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The direct CO2 electrochemical reduction reaction (CO2RR) into carbon‐based chemicals has attracted tremendous attention as a sustainable process for CO2 utilization. The viability of the process, however, is contingent on finding efficient catalysts based on earth abundant elements. Carbon‐based solid catalyst materials doped with nitrogen and transition metals (M−N−C) have emerged as a cost‐efficient alternative for the direct electrochemical reduction of CO2 into CO. These materials contain different N functionalities and MNx moieties which could be involved in the catalytic process. With the aim of gaining insight into the role of these different active sites and how to control their concentration we have prepared 5 polyaniline derived FeNC catalysts by changing the temperature of the heat treatment (750–1050 °C). We observed that it is possible to tune the ratio of the different N functionalities by changing the pyrolysis temperature. Furthermore, this had a clear impact on the catalytic performance of this family of FeNC materials. In particular, a higher temperature correlated with a larger FeNx concentration resulting in a high selectivity toward the CO2RR. These results indicate that FeNx moieties play a predominant role in the catalytic process and that the incorporation of such sites to the carbon structure is enhanced by the heat‐treatment temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a brief history of the development of the Western university and the individuation of disciplines. It discusses the phenomenal specialization that has occurred since the 19th century, and the lack of correlative synthesis of the disparate fields of knowledge, which increasingly has come under critique. We explore the transdisciplinary experience that has been developing over the last few years in the University of Veracruz, in particular with regards to the Program for Transdisciplinarity, Dialogue of Knowing Styles and Sustainability, a co-construction of a set of actions that foster a transformation of university academics by means of deep dialogue and a transdisciplinary re-learning process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutral pH PVA/glycerol/Na2SO4 hydrogels were made by aging at room temperature, the effect of Na2SO4 concentration was evaluated, and the hydrogel with the best properties was tested as a neutral pH polymeric hydrogel electrolyte in a supercapacitor device with activated carbon electrodes. PVA/glycerol/Na2SO4 hydrogels were chemically and structurally studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Hydrogel with 0.40 mol L−1 of Na2SO4 has the most presence of hydrogen bonds and a lesser presence of crystalline regions in its polymeric matrix. By impedance spectroscopy, the ionic conductivity of the hydrogels was calculated. Hydrogel with 0.40 mol L−1 of Na2SO4 has the highest value of ionic conductivity 17.4 mS cm−1. This hydrogel was used as a polymer hydrogel electrolyte in a supercapacitor with Printex XE2B activated carbon electrodes by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge cycles. The supercapacitor device with 0.40 mol L−1 Na2SO4 hydrogel reached a working potential window of 2.0 V in the cyclic voltammograms. Charge/discharge plots of the supercapacitor device with 0.40 mol L−1 Na2SO4 hydrogel exhibit a triangle behavior at different current densities. Supercapacitor device with 0.40 mol L−1 Na2SO4 hydrogel presents an equivalent series resistance of 14.7 ohms cm−2, a specific capacitance of 54.7 F g−1, and a specific energy of 7.6 Wh kg−1 at 0.5 A g−1. Obtained results were compared with a supercapacitor device with Na2SO4 1.0 mol L−1 and previously works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and the most common form of cancer in women. A large proportion of patients begin with localized disease and undergo treatment with curative intent, while another large proportion of patients debuts with disseminated metastatic disease. In the last subgroup of patients, the prognosis in recent years has changed radically, given the existence of different targeted therapies thanks to the discovery of different biomarkers. Serological, histological, and genetic biomarkers have demonstrated their usefulness in the initial diagnosis, in the follow-up to detect relapses, to guide targeted treatment, and to stratify the prognosis of the most aggressive tumors in those with breast cancer. Molecular markers are currently the basis for the diagnosis of metastatic disease, given the wide variety of chemotherapy regions and existing therapies. These markers have been a real revolution in the therapeutic arsenal for breast cancer, and their diagnostic validity allows the classification of tumors with higher rates of relapse, aggressiveness, and mortality. In this sense, the existence of therapies targeting different molecular alterations causes a series of changes in tumor biology that can be assessed throughout the course of the disease to provide information on the underlying pathophysiology of metastatic disease, which allows us to broaden our knowledge of the different mechanisms of tissue invasion. Therefore, the aim of the present