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Stress triggers relapses in cocaine use that engage the activity of memory-related nuclei, such as the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and dentate gyrus (DG). Preclinical research suggests that D3 receptor (D3R) antagonists may be a promising means to attenuate cocaine reward and relapse. As D3R regulates the activity of the Akt/mTOR and MEK/ERK1/2 pathways, we assessed the effects of SB-277011-A, a D3R antagonist, on the activity of these kinases during the reinstatement of cocaine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) induced by psychological (restraint) and physiological (tail pinch) stress. Both stimuli reactivated an extinguished cocaine-CPP, but only restrained animals decreased their locomotor activity during reinstatement. Cocaine-seeking behavior reactivation was correlated with decreased p-Akt, p-mTOR, and p-ERK1/2 activation in both nuclei of restrained animals. While a D3R blockade prevented stress-induced CPP reinstatement and plasma corticosterone enhancement, SB-277011-A distinctly modulated Akt, mTOR, and ERK1/2 activation depending on the stressor and the dose used. Our data support the involvement of corticosterone in the SB-277011-A effects in restrained animals. Additionally, the ratios p-mTOR/mTOR and/or p-ERK1/2 /ERK1/2 in the BLA during stress-induced relapse seem to be related to the locomotor activity of animals receiving 48 mg/kg of the antagonist. Hence, our study indicates the D3R antagonist’s efficacy to prevent stress-induced relapses in drug use through distinct modulation of Akt/mTOR and MEK/ERK1/2 pathways in memory-processing nuclei.

Zinc oxide-hydroxyapatite composites were prepared using wet impregnation method. Firstly, a natural phosphate ore rich in silica and calcium phosphate was sieved to separate silica phase from phosphate phase. Then, through a chemical precipitation method, a pure hydroxyapatite (HAP) was obtained, which was used as a support for ZnO immobilization and applied for the photodegradation of two toxic contaminants: a transparent molecule (caffeine) and dye molecule (rhodamine B). During the present work two weight ratio percentages of zinc oxide were used: 25 wt.% and 50 wt.% of ZnO relative to HAP. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), BET surface area (SBET), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDS) and by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM-STEM). The immobilization of ZnO on HAP surface followed by thermal treatment at 400 °C for 2 h to get a homogenous dispersion of ZnO on the hydroxyapatite support. At high ZnO impregnation percentage, photodegradation performances of ZnO-HAP under UV illumination were fast and superior than the ZnO photocatalyst alone. The results showed that due to the presence of HAP, the conversion of both molecules became faster and greater, since it promotes the synergic phenomena of adsorption and photocatalysis. The toxicity of the treated substrate solutions obtained in the corn kernels germination test indicated a low toxicity after the photodegradation processes, probably due to a high mineralization degree.

Resumen: Las Comisiones de Autoevaluación (CAE) tienen un papel protagónico en el desarrollo de los procesos de autoevaluación, con fines de acreditación, que llevan a cabo las carreras de grado y de posgrado de la Escuela de Ciencias de la Educación (ECE), que cuentan con la acreditación otorgada por el Sistema Nacional de Acreditación de la Educación Superior (SINAES) de Costa Rica; de modo que para evidenciar ese protagonismo se investigaron las opiniones de las personas que las conforman, en lo referente a la metodología de trabajo, la participación y la comunicación y las competencias y la capacitación de esas comisiones. La opción metodológica seleccionada para describir las opiniones fue de naturaleza cuantitativa, para ello se empleó un cuestionario. Los resultados reflejan una percepción positiva hacia la razón de ser y el impacto de los procesos de autoevaluación, en el afán de conseguir la acreditación. Se evidencian ligeras diferencias en las opiniones, en relación con la metodología; si bien, las personas consideran confiables y válidos los métodos, las técnicas y los recursos empleados en la recolección de información; también cuestionan su carácter totalmente cuantitativo y limitante con respecto a la participación de las personas protagonistas, como ocurre en el caso del profesorado y del estudiantado. Además, argumentan que la metodología se ajusta poco al contexto de UNED. En lo relacionado con la participación y comunicación que se genera; así como con las competencias y la capacitación de las CAE, se muestran resultados que evidencian aspectos que también requieren atenderse. Summary: The Self-Assessment Commissions (CAE) play a leading role in the development of the self-assessment processes, for accreditation purposes, carried out by the undergraduate and postgraduate careers of the School of Education Sciences (ECE), which have with the accreditation granted by the National Accreditation System for Higher Education (SINAES) of Costa Rica; Therefore, to demonstrate this role, the opinions of the people who make them up were investigated, about the work methodology, participation and communication, and the competencies and training of these commissions. The methodological option selected to describe the opinions was quantitative, for which a questionnaire was used. The results reflect a positive perception towards the raison d'être and the impact of the self-evaluation processes, in the quest to achieve accreditation. There are slight differences in opinions, concerning the methodology; Although, people consider the methods, techniques, and resources used to collect information to be reliable and valid; They also question its quantitative and limiting character for the participation of the protagonists, as in the case of teachers and students. Furthermore, they argue that the methodology is poorly adjusted to the UNED context. Regarding the participation and communication that is generated; as well as with the competencies and training of the CAE, results are shown those show aspects that also need to be addressed. Resumo: As Comissões de Autoavaliação (CAE) desempenham um papel preponderante no desenvolvimento dos processos de autoavaliação, para efeitos de acreditação, realizados pelos cursos de graduação e pós-graduação da Escola Superior de Ciências da Educação (ECE), que têm com a acreditação concedida pelo Sistema Nacional de Acreditação do Ensino Superior (SINAES) da Costa Rica; Portanto, para evidenciar esse papel, foram investigadas as opiniões das pessoas que os compõem, em relação à metodologia de trabalho, participação e comunicação, e as competências e formação dessas comissões. A opção metodológica selecionada para descrever as opiniões foi de natureza quantitativa, para a qual foi utilizado um questionário. Os resultados refletem uma percepção positiva quanto à razão de ser e ao impacto dos processos de autoavaliação, na busca pelo credenciamento. Existem ligeiras diferenças de opinião, em relação à metodologia; Embora, as pessoas considerem os métodos, técnicas e recursos usados para coletar informações como confiáveis e válidos; Também questionam seu caráter totalmente quantitativo e limitador no que diz respeito à participação dos protagonistas, como no caso de professores e alunos. Além disso, eles argumentam que a metodologia está mal ajustada ao contexto da UNED. Quanto à participação e comunicação gerada; assim como com as competências e treinamento do CAE, são apresentados resultados que evidenciam aspectos que também precisam ser abordados.

