Steps per day and health-related quality of life in schoolchildren: the mediator role of cardiorespiratory fitness.

To analyse the relationship between steps per day and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and to examine whether the relationship between steps per day and HRQoL is mediated by CRF in schoolchildren. This was a cross-sectional study including 501 schoolchildren (aged 9-12 years, 47% girls), from Cuenca, Spain. Steps per day were measured using the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 Smart Bracelet, HRQoL was estimated by the KIDSCREEN-27 questionnaire, and CRF was assessed using the 20-m shuttle run test. Analysis of covariance and multivariate analysis of covariance models showed that children with a higher mean number of steps per day (> 9000 steps/day) had better HRQoL (global score, and physical and psychological well-being) and higher CRF levels than their peers with a lower number of steps per day (p < 0.05); however, these differences were no longer significant when controlling for sex, age, mother's education level, and CRF (p > 0.05). Linear regression models estimated that each 1000-step increment was associated with better CRF (ß = 0.350; 95% CI, 0.192 to 0.508). In addition, the relationship between steps per day and HRQoL was mediated by CRF (p < 0.05).    Conclusion: Steps per day are a good metric to estimate daily physical activity because of its positive relationship with CRF. Moreover, those children taking more than 9000 steps per day are associated with higher levels of physical and psychological well-being. Finally, a substantial part of the improvement in HRQoL achieved through the increase in physical activity (steps per day) is mediated by CRF. What is Known: • Physical activity is known to have a positive impact on health-related quality of life in children. Steps per day are commonly used as a measure of physical activity. • Cardiorespiratory fitness is a recognized indicator of overall health in youth. What is New: • Increments of steps per day were associated with better CRF, with a nonlinear association after approximately 9000 steps/day. • Schoolchildren with > 9000 steps/ day showed better HRQoL.

Chlamydomonas agloeformis from the Ecuadorian Highlands: Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds Profiling and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity.

Green microalgae are single-celled eukaryotic organisms that, in recent years, are becoming increasingly important in the nutraceutical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical fields because of their high content of bioactive compounds. In this study, a particular green microalga was isolated from freshwater highland lakes of Ecuador and morphologically and molecularly identified as Chlamydomonas agloeformis (ChA), and it was studied for nutritional and nutraceutical properties. The phenolic composition and the fatty acids profile of lyophilized cells were determined. The methanolic extract was analyzed for the phenolic compounds profile and the antioxidant capacity by means of in vitro tests. Finally, Human Microvascular Endothelial Cells (HMEC-1) were exploited to explore the capacity of ChA to reduce the endothelial damage induced by oxidized LDL-mediated oxidative stress. The extract showed a good antioxidant ability thanks to the high content in polyphenolic compounds. The observed decrease in HMEC-1 cells endothelial damage also was probably due to the antioxidant compounds present in the extract. Based on the outcomes of our in vitro assays, ChA demonstrated to be a promising source of bioactive compounds possessing exceptional antioxidant capacities which make it a prospective functional food.

Characterization of new strains of Pseudorabies virus in Argentina: Detection of interspecies transmission.

Background: Aujeszky's disease is mainly a swine disease, still endemic worldwide. It can infect other mammalians, including human beings, and it is usually fatal with nervous symptoms. Ever since the disease was detected in 1988 in Argentina, many outbreaks have been reported involving both feral swine and dogs. Aim: At present, in Argentina, Pseudorabies virus (PRV) cases are sporadically reported; however, clinical cases are informed. This study aims to obtain information about the seroprevalence of PRV in wild boars and to isolate and characterize PRV from clinical samples. Methods: From 2018 to 2019, 78 wild boars' serum samples from Bahía de Samborombón natural reserve were analyzed for antibodies to PRV using a virus neutralization test. Clinical samples from 17 pigs, 2 wild boars, 1 dog, and 1 cat were collected from 2013 to 2019 for viral isolation and detection of the presence of the gD gene by PCR. For sequence analysis, the gC partial gene was amplified. Results: Five strains were isolated from the dog, cat, and swine samples. The new PRV strains identified were confirmed by BLAST analysis, which revealed between 99.74% and 100% of similarity to the NIA-3 strain and phylogenetic analysis of the partial gene encoding the gC protein revealed that the PRV strains have divided into two main clades, clade 1 and clade 2. Conclusion: This report informed that most new cases of PRV were detected in the central regions of Argentina, where pig production is concentrated. The study in Bahía de Samborombón revealed a high percentage of detection but, the sampling is not representative of that of the rest of the country. Therefore, a systematic sampling effort of wild boar throughout the country should be included in the national program control. Although in Argentina only the inactivated Bartha vaccine is allowed, recombination risk should not be ignored if attenuated vaccines are incorporated into the National control plan. The two strains, one from the cat and one from the dog sample, are directly related to infected swine. The information about clinical cases and molecular characterization of new strains is important for a better understanding of the dynamics of PRV and to promote preventive measures.