article is to review the clinical, diagnostic, predictive, prognostic utility and limitations of the main biomarkers available and under development in metastatic breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) is both a therapeutic target and a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). MicroRNA (miRNA) has been shown to regulate cholesterol homeostasis, and miRNA in blood circulation has been linked to hypercholesterolemia. However, few studies to date have associated miRNA with phenotypes like LDL-c in a healthy population. To this end, we analyzed circulating miRNA in relation to LDL-c in a healthy cohort of 353 participants using two separate bioinformatic approaches. The first approach found that miR-15b-5p and miR-16-5p were upregulated in individuals with at-risk levels of LDL-c. The second approach identified two miRNA clusters, one that positively and a second that negatively correlated with LDL-c. Included in the cluster that positively correlated with LDL-c were miR-15b-5p and miR-16-5p, as well as other miRNA from the miR-15/107, miR-30, and let-7 families. Cross-species analyses suggested that several miRNAs that associated with LDL-c are conserved between mice and humans. Finally, we examined the influence of diet on circulating miRNA. Our results robustly linked circulating miRNA with LDL-c, suggesting that miRNA could be used as biomarkers for hypercholesterolemia or targets for developing cholesterol-lowering drugs. NEW & NOTEWORTHY: This study explored the association between circulating microRNA (miRNA) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) in a healthy population of 353 participants. Two miRNAs, miR-15b-5p and miR-16-5p, were upregulated in individuals with at-risk LDL-c levels. Several miRNA clusters were positively and negatively correlated with LDL-c and are known to target mRNA involved in lipid metabolism. The study also investigated the influence of diet on circulating miRNA, suggesting potential biomarkers for hypercholesterolemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The synthesis of a Ni-trimesic acid (Ni-BTC) metal–organic framework (MOF) under ambient conditions followed by pyrolysis yields a porous MOF-derived carbon (MDC) doped with elemental Ni, appropriate for hydrogen storage applications. The same methods cannot be used for the synthesis of Mg-BTC MOF and its MDC as the reactivity of Mg towards BTC is not sufficient to prevent competing reactions, and Mg is oxidized to MgO during pyrolysis, preventing hydrogen storage via the formation of MgH 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic liquid trimethylsulfonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (M3STFSI) was synthesized to obtain solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) membranes by mixing it with polyethylene oxide and sodium perchlorate (NaClO4). Nine membranes were prepared with varying concentrations of high, medium, and low polymer content. X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy techniques were used to characterize both the products and the raw materials. Ionic conductivity was determined using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and redox phenomena were studied by cyclic voltammetry. To calculate the total ion transference number and Na+ ion transference number, chronoamperometry (CA) with EIS was employed. Additionally, the electrochemical stability in SPE (M1) was measured through linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). The NaFe(SO4)2 compound, known as Eldfellite, was utilized as a cathode in Na-ion battery tests. A Na||M1||NaFe(SO4)2 cell was prepared to determine the battery performance via galvanostatic charge/discharge profiles. Thus, the theoretical specific capacity of Eldfellite for Na+ insertion is 99 mAh g−1, and after 70 cycles at a C/10 rate vs. Na0 metallic as an anode, the specific discharge capacity was 75 mAh g−1, with a coulombic efficiency above 99%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of affordable alternative energies has gained great interest in recent years. Among them, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) from water splitting has become of great interest as a source of clean energy. This work aims to develop WS 2 synthesized from WO 3 prepared by a hydrothermal method assisted by ionic liquid (IL) 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethyl sulfate [EMIM][EtSO 4 ]), and followed by a heat treatment under nitrogen (N 2) atmosphere. Different proportions of IL were used to assess the effect in the WS 2 morphology to improve the performance towards the HER in an acidic medium. The resulting compounds were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy, and electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and chronoamperometric measurements. WS 2 synthesized from WO 3 employing IL depicted superior electrocatalytic performance for the HER compared to WS 2 prepared without IL. The WS 2 sample that involved 2 mL of IL (WS 2 -2) presented the smaller particle size and the largest crystallite size, two key parameters to perform adequate redox processes: in addition, this sample showed the lowest overpotential value (120 mV), a Tafel