Effective prediction of SnO2 conduction band edge potential: The key role of surface oxygen vacancies.

Several theoretical studies at different levels of theory have attempted to calculate the absolute position of the SnO2 conduction band, whose knowledge is key for its effective application in optoelectronic devices such us, for example, perovskite solar cells. However, the predicted band edges fall outside the experimentally measured range. In this work, we introduce a computational scheme designed to calculate the conduction band minimum values of SnO2, yielding results aligned with experiments. Our analysis points out the fundamental role of encompassing surface oxygen vacancies to properly describe the electronic profile of this material. We explore the impact of both bridge and in-plane oxygen vacancy defects on the structural and electronic properties of SnO2, explaining from an atomistic perspective the experimental observables. The results underscore the importance of simulating both types of defects to accurately predict SnO2 features and provide new fundamental insights that can guide future studies concerning design and optimization of SnO2-based materials and functional interfaces.

Bridging the gap between molecular and genomic epidemiology in tuberculosis: inferring MIRU-VNTR patterns from genomic data.

The transition from MIRU-VNTR-based epidemiology studies in tuberculosis (TB) to genomic epidemiology has transformed how we track transmission. However, short-read sequencing is poor at analyzing repetitive regions such as the MIRU-VNTR loci. This causes a gap between the new genomic data and the large amount of information stored in historical databases. Long-read sequencing could bridge this knowledge gap by allowing analysis of repetitive regions. However, the feasibility of extracting MIRU-VNTRs from long reads and linking them to historical data has not been evaluated. In our study, an in silico arm, consisting of inference of MIRU patterns from long-read sequences (using MIRUReader program), was compared with an experimental arm, involving standard amplification and fragment sizing. We analyzed overall performance on 39 isolates from South Africa and confirmed reproducibility in a sample enriched with 62 clustered cases from Spain. Finally, we ran 25 consecutive incident cases, demonstrating the feasibility of correctly assigning new clustered/orphan cases by linking data inferred from genomic analysis to MIRU-VNTR databases. Of the 3,024 loci analyzed, only 11 discrepancies (0.36%) were found between the two arms: three attributed to experimental error and eight to misassigned alleles from long-read sequencing. A second round of analysis of these discrepancies resulted in agreement between the experimental and in silico arms in all but one locus. Adjusting the MIRUReader program code allowed us to flag potential in silico misassignments due to suboptimal coverage or unfixed double alleles. Our study indicates that long-read sequencing could help address potential chronological and geographical gaps arising from the transition from molecular to genomic epidemiology of tuberculosis. IMPORTANCE: The transition from molecular epidemiology in tuberculosis (TB), based on the analysis of repetitive regions (VNTR-based genotyping), to genomic epidemiology transforms in the precision with which we track transmission. However, short-read sequencing, the most common method for performing genomic analysis, is poor at analyzing repetitive regions. This means that we face a gap between the new genomic data and the large amount of information stored in historical databases, which is also an obstacle to cross-national surveillance involving settings where only molecular data are available. Long-read sequencing could help bridge this knowledge gap by allowing analysis of repetitive regions. Our study demonstrates that MIRU-VNTR patterns can be successfully inferred from long-read sequences, allowing the correct assignment of new cases as clustered/orphan by linking new data extracted from genomic analysis to historical MIRU-VNTR databases. Our data may provide a starting point for bridging the knowledge gap between the molecular and genomic eras in tuberculosis epidemiology.

Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as early biomarker for renal disease in dogs with leishmaniosis.

