High-pressure synthesis, structural and complex magnetic properties of the ordered double perovskite Pb2NiReO6

The ordered double perovskite Pb2NiReO6 has been prepared at 6 GPa and temperatures ranging from 1273 to 1373 K. Its crystal structure determined by X-ray powder diffraction and selected area electron diffraction shows monoclinic symmetry with centrosymmetric space group I2/m (a = 5.6021(1) Å, b = 5.6235(1) Å, c = 7.9286(1) Å and β = 90.284°(1)). High angle annular dark field microscopy studies reveal the existence of compositional microdomains. The compound displays a re-entrant spin-glass transition from a ferrimagnetic ordering below TN 37 K between the Re+5 and Ni+3 (high spin configuration) magnetic sublattices to a spin-glass configuration. Magnetic field dependent magnetization measurements revealed wasp-waisted hysteresis loops at 5 K. These shaped features originate from the antiferromagnetic/ferromagnetic (AFM/FM) competing interactions

Usefulness of Muscle Ultrasonography in the Nutritional Assessment of Adult Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

Muscle ultrasonography of the quadriceps rectus femoris (QRF) is a technique on the rise in the assessment of muscle mass in application of nutritional assessment. The aim of the present study is to assess the usefulness of muscle ultrasonography in patients with cystic fibrosis, comparing the results with other body composition techniques such as anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and handgrip strength (HGS). At the same time, we intend to assess the possible association with the nutritional and respiratory status. Methods: This was a prospective observational study in adult patients with cystic fibrosis in a clinically stable situation. Muscle ultrasonography of the QRF was performed, and the results were compared with other measures of body composition: anthropometry, BIA, and DXA. HGS was used to assess muscle function. Respiratory parameters were collected, and nutritional status was assessed using Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. Results: A total of 48 patients were included, with a mean age of 34.1 ± 8.8 years. In total, 24 patients were men, and 24 patients were women. Mean BMI was 22.5 ± 3.8 kg/m2. Mean muscular area rectus anterior (MARA) was 4.09 ± 1.5 cm2, and mean muscular circumference rectus was 8.86 ± 1.61 cm. A positive correlation was observed between the MARA and fat-free mass index (FFMI) determined by anthropometry (r = 0.747; p < 0.001), BIA (r = 0.780; p < 0.001), and DXA (r = 0.678; p < 0.001), as well as muscle function (HGS: r = 0.790; p < 0.001) and respiratory parameters (FEV1; r = 0.445, p = 0.005; FVC: r = 0.376, p = 0.02; FEV1/FVC: r = 0.344, p = 0.037). A total of 25 patients (52.1%) were diagnosed with malnutrition according to GLIM criteria. Differences were observed when comparing the MARA based on the diagnosis of malnutrition (4.75 ± 1.65 cm2 in normo-nourished vs. 3.37 ± 1.04 in malnourished; p = 0.014). (...)This study was partially funded by an unrestricted grant from Vegenat Laboratories (Spain) and the Fundación SEEN-Nutricia 2021 Grant for the assessment of body composition by ultrasound. Partial funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málag

Deposition of Au nanoparticles into mesoporous SiO2 SBA-15

Au/SiO2 SBA-15 materials were prepared using supercritical CO2 (scCO2) and by wet impregnation. First, SiO2 SBA-15 was functionalized with thiol groups at different grafting densities using 3-(Mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane dissolved in scCO2. The support was then impregnated with HAuCl4·3H2O in scCO2 modified with EtOH. Wet impregnation of the supports with HAuCl4·3H2O in ethanol was also performed. Materials were calcined at 500 ºC to remove the organic matter and promote particle growth. Materials prepared on the highest thiol grafting density support showed Au NP between 2.5-5 nm homogeneously distributed within the mesopores. Slightly larger Au NPs were obtained in scCO2 modified with EtOH. Materials prepared on the low thiol grafting density support showed a bimodal particle size distribution with particles up to 7 nm located inside the mesopores and larger ones of 10-20 nm on the external surface. A possible reaction mechanism was proposed. These materials can be used in catalysis, sensing and biomedicine

Mesoporous Silica Matrix as a Tool for Minimizing Dipolar Interactions in NiFe2O4 and ZnFe2O4 Nanoparticles