slope of 85 mV/dec, and the lowest charge transfer resistance value. These results showed that using the appropriate proportion of ionic liquid as an additive helps to generate smaller WS 2 particles, thus generating higher current density, and reducing the overpotential value enhancing the electrocatalytic performance to carry out the HER. [Display omitted] • Tungsten disulfide has suitable properties to be used as an electrocatalyst for HER. • Structure, morphology and particle size were controlled by employing ionic liquid. • 2 mL of ionic liquid as additive improved the electrocatalytic performance for HER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prior studies of adults with constipation or diarrhea suggest that dietary intake, physical activity, and stress may affect stool consistency. However, the influence of these factors is unresolved and has not been investigated in healthy adults.Objectives: We assessed the relations of technician-scored stool consistency in healthy adults with self-reported diet, objectively monitored physical activity, and quantifiable markers of stress.Methods: Stool consistency was scored by an independent technician using the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) to analyze samples provided by healthy adults, aged 18-65 y, BMI 18-44 kg/m2, in the USDA Nutritional Phenotyping Study (n = 364). A subset of participants (n = 109) were also asked to rate their sample using the BSFS. Dietary intake was assessed with two to three 24-h recalls completed at home and energy expenditure from physical activity was monitored using an accelerometer in the 7-d period preceding the stool collection. Stress was measured using the Wheaton Chronic Stress Inventory and allostatic load (AL). Statistical and machine learning analyses were conducted to determine which dietary, physiological, lifestyle, and stress factors differed by stool form.Results: Technician-scored BSFS scores were significantly further (P = 0.003) from the central score (mean ± SEM distance: 1.41 ± 0.089) than the self-reported score (1.06 ± 0.086). Hard stool was associated with higher (P = 0.005) intake of saturated fat (13.8 ± 0.40 g/1000 kcal) than was normal stool (12.5 ± 0.30 g/1000 kcal). AL scores were lower for normal stool (2.49 ± 0.15) than for hard (3.07 ± 0.18) (P = 0.009) or soft stool (2.89 ± 0.18) (P = 0.049). Machine learning analyses revealed that various dietary components, physiological characteristics, and stress hormones predicted stool consistency.Conclusions: Technician-scored stool consistency differed by dietary intake and stress hormones, but not by physical activity, in healthy adults.This trial was registered at clincialtrials.gov as NCT02367287. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Automated dietary assessment tools such as ASA24® are useful for collecting 24-hour recall data in large-scale studies. Modifications made during manual data cleaning may affect nutrient intakes. Objectives We evaluated the effects of modifications made during manual data cleaning on nutrient intakes of interest: energy, carbohydrate, total fat, protein, and fiber. Methods Differences in mean intake before and after data cleaning modifications for all recalls and average intakes per subject were analyzed by paired t -tests. The Chi-squared test was used to determine whether unsupervised recalls had more open-ended text responses that required modification than supervised recalls. We characterized food types of text response modifications. Correlations between predictive energy requirements, measured total energy expenditure (TEE), and mean energy intake from raw and modified data were examined. Results After excluding 11 recalls with invalidating technical errors, 1499 valid recalls completed by 393 subjects were included in this analysis. We found significant differences before and after modifications for energy, carbohydrate, total fat, and protein intakes for all recalls (P < 0.05). Limiting to modified recalls, there were significant differences for all nutrients of interest, including fiber (P  < 0.02). There was not a significantly greater proportion of text responses requiring modification for home compared with supervised recalls (P  = 0.271). Predicted energy requirements correlated highly with TEE. There was no significant difference in correlation of mean energy intake with TEE for modified compared with raw data. Mean intake for individual subjects was significantly different for energy, protein, and fat intakes following cleaning modifications (P  < 0.001). Conclusions Manual modifications can change mean nutrient intakes for an entire cohort and individuals. However, modifications did not significantly affect the correlation of energy intake with predictive requirements and measured expenditure. Investigators can consider their research question and nutrients of interest when deciding to make cleaning modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Bismuth oxyiodide materials were synthesized varying the iodine loading. • Metallic Au nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of the Bi x O y I z materials. • Bi x O y I z semiconductors were able to photocatalytically remove OTC in