Bienestar emocional de los padres de niños con lesión del plexo braquial obstétrica: un estudio transversal / Emotional well-being of parents with children with obstetric brachial plexus injury: A cross-sectional study

Hay evidencia de que las madres de niños con lesión de plexo braquial obstétrica (PBO) muestran sintomatología depresiva y ansiosa y presentan baja calidad de vida. La mayoría de estos estudios evalúan solo a las madres (sin considerar a los padres) y no hay datos recientes que recojan su adaptación durante la pandemia por la COVID-19. Además, hasta la fecha no se ha explorado el papel del apoyo social en esta población y su bienestar emocional. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la sintomatología depresiva, ansiedad, apoyo social y calidad de vida esta población. Para ello, todos los participantes fueron entrevistados online con el objetivo de evaluar estas variables. Participaron los padres (90% mujeres; edad media = 37,47; DT = 4,82) de 30 niños entre 0 y 6 años con lesión de plexo braquial (40% mujeres; edad media = 2,80; DT = 1,60). Los niveles de sintomatología depresiva y ansiosa fueron moderados. El nivel de satisfacción respecto al apoyo social recibido fue elevado, mientras que la media de personas que prestan ayuda fue baja. Los participantes presentaron una alta calidad de vida y salud en variables como función física, rol físico, dolor corporal, salud general, función social, rol emocional y salud mental. Sin embargo, presentaron un nivel moderado de calidad de vida y salud en vitalidad. Este estudio aporta evidencia sobre variables relacionadas con la salud mental de los cuidadores primarios de niños con PBO durante la pandemia por la COVID-19 en España. (AU)

There is evidence that mothers of children with obstetric brachial plexus injury (PBO) show depressive and anxious symptoms and have low quality of life. Most of these studies evaluate only mothers (without considering fathers) and there are no recent data that collect their adaptation during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the role of social support in this population and their emotional well-being has not been explored to date. The aim of the current study was to evaluate depressive symptoms, anxiety, social support and quality of life in this population. To do this, all participants were interviewed online in order to evaluate these variables. Parents (90% women; mean age = 37.47; SD = 4.82) of 30 children between 0 and 6 years old with brachial plexus injury (40% women; mean age = 2.80; SD = 1, 60) participated. The levels of depressive and anxious symptomatology were moderate. The level of satisfaction regarding the social support received was high, while the average number of people who provide help was low. The participants presented a high quality of life and health in variables such as physical function, physical role, bodily pain, general health, social function, emotional role and mental health. However, they presented a moderate level life quality and health in vitality. This study provides evidence on variables related to the mental health of primary caregivers of children with PBO during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. (AU)

Fibropapillomatosis Associated with Chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5) in a Green Turtle Chelonia mydas in Argentine Waters.

Fibropapillomatosis is a debilitating neoplastic disease associated with Chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5) infection. We detected the Atlantic variant of ChHV5 associated with a fibropapilloma in a green turtle (Chelonia mydas) found stranded on the western coast of Rio de la Plata, Argentina. This is the southernmost registered case for the southwestern Atlantic.

