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State-level restrictions on abortion access may prompt greater numbers of people to self-manage their abortion. The few studies exploring perspectives of providers towards self-managed abortion are focused on physicians and advanced practice clinicians. Little is known about the wider spectrum of abortion care providers who encounter self-managed abortion in their clinic-based work. To gain a deeper understanding of this issue and inform future care delivery, we conducted in-depth interviews with 46 individuals working in a range of positions in 46 abortion clinics across 29 states. Our interpretative analysis resulted in themes shaped by beliefs about safety and autonomy, and a tension between the two: that self-managed abortion is too great a risk, that people are capable of self-managing an abortion, and that people have a right to a self-managed abortion. Our findings highlight the importance of increasing knowledge and clarifying values among all abortion care providers, including clinic staff.

ImportancePatients attending US abortion clinics may consider or try self-managing their abortion before coming to the clinic, yet little is known about the factors associated with self-management behavior.ObjectiveTo examine the prevalence and factors associated with considering or attempting a self-managed abortion before attending a clinic.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis survey study included patients obtaining an abortion at 49 independent, Planned Parenthood, and academic-affiliated clinics chosen to maximize diversity in geographic, state policy, and demographic context in 29 states between December 2018 and May 2020. Data were analyzed from December 2020 to July 2021.ExposuresObtaining an abortion at a clinic.Main Outcomes and MeasuresKnowledge of medications used to self-manage an abortion, having considered medication self-management before attending the clinic, having considered any method of self-management before attending the clinic, and having tried any method of self-management before attending the clinic.ResultsThe study included 19 830 patients, of which 99.6.% (17 823 patients) identified as female; 60.9% (11 834 patients) were aged 20 to 29 years; 29.6% (5824 patients) identified as Black, 19.3% (3799 patients) as Hispanic, and 36.0% (7095 patients) as non-Hispanic White; 44.1% (8252 patients) received social services; and 78.3% (15 197 patients) were 10 weeks pregnant or less. Approximately 1 in 3 (34%) knew about self-managed medication abortion, and among this subsample of 6750 patients, 1 in 6 (1079 patients [16.1%]) had considered using medications to self-manage before attending the clinic. Among the full sample, 1 in 8 (11.7%) considered self-managing using any method before clinic attendance, and among this subsample of 2328 patients, almost 1 in 3 (670 patients [28.8%]) attempted to do so. Preference for at-home abortion care was associated with considering medication self-management (odds ratio [OR], 3.52; 95% CI, 2.94-4.21), considering any method of self-management (OR, 2.80; 95% CI, 2.50-3.13), and attempting any method of self-management (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.10-1.69). Experiencing clinic access barriers was also associated with considering medication self-management (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.69-2.32) and considering any method of self-management (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.89-2.32).Conclusions and RelevanceIn this survey study, considering self-managed abortion was common before accessing in-clinic care, particularly among those on the margins of access or with a preference for at-home care. These findings suggest a need for expanded access to telemedicine and other decentralized abortion care models.

In this study, we report a low cost, fast and unexplored electrochemical synthesis strategy of copper oxide nanoneedles films as well as their morphological and chemical characterization. The nanostructured films were prepared using electrochemical anodization in alkaline electrolyte solutions of ethylene glycol, water and fluoride ions. The film morphology shows nanoneedle-shaped structures, with lengths up to 1–2 μm, meanwhile, high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HRXPS) and spectroscopy Raman analyses indicate that a mixture of Cu(II) and Cu(I) oxides, or only Cu(I) oxide, is obtained as the percentage of water in the electrolyte solution decreases. A preliminary study was also carried out for the photocatalytic degradation of the methylene blue (MB) dye under irradiation with simulated sunlight in the presence of the nanoneedles obtained, presenting a maximum degradation value of 88% of MB and, thus, demonstrating the potential characteristics of the material investigated in the degradation of organic dyes.

In the present research, nanocomposites based on copper (I) oxide poly(1-vinyl-2—pyrolidone-co-itaconic acid) nanostructures (Cu2O/p(NVP-co-AI)) were synthesized by the electrodeposition method using the copolymer p(NVP-co-AI) as a stabilizing agent in the reduction of Cu+2 to Cu+. The chemical and physical properties of the nanostructures were characterized by techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, Raman and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry. The obtained nanostructures are mainly a mixture of agglomerated nanospheres with a diameter of approximately 78 to 91 nm, with an alternation of nanolaminar structures, composed of copper (I) oxide species. In the case of the Cu2O/p(NVP-co-AI) nanocomposite, it was observed a decrease in the carbon-oxygen vibration links of the carbonyl groups in IR intensity for the polymer when it was dissolved in the electrolytic solution, which indicates that interactions are produced by the carbonyl groups with the Cu2O species. In addition, bandgap values of 1.80 and 1.63 eV were estimated by the Kubelka–Munk method for Cu2O and Cu2O/p(NVP-co-AI) samples, respectively.