water. • Microspheres of BiOI were the most active to remove the antibiotic using visible light. • Photocatalytic degradation path of oxytetracycline was proposed. Different bismuth oxyiodide materials (BiOI, Bi 4 O 5 I 2 , Bi 7 O 9 I 3 and Bi 5 O 7 I) were synthesized via the solvothermal method. For BiOI, microspheres (M.S.) and nanocrystals were obtained. Decrease in the iodine loading was achieved by varying the synthesis conditions, such as the solvent, temperature and heating time. Gold metallic nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of the Bi x O y I z materials via the deposition–precipitation route. The physical, chemical, optic and electrochemical properties of the obtained materials were assessed and compared, finding notable structural and optoelectric changes as the loading of iodine decreased in the semiconductor. In fact, lessening the iodine loading resulted, not only in the increase of the band gap value, but in the shift of the valence band toward more oxidative potential. In contrast, no changes in the semiconductor properties of the Bi x O y I z materials were observed upon the deposition of metallic Au nanoparticles. Regarding the photocatalytic activity, the use of BiOI M.S. led to the highest degradation and mineralization rate of the antibiotic oxytetracycline (OTC) upon 5 h of visible light irradiation. Deposition of Au nanoparticles reduced the photo activity of the materials, even when low metal loadings were tested. BiOI M.S. showed certain stability throughout three consecutive reactions cycles. High photocatalytic performance was observed when environmentally relevant conditions – i.e. , tap water and C o = 50 μg/L– were tested. Through mass spectrometry some degradation intermediaries were identified and a photocatalytic degradation route of OTC was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benign papillary and sclerosing lesions of the breast (intraductal papillomas, complex sclerosing lesions, radial scars) are considered high‐risk lesions due to the potential for upgrade to carcinoma on subsequent surgical excision. Optimal clinical management of such lesions remains unclear due to variable reported upgrade rates. Apocrine metaplasia is a common finding in breast tissue and its role in MRI enhancing lesions is increasingly being recognized. The purpose of this study was to investigate the MRI features of papillary and sclerosing lesions of the breast, evaluate the clinical management and upgrade rate of such lesions, and examine the contribution of apocrine metaplasia to the imaging findings. A 13‐year retrospective review of MRI‐guided biopsies identified 70 MRI‐detected and ‐biopsied papillary and sclerosing lesions. Sixteen lesions without atypia underwent surgical excision; only one case (6%) was upgraded to pleomorphic lobular carcinoma in situ. The majority (64%) of biopsies contained apocrine metaplasia either within or adjacent to the targeted lesion. We found that half of MRI‐detected lesions had T2 hyperintense foci (2‐5 mm) or masses (>5 mm) adjacent to the lesion. Histologic correlation showed apocrine cysts were likely responsible for this imaging finding in 56% of these cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Chronic mental stress is a known risk factor for hypertension, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, type 2 diabetes, and neurological conditions. • The reasons for this link between stress and chronic disease risk remain unknown, but the quality of a person's diet may play a role, and this may differ between men and women. • Our observational research study findings suggest that certain types of diet patterns may explain differences in chronic stress and disease risk between men and women. A promising, yet relatively unexplored factor that may influence a person's stress response, is diet. Diet can affect the physiological response to stress, but relationships between diet quality and the chronic stress marker allostatic load (AL) are insufficiently studied. Furthermore, sex, age, and BMI may interact with diet quality to influence AL. 358 adults were recruited across predetermined sex, age, and BMI ranges. Cluster analysis of 13 Healthy Eating Index (HEI) sub-scores across all participants revealed six distinct diet quality patterns (HEI-P). We found sex and HEI-P interacted (P HEIxSex = 0.0232) to affect AL, reflecting a significantly different AL between women and men consuming a diet more closely aligned with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans for dairy, refined grains, and sodium consumption, but less aligned for added sugar, saturated fat, and fruits/vegetables intake. Sex and HEI-P also interacted to affect cholesterol (P HEIxSex = 0.0157), norepinephrine (P HEIxSex = 0.0315), epinephrine (P HEIxSex = 0.0204), and systolic blood pressure (P HEIxSex = 0.0457) but, compared to total allostatic load, no individual component of this biomarker explained the entire array of sex by HEI-P interactions. Our results suggest that differences in HEI-P and sex interact to influence physiological stress load which, in turn, may help resolve discrepancies in diet and sex-related disease risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]