In this study, platinized mixed oxides (TiO2–Nb2O5) were tested on photocatalytic hydrogen production from a glycerol solution under UV light. Different samples with different Ti:Nb ratios were prepared by using a simple method that simultaneously combined a physical mixture and a platinum photochemical reduction. This method led to improved physicochemical properties such as low band gap, better Pt nanoparticle distribution on the surface, and the formation of different Pt species. Niobia content was also found to be an important factor in determining the overall efficiency of the Pt–TiO2–Nb2O5 photocatalyst in the glycerol reforming reaction. The photocatalytic results showed that Pt on TiO2–Nb2O5 enhanced hydrogen production from the aqueous glycerol solution at a 5 wt% initial glycerol concentration. The influence of different operating conditions such as the catalyst dosage and initial glycerol concentration was also evaluated. The results indicated that the best hydrogen and methane production was equal to 6657 μmol/L and 194 μmol/L, respectively after 4 h of UV radiation using Pt/Ti:Nb (1:2) sample and with 3 g/L of catalyst dosage. Moreover, the role of water in photocatalytic hydrogen production was studied through photocatalytic activity tests in the presence of D2O. The obtained results confirmed the role of water molecules on the photocatalytic production of hydrogen in an aqueous glycerol solution.

Stress is an important trigger of relapses in cocaine use. These relapses engage the activity of memory-related nuclei, such as the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and the dentate gyrus (DG). Further, preclinical research signals D3 receptor (D3R) antagonists as promising therapeutic tools to attenuate cocaine reward and relapse. Therefore, we assessed the effect of SB-277011-A, a D3R antagonist, in the activity of Akt/mTOR and MEK/ERK1/2 pathways in these areas during the reinstatement of cocaine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) evoked by psychological (restraint) and physiological (tail pinch) stress. Both stimuli reactivated the extinguished cocaine-CPP, but only restrained animals decreased their locomotor activity during reinstatement. Moreover, p-Akt, p-mTOR and p-ERK1/2 activity in the BLA and DG of restrained animals decreased during the reactivation of cocaine memories, contrasting to tail-pinched mice. While D3R blockade prevented stress-induced CPP reactivation and plasmatic corticosterone enhancement, SB-277011-A distinctly modulated Akt, mTOR and ERK1/2 activities in the BLA and DG based on the stressor and the dose of antagonist. Corticosterone may be partially responsible for these variations as we found high correlations among its levels and mTOR and/or Akt activity in the BLA and DG of restrained animals receiving SB-277011-A. Besides, locomotor activity of animals receiving 48 mg/kg of the antagonist highly correlated with p-mTOR/mTOR and p-ERK1/2 /ERK1/2 in the BLA during restraint- and tail pinch-induced relapse in cocaine-CPP, respectively. Hence, our study endorses D3R antagonists as therapeutic tools to prevent stress-induced relapses in drug use through a complex balance of Akt/mTOR and MEK/ERK1/2 pathways in memory-processing brain nuclei.

Gangliogliomas are well-differentiated, slow-growing tumors. The majority are gradeI of WHO. It appears predominantly in children and young adults. Most are located at the temporal lobe, and as symptomatology more frequent epileptic seizures of difficult pharmacological control. In general, they have a good prognosis after surgical resection. The anaplasic variant, considered to be gradeIII of the WHO, presents greater clinical and radiological aggressiveness. Leptomeningeal dissemination is exceptional in these types of tumors, but when diagnosed it presents a rapidly progressive and fatal course for the patient.

In this work, fluorinated and platinized TiO2 was evaluated in the glycerol oxidation. Fluorination led to increase the specific surface area of titania, and platinization treatment led to obtain the highest absorption in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum; thus, 0.5 wt.% Pt-F-TiO2 was the best catalyst in the obtention of highest yield and selectivity to glyceraldehyde (GAL). It was also found that 2wt.% of Pt content had a detrimental effect in the glycerol conversion. Fluorination and platinum addition led to modify the reaction mechanism and selectivity.

Este trabajo pretende presentar unas reflexiones que ayuden a comprender las bases y el interes de la aplicacion del metodo de analisis exergetico y de la Termoeconomia en los edificios, tanto en lo que se refiere a su envolvente como a sus instalaciones. Se hace una breve introduccion al concepto de exergia y se justifica el interes de incorporar el metodo exergetico en los edificios, tanto desde un punto de vista puramente energetico, como economico y medioambiental. Utilizando la exergia como base, se presentan los fundamentos de la Termoeconomia, una disciplina que se remonta a los anos sesenta del siglo pasado. El conocimiento de los costes de los flujos de energia en un edificio en su conjunto o en sus instalaciones se basa en entender su proceso de formacion, desde los recursos primarios hasta los productos finales. Mediante este trabajo se ponen de manifiesto las ventajas de utilizar estas metodologias y se anima a los profesionales del sector de la edificacion a incorporarlas en su quehacer habitual. Palabras clave: Termoeconomia; analisis exergetico; eficiencia energetica; sostenibilidad en edificios; beneficios del segundo principio