Canine leishmaniosis (CanL), caused by Leishmania sp., presents a wide array of symptoms; renal dysfunction is frequently observed in these dogs and is associated with a poor prognosis and increased mortality. The traditional biomarkers namely urea and creatinine can detect renal damage but only in advanced stages of the disease. However, it has been shown that the symmetric dimethylarginine assay (SDMA) or the protein/creatinine ratio (UPC) and are early biomarkers of renal dysfunction. Their elevation occurs earlier than that of creatinine, but other novel biomarkers such as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) are currently under investigation. Our objective was to determine whether the urine NGAL-creatinine ratio (uNGAL/c) can provide very early diagnosis of kidney disease in CanL. In total, 68 dogs were included in the study: 15 healthy dogs and 53 dogs with CanL who were classified according to International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) classification: IRIS 1 (N= 34), IRIS 2 (N= 9) and IRIS 3/4 (N= 10). IRIS 1 was subdivided according to proteinuria in IRIS 1NP (13 dogs with UPC < 0.2), IRIS 1BL (8 dogs with UPC = 0.2-0.5) and IRIS 1 P (13 dogs with UPC > 0.5). Blood samples were collected for complete hematological and biochemistry analysis including plasma NGAL. Urinalysis included specific gravity, UPC, CysC and NGAL expressed as a ratio with creatinine. The mean concentrations of pCysC and SDMA in CanL, show a statistically significant increase from IRIS 1NP, not being statistically significant for pCysC in the IRIS 1BL group. The UPC show a statistically significant increase from IRIS 1NP. In all groups with CanL for uCysC/c and uNGAL/c was observed a statistically significant increase. The uNGAL/c in the group proteinuric animals, presents a positive correlation with all renal biomarkers studied. In the group of non-proteinuric animals, the uNGAL/c presents a positive correlation with SDMA and UPC. The uNGAL/c can be considered a reliable indicator of renal disease in dogs diagnosed with CanL who are non-azotemic and non-proteinuric.

Comparative life cycle analysis between commercial porcelain stoneware and new ones designed by using volcanic scraps.

To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, many companies have started implementing sustainability policies. The aim of this work, as result of collaboration between Universities and companies, is to assess the environmental impacts associated with the production of alternative formulations of porcelain stoneware. The proposed formulations contain extraction scraps and chamotte and have promising technological properties. A comparative analysis of the life cycle in three different scenarios was carried out to assess the environmental footprint of the final products. The analyzed scenarios were a glazed porcelain stoneware (which was taken as a reference and is commercially available), a porcelain stoneware containing pumice scraps, and one containing volcanic lapillus scraps. It was observed that the transportation of raw materials has the largest environmental impact, followed by the production and extraction of the raw materials themselves. From the performed analysis, it was possible to observe that by replacing the currently used materials by the ones hereby studied, environmental benefits can be obtained. In particular, depending on the considered pollutant, the environmental impact can be reduced between a minimum of about 8 % (Freshwater Aquatic Ecotoxicity category) to a maximum of 48 % (Acidification category). In a time when raw materials supply is difficult, the use of scraps, which would otherwise be disposed of, is particularly interesting and can lead to the production of an environmentally friendly product.

Dissecting the Role of the Hole-Transport Layer in Cu2 AgBiI6 Solar Cells: An Integrated Experimental and Theoretical Study.

Perovskite-inspired materials (PIMs) provide low-toxicity and air-stable photo-absorbers for several possible optoelectronic devices. In this context, the pnictogen-based halides Cu2AgBiI6 (CABI) are receiving increasing attention in photovoltaics. Despite extensive studies on power conversion efficiency and shelf-life stability, nearly no attention has been given to the physicochemical properties of the interface between CABI and the hole transport layer (HTL), which can strongly impact overall cell operations. Here, we address this specific interface with three polymeric HTLs: poly(N,N'-bis(4-butylphenyl)-N,N'-bis(phenyl)benzidine) (poly-TPD), thiophene-(poly(3-hexylthiophene)) (P3HT), and poly(bis(4-phenyl)(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)amine) (PTAA). Our findings reveal that devices fabricated with poly-TPD and P3HT outperform the commonly used Spiro-OMeTAD in terms of device operational stability, while PTAA exhibits worse performances. Density functional theory calculations unveil the electronic and chemical interactions at the CABI-HTL interfaces, providing new insights into observed experimental behaviors. Our study highlights the importance of addressing the buried interfaces in PIM-based devices to enhance their overall performance and stability.

