropical ocean with future warming. Our results, based on current patterns of picophytoplankton distribution, help improve existing projections by considering feedbacks affecting picophytoplankton abundance in the future subtropical and tropical ocean, the larger biome on Earth