Cannabis is the third most commonly used psychoactive substance of abuse, yet it also receives considerable attention as a potential therapeutic drug. Therefore, it is essential to fully understand the actions of cannabis in the human brain. The olfactory neuroepithelium (ON) is a peripheral nervous tissue that represents an interesting surrogate model to study the effects of drugs in the brain, since it is closely related to the central nervous system, and sensory olfactory neurons are continually regenerated from populations of stem/progenitor cells that undergo neurogenesis throughout life. In this study, we used ON cells from chronic cannabis users and healthy control subjects to assess alterations in relevant cellular processes, and to identify changes in functional proteomic pathways due to cannabis consumption. The ON cells from cannabis users exhibited alterations in the expression of proteins that were related to the cytoskeleton, cell proliferation and cell death, as well as, changes in proteins implicated in cancer, gastrointestinal and neurodevelopmental pathologies. Subsequent studies showed cannabis provoked an increase in cell size and morphological alterations evident through β-Tubulin III staining, as well as, enhanced beta-actin expression and a decrease in the ability of ON cells to undergo cell attachment, suggesting abnormalities of the cytoskeleton and cell adhesion system. Furthermore, these cells proliferated more and underwent less cell death. Our results indicate that cannabis may alter key processes of the developing brain, some of which are similar to those reported in mental disorders like DiGeorge syndrome, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

During the postpartum period (PP), mothers are more sensitive to sensory stimuli related to babies and less sensitive to those with sexual significance. The processing of emotional stimuli requires synchronization among different cerebral areas. This study characterized the cortical electroencephalographic (EEG) correlation in mothers from 1½ to 3 months (PP1), 4 to 5½ months (PP2) and over 6½ months, postpartum (PP3) while observing two videos: one of a baby (BV) and one with sexual content (SV). EEGs were recorded from the frontopolar, dorsolateral and parietal cortices. All three groups rated the BV as pleasant, but only PP3 reported higher sexual arousal with the SV. While watching the BV, PP1 showed a higher correlation among all cortical areas; PP2 manifested a decreased correlation between the prefrontal and parietal cortices, likely associated with the lower emotional modulation of the BV; and PP3 presented a higher synchronization among fewer cortical areas, probably related to longer maternal experience. These cortical synchronization patterns could represent adaptive mechanisms that enable the adequate processing of baby stimuli in new mothers. These data increase our knowledge of the cerebral processes associated with distinct sensitivities to the emotional stimuli that mothers experience during the PP.

In this work series of photocatalysts based on ZnO modified by Au and Ag2CO3 addition and Ag–TiO2 materials were synthesized and evaluated in the treatment of handicrafts factories wastewater and water samples taken from a highly polluted river. In general, it was found that ZnO series were more effective in the bacteria elimination than the commonly used TiO2 semiconductor. It was also observed that the metal (Au, Ag) or silver carbonate addition significantly increases the photocatalytic activity of ZnO and TiO2. It was determined that the content of the metal or carbonate added is an important factor to take into account in order to obtain suitable efficiency in the photocatalytic process, so, for example in the case of the river water samples the increase of Ag2CO3 content from 1 to 5%, had a detrimental effect over the bacteria elimination. The optimal conditions for dyes photodegradation and bacteria elimination were found by using a response surface study and the Au–ZnO (1%) photocatalyst. From this study it was determined that even after recycling this material leads to obtain a removal percentage of these pollutants over than 94%.

Crystalline orthorhombic Bi2WO6 powders were synthesized by a hydrothermal method from aqueous solutions of Bi(NO3)3 5H2O and Na2WO4 2H2O over a range of three selected pH values (2.0, 5.0 and 7.0), using NaOH as precipitating agent. The as-prepared catalysts were char- acterized by XRD, BET, FE-SEM, TEM, XPS and UV-vis spectroscopy. The effect of pH-synthesis on crystallinity, morphologies, surface area and optical absorption properties, were investigated. Although the pH has a marked influence on morphology, the nature of the precipitating agent (NaOH or TEA) also influences the morphology and surface structure composition, as it is observed in the present work. Three different probe molecules were used to evaluate the photo- catalytic properties under two illumination conditions (UV and Visible): Methyl Orange and Rho- damine B were chosen as dye substrates and Phenol as a transparent substrate. The photo-catalytic activities are strongly dependent not only on the pH used in the synthesis but also on the nature of the chosen substrate in assessing the photo-catalytic activities. Results were compared with those obtained when using TiO2(P25, Evonik) in the same experimental conditions. The photo- catalytic activity of one of the synthesised samples has been evaluated by exposing a mixture of Rhodamine B and Phenol in water, to different illumination conditions. Our results provide new evidences about the issue of whether dyes are suitable substrates to assess the activity of a photo-catalyst.

The molecule 4-aminophenol (4AP) is recognised as a serious environmental pollutant that enters the environment during the manufacture and processing of a variety of industrial processes and through the degradation of some pharmaceutical products. This paper describes a comparative study of 4AP removal from aqueous solutions by emulsion liquid membranes using acid and basic type 1-facilitated transports. The results are explained by analysing the stripping process through both the different relative acid/basic strength of the hydroxyl and amine groups of the 4AP molecule and the hydrogen-bonding capacity with water of the ionisation products generated by the reaction of 4AP with HCl or NaOH. To optimize the 4AP removal process, the influence of different experimental conditions (stripping agent concentration in the product phase, surfactant concentration in the membrane phase, stirring rate, feed phase/emulsion phase volume ratio, product phase/membrane phase volume ratio and emulsification rate and time) were studied. The kinetics of the removal process has been analysed by fitting the experimental results to first order, second order and the Behnajady and Avrami models. The Behnajady model presents an excellent fit, allowing to calculate both the initial removal rate and the maximal removal conversion. Optimal conditions of the removal process obtained through these parameters are in full agreement with those obtained from the experimental study.