Múltiples reacciones adversas graves a fármacos en un paciente luego de la infección por COVID-19: informe de un caso / Drug-induced severe cutaneous adverse reactions in a patient after COVID-19 infection: case report

Durante la pandemia por COVID-19 se observaron diversas reacciones adversas a fármacos. Esto pudo haber estado relacionado con una mayor susceptibilidad inmunológica de los pacientes con SARS-CoV-2 a presentar este tipo de cuadros, así como también con la exposición a múltiples medicamentos utilizados en su tratamiento. Comunicamos el caso de un paciente con una infección respiratoria grave por COVID-19, que presentó 2 reacciones adversas graves a fármacos en un período corto de tiempo. (AU)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, various adverse drug reactions were observed. This could have been related to a greater immunological susceptibility of patients with SARS-CoV-2 to present this type of symptoms, as well as exposure to multiple drugs used in their treatment. We report the case of a patient with a severe respiratory infection due to COVID-19, who presented 2 serious adverse drug reactions associated with paracetamol in a short period of time. (AU)

Malocclusion complexity as an associated factor for temporomandibular disorders. A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and malocclusion complexity using the Index of Complexity Outcome and Need (ICON) levels. METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional, case and control study was done. Cases and controls were matched in a one-to-one relationship (179 subjects each). The Research Diagnostic Criteria was used to evaluate the presence of TMD, and the ICON was used to quantify malocclusion complexity. A binary logistic regression (p < 0.05) was used to identify associations between variables. RESULTS: TMD presence was associated with gender and malocclusion complexity (p < 0.05). The largest proportion of controls were in the lowest three levels of ICON complexity, while most cases were in the three highest levels (p < 0.001). Higher malocclusion complexity indicated a greater TMD risk. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that TMD is associated with malocclusion complexity. As malocclusion complexity increases, so do the odds of presenting with TMD.

Protocol of the MOVI-ageing randomized controlled trial: a home-based e-Health intervention of cognitively demanding exercise for the improvement of cardiorespiratory fitness and cognitive function in older individuals.

Objective: To describe the protocol of the MOVI-ageing randomized controlled trial, a home-based eHealth intervention of cognitive-demanding exercise for older adults, in improving global cognitive function and basic cognitive functions, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscle fitness. Methods: This randomized controlled trial will include participants identified in the social centers of Cuenca and Talavera de la Reina who agree to participate and provide informed consent. Adults aged 60-80 years of both genders retired regardless of the reason for retirement, who do not meet frailty criteria according to Fried criteria, and without cognitive impairment will be invited to participate. This study will be developed in two phases: (i) a 12-week randomized efficacy/feasibility trial and (ii) a large-scale implementation randomized trial phase with a 12-week follow-up following similar procedures. In addition, a qualitative study on barriers to and facilitators of the implementation of the physical exercise intervention using eHealth for older people will be conducted. Participants will have access to a platform including videos of cognitively demanding physical exercise. The participants will be remotely and off-line guided through the physical exercise intervention, and the research team will be able to check the degree of compliance with the program and its correct execution. The participants will receive feedback on their compliance with the routines and reinforcement messages. Implications: The implementations of the findings and their inclusion in guidelines may directly impact in older people's life, and relatives, through the prevention of morbidity and the reduction of years lost to disability. These benefits may be reflected in the reduction of economic expenditure by reducing the demand for social and health care services. Ethics: The Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the 'Virgen de la Luz' Hospital in Cuenca approved the study protocol (registration number: 2022/PI3222). In addition, this protocol was previously registered in Clinicaltrials.gov (Number: NCT05928078).