In this work we report the preparation of ZnO nanowires by an unexplored strategy of electrochemical anodization using an electrolyte medium based mainly on ethylene glycol and fluoride ions, studying the anodization as a function of parameters, such as: temperature and voltage. The results obtained by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) show mainly a nanowire morphology with an average length of 296 nm. Microscopic evidence demonstrate that the size of nanostructures, morphology and homogeneity of resulting surfaces are completely related to the temperature and voltage conditions used during the zinc anodization. The results obtained by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) corroborate the formation of only ZnO, with a crystallographic structure of hexagonal wurtzite. Finally, through diffuse reflectivity spectroscopy, bandgap values of [3.19–3.22] eV were estimated, classifying it as a material with potential characteristics for the fabrication of photoelectrodes for photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic applications.

In this work, new fac-Re(CO)3(PyCOOH)2Cl from isonicotinic acid ligand has been prepared. The complex was characterized by structural (single-crystal X-ray diffraction), elemental analysis and spectroscopic (FTIR, NMR, UV–vis spectroscopy) methods. DFT and TDDFT calculations were performed to obtain the electronic transitions involved in their UV–Vis spectrum. The excitation energies agree with the experimental results. The TDDFT calculations suggest that experimental mixed absorption bands at 270 and 314 nm could be assigned to (MLCT-LLCT)/MLCT transitions. Natural Bond Orbitals (NBO) approach has enabled studying the effects of bonding interactions. E(2) energies confirm the occurrence of ICT (Intra-molecular Charge Transfer) within the molecule.

In this study, we examined the electrochemical synthesis, optical properties and morphology of a novel ZnO/Poly(N-phenylmaleimide-co-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) nanocomposite (ZnO/Poly(N-PhMI-co-HEMA). The formation of ZnO in presence of the copolymer was studied by cyclic voltammetry. The nanocomposite was synthesized by the electrodeposition of Zn2 + at controlled potential (− 1.1 V) in presence of the Poly(N-PhMI-co-HEMA). Spherical ZnO nanoparticles, with a diameter ranging between 20 and 50 nm, were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The overall morphology of the nanocomposite was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) from which a grain shape structure, with sizes ranging from 100 to 200 nm, was observed. The presence of the polymeric matrix provoked a slightly increase in the band gap of ZnO as was already determined by UV–Vis. The prepared material can be suitable in the design of electronic devices, in addition to its potential application as biomaterial.

Conformation constitutes a vital property of biomolecules, especially in the cases of enzymes and aptamers, and is essential in defining their molecular recognition ability. When biomolecules are immobilized on electrode surfaces, it is very important to have a control on all the possible conformational changes that may occur, either upon the recognition of their targets or by undesired alterations. Both enzymes and aptamers immobilized on electrodes are susceptible to conformational changes as a response to the nature of the charge of the surface and of the surrounding environment (pH, temperature, ionic strength, etc.). The main goal of this review is to analyze how the conformational changes of enzymes and aptamers immobilized on electrode surfaces have been treated in reports on biosensors and biofuel cells. This topic was selected due to insufficient information found on the actual conformational changes involved in the function of these bioelectrochemical devices despite its importance.

Here we report the use of pigments produced by UV-resistant Antarctic bacteria as photosensitizers in Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs). Pigments were obtained from red and yellow colored psychrotolerant bacteria isolated from soils of King George Island, Antarctica. Based on metabolic characteristics and 16s DNA sequence, pigmented bacteria were identified as Hymenobacter sp. (red) and Chryseobacterium sp. (yellow). Pigments produced by these microorganisms were extracted and classified as carotenoids based on their spectroscopic and structural characteristics, determined by UV-Vis spectrophotometry and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. With the purpose of develop green solar cells based on bacterial pigments, the photostability and capacity of these molecules as light harvesters in DSSCs were determined. Absorbance decay assays determined that bacterial carotenoids present high photostability. In addition, solar cells based on these photosensitizers exhibit an open circuit voltage (VOC) of 435.0 [mV] and a short circuit current density (ISC) of 0.2 [mA·cm(-2)] for the red pigment, and a VOC of 548.8 [mV] and a ISC of 0.13 [mA·cm(-2)] for the yellow pigment. This work constitutes the first approximation of the use of pigments produced by non-photosynthetic bacteria as photosensitizers in DSSCs. Determined photochemical characteristics of bacterial pigments, summed to their easy obtention and low costs, validates its application as photosensitizers in next-generation biological solar cells.