A database was built with the results of the physicochemical analysis of 23,435 samples of wastewater discharges obtained from the operational reports presented and the cross-checks carried out by the Ministry of Health to the operating entities, in accordance with the provisions of Decree 30661-MINAE-S, for the period 2016–2020. Using Bayesian networks, the probabilities of compliance with current regulations were estimated by preparing an acyclic directed graph for three alternative scenarios. At the national level, the BOD and the COD are the variables that record the lowest values, showing important differences between the results obtained for the central region of the country with respect to the other regions. Another determining variable turned out to be the type of final disposal, wherein the reuse of wastewater presents important compliance deficiencies for all regions except for Chorotega. In the case of BOD, COD and TSS, the lowest probabilities are recorded for ISIC codes 3821 (treatment of non-hazardous waste), 1040 (manufacture of animal and vegetable fats) and 145 (pig farming). Additionally, the integrated environmental risk was calculated as a product of the discharges, obtaining that for the evaluated parameters, the BOD and COD represent the highest risk values given their probability of occurrence rate, as well as the magnitude of the environmental impact. The Pacifico Central and Brunca regions recorded the highest integrated environmental risk value for BOD, COD and TSS compared to the other areas of the country. Based on the results obtained, proposals for improvement were generated for the control of wastewater discharges carried out by the environmental authorities in search of achieving a better comprehensive management of the water resource.

The concentrations of water-soluble anions present in PM10 collected from ambient air in four sites of Costa Rica’s greater metropolitan area (GAM) were analyzed. Samples were collected over a 24-h period for three days during the 2011–2018 period, using high-volume air samplers with mass flow controller. The PM10 samples were collected using quartz fiber filters, which were analyzed using ion chromatography to identify organic and inorganic ions. The annual averages for PM10, F, Cl, and SO4 showed significant differences between the sampling sites, with Uruca (UR) consistently registering annual averages above the maximum concentration established by Costa Rica’s air quality regulations (30 ug/m3). The ions analyzed contributed 33%, 34%, 35%, and 37% of the PM10 mass for sampling sites UR, HA, AL, and CA, respectively. Using Spearman correlations and principal component analysis (PCA), the following contributions were identified: biomass burning, secondary particle formation processes from mobile and stationary emissions, and biogenic emissions. For each variable, seasonal patterns and trends were analyzed using time series with additive decomposition. Se analizaron las concentraciones de aniones solubles en agua presentes en PM10 recolectadas del aire ambiente en cuatro sitios del Gran Área Metropolitana de Costa Rica (GAM). Las muestras se recolectaron durante un período de 24 horas durante tres días durante el período 2011-2018, utilizando muestreadores de aire de gran volumen con controlador de flujo másico. Las muestras de PM10 se recolectaron utilizando filtros de fibra de cuarzo, que se analizaron mediante cromatografía iónica para identificar iones orgánicos e inorgánicos. Los promedios anuales para PM10, F−, Cl− y SO42− mostraron diferencias significativas entre los sitios de muestreo, con Uruca (UR) registrando consistentemente promedios anuales por encima de la concentración máxima establecida por las regulaciones de calidad del aire de Costa Rica (30 µgm - 3). Los iones analizados contribuyeron con el 33%, 34%, 35% y 37% de la masa de PM10 para los sitios de muestreo UR, HA, AL y CA, respectivamente. Utilizando correlaciones de Spearman y análisis de componentes principales (PCA), se identificaron las siguientes contribuciones: quema de biomasa, procesos de formación de partículas secundarias a partir de emisiones móviles y estacionarias y emisiones biogénicas. Para cada variable, los patrones y tendencias estacionales se analizaron utilizando series de tiempo con descomposición aditiva. Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica Escuela de Ciencias Ambientales

Different composites based on ZnO/Ag3PO4 and ZnO–malachite (Cu2(OH)2CO3) were synthesized in order to determine their effectiveness in the treatment of municipal and industrial wastewaters (mainly polluted by enteropathogenic bacteria, dyes, and heavy metals). The addition of Ag3PO4 and malachite did not significantly modify the physicochemical properties of ZnO; however, the optical properties of this oxide were modified as a result of its coupling with the modifiers. The modification of ZnO led to an improvement in its effectiveness in the treatment of municipal and industrial wastewater. In general, the amount of malachite or silver phosphate and the effluent to be treated were the determining factors in the effectiveness of the wastewater treatment. The highest degree of elimination of bacteria from municipal wastewater and discoloration of textile staining wastewater were achieved by using ZnO/Ag3PO4 (5%), but an increase in the phosphate content had a detrimental effect on the treatment. Likewise, the highest Fe and Cu photoreduction from coal mining wastewater was observed by using ZnO–malachite (2.5%) and ZnO/Ag3PO4 (10%), respectively. Some of the results of this work were presented at the fourth Congreso Colombiano de Procesos Avanzados de Oxidación (4CCPAOx)