Halide Engineering in Mixed Halide Perovskite-Inspired Cu2AgBiI6 for Solar Cells with Enhanced Performance.

Cu2AgBiI6 (CABI) is a promising perovskite-inspired absorber for solar cells due to its direct band gap and high absorption coefficient. However, the nonradiative recombination caused by the high extrinsic trap density limits the performance of CABI-based solar cells. In this work, we employ halide engineering by doping bromide anions (Br-) in CABI thin films, in turn significantly improving the power conversion efficiency (PCE). By introducing Br- in the synthetic route of CABI thin films, we identify the optimum composition as CABI-10Br (with 10% Br at the halide site). The tailored composition appears to reduce the deep trap density as shown by time-resolved photoluminescence and transient absorption spectroscopy characterizations. This leads to a dramatic increase in the lifetime of charge carriers, which therefore improves both the external quantum efficiency and the integrated short-circuit current. The photovoltaic performance shows a significant boost since the PCE under standard 1 sun illumination increases from 1.32 to 1.69% (∼30% relative enhancement). Systematic theoretical and experimental characterizations were employed to investigate the effect of Br- incorporation on the optoelectronic properties of CABI. Our results highlight the importance of mitigating trap states in lead-free perovskite-inspired materials and that Br- incorporation at the halide site is an effective strategy for improving the device performance.

Embarazo cornual. Presentación de un caso de evolución inusual con dosis única de metotrexato / Cornual pregnancy. A case report of unusual evolution with a single dose of methotrexate

RESUMEN El embarazo cornual o intersticial es una entidad rara, con alta morbilidad y mortalidad materna. Su diagnóstico es difícil, porque en la exploración ecográfica el embrión parece localizarse dentro del útero. El embarazo cornual o intersticial es más peligroso que otros tipos de embarazo ectópico, pues su rotura puede ocasionar hemorragia aguda. Tiene los mismos factores de riesgo que el embarazo tubárico. Un diagnóstico precoz permite realizar tratamiento médico con metotrexato o tratamiento quirúrgico conservador. Se comunica un caso de evolución inusual con dosis única de metotrexato.

ABSTRACT Cornual pregnancy is a rare entity associated with high morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis is challenging because the embryo usually appears on ultrasound as localized inside the uterus. Cornual pregnancy is more dangerous than other ectopic pregnancies, and cornual rupture may lead to severe maternal hemorrhage. It has the same risk factors as tubal pregnancy. Early diagnosis allows either medical treatment with methotrexate or conservative surgical treatments. We present a case of cornual pregnancy with unusual evolution to a single dose of methotrexate.

Embarazo heterotópico espontáneo: Presentación de dos casos / Spontaneous heterotopic pregnancy: Report of two cases

Heterotopic pregnancy is the simultaneous development of an intrauterine and an ectopic pregnancy. This complication is increasing due to infertility treatment, especially assisted reproduction techniques. There are two types: induced (associated with in vitro fertilization techniques, rate 1:1 000 to 1: 1 500 pregnancies) or spontaneous (1:20 000 to 1:80 000 pregnancies). Causal factors for spontaneous heterotopic pregnancies include pelvic inflammatory disease, use of intrauterine device or hormonal devices, previous pelvic surgery, and history of ectopic pregnancy. We present two cases of spontaneous heterotopic pregnancies.

El embarazo heterotópico es el desarrollo simultáneo de un embarazo intrauterino y de otro extrauterino. Es una complicación en aumento en relación al tratamiento de la infertilidad, en especial con técnicas de reproducción asistida. Puede presentarse de dos maneras: inducido (relacionado con técnicas de fertilización in vitro, incidencia de 1:1 000 hasta 1:1 500 embarazos) o espontánea (frecuencia 1:20 000 hasta 1:80 000 embarazos). Sus factores causales son la enfermedad pélvica inflamatoria, uso de dispositivo intrauterino o dispositivos hormonales, cirugía pélvica previa o embarazo ectópico previo. Presentamos dos casos de embarazos heterotópicos espontáneos.