Factores asociados al uso de antibioticoterapia en niños menores de 2 años previamente sanos hospitalizados por bronquiolitis

Objetivo: Perfilar las características de los pacientes y los factores que llevan a la prescripción de antibióticos, en todos los niños menores de 2 años previamente sanos internados con diagnóstico de bronquiolitis, durante un periodo de 12 meses en el hospital pediátrico especializado. Métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo de las características clínico-epidemiológicas de los niños previamente sanos menores de dos años hospitalizados con el diagnóstico de bronquiolitis, del 01 de enero al 31 de diciembre del año 2018 en el Hospital Nacional de Niños "Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera" de la Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social de Costa Rica, con un análisis comparativo entre los factores asociados con la utilización o no de antibióticos durante su hospitalización. Resultados: Se incluyó un total de 261 niños previamente sanos hospitalizados con bronquiolitis, con una edad promedio de 7.3 meses y predomino del sexo masculino (n=160, 61.3%). El 24.5% presentó exposición a fumado pasivo. Un 66.1% de los pacientes no tuvieron antecedente de sibilancias previas al internamiento y un 52.2% con el antecedente familiar de asma bronquial. Se registró que el 17.2% (n=45) recibió antibióticos durante su hospitalización. Los factores asociados con la prescripción de los antibióticos fueron la presencia de opacidades pulmonares (p=0.001, OR: 32.2) e infiltrados bronconeumónicos (p=0.002, OR:2.72) en la radiografía de tórax, la escalada a terapia con cánula de alto flujo (p<0.001, OR: 4.43) y la ventilación mecánica asistida (p=0.001, OR: 7.17). Conclusión: Los dos factores que llevan al médico a prescribir antibióticos al paciente sano con BQL son el deterioro del patrón respiratorio que lleva a la necesidad de intubar y ventilar y la presencia de opacidades pulmonares e infiltrados bronconeumónicos.

Aim: Identify the patient characteristics and the factors related to the prescription of antibiotics, in all previously healthy children under 2 years of age hospitalized with a diagnosis of bronchiolitis, during a period of 12 months in a pediatric hospital. Methods: descriptive observational study of the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of previously healthy children under two years of age hospitalized with a diagnosis of bronchiolitis, from January 1 to December 31, 2018 at the National Children's Hospital "Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera" of the Costa Rican Social Security, with a comparative analysis between the factors associated with the use or not of antibiotics during hospitalization. Results: A total of 261 previously healthy children hospitalized with bronchiolitis were included, with a mean age of 7.3 months and a predominance of males (n=160, 61.3%). 24.5% presented exposure to passive smoking. 66.1% of the patients had no history of wheezing prior to hospitalization and 52.2% had a family history of bronchial asthma. It was recorded that 17.2% (n=45) received antibiotics during their hospitalization. Factors associated with the prescription of antibiotics were the presence of pulmonary opacities (p=0.001, OR: 32.2) and bronchopneumonic infiltrates (p=0.002, OR: 2.72) on chest radiography, escalation to high-pressure cannula therapy flow (p<0.001, OR: 4.43) and assisted mechanical ventilation (p=0.001, OR: 7.17). Conclusion: two factors that lead the physician to prescribe antibiotics in the healthy patient with bronchiolitis, the deterioration of the respiratory pattern that lead to intubation and ventilate the healthy patient with BQL and the presence of radiologic pulmonary opacities and bronchopneumonic infiltrates.