Este trabajo evaluó el contenido microbiológico y fisicoquímico del lixiviado producto del compostaje de raquis del plátano, proveniente de fincas de tres municipios del Meta, Colombia: Granada, Fuente de Oro y Villavicencio. La caracterización de hongos y bacterias fue realizada mediante examen microscópico, en el que se observaron algunas de sus estructuras, adicionalmente se tomaron fotografías y posteriormente comparando con lo reportado en la literatura, se definió el género del microorganismo, teniendo en cuenta el aspecto de la colonia. Para la caracterización fisicoquímica se realizó análisis de tipo multivariado mediante correlaciones de Pearson, mientras que la biodegradabilidad de los lixiviados se evaluó mediante la prueba de Tukey con una confiabilidad del 95%. Se identificó un orden bacterias Actinomicetos con cuatro géneros Clavibacter, Erwinia, Pseudomonas, Agrobacterium y cinco géneros de hongos Fusarium, Aspergillium, Mucor, Rhizopus y Geomyces, distribuidos en las tres localidades con diferente frecuencia. En la caracterización físicoquímica de los lixiviados, según el test de Tukey no se presentaron diferencias (P>0.05); el pH y los sólidos totales (ST) de los lixiviados, es decir la materia suspendida o disuelta sedimentable, variaron entre 8,3 y 17.666 mg/L para los materiales de Fuente de Oro, y 8,9 y 18.882 mg/L para los de Villavicencio, presentando pH alcalinos en todos los casos; además se presentó una alta alcalinidad de los lixiviados que varió alrededor de 13.529 mgCaCO3/L para los de Fuente de Oro y 14100 mgCaCO3/L para los de Granada; por otra parte la turbidez de las muestras varió entre 130 NTU en los materiales de Villavicencio y 231 NTU en los de Fuente de Oro; los contenidos de potasio (K) de los lixiviados fueron altos variando entre 4.620 y 5.300 mg/L en Villavicencio y Granada respectivamente, indicando que los lixiviados de las tres zonas son poco biodegradables; según las correlaciones de Pearson los lixiviados por sus altos contenidos en potasio requieren de un mayor tiempo de maduración para disminuir la dureza y la alcalinidad, reduciéndose así la presencia de los iones bicarbonato, carbonato, magnesio y calcio en las muestras. Las correlaciones de Pearson indicaron que el pH de los lixiviados estuvo positivamente correlacionado con los ST (r=0.99), la alcalinidad (r=0.94), el hierro (Fe) (r=0.93) y la demanda química de oxígeno (DQO) (r=1.0); el pH guardo una correlación negativa con la turbidez (r=-0.99) y la dureza total (r= -0.94). Los lixiviados de Fuente de Oro y Granada estuvieron más cercanos en cuanto a los resultados de caracterización fisicoquímica, indicando mayor biodegradabilidad de los mismos (30%), comparados con los de Villavicencio (20%). This work evaluated the microbiological and physicochemical content of the leachate product of the banana rachis composting, coming from farms in three municipalities of Meta, Colombia: Granada, Fuente de Oro and Villavicencio. The characterization of fungi and bacteria was performed by microscopic examination, in which some of its structures were observed, additionally photographs were taken and later compared with what was reported in the literature, the genus of the microorganism was defined, taking into account the appearance of the colony. For the physicochemical characterization, multivariate analysis was performed using Pearson correlations, while the biodegradability of the leachate was evaluated using the Tukey test with a 95% reliability. An order Actinomycete bacteria was identified with four genera Clavibacter, Erwinia, Pseudomonas, Agrobacterium and five genera of fungi Fusarium, Aspergillium, Mucor, Rhizopus and Geomyces, distributed in the three locations with different frequency. In the physicochemical characterization of the leachate, according to the Tukey test there were no differences (P>0.05); the pH and total solids (ST) of the leachate, that is to say the suspended or sedimentable dissolved matter, varied between 8,3 and 17.666 mg/L for the materials of Fuente de Oro, and 8.9 and 18.882 mg/L for those of Villavicencio, presenting alkaline pH in all cases; in addition, there was a high alkalinity of the leachate that varied around 13.529 mg CaCO3/L for those of Fuente de Oro and 14100 mg CaCO3/L for those of Granada; on the other hand the turbidity of the samples varied between 130 NTU in Villavicencio materials and 231 NTU in those of Fuente de Oro; the potassium (K) contents of the leachate were high varying between 4.620 and 5.300 mg/L in Villavicencio and Granada respectively, indicating that the leachate from the three zones is not very biodegradable; according to Pearson's correlations, leachates due to their high potassium content require a longer maturation time to reduce hardness and alkalinity, thus reducing the presence of bicarbonate, carbonate, magnesium and calcium ions in the samples. Pearson's correlations indicated that the pH of leachate was positively correlated with the ST (r=0.99), alkalinity (r=0.94), iron (Fe) (r=0.93) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) (r=1.0); the pH was negatively correlated with turbidity (r=-0.99) and total hardness (r=-0.94). The leachates from Fuente de Oro and Granada were closer in terms of physicochemical characterization results, indicating greater biodegradability of them (30%), compared to those of Villavicencio (20%).

A highly faceted {001} TiO2 catalyst was hydrothermally synthesized by using Ti(IV)-isopropoxide precursor with aqueous HF addition. WO3 was synthesized by following a reported method. Coupled TiO2-WO3 samples were synthesized by adding the corresponding amount of WO3 to fluorinated TiO2 gel followed by a hydrothermal treatment. Additionally the synthesized systems were characterized by using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and N2-adsorption (BET) for specific surface area determination. The photocatalytic activity of the single and coupled oxides was measured by means of three model reactions: the photo-oxidation of phenol (as a colourless substrate) and methyl orange (as a dye) and the photoreduction of Cr(VI) as K2Cr2O7. The coupling of WO3 with a highly faceted {001} TiO2 makes it possible to optimize the photocatalytic properties of the faceted material. In fact, {001} faceted TiO2 by itself presents a substantial improvement with respect to commercial TiO2(P25), as it can implement its photoactivity after the incorporation of WO3 with promising results, which can reduce the limitations of TiO2 in terms of its photoactivity, taking advantage of a higher percentage of solar radiation.

New photocatalysts based on bismuth titanates doped with iron with outstanding visible photocatalytic activity were prepared by a facile hydrothermal method followed by incipient wetness impregnation. The starting material was composed by three phases; majority of Bi20TiO32 closely interconnected to Bi4Ti3O12 and amorphous TiO2. Fe doping increased the already very high visible activity of the original material. The high visible activity showed by these materials could be ascribed to a combination of several features; i.e. low band gap energy value (as low as 1.78 eV), a structure allowing a good separation path for visible photogenerated electron-holes pairs and a relatively high surface area. Fe doping could be acting as bonding paths for the bismuth titanates phases, and the amount of Fe on the surface was found to be a crucial parameter on the photocatalytic activity of the materials. Visible activity of the best photocatalyst was superior to UV-Activity of commercial TiO2 P25 used as reference in same experimental conditions.

