Structural Features and Zeolite Stability: A Linearized Equation Approach.

Zeolite stability, in terms of lattice energy, is revisited from a crystal-chemistry point of view. A linearized equation relates the zeolite lattice energy using simple structural data readily available from experiments or modeling. The equation holds for a large range of zeolite energies, up to 3 eV per tetrahedron with respect to quartz, and has been validated internally via two simple machine learning automatic procedures for data fitting/reference partitions and externally using data from recently synthesized zeolites. The approach is certain in locating those recently synthesized zeolites in the energy range of those experimentally known zeolites used in the parametrization of the linearized equation. Hidden intrinsic structural data-energy correlations were found for data sets built from energy-relaxed structures along with energy values computed using the same energy functions employed in the structural relaxation. The asymmetry of the structural features is relevant for an accurate description of the energy.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in Domestic Mammals.

As guest editors, we are pleased to present this Special Issue entitled "Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in Domestic Mammals", comprising 10 articles of relevant interest in the field of animal reproduction [...].

Ultrasonography of Pregnancy in Murciano-Granadina Goat Breed: Fetal Growth Indices and Umbilical Artery Doppler Parameters.

The evolution of some fetal growth indices and arterial blood flow parameters in the umbilical cord of the embryos and fetuses of primiparous pregnant goats of Murciano-Granadina breed were analyzed by ultrasonography. Weekly ultrasonographic sessions took place from 18- to 125-days post-breeding. Fetal measures were carried out by ultrasound B-mode. This mode was used to take a series of measurements in the embryo/fetus throughout pregnancy: crown-rump length (CRL, from 24-days post-mating -dpm- to 61 dpm), trunk diameter (TD, 24-34 dpm), biparietal diameter (BPD, 28-125 dpm) and eye orbit diameter (EOD, 75-125 dpm). Spectral Doppler was used to study blood flow from umbilical artery. Different blood flow parameters were obtained as follows: Arterial Pulse, Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV), End Diastolic Velocity (EDV), Mean Velocity (MV), Systolic velocity/Diastolic velocity Ratio (S/D), Pulsatility Index (PI) and Resistance Index (RI). In this study, the umbilical cord was first noticed between 32- and 35-days post-breeding. However, these umbilical arterial blood flow parameters were not conclusive (positive S/D ratios and RI < 1) until 65-80 days of pregnancy. The explanation to these results could be that vascular development related to umbilical arteries elasticity and diameter is not good enough in early pregnancy. Therefore, these vessels have already acquired their appropriate characteristics in order to allow blood flow parameters and Doppler index measures from only 2.5 months of pregnancy. This is the first time that a detailed study of fetal growth indices and umbilical artery flow rates in fetuses from Murciano-Granadina goats has been performed throughout virtually the entire duration of gestation. In conclusion, the evolution of the fetal growth indices in this breed has determined that the umbilical artery velocimetric parameters (PSV, EDV, MV) increase significantly and the AP, S/D, PI and RI indices decrease significantly throughout the analyzed pregnancy period.

Nucleation of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks: from molecules to nanoparticles.

We have studied the clusters involved in the initial stages of nucleation of Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks, employing a wide range of computational techniques. In the pre-nucleating solution, the prevalent cluster is the ZnIm4 cluster (formed by a zinc cation, Zn2+, and four imidazolate anions, Im-), although clusters such as ZnIm3, Zn2Im7, Zn2Im7, Zn3Im9, Zn3Im10, or Zn4Im12 have energies that are not much higher, so they would also be present in solution at appreciable quantities. All these species, except ZnIm3, have a tetrahedrally coordinated Zn2+ cation. Small ZnxImy clusters are less stable than the ZnIm4 cluster. The first cluster that is found to be more stable than ZnIm4 is the Zn41Im88 cluster, which is a disordered cluster with glassy structure. Bulk-like clusters do not begin to be more stable than glassy clusters until much larger sizes, since the larger cluster we have studied (Zn144Im288) is still less stable than the glassy Zn41Im88 cluster, suggesting that Ostwald's rule (the less stable polymorph crystallizes first) could be fulfilled, not for kinetic, but for thermodynamic reasons. Our results suggest that the first clusters formed in the nucleation process would be glassy clusters, which then undergo transformation to any of the various crystal structures possible, depending on the kinetic routes provided by the synthesis conditions. Our study helps elucidate the way in which the various species present in solution interact, leading to nucleation and crystal growth.