Clinical associations and classification of immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced cutaneous toxicities: a multicentre study from the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Task Force of Dermatology for Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous immune-related adverse events (irAEs) represent the most frequent toxicities induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). OBJECTIVES: To investigate clinical associations of cutaneous toxicities induced by different ICI therapies. METHODS: This was a multicentre retrospective international cohort study of patients with cancer who developed cutaneous irAEs under ICI therapy. Analysis was performed of the rates and basic characteristics of all cutaneous toxicities, and identification of any associations was performed using univariate and multivariate models. RESULTS: In total, 762 patients were included, who developed 993 cutaneous toxicities. Forty different types of skin toxicities were identified. Psoriasis (175 patients, 23·0%) and pruritus (171 patients, 22·4%) were the most common toxicities, followed by macular rash (161 patients, 21·1%) and eczematous-type reactions (150 patients, 19·7%). Multivariate analysis showed that among patients with macular rash, vitiligo or multiple toxicities, patients received ICIs more frequently for melanoma than for NSCLC. Moreover, anti-CTLA4 was less frequent than anti-programmed death 1 treatment in patients with macular rash [odds ratio (OR) 0·11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·01-0·76] and vitiligo (OR 0·07, 95% CI 0·006-0·78). A significant association was also seen in patients treated with a combination of ICI and chemotherapy vs. ICI monotherapy. They less frequently developed psoriasis (OR 0·08, 95% CI 0·02-0·31), lichenoid reactions (OR 0·15, 95% CI 0·03-0·77) and eczematous reactions (OR 0·24, 95% CI 0·07-0·78), all compared with pruritic rash. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that skin-oriented toxicities do not share a single pattern and are related to several factors, including the specific agent administered and the underlying malignancy treated. Follow-up plans should be individualized in order to minimize the risk for severe reactions that could compromise optimum therapeutic outcome. What is already known about this topic? Patients with cancer treated with different immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) carry an increased risk of developing various types of skin toxicities. What are the clinical implications of this work? In this multicentre cohort study we showed that ICI-related skin toxicities do not share a single pattern and may depend on several factors, including the specific agent administered and the underlying malignancy. Among patients with macular rash, vitiligo or multiple skin toxicities, patients received ICIs more frequently for melanoma than for non-small cell lung cancer. The combination of ICI and chemotherapy compared with ICI monotherapy occurred to a lesser extent in patients with psoriatic rash lichenoid and eczematous reactions, compared with patients with pruritus. Clinical awareness and specialized dermatological consultation should be advocated.

Turning Molecular Springs into Nano-Shock Absorbers: The Effect of Macroscopic Morphology and Crystal Size on the Dynamic Hysteresis of Water Intrusion-Extrusion into-from Hydrophobic Nanopores.

Controlling the pressure at which liquids intrude (wet) and extrude (dry) a nanopore is of paramount importance for a broad range of applications, such as energy conversion, catalysis, chromatography, separation, ionic channels, and many more. To tune these characteristics, one typically acts on the chemical nature of the system or pore size. In this work, we propose an alternative route for controlling both intrusion and extrusion pressures via proper arrangement of the grains of the nanoporous material. To prove the concept, dynamic intrusion-extrusion cycles for powdered and monolithic ZIF-8 metal-organic framework were conducted by means of water porosimetry and in operando neutron scattering. We report a drastic increase in intrusion-extrusion dynamic hysteresis when going from a fine powder to a dense monolith configuration, transforming an intermediate performance of the ZIF-8 + water system (poor molecular spring) into a desirable shock-absorber with more than 1 order of magnitude enhancement of dissipated energy per cycle. The obtained results are supported by MD simulations and pave the way for an alternative methodology of tuning intrusion-extrusion pressure using a macroscopic arrangement of nanoporous material.

Single Lithium Ion Conducting "Binderlyte" for High-Performing Lithium Metal Batteries.

Rechargeable lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are deemed as a viable solution to improve the power and/or energy density of the contemporary lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, poor Li-ion diffusivity within high-energy cathodes causes sluggish kinetics of the corresponding redox reactions particularly at high C-rates, thereby largely impeding the performance of rechargeable LMBs. In this work, a dual-functional single Li-ion conducting polysalt is proposed as both catholyte and binding agent (coined "Binderlyte") for rechargeable LMBs. The designed Binderlyte is thermally and electrochemically stable, allowing its use for high-energy cathodes like Li(Ni1/3 Mn1/3 Co1/3 )O2 (NMC111). The implementation of designer Binderlyte endows the Li° || NMC111 cell with superior cycling stability and capacity retention even at an extremely high C-rate of 10C. In particular, the soft and flexible nature of the Binderlyte allows the thick NMC cathode to operate at extremely low porosity (20 vol%) with almost no capacity decay. This work may provide a paradigm shift on the design of innovative polymeric materials, which are essential for developing high-performing rechargeable LMBs.

Analysis of Teaching Practices During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Teachers' Goals and Activities in Virtual Classrooms.