Resumen: Objetivo: Identificar el patrón de medición de la automonitorización de la presión arterial (AMPA) más eficiente para el seguimiento del hipertenso en atención primaria. Diseño: Estudio validación de prueba diagnóstica. Emplazamiento: Equipo de atención primaria en Murcia. Población: Ciento cincuenta y tres hipertensos menores de 80 años que cumplieran con los criterios de inclusión; y con AMPA y monitorización ambulatoria de su presión arterial válidos. Mediciones principales: Realización de monitorización ambulatoria de presión arterial durante 24 h (MAPA). El protocolo de AMPA consistió en registrar 2 mediciones en la mañana y 2 en la noche durante 7 días. Con los registros obtenidos se establecieron los diferentes patrones de AMPA (7, 6, 5, 4, 3 días). Para el análisis utilizamos las curvas COR, el coeficiente de correlación intraclase y el diagrama de Bland-Altman. Resultados: Las mejores áreas bajo la curva para la presión sistólica de los diferentes patrones de la AMPA correspondieron al patrón de 4 días: 0,837 (0,77-0,90); y al de 3 días: 0,834 (0,77-0,90). En cuanto a la diastólica, el patrón de 7 días presentó un área bajo la curva de 0,889 (0,84-0,94); y en segundo lugar, coincidiendo con la misma cifra, los patrones de 3 y 4 días: 0,834 (0,83-0,94). No hubo diferencias significativas entre los coeficientes de correlación intraclase para las presiones arteriales sistólicas y diastólicas. El patrón de 3 días mostró en conjunto una menor dispersión en el diagrama de Bland-Altman. Conclusión: Proponemos el patrón de AMPA de 3 días para el seguimiento del paciente hipertenso, ya que no presenta una eficiencia inferior a los demás patrones. Abstract: Objective: To identify the most efficient measurement pattern of home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) for the follow-up of hypertensive patients in primary care. Design: Validation study of a diagnostic test. Setting: Primary care team in Murcia, Spain. Population: One hundred and fifty three hypertensive patients younger than 80 years who met the inclusion criteria, who used HBPM and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Main measurements: Performing HBPM for 24 hours. The HBPM protocol consisted of recording 2 measurements in the morning and 2 in the evening for 7 days. With the records obtained, the different HBPM patterns were established (7, 6, 5, 4, 3 days). The ROC curves were used for the analysis, together with the correlation coefficients and the Bland-Altman plots. Results: The best areas under the curve for the systolic pressure of the different HBPM patterns corresponded to the 4-day pattern: 0.837 (0.77-0.90); and the 3 day one: 0.834 (0.77-0.90). As for diastolic pressure, the 7-day pattern had an area under the curve of 0.889 (0.84-0.94); followed by the 3 and 4 days patterns, which had the same statistical result both: 0.834 (0.83-0.94). There were no significant differences between correlation coefficients for systolic and diastolic blood pressures. The 3-day pattern showed a lower dispersion in the Bland-Altman plots. Conclusion: The 3 days HBPM pattern is proposed for the follow-up of the hypertensive patient, since it does not have an inferior efficiency to the other patterns. : Automonitorización presión arterial, Atención primaria, Riesgo cardiovascular, Keywords: Home blood pressure monitoring, Primary care, Cardiovascular risk

With the aim of improving the photocatalytic properties of a previously optimized zinc oxide photocatalyst, the effect of the incorporation of different amounts of Ag2CO3 on the aforementioned ZnO has been studied. For this purpose we report the synthesis, by means of simple precipitation procedures, of bare ZnO and Ag2CO3 samples as well as the coupled materials ZnO/Ag2CO3 (X) (where X = 1%, 2%, 4% and 5% in molar percentages). Both, single and coupled materials have been characterized by different techniques (XRD, XRF, N2-absorption, SEM, TEM, UV–vis/DRS and XPS). To assess the advantages or disadvantages that Ag2CO3 addition could have over the optimized ZnO, the photocatalytic properties have been established by following the photo-degradation of selected toxic molecules, both in the UV and in the visible, as well as using complementary techniques of liquid medium analyses (TOC and Atomic Emission Spectrometry with plasma ICP). Three selected substrates were chosen: Rhodamine B (RhB) as a dye, and phenol and caffeine as colourless recalcitrant toxic molecules. Our results suggest that although the use of Ag2CO3 could be beneficial to implement the optical absorption towards the visible region, however, other effects have to be bore in mind, such as the photo-corrosion of Ag2CO3 and the chemical structure of the chosen substrate, to elucidate whether the addition of Ag2CO3 has beneficial or detrimental effects on the photocatalytic properties of the coupled ZnO/Ag2CO3 materials.

The association between the intensity of physical activity and the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), irrespective of energy expenditure (EE), requires further study. Our objective is to examine this relationship using data from a large Spanish cohort. The Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra cohort is formed of university graduates recruited from March 1999 to October 2015. We included 18,737 adults free of CVD (mean age 38 years, 61% women), with a median follow-up of 10.3 years. We estimated the average intensity of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) using a validated questionnaire. We classified respondents into 3 groups: Inactive,6 average metabolic equivalents (METs) and ≥6 average METs. We used Cox proportional hazards models adjusted by the EE in LTPA (MET-h/week) and other confounding factors, to examine this association. During 1,72,299 person-years of follow-up, we registered 127 cases of CVD (myocardial infarction, stroke, and death due to cardiovascular causes). The adjusted hazard ratio for CVD was 0.76 (95% CI 0.48 to 1.21) in the lower intensity group, and 0.31 (95% CI 0.12 to 0.79) in the higher intensity group, compared with the inactive, with a linear trend (p = 0.03). In conclusion, given the same level of EE, those respondents engaged in higher intensity LTPA, had a lower risk of CVD.

Background An initial antidepressant effect when using deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subcallosal area of the cingulate cortex (Cg25) to treat resistant depression that could be the result of electrode insertion has been described. We previously showed that electrode insertion into the infralimbic cortex (ILC; the Cg25 rodent correlate) provokes a temporally limited antidepressant-like effect that is counteracted by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as those routinely used for pain relief. Objective We characterized the effect of electrode insertion using functional neuroimaging and evaluated the impact of different analgesics on this effect. Methods The effect of electrode insertion into the ILC was evaluated by positron emission tomography. The effect of analgesics (ibuprofen, tramadol and morphine) on the behavioral effect induced by electrode insertion were evaluated through the forced swimming test and the novelty suppressed feeding test. Furthermore, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and p11 expression were measured. Results Electrode implantation produces an antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effect, a local decrease in glucose metabolism, and changes in several brain regions commonly related to depression and the antidepressant response. Ibuprofen counteracted the behavioral and molecular changes produced by electrode insertion (changes in GFAP and p11 protein expression). However, analgesics with no anti-inflammatory properties (e.g., tramadol) neither counteract the behavioral effects of electrode implantation nor the molecular mechanisms triggered. Conclusions Analgesics without anti-inflammatory properties may not limit the transient benefit produced by electrode insertion reducing the time required to achieve remission in depressive DBS patients.