Citomegalovirus y gestación: Reporte de un caso en gestación gemelar / Cytomegalovirus infection in pregnancy: Case report in twin pregnancy

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the leading cause of congenital infection in developed countries, affecting 0.3 to 0.6% of all live births in Europe. Primary CMV infection occurs in 1 to 4% of seronegative women during pregnancy and may be transmitted to the fetus in 40% of cases. Up to 10% of intrauterine CMV infections result in symptomatic congenital disease at birth. Half of these children and 13% of those born with asymptomatic infection will develop long-term sequelae, especially neurosensory hearing loss and mental retardation. Accurate diagnosis of primary maternal and fetal infection is now possible using the avidity index of anti-CMV IgG and virological testing to detect the virus in amniotic fluid. The gold standard for diagnosis of congenital CMV infection is the detection of the virus in urine within the first 2 weeks of life by rapid cell culture techniques (shell vial) or nucleic acid amplification of viral DNA (PCR). Currently, only educational and hygienic measures may prevent infection during pregnancy, until a CMV vaccine becomes available. Results of controlled clinical trials on antiviral drugs and immunoglobulins against CMV in infected pregnant women are expected.

El citomegalovirus (CMV) es la causa más frecuente de infección congénita en los países desarrollados y aparece entre 0,3 y 0,6% de los recién nacidos en Europa. La primoinfección durante el embarazo ocurre en 1 a 4% de las gestantes seronegativas. En este caso, el 40% de los fetos se infecta y 10% presenta síntomas al nacimiento. La mitad de estos niños y 13% de los que nacen asintomáticos desarrollan secuelas permanentes, especialmente hipoacusia neurosensorial y retraso mental. En la actualidad, la determinación de la avidez de los anticuerpos IgG maternos y la detección del virus en líquido amniótico por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) permiten el diagnóstico de la primoinfección en la embarazada y el diagnóstico de la infección en el feto. El diagnóstico de la infección congénita en el recién nacido debe realizarse mediante el cultivo del virus en shell vial o mediante la identificación del genoma viral por PCR en una muestra de orina recogida en las 2 primeras semanas de vida. A día de hoy, solo disponemos de medidas higiénico-sanitarias para la prevención de la infección durante la gestación, a la espera de resultados en el desarrollo de una nueva vacuna contra el CMV y de estudios multicéntricos controlados que avalen el uso o no de antivirales e inmunoglobulinas en gestantes infectadas por CMV.

Micosis fungoide en vulva: Presentación de un caso / Vulvar mycosis fungoides: A case report

Mycosis fungoides is a malignant neoplasm originating in T lymphocytes. It usually starts with the appearance of flat spots, called "patch stage". As time goes by, lesions infiltrate surrounding tissue and plaques appear ("plaque stage"). We present the case of a 50-year-old female patient wiht clinical and histological findings of vulvar mycosis fungoides in patch stage.

La micosis fungoide es una neoplasia maligna originada en los linfocitos T. Usualmente inicia con la aparición de manchas planas o estadio de mancha. Con el correr de los años, las lesiones van siendo infiltrantes, apareciendo las placas o estadio de placas. Presentamos a un paciente de sexo femenino de 50 años con hallazgos clínicos e histopatológicos de micosis fungoide en estadio eritematoso o manchas a nivel de vulva.