Post-Thaw Quality of Spermatozoa Frozen with Three Different Extenders in the Murciano Granadina Goat Breed.

Artificial insemination (AI) with frozen semen in goats still presents serious difficulties, especially in certain goat breeds, in spite of technological progress. The aim of this work is the in vitro study of seminal extenders adapted from those used on other species to evaluate the response of goat sperm to several homeostatic conditions in order to achieve optimal post-thaw semen quality. Three different extenders based on different activity principles were used: (1) extender according to the methodology proposed for pigs, (2) skimmed-milk-based extender according to the methodology proposed for goats in France, and (3) a new egg-yolk-based extender replacing membrane-protective surfactants with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and named by our team as extender "IMIDA". The freezing guidelines were those proposed for the freezing of porcine semen. The results obtained show that the egg-yolk-based extenders have good parameters of sperm motility at thawing, studied objectively using the computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system and also subjectively. In particular, in the sperm resistance test after five hours, the thawed sperm containing SDS in their composition showed an optimal average on every evaluated parameter. The new IMIDA extender provided the highest sperm quality averages, so it could be a good extender to use in cryopreservation of semen in the caprine species.

Turning an invasive alien species into a valuable biomass: Anaerobic digestion of Rugulopteryx okamurae after thermal and new developed low-cost mechanical pretreatments.

The invasive alien seaweed Rugulopteryx okamurae (R.o.) has spread quickly through the Mediterranean Sea causing an unprecedented ecological impact. A solution integrated into a circular economy model is needed in order to curb the negative effects of its presence. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is proposed as a feasible process able to transform biomass into renewable energy. Nevertheless, in order to improve the methane yield and surpass the drawbacks associated with AD processes, this research proposes a thermal pretreatment and a new developed method where the macroalgae is mechanically pretreated with zeolite. Chemical and microstructure characterization of the algal biomass after pretreatments involved scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The highest methane yields of 240 (28) and 250 (20) NLCH4 kg-1 VSadded were obtained with the new mechanical pretreatment and the thermal pretreatment at 120 °C for 45 min without zeolite, achieving a 35 % improvement against the non-pretreated algae. A direct relationship between the crystallinity index of the samples and methane production was observed. The experimental data of methane production versus time were found to be in accordance with both first-order kinetic and Transference Function mathematical models.

Effect of Superovulation Treatment on Oocyte's DNA Methylation.

Controlled ovarian stimulation is a necessary step in some assisted reproductive procedures allowing a higher collection of female gametes. However, consequences of this stimulation for the gamete or the offspring have been shown in several mammals. Most studies used comparisons between oocytes from different donors, which may contribute to different responses. In this work, we use the bovine model in which each animal serves as its own control. DNA methylation profiles were obtained by single-cell whole-genome bisulfite sequencing of oocytes from pre-ovulatory unstimulated follicles compared to oocytes from stimulated follicles. Results show that the global percentage of methylation was similar between groups, but the percentage of methylation was lower for non-stimulated oocytes in the imprinted genes APEG3, MEG3, and MEG9 and higher in TSSC4 when compared to stimulated oocytes. Differences were also found in CGI of imprinted genes: higher methylation was found among non-stimulated oocytes in MEST (PEG1), IGF2R, GNAS (SCG6), KvDMR1 ICR UMD, and IGF2. In another region around IGF2, the methylation percentage was lower for non-stimulated oocytes when compared to stimulated oocytes. Data drawn from this study might help to understand the molecular reasons for the appearance of certain syndromes in assisted reproductive technologies-derived offspring.

Analysis of Uterine Blood Flow in Breeding Sows through the Estrus and Early Diestrus, and after Artificial Insemination.