NiFe2O4 and ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles have been prepared encased in the MCM (Mobile Composition of Matter) type matrix. Their magnetic behavior has been studied and compared with that corresponding to particles of the same composition and of a similar size (prepared and embedded in amorphous silica or as bare particles). This study has allowed elucidation of the role exerted by the matrix and interparticle interactions in the magnetic behavior of each ferrite system. Thus, very different superparamagnetic behavior has been found in ferrite particles of similar size depending on the surrounding media. Also, the obtained results clearly provide evidence of the vastly different magnetic behavior for each ferrite system

Poor Physical Performance Is Associated with Postoperative Complications and Mortality in Preoperative Patients with Colorectal Cancer

Introduction: Poor physical performance has been shown to be a good predictor of complications in some pathologies. The objective of our study was to evaluate, in patients with colorectal neoplasia prior to surgery, physical performance and its relationship with postoperative complications and in-hospital mortality, at 1 month and at 6 months. Methods: We conducted a prospective study on patients with preoperative colorectal neoplasia, between October 2018 and July 2021. Physical performance was evaluated using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test and hand grip strength (HGS). For a decrease in physical performance, SPPB < 10 points or HGS below the EWGSOP2 cut-off points was considered. Nutritional status was evaluated using subjective global assessment (SGA). The prevalence of postoperative complications and mortality during admission, at 1 month, and at 6 months was evaluated. Results: A total of 296 patients, mean age 60.4 ± 12.8 years, 59.3% male, were evaluated. The mean BMI was 27.6 ± 5.1 kg/m2. The mean total SPPB score was 10.57 ± 2.07 points. A total of 69 patients presented a low SPPB score (23.3%). Hand grip strength showed a mean value of 33.1 ± 8.5 kg/m2 for men and 20.7 ± 4.3 kg/m2 for women. A total of 58 patients presented low HGS (19.6%). SGA found 40.2% (119) of patients with normal nourishment, 32.4% (96) with moderate malnutrition, and 27.4% (81) with severe malnutrition. Postoperative complications were more frequent in patients with a low SPPB score (60.3%vs38.6%; p=0.002) and low HGS (64.9%vs39.3%, p=0.001). (...)This research was partially funded by the 2019 research grants of SANCYD (Sociedad Andaluza de Nutrición Clínica y Dietética) and by an unrestricted grant from Persan Farma. Partial funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málag

One-step Sustainable Preparation of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Supported on Mesoporous SiO2

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) supported on high surface area mesoporous SiO2 are advanced materials of great interest in catalysis, adsorption and biomedicine. Here we present a new process to prepare SPION/SiO2 materials by the impregnation and insitu decomposition of Fe(NO3)3.9H2O on mesoporous SiO2 supports in a 25-50% mol ethanol + CO2 mixture at 523 K and 25.0 MPa. -Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) of average size between 6-9 nm were distributed homogeneously on the supports. NPs deposited into the SBA-15 mesopores but mostly on the external surface of MCM-41. Materials prepared with the highest ethanol content were very homogeneous. Magnetic measurements confirmed the superparamagnetic nature of the materials at room temperature. The process proposed is sustainable and scalable, avoids tedious preparations and the additional high temperature treatment under a controlled atmosphere, as the metal decomposition is performed insitu in the CO2-expanded liquid mixture

Thiol group functionalization of mesoporous SiO2 SBA-15 using supercritical CO2

Chemical modification of mesoporous SiO2 SBA-15 with thiol groups was performed using mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) dissolved in supercritical CO2 (scCO2). Thiol groups serve as adsorbents for the selective removal of contaminant metal cations and in catalysis. Functionalization was carried out in scCO2 at temperatures ranging from 40 to 150 °C and pressures from 15.0 to 29.0 MPa. For comparison purposes, the reaction was also performed in toluene at 80 and 110 °C. As opposed to toluene, scCO2 is considered a green solvent. Grafting of the thiol groups was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and elemental analysis. Grafting density and surface coverage of the materials modified using scCO2increased with temperature, CO2 density, time and stirring and varied from 1.3 to 4.4 mmol g−1 and from 1.3 to 4.0 molecules nm−2, respectively. On the other hand, surface area and pore size decreased as grafting density increased. At temperatures of 80 °C or higher, the pore size remained constant, suggesting the formation of a compact monolayer. Modification at higher temperatures led to larger grafting densities but very low surface areas. Assuming total hydrolysis and condensation of the precursor, the optimum grafting density and surface coverage of 2.3 mmol g−1 and 2.4 molecules nm−2, respectively, were obtained in scCO2 at 80 °C and 25.0 MPa for 4 h. Grafting densities of the samples prepared in toluene were by far much lower than those obtained using scCO2 at lower temperatures and shorter times, which demonstrates the advantages of CO2 as a green functionalization medium

Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression Symptoms and Their Relationship with Nutritional Status and Mortality in Patients with Colorectal Cancer

Background: Anxiety and depression are common in patients with cancer. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients awaiting elective surgery and whether there is an association with their preoperative nutritional status and postoperative mortality. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 215 patients with CRC proposed for surgery. Data about nutritional status were collected using the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria, while anxiety and depression symptoms data were collected using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: HADS detected possible anxiety in 41.9% of patients, probable anxiety in 25.6%, possible depression in 21.9%, and probable depression in 7.9%. GLIM criteria found 116 (53.9%) patients with malnutrition. The HADS score for depression subscale was significantly higher in malnourished patients than in well-nourished (5.61 ± 3.65 vs. 3.95 ± 2.68; p = 0.001). After controlling for potential confounders, malnourished patients were 10.19 times more likely to present probable depression (95% CI 1.13–92.24; p = 0.039). Mortality was 1.9%, 4,2%, and 5.6% during admission and after 6 and 12 months, respectively. Compared to patients without depressive symptomatology, in patients with probable depression, mortality risk was 14.67 times greater (95% CI 1.54–140.21; p = 0.02) during admission and 6.62 times greater (95% CI 1.34–32.61; p = 0.02) after 6 months. Conclusions: The presence of anxiety and depression symptoms in CRC patients awaiting elective surgery is high. There is an association between depression symptoms, preoperative nutritional status, and postoperative mortality.This research was partially funded by the 2019 research grants of SANCYD (Sociedad Andaluza de Nutrición Clínica y Dietética) and by an unrestricted grant from Nestlé Health Science

Relationship between malnutrition and the presence of symptoms of anxiety and depression in hospitalized cancer patients

Background Anxiety and depression are a common issue in patients with cancer, yet understudied among hospitalized patients. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptomatology in cancer inpatients and its relationship with malnutrition. Methods Cross-sectional study in hospitalized cancer patients. A nutritional assessment was done using the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria to diagnose malnutrition. Data regarding anxiety and depression symptomatology was obtained with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results A total of 282 inpatients were assessed. GLIM criteria found 20% (66) of well-nourished and 80% (216) with malnutrition. HADS presented an average score of 8.3±4.4 with respect to anxiety and an average score of 7.7±4.6 with respect to depression. Up to 54% of the patients showed a possible presence of anxiety, and 45.3% of them showed a possible presence of depression. In malnourished patients, HADS score was non-signifcantly higher with respect to anxiety (8.5±4.3 in malnourished vs 7.1±4.6 in well-nourished; p=0.06) and was signifcantly higher with respect to depression (8.2±4.6 in malnourished vs 5.3±4.0 in well-nourished; p<0.001). After controlling for potential confounders, malnourished patients were 1.98 times more likely to present anxious symptomatology (95% CI 1.01–3.98; p=0.049) and 6.29 times more likely to present depressive symptomatology (95% CI 1.73–20.47; p=0.005). Conclusions The presence of anxiety and depression symptomatology in oncological inpatients is high. There is an association between malnutrition and presenting anxious and depressive symptomatology in hospitalized cancer patientsThis research was funded in part by the 2017 research grants of SAEDYN (Sociedad Andaluza de Endocrinología, Diabetes y Nutrición) and SANCYD (Sociedad Andaluza de Nutrición Clínica y Dietética) and an unrestricted grant from Abbott Laboratories SA (Spain). V.C.-B. is funded by postdoctoral fellowships from the Junta de Andalucía (RH-0141–2020). Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málaga/CBUA