Uso de las Tecnologías de la información y la comunicación y las redes sociales entre el profesorado universitario de enfermería / Explorando o uso das Tecnologias da informação e a comunicação e as redes sociais entre o professorado universitário de enfermagem. Uma enquete de opinião / Exploring the Use of information and communication technologies and social networks among university nursing faculty staff. An opinion survey

Objetivo. Analizar el uso de las Tecnologías de la información y la comunicación –TIC- y las redes sociales entre el profesorado universitario de enfermería en España. Metodología. Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal en el que se empleó un cuestionario sobre competencias TIC diseñado para cumplir con el objetivo de investigación, el cual fue evaluado por expertos. Posteriormente, se le hizo análisis exploratorio de componentes principales. La confiabilidad de este instrumento fue 0.85, medida con el alfa de Cronbach. La herramienta informática utilizada para publicar en línea el cuestionario fue Limesurvey. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 165 profesores de 25 Facultades y Escuelas de Enfermería de las Universidades de España. Resultados. El 71% del total de encuestados utilizaba los servicios de Internet para buscar información, el 63% hacía uso de Internet como vía de formación y aprendizaje y un 72% lo empleaba como plataforma de comunicación (correo electrónico y plataformas virtuales como Sakai y Moodle). A pesar de que el 51% del profesorado encuestado tenía más de 120 alumnos matriculados en sus cursos, un contraste de hipótesis reveló que el número de alumnos en clase no es un factor determinante para que el profesorado tenga mayor interés por actualizar sus conocimientos en TIC. Los profesores más jóvenes utilizan con mayor profusión las nuevas tecnologías y la ventaja más valorada del uso de las TIC fue el acceso rápido a la información. Los profesores perciben que tras la Declaración de Bolonia, que exige modificar sus procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje mediante las nuevas metodologías docentes, se ha producido un descenso en el rendimiento propio y en el de sus compañeros de área de conocimiento. Conclusión. El profesorado de enfermería está afrontando con esfuerzo los nuevos retos que las TIC plantean para formar a los profesionales del siglo XXI. Es fundamental prestar especial atención al mejoramiento de las competencias en manejo de TIC...

Objective. This work sought to analyze the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and social networks among the university nursing faculty staff in Spain. Methodology. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study using a questionnaire on ICT skills designed to comply with the research objective, which was evaluated by experts and which was subjected to exploratory analysis of principal components; the reliability of this instrument measured with Cronbach’s alpha was 0.85. The information technology tool used to publish the questionnaire on line was Limesurvey. The sample comprised 165 professors from 25 Nursing Faculties and Schools from universities in Spain. Results. Seventy one percent of the total surveyed used internet services to look for information, 63% used the internet as a means for formation and learning, and 72% used it as a communication platform (e-mail and virtual platforms like Sakai and Moodle). Although 51% of the teaching staff surveyed had more than 120 students registered in their courses, hypothesis testing revealed that the number of students in class is not a determining factor for the teaching staff to have greater interest to update its knowledge in ICTs. Younger professors use new technologies more profusely and the most-valued advantage of using ICTs was quick access to information. Professors perceive that after the Bologna Declaration, which requires modifying their teaching-learning processes through the new teaching methodologies, a drop has been produced in their performance and that of their peers in their area of knowledge. Conclusion. The nursing teaching staff is making strong efforts to confront the new challenges posed by ICTs to train the professionals of the 21st century. It is fundamental to pay special attention to improving the university teaching staff’s skills in managing ICTs, promoting the implementation of the knowledge acquired...