This study aimed to determine uterine blood flow indices by transabdominal Doppler ultrasound in sows (n = 18) under different conditions: (i) sows after estrus detection (day 0, D0); (ii) sows 2 h after artificial insemination (AI), performed 24 h after detection of estrus (day 1, D1); (iii) sows in early diestrus (day 5, D5). Moreover, three different types of seminal doses were used for AI depending on the ejaculate fraction included (F1: doses containing only the rich fraction of the ejaculate; F2: F1 + the transition fraction between rich and poor fractions; F3: F2 and poor fraction). The statistical analysis revealed significant differences in some indices regarding the period of analysis (D0, D1, and D5). Diastolic velocity and mean velocity showed lower values at D5 in comparison with D0 and D1 (p < 0.01). On the other hand, the pulsatility index and the relationship systolic velocity/diastolic velocity indicated higher values at D5 in comparison with D0 and D1 (p < 0.01). No differences were observed regarding the type of seminal dose used in any of the time points analyzed (p > 0.05). Neither insemination per se nor the type of ejaculate fraction used immediately modified the uterine vascularity, but some indices are affected by the stage of the estrus cycle (estrus vs. early diestrus).

Unravelling the key factors in the chlorine-promoted epoxidation of ethylene over a silver-copper oxide nanocatalyst.

Ethylene oxide is one of the most important raw materials in the chemical industry, with an annual production close to 35 million metric tons. Despite its importance, to date, no metal has been found that can compete with the original silver bulk material catalyst discovered in 1931. Recently, a few copper and copper-silver based nanostructures have demonstrated remarkable selectivity and activity, especially when coupled with an industrial chlorine promoter. The present work evaluates the mechanistic role of chlorine as an active promoter of the selective oxidation of ethylene to ethylene oxide in the presence of a silver-copper oxide hybrid nanocatalyst (AgCuO). Experimental kinetic studies combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations provide insight into the influence that Ag/CuO-supported chlorine atoms have over the ethylene epoxidation reaction. Remarkably, the typically described indirect route via the formation of an oxametallacycle (OMC) is also accompanied by a direct route. Furthermore, the presence of chlorine seems to facilitate a more favorable adsorption energy for ethylene oxide (EO) than for acetaldehyde (AA), the main reaction by-product. As a result, complete oxidation of EO can be further prevented in the presence of this AgCuO hybrid heteronanostructure.

The Nature and Extent of Component Analyses for Improving or Mitigating Behavior: A Systematic Review.

A component analysis is an approach where two or more independent variables are evaluated as a package and independently. The approach is used to assess and identify which component of a treatment package is the most effective. The purpose of this review is to document the application of component analyses to improve or mitigate non-academic behaviors with individuals with disabilities. We identified 21 research articles that used a component analysis to evaluate treatment packages with students who were identified as having or at-risk for a disability in classroom and/or alternative settings. Results from reviewing 21 articles (22 cases) indicate that 11 intervention packages had a single component that was critical for successful behavior change. Two articles suggested the entire intervention package was necessary while nine articles did not report a critical component or had variable results pertaining to critical components. The benefits and drawbacks of using component analyses for single case research are discussed. Implications for future research are also presented.

Sedación paliativa en la agonía realizada por un servicio de urgencias de Atención Primaria a nivel domiciliario. Estudio observacional retrospectivo / Palliative sedation in agony performed at home by a primary care emergency service. A retrospective study