REIPI-SEIMC COVID-19 group and COVID@HULP group., [Background] The clinical presentation of COVID-19 in patients admitted to hospital is heterogeneous. We aimed to determine whether clinical phenotypes of patients with COVID-19 can be derived from clinical data, to assess the reproducibility of these phenotypes and correlation with prognosis, and to derive and validate a simplified probabilistic model for phenotype assignment. Phenotype identification was not primarily intended as a predictive tool for mortality., [Methods] In this study, we used data from two cohorts: the COVID-19@Spain cohort, a retrospective cohort including 4035 consecutive adult patients admitted to 127 hospitals in Spain with COVID-19 between Feb 2 and March 17, 2020, and the COVID-19@HULP cohort, including 2226 consecutive adult patients admitted to a teaching hospital in Madrid between Feb 25 and April 19, 2020. The COVID-19@Spain cohort was divided into a derivation cohort, comprising 2667 randomly selected patients, and an internal validation cohort, comprising the remaining 1368 patients. The COVID-19@HULP cohort was used as an external validation cohort. A probabilistic model for phenotype assignment was derived in the derivation cohort using multinomial logistic regression and validated in the internal validation cohort. The model was also applied to the external validation cohort. 30-day mortality and other prognostic variables were assessed in the derived phenotypes and in the phenotypes assigned by the probabilistic model., [Findings] Three distinct phenotypes were derived in the derivation cohort (n=2667)—phenotype A (516 [19%] patients), phenotype B (1955 [73%]) and phenotype C (196 [7%])—and reproduced in the internal validation cohort (n=1368)—phenotype A (233 [17%] patients), phenotype B (1019 [74%]), and phenotype C (116 [8%]). Patients with phenotype A were younger, were less frequently male, had mild viral symptoms, and had normal inflammatory parameters. Patients with phenotype B included more patients with obesity, lymphocytopenia, and moderately elevated inflammatory parameters. Patients with phenotype C included older patients with more comorbidities and even higher inflammatory parameters than phenotype B. We developed a simplified probabilistic model (validated in the internal validation cohort) for phenotype assignment, including 16 variables. In the derivation cohort, 30-day mortality rates were 2·5% (95% CI 1·4–4·3) for patients with phenotype A, 30·5% (28·5–32·6) for patients with phenotype B, and 60·7% (53·7–67·2) for patients with phenotype C (log-rank test p, [Interpretation] Patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 can be classified into three phenotypes that correlate with mortality. We developed and validated a simplified tool for the probabilistic assignment of patients into phenotypes. These results might help to better classify patients for clinical management, but the pathophysiological mechanisms of the phenotypes must be investigated., [Funding] Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, and Fundación SEIMC/GeSIDA., Funding: Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, and Fundación SEIMC/GeSIDA.

Background: Birth plans are used for pregnant women to express their wishes and expectations about childbirth. The aim of this study was to compare obstetric and neonatal outcomes between women with and without birth plans. Methods: A multicentre, retrospective case&ndash, control study at tertiary hospitals in southern Spain between 2009 and 2013 was conducted. A total of 457 pregnant women were included, 178 with and 279 without birth plans. Women with low-risk gestation, at full-term and having been in labour were included. Sociodemographic, obstetric and neonatal variables were analysed and comparisons were established. Results: Women with birth plans were older, more educated and more commonly primiparous. Caesarean sections were less common in primiparous women with birth plans (18% vs. 29%, p = 0.027), however, no significant differences were found in instrumented births, 3rd&ndash, 4th-degree tears or episiotomy rates. Newborns of primiparous women with birth plans obtained better results on 1 min Apgar scores, umbilical cord pH and advanced neonatal resuscitation. No significant differences were found on 5 min Apgar scores or other variables for multiparous women. Conclusions: Birth plans were related to less intervention, a more natural process of birth and better outcomes for mothers and newborns. Birth plans can improve the welfare of the mother and newborn, leading to birth in a more natural way.

In this work, catalysts based on TiO2 modified by fluorination and platinum addition were prepared and evaluated in glycerol oxidation. The materials were characterized by TEM, N2 physisorption, XRD, UV–Vis DRS, XRF and XPS. It was found that fluorination led to an increase in the surface area of TiO2, and by platinization treatment, it was possible to obtain a high absorption in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. From these improved properties, 0.5 wt.% Pt-F-TiO2 was prepared as the best catalyst for the obtention of the highest yield and selectivity towards glyceraldehyde (GAL). It was also observed that the increase in Pt content had a detrimental effect on the effectiveness of fluorinated titania in the glycerol conversion. The fluorination and platinum addition modify some physicochemical properties of TiO2, thus also modifying the reaction mechanism and selectivity during glycerol oxidation.

Meningiomas have a 5 year recurrence rate of 8%. Histological grade and extent of resection are the two main prognostic factors. Cystic meningiomas represent between 2 and 4% of meningiomas, and the complete resection rate in these cases is 62.7%. 5-ALA has been shown to be useful in detecting tumour remnants that could go unnoticed by the conventional microsurgical technique, thereby achieving more complete resections. We present the case of a 66-year-old patient with a frontal convexity meningioma, presenting with a cystic component and bone invasion, who was treated using 5-ALA fluorescence-guided surgery. Fluorescence emission from the tumour tissue allowed the areas of bone invasion and the cystic wall to be identified, achieving complete resection.