Objetivo. Analisar o uso das Tecnologias da informação e a comunicação –TICs- e as redes sociais entre o professorado universitário de enfermagem na Espanha. Metodologia. Estudo descritivo de corte transversal no que se empregou um questionário sobre concorrências TICs desenhado para cumprir com o objetivo de investigação, o qual foi avaliado por experientes e ao que posteriormente se lhe fez análise exploratório de componentes principais; a confiabilidade deste instrumento medida com o alfa de Cronbach foi 0.85. A ferramenta informática utilizada para publicar na linha o questionário foi Limesurvey. A amostra esteve composta por 165 professores de 25 Faculdades e Escolas de Enfermagem das Universidades da Espanha. Resultados. 71% do total de interrogados utilizava os serviços de Internet para procurar informação, 63% fazia uso de internet como via de formação e aprendizagem e um 72% o empregava como plataforma de comunicação (correio eletrônico e plataformas virtuais como Sakai e Moodle). Apesar de que 51% do professorado interrogado tinha mais de 120 alunos matriculados em seus cursos, um contraste de hipótese revelou que o número de alunos em classe não é um fator determinante para que o professorado tenha maior interesse por atualizar seus conhecimentos em TICs. Os professores mais jovens utilizam com maior profusão as novas tecnologias e a vantagem mais valorizada do uso das TICs foi o acesso rápido à informação. Os professores percebem que depois da Declaração de Bologna, que exige modificar seus processos de ensino-aprendizagem mediante as novas metodologias docentes, produziu-se um descenso no rendimento próprio e no de seus colegas da área de conhecimento. Conclusão. O professorado de enfermagem está enfrentado com esforço os novos reptos que as TICs propõem para formar aos profissionais do século XXI. É fundamental prestar especial atendimento ao melhoramento as concorrências em manejo de TICs do professorado universitário...

Wireless devices in nursing education / Dispositivos inalámbricos en la educación enfermera / Dispositivos sem fio na educação em enfermagem

Objective. This article sought to explore the adoption of wireless devices in university nursing teaching and address their repercussion on future professionals. Methodology. This is a bibliographical study conducted in 2011, which analyzed international publications on the use, review, application, opinion, and experimentation of wireless devices in university nursing teaching of wireless technology in nursing teaching. The following databases were used: Medline and Science@Direct. Results. A total of 503 articles were extracted and 77 were selected, of which 40 investigated the Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), 13 the clicker (Student Response Wireless System), and six the smart phone. The use of mobile devices has experienced strong growth during the last five years, especially PDAs. Conclusion. Use of mobile devices in university nursing teaching has grown in recent years, especially PDAs.

Objetivo. Explorar la adopción de los dispositivos inalámbricos en la enseñanza universitaria de enfermería y abordar su repercusión para los futuros profesionales. Metodología. Estudio bibliográfico realizado en 2011 en el que se analizaron las publicaciones internacionales sobre el uso revisión, aplicación, opinión y experimentación de los dispositivos inalámbricos (tecnología inalámbrica) en la enseñanza universitaria de enfermería. Se utilizaron las bases de datos Medline y Science@Direct. Resultados. Se extrajeron 503 artículos y se seleccionaron 77, de los cuales, 40 investigaron la PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), 13 el clicker (Sistema inalámbrico de Respuesta del Estudiante)y 6 el teléfono inteligente. El uso de dispositivos móviles ha experimentado un fuerte crecimiento en los últimos cinco años, especialmente la PDA. Conclusión. El uso de dispositivos móviles en la enseñanza universitaria de enfermería ha crecido en los últimos años, especialmente el de la PDA.

Objetivo. Explorar a adoção dos dispositivos sem fio no ensino universitário de enfermagem e abordar sua repercussão para os futuros profissionais. Metodologia. Estudo bibliográfico realizado em 2011 no que se analisaram as publicações internacionais sobre o uso revisão, aplicação, opinião e experimentação dos dispositivos sem fio no ensino universitário de enfermagem da tecnologia sem fio no ensino de enfermagem. Utilizaram-se as bases de dados Medline e Science@Direct. Resultados. Extraíram-se 503 artigos e foram selecionados 77, dos quais, 40 pesquisaram a PDA (Pessoal Digital Assistant), 13 o clicker (Sistema sem fio de Resposta do Estudante) e 6 o telefone inteligente. O uso de dispositivos móveis experimentou um forte crescimento nos últimos cinco anos, especialmente a PDA. Conclusão. O uso de dispositivos móveis no ensino universitário de enfermagem cresceu nos últimos anos, especialmente o da PDA.