Wetlands are ecosystems with great ecological value due to their extraordinary biodiversity and the ecosystem services they provide. Saline wetlands have specific biological attributes and conservation significance because of the particular fauna they hold. In this study, we analyzed invertebrate assemblages, the conservation state, and environmental quality of the Desaguadero-Salinas del Bebedero Wetlands, in a RAMSAR site of central Argentina. Samples of water for physical-chemical analysis and aquatic invertebrates were taken at seven sites. A Simplified Index of Water Quality (SIWQ) and the Index of Conservation State of Lentic Somers Ecosystems (CSLSE) were applied. Forty-four invertebrate taxa were identified in a community characterized by low diversity, and high abundance of salinity tolerant groups. Some invertebrate metrics showed strong associations with concentrations of majoritarian ions in water, CSLSE and SIWQ. Five invertebrate metrics of richness and diversity, three of assemblage composition and three related to feeding groups displayed the best performance in explaining significant differences among sites. These results reinforce the use of biological assessments of human impacts in saline water bodies. They also enhance the knowledge of wetlands of arid regions, extremely fragile habitats that should be deeply studied and understood at a global scale.

Here we report the biological synthesis of CdS fluorescent nanoparticles (Quantum Dots, QDs) by polyextremophile halophilic bacteria isolated from Atacama Salt Flat (Chile), Uyuni Salt Flat (Bolivia) and the Dead Sea (Israel). In particular, a Halobacillus sp. DS2, a strain presenting high resistance to NaCl (3–22%), acidic pH (1–4) and cadmium (CdCl2 MIC: 1,375 mM) was used for QDs biosynthesis studies. Halobacillus sp. synthesize CdS QDs in presence of high NaCl concentrations in a process related with their capacity to generate S2− in these conditions. Biosynthesized QDs were purified, characterized and their stability at different NaCl concentrations determined. Hexagonal nanoparticles with highly defined structures (hexagonal phase), monodisperse size distribution (2–5 nm) and composed by CdS, NaCl and cysteine were determined by TEM, EDX, HRXPS and FTIR. In addition, QDs biosynthesized by Halobacillus sp. DS2 displayed increased tolerance to NaCl when compared to QDs produced chemically or biosynthesized by non-halophilic bacteria. This is the first report of biological synthesis of salt-stable QDs and confirms the potential of using extremophile microorganisms to produce novel nanoparticles. Obtained results constitute a new alternative to improve QDs properties, and as consequence, to increase their industrial and biomedical applications.

Indexación: Scopus. In this study, we examined the synthesis, and characterization of TiO2/poly(N-maleoylglycine-co-acrylic acid) (TiO2/poly(MG-co-AA)) nanocomposite. The nanocomposite was prepared by the dispersion of TiO2 nanotubes in a water solution of the polymer (3% w/w) and then it was lyophilized. The nanocomposite was characterized by FTIR and Raman spectroscopies. The incorporation of TiO2 nanotubes to the polymeric matrix was determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) from which TiO2 nanotubes in the inner of copolymer with diameters ranging between 90 and 100 nm were observed. The overall morphology of the previously synthetized nanotubes was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). For the nanocomposite system, the morphology was studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM) from which a grain shape structure was observed. This process resulted in a new nanocompsite material with an average grain diameter estimated by SEM and AFM ranging between 210-240 nm. It was observed that the nanotubes were homogeneously dispersed within the polymeric matrix. The prepared material could be suitable in the design of electronic devices and additionally could have potential applications as biomaterial. https://scielo.conicyt.cl/pdf/jcchems/v62n3/0717-9324-jcchems-62-03-3634.pdf

The influence of the anion nature and its concentration in the electrodeposition of ZnO onto a gold electrode from dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) solutions was studied. Voltammetric experiments revealed important changes in the zinc oxide electrodeposition process depending on the employed anion as electrolyte. From chronoamperometric experiments, the corresponding current-time curves were fitted with different nucleation and growth mechanism models. The analysis of these results showed changes from an instantaneous to a progressive growth when the solution composition was changed from ZnCl2 to ZnCl2 + LiCl. The change of the mechanism is associated to the adsorption of chloride ion on the active sites of the electrode surface when LiCl is present in the solution. A influência da natureza aniônica e sua concentração na eletrodeposição de ZnO em um eletrodo de ouro de soluções de dimetilsulfóxido (DMSO) foi estudada. Experimentos voltamétricos mostraram alterações importantes no processo de eletrodeposição de óxido de zinco dependendo do ânion empregado como eletrólito. A partir de experimentos de cronoamperometria, as correspondentes curvas corrente-tempo foram ajustadas com diferentes modelos de mecanismos de nucleação e crescimento. A análise destes resultados mostrou a mudança de um crescimento instantâneo para um progressivo quando a composição da solução foi mudada de ZnCl2 para ZnCl2 + LiCl. A modificação do mecanismo está associada à adsorção de íon cloreto nos sítios ativos da superfície do eletrodo quando LiCl está presente na solução.