Cannabis is the third most commonly used psychoactive substance of abuse, yet it also receives considerable attention as a potential therapeutic drug. Therefore, it is essential to fully understand the actions of cannabis in the human brain. The olfactory neuroepithelium (ON) is a peripheral nervous tissue that represents an interesting surrogate model to study the effects of drugs in the brain, since it is closely related to the central nervous system, and sensory olfactory neurons are continually regenerated from populations of stem/progenitor cells that undergo neurogenesis throughout life. In this study, we used ON cells from chronic cannabis users and healthy control subjects to assess alterations in relevant cellular processes, and to identify changes in functional proteomic pathways due to cannabis consumption. The ON cells from cannabis users exhibited alterations in the expression of proteins that were related to the cytoskeleton, cell proliferation and cell death, as well as, changes in proteins implicated in cancer, gastrointestinal and neurodevelopmental pathologies. Subsequent studies showed cannabis provoked an increase in cell size and morphological alterations evident through β-Tubulin III staining, as well as, enhanced beta-actin expression and a decrease in the ability of ON cells to undergo cell attachment, suggesting abnormalities of the cytoskeleton and cell adhesion system. Furthermore, these cells proliferated more and underwent less cell death. Our results indicate that cannabis may alter key processes of the developing brain, some of which are similar to those reported in mental disorders like DiGeorge syndrome, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Aim: To assess the relationship between air pollution and the mortality of IPF. Methods: The probability of death was analyzed from 32 IPF patients diagnosed in our ILD Unit from 2011 to 2019 and it was related to the values of (CO, NO2, PM2.5, PM10, O3 and SO2) in Madrid during that period. Results: Thirty-two patients were reviewed with a mean age of 66±10 years at the time of diagnosis, 7 (21.9%) of them were women. The average of the pollutants from the three months prior to the date of death of the 11 patients was (34.4%) patients who died was SO2=9.518±4.397μg/m2, NO2=58.910±8.819μg/m2, CO=0.390±0.104mg/m2, O3=38.778±15.309 μg/m2, PM2,5=12.371±2.138 μg/m2 PM10= 23.583±5.196 μg/m2 and the average air in the previous three months to the last clinic visit in 21 (65,6%) patients who are still alive was SO2 =8.736±1.719 μg/m2, NO2=56.216±9.586μg/m2, CO=0.237±0.106 mg/m2 O3=48.294±14,059 μg/m2 PM2,5=11.029±2,280 μg/m2 PM10=22.376±4,533 μg/m2 . Firstly, we observed that those 28 (87.5%) patients who were treated had no association with the probability of death [OR=7,500 (0.676-83.264)] (p=0.101) and after that we saw that pollution levels in all patients were not associated with the likelihood of dying: OR SO2= 1.154 (0.521-2.557) (p=0.723), OR CO=1.247 (0.970-1.602) (p=0.085), OR NO2 = 0.829 (0.468-1.468) (p=0.520), OR O3 = 0.944 (0.578-1.544) (p=0.820), OR PM2,5 = 0.646 (0.152-2.744) (p=0.554), OR PM10 = 1.302 (0.668-2.537) (p=0.439). Conclusion: There is no evidence to affirm that air pollution in Madrid is associated with the probability of death in IPF patients.

Background: Physicians’ failure to change/adjust treatments after learning of poor follow-up control in hypertensive patients can be defined as clinical inertia, a frequent and serious problem that affects health care activity at the international level. Method: A total of 153 hypertensive patients under 80 years of age who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and had received ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) for 24 hours as the follow-up method to evaluate their level of blood pressure (BP) control. One year after data collection, the included patients were studied retrospectively, and the changes introduced by their physicians were checked based on their results. Results: Sixty-five hypertensive patients (42.5%) out of the total sample (153) were classified as poorly controlled; of these, 36 were subject to therapeutic inertia (55%). Of the 29 hypertensive patients who did undergo treatment adjustment (45%), 15 (52%) underwent adjustment before the month of notification. Conclusion: Therapeutic inertia in the care of hypertensive patients continues to be a common problem in primary care. Young hypertensive patients of male sex, smokers and nondiabetic patients were the most affected groups. Test record: Registered retrospectively by the Clinical Ethics Committee of the José María Morales Meseguer University Hospital with the code EST: 62/17

Airtightness is a major issue in architectural design and it has a significant impact on the energy performance of buildings. Moreover, the energy behaviour of built heritage is due, to its singular characteristics, still a great unknown. The aim of this study is to establish a better knowledge of the airtightness of historical buildings, based on an in depth field study using blower-door tests. A set of 37 enclosures were analyzed inside eight buildings located in historical areas of a Spanish city with a significant built heritage. They were constructed between 1882 and 1919 and include diverse construction typologies applied for many building uses such as residential, cultural, educational, administrative and emblematic. The results indicate lower values compared to other previous airtightness studies of historical buildings. The average air change rate was found to be n50 = 9.03 h−1 and the airtightness of the enclosures presented a wide range of between 0.68 and 37.12 h−1. Three main levels of airtightness were identified with two thirds of the tested samples belonging to the intermediate level between 3–20 h−1. To conclude, several correlations have been developed which provide a method to estimate air leakage and could serve as a basis for energy performance studies of these kinds of building. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

In the developing spinal cord, Onecut transcription factors control the diversification of motor neurons into distinct neuronal subsets by ensuring the maintenance of Isl1 expression during differentiation. However, other genes downstream of the Onecut proteins and involved in motor neuron diversification have remained unidentified. In the present study, we generated conditional mutant embryos carrying specific inactivation of Onecut genes in the developing motor neurons, performed RNA-sequencing to identify factors downstream of Onecut proteins in this neuron population, and employed additional transgenic mouse models to assess the role of one specific Onecut-downstream target, the transcription factor Nkx6.2. Nkx6.2 expression was up-regulated in Onecut-deficient motor neurons, but strongly downregulated in Onecut-deficient V2a interneurons, indicating an opposite regulation of Nkx6.2 by Onecut factors in distinct spinal neuron populations. Nkx6.2-null embryos, neonates and adult mice exhibited alterations of locomotor pattern and spinal locomotor network activity, likely resulting from defective survival of a subset of limb-innervating motor neurons and abnormal migration of V2a interneurons. Taken together, our results indicate that Nkx6.2 regulates the development of spinal neuronal populations and the formation of the spinal locomotor circuits downstream of the Onecut transcription factors.