Objetivos: El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer las características de la sedación paliativa en la agonía a nivel domiciliario realizada por personal no especializado en cuidados paliativos y detectar áreas de mejora. Material y método: Estudio observacional retrospectivo. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes falle- cidos en domicilio entre septiembre de 2020 y febrero de 2021, que precisaron sedación indicada por el Servicio de Urgencias de Atención Primaria (SUAP) Málaga. Resultados: El porcentaje de sedación paliativa fue del 16,4 % [9,8-23,2 %]. Solo el 36 % [27- 45 %] de los pacientes se encontraba incluido en el proceso de cuidados paliativos. En el 67,2 % [59-76 %] de los casos, eran crónicos no oncológicos. La disnea fue el síntoma más prevalente (76,1 % [68-83 %]). El delirium estuvo presente en el 21,4 % [13-28 %] de los pacientes. El fár- maco más utilizado fue el midazolam (94,9 % [91-99 %]). La media de tiempo que pasa desde el inicio de la sedación hasta el fallecimiento es de 24,3 h [19,3-29,2h]. Las diferencias en las medias de supervivencia entre hombres (20,765 [13,7-27,7]) y mujeres (29,2 [22,1-33,3]) fueron estadísticamente significativas. El 72 % [64 %-80 %] de los pacientes no recibió ningún tipo de seguimiento desde el inicio de la sedación hasta el fallecimiento. Conclusiones: Existe concordancia entre los resultados obtenidos en este trabajo y los encontra- dos en la bibliografía consultada, en cuanto a la proporción de pacientes con sedación paliativa en la agonía, tiempo de duración de la misma y principales fármacos empleados. La edad media de los pacientes fue mayor en este estudio, así como la prevalencia de patología crónica no oncológica y de disnea como principal síntoma refractario. Llama la atención el desconocimien- to del nivel de sedación de nuestros pacientes, la falta de seguimiento y la infrautilización de levomepromazina en delirium. (AU)

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the characteristics of at-home palliative sedation in agony as carried out by care providers who are not specialists in palliative care, and to detect areas for improvement. Material and method: A retrospective, observational study. All patients who died at home be- tween September 2020 and February 2021, who required sedation as indicated by the Primary Care Emergency Service (SUAP) in Malaga, were included. Results: The percentage of palliative sedation was 16.4 % [9.8 %-23.2 %]. Only 36 % [27 %-45 %] of the patients were included in the palliative care process. In 67.2 % [59 %-76 %] of cases, they had non-cancer chronic conditions. Dyspnea was the most prevalent symptom (76.1 % [68 %-83 %]). Delirium was present in 21.4 % [13 %-28 %] of patients. The most widely used drug was midazolam (94.9 % [91 %-99 %]). Mean time from start of sedation to death is 24.3h [19.3h- 29.2h]. The differences in mean survival rate between men 20.765 [13.7-27.7] and women 29.2 [22.1-33.3] were statistically significant; 72 %[64 %-80 %] of the patients did not undergo any follow-up from start of sedation to death. Conclusions: There is agreement between the results obtained in this study and those found in the consulted bibliography regarding the proportion of patients with palliative sedation in agony, its duration, and the main drugs used. The mean age of the patients was higher in this study, as well as the prevalence of non-oncological chronic disease, with dyspnea as the main refractory symptom. The perceived lack of knowledge regarding sedation levels in our patients, as wellas lack of follow-up and underuse of levomepromazine in delirium, are striking. (AU)

Quantifying Function with the Functional Analysis Celeration Chart.

The present brief practice examined 6 randomly selected studies from the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis that included functional analysis data replotted on the functional analysis celeration chart (FACC). The FACC showcases the practicality of a standard celeration chart- derived visual display. The research question asked, what level values occurred related to the original authors' determination of function? Results indicated all functions had a ×2 level multiplier or higher when placed on the FACC.

Experiencia cubana en la vigilancia de la seguridad del consumo de productos naturales y acupuntura / Cuban experience in monitoring the safety of the consumption of natural products and acupuncture

La Vigilancia en Salud es una de las fortalezas del Sistema Nacional de Salud Cubano, en el cual los profesionales sanitarios desempeñan una labor fundamental en cada nivel del mismo como ente activo de dicha vigilancia. Tal empeño demanda de una formación académica con un enfoque biopsicosocial, acompañado del desarrollo de un pensamiento salubrista desde el mismo inicio de su formación.

New Approaches to Assess Fertility in Domestic Animals: Relationship between Arterial Blood Flow to the Testicles and Seminal Quality.