Hybrid nanostructures composed of gold nanoparticles and multiwall carbon nanotubes (AuNPs@MWCNT) were prepared by the so called solvated metal atom dispersion method (SMAD), combined with chemical vapor deposition (CVD). In the SMAD procedure, bulk gold and an organic solvent are co-evaporated and later condensed into a frozen matrix at liquid nitrogen temperature. After warming up this matrix to room temperature, a colloid with very small and highly reactive gold clusters is obtained. These clusters react in the same vessel with MWCNTs, previously synthesized by CVD, by anchoring themselves to the sidewalls of the tubes. The resulting hybrids are very stable at temperatures up to 400 °C since the AuNPs get coated in this process by a thin layer of amorphous carbon. At temperatures beyond 600 °C the hybrid structures separate into CNTs and aggregated clusters of AuNPs. Further heating induces a severe transformation of the CNTs, due mainly to the catalytic activity of the AuNPs. The long MWCNTs are transformed into sub-micrometric solid carbon nanorods, comparable in diameter to the final size of the sintered AuNPs. The description of the synthesis products have been based on transmission electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis.

Different carbon nanostructures were synthesized by decomposition of acetylene over alumina supported palladium-germanium catalysts. The addition of small amounts of Ge to the Pd(1%)/γ-Al 2 O 3 catalyst increases the yield of carbon nanotubes among other carbon products, in the decomposition of acetylene. The use of a higher Ge concentration (0.3%) in the catalyst induces the formation of carbon nanofibers. For larger Ge concentrations (0.5%) the bimetallic catalyst particles become encapsulated in a graphitic structure.

Filament-like Carbon Nanostructures were synthesized by decomposition of acetylene over an alumina supported palladium catalyst prepared by the SMAD method. The structure of carbon products was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. Between 500 and 700 °C the predominant structures were carbon nanofibers. Between 750 and 800 °C an important mass and volume increase of carbon products was observed. For this temperature range most of the Carbon was in the form of high quality multiwall carbon nanotubes.

Patients with cancer exhibit changes in their hemostatic mechanisms. The D-dimer (D-D) is the most important subproduct of fibrinolysis, and urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) is related to invasiveness and metastases, and is overexpressed in neoplastic cells. The objective of this study was to identify in patients with hematological neoplasia, the serum levels of uPAR and D-D, and to determine their effects on outcome.A cross-sectional study was performed. Clinical and demographic data were obtained from the clinical chart. Determination of uPAR in serum (pg/L) was performed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and D-D (μg/dL) using nephelometry.We included 42 patients (35 with lymphomas). Statistically significant differences were found in D-D (P.001) and uPAR (P.01) between patients and control participants. Response was an accumulated clinical outcome. We observed statistical differences between groups (P.001). D-D was positive in 70% of cases.We found differences in D-D serum levels and soluble uPAR between control participants and patients with lymphoma. These results indicate that D-D serum levels and soluble uPAR should be considered biomarkers of response and survival in patients with lymphoma.

In this work metallic colloidal dispersions were obtained by simultaneous cocondensation of nickel atoms with organic solvents at 77 K. The atoms were produced by resistive heating and were reacted with 2-propanol, 2-methoxyethanol, 2-ethoxyethanol and acetone to produce colloids. The kinetic stability of colloid dispersions was related to the solvation effect of organic molecules, e.g. low stability for ketones and higher stability for 2-propanol colloids. The colloidal particles were characterized by UV-Vis measurements showing an absorption band around 212 nm. The electrophoretic measurements reveal that particles are weakly positively charged. The transmission electron microscopy studies reveal an average particles size distribution ranging from 4 to 23 nm depending on the solvent. Most of the colloids exhibit a spherical shape with some degree of agglomeration En este trabajo se preparan dispersiones coloidales por condensación simultánea de átomos de níquel con solventes orgánicos a 77K. Los átomos fueron producidos por calentamiento resistivo y se hacen reaccionar con 2.propanol, 2- metoxietanol, 2-etoxietanol y acetona para producir coloides de níquel. La estabilidad cinética de las dispersiones coloidales fueron relacionadas con el efecto de solvatación de moléculas orgánicas, p. Ej., una baja estabilidad para cetonas y mayor estabilidad para los coloides de 2-propanol. Las partículas coloidales fueron caracterizadas mediante medidas de UV-Vis mostrando una banda de absorción alrededor de 212 nm. Las medidas de electroforesis revelan que las partículas están débilmente cargadas positivamente. La microscopía electrónica de transmisión revela una distribución de tamaño promedio de partículas en el rango de 4 a 23 nm dependiendo del solvente. La mayoría de los coloides muestran una forma esférica con algún grado de aglomeración