The early identification of infertile males improves reproduction efficiency at a production level and is essential to secure high production rates. Before entering a breeding program, males must pass an initial breeding soundness examination (BSE) which consist of several diagnostic exams whose end point is to estimate their future fertility. There is ongoing research to find new markers that allow better identification of fertile males. Doppler mode allows the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the irrigation of organs. When evaluating the reproductive system, Doppler mode has been successfully used for the evaluation of the uterine and ovarian irrigation. In males, it is gaining relevance for the evaluation of testicular irrigation. Researchers have found a relationship between pulsed-wave Doppler velocimetric parameters and seminal quality in various domestic animal species. This suggests Doppler ultrasound parameters should be considered as objective parameters to evaluate testicular function. In this review, we analyze the results in the main domestic animal species and discuss the differences and similarities among the results. We also discuss the effect of the location of the measurements, breed, season and laterality in the measurement of Doppler velocimetric parameters as well as the impact and limitations of this method of assessing breeding soundness.

Consensus on Criteria for Good Practices in Video Consultation: A Delphi Study.

The use of telemedicine has greatly increased, largely derived from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has created the need for a guide aimed towards the adequate management of a modality of health care: the video consultation. A Delphi study composed of three rounds was conducted with 16 experts in holding video consultations and managing non-technical skills from different specialties and nationalities to conceive a consensus on the criteria needed for properly managing video consultations by healthcare professionals. The consensus criteria were defined by three dimensions (preparation of video consultation, video consultation process, and post-video consultation) and their corresponding items. Excellent consensus data was obtained; therefore, use is recommended by any healthcare professional who is going to utilize a video consultation, in order to manage it effectively.

Identification of Cultural and Transcultural Health Assets Among Moroccan, Romanian and Spanish Adolescents Through Photovoice.

The health assets model focuses on recognizing the strengths, capacities and resources of individuals and their communities to improve health control processes. This study focuses on identifying and comparing the transcultural and cultural assets in health as accounted for by 45 young Romanians, Moroccans and Spaniards living in southern Spain. The research uses a photovoice method to understand what young people consider to boost their health. Of all the photographs taken, each young person selected the six most relevant images, and individual interviews were carried out. Both images and interviews were analysed qualitatively using Atlas Ti. We identified 40 transcultural assets in health that were common among the 3 cultural groups and 7 cultural assets that were specific to cultural groups. The seven assets include religion and spirituality, cultural symbols, medicine, traditional food, thinness, freedom/autonomy and plants. The definition of transcultural and cultural health assets facilitates the development of educational health interventions that reinforce the strengths of others in a culturally sensitive manner.

Quality of life in patients with hepatitis C. Importance of treatment. / Calidad de vida en los pacientes con hepatitis C. Importancia del tratamiento.

Chronic hepatitis C virus infection is a systemic disease that impairs the quality of life of affected individuals. The impairment is not only due to physiological factors, such as the non-hepatic manifestations of the disease or certain symptoms such as fatigue, weakness and nausea, but is also due to the substantial psychological impact of the infection. Treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAA) has been demonstrated to substantially improve patient's quality of life, starting in the initial phases. Supplement information: This article is part of a supplement entitled "The value of simplicity in hepatitis C treatment", which is sponsored by Gilead. © 2019 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Fitting electron density as a physically sound basis for the development of interatomic potentials of complex alloys.

The development of new interatomic potentials to model metallic systems is a difficult task, due in part to the dependence between the parameters that describe the electron density and the short-range interactions. Parameter search methods are prone to false convergence. To solve this problem, we have developed a methodology for obtaining the electron density parameters independently of the short-range interactions, so that physically sound parameters can be obtained to describe the electron density, after which the short-range parameters can be fitted, thus reducing the complexity of the process and yielding better interatomic potentials. With the new method we can develop self-consistent, accurate force fields, using solely calculations, without the need to fit to experimental data. Density functional theory calculations are used to compute the observables with which the potential is fit. We applied the method to a Ni-based Inconel 625 superalloy (IN625), modelled here as Ni, Cr, Mo and Fe solid solution alloys. The capability of the force fields developed using this new method is validated, by comparing the structural and thermo-elastic properties predicted with the force fields, with the corresponding experimental data, both for single crystals and polycrystalline alloys.