To research teachers' priorities on what was to be taught and learned during the COVID-19 lockdown, we asked Spanish Primary and Secondary teachers to choose and describe the activity they preferred among those carried out with their students during the pandemic. Our interest was to investigate what really happened in the classrooms, the type of learning favored by the practices (reproductive vs. constructive), and the agreement between the teacher's goals and their teaching We obtained 272 activities that we analyzed according to the proposed goals, the types of learning worked (verbal, procedural, and attitudinal), and the kind of teaching promoted (content or student-centered). Results showed that most teachers proposed content-centered activities, oriented above all to verbal learning. There were clear differences between the proposed goals, partly student-centered, and what was really taught, essentially content-centered. We obtained two teaching profiles, one reproductive and the other constructive.

Morphological Evolution and Solid-Electrolyte Interphase Formation on LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 Cathodes Using Highly Concentrated Ionic Liquid Electrolytes.

Employing high-voltage Ni-rich cathodes in Li metal batteries (LMBs) requires stabilization of the electrode/electrolyte interfaces at both electrodes. A stable solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) and suppression of active material pulverization remain the greatest challenges to achieving efficient long-term cycling. Herein, studies of NMC622 (1 mAh cm-2) cathodes were performed using highly concentrated N-methyl-N-propylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (C3mpyrFSI) 50 mol % lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) ionic liquid electrolyte (ILE). The resulting SEI formed at the cathode enabled promising cycling performance (98.13% capacity retention after 100 cycles), and a low degree of ion mixing and lattice expansion was observed, even at an elevated temperature of 50 °C. Fitting of acquired impedance spectra indicated that the SEI resistivity (RSEI) had a low and stable contribution to the internal resistivity of the system, whereas active material pulverization and secondary grain isolation significantly increased the charge transfer resistance (RCT) throughout cycling.

Reacción a fármacos con eosinofilia y síntomas sistémicos (DRESS) / Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)

La reacción a fármacos con eosinofilia y síntomas sistémicos (del acrónimo en inglés DRESS: drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) o síndrome de hipersensibilidad inducida por fármacos (del acrónimo en inglés DIHS: drug induced hypersensitivity syndrome), es una reacción adversa a fármacos (RAF) grave e infrecuente. Los mecanismos involucrados en su fisiopatogenia incluyen diversas alteraciones de las enzimas metabolizadoras de fármacos, con la consecuente acumulación de metabolitos reactivos, la reactivación secuencial de virus de la familia del herpes, la predisposición genética asociada a ciertos alelos de antígenos leucocitarios humanos (HLA) y una respuesta de hipersensibilidad retardada de tipo IV. En la actualidad, se han ido incorporando nuevos fármacos responsables de este cuadro como medicamentos biológicos, inmunosupresores y quimioterápicos. La presentación clínica del DRESS es variable. Tiene una morbimortalidad alta y supone costos elevados en la atención médica. Su tratamiento consiste, en primer lugar, en la suspensión de los fármacos causales o sospechosos de desencadenar el síndrome. Luego, según la gravedad del cuadro, se pueden indicar corticosteroides sistémicos o inmunoglobulina (IGIV) combinada con corticosteroides, plasmaféresis, ciclosporina, micofenolato de mofetilo y rituximab. El objetivo de este trabajo fue realizar una revisión sobre el DRESS y destacar los aspectos nuevos y relevantes de los últimos 5 años.

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) or drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS), is a serious and rare adverse drug reaction. Among the mechanisms involved in its pathophysiology, there are various alterations in drugmetabolizing enzymes with the consequent accumulation of reactive metabolites, sequential reactivation of viruses of the herpes family, genetic predis-position associated with certain HLA, and a type IV hypersensitivity response. Currently, new drugs responsible for this pathology have been incorporated, such as biologicals, immunosuppressants and chemotherapy. The clinical presentation of DRESS is variable. It has a high morbidity and mortality and involves high costs in medical care. Its treatment consists, in the first place, in the suspension of the causal or suspected drugs. Then, depending on severity, systemic corticosteroids or IVIG combined with corticosteroids, plasmapheresis, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and rituximab may be indicated.The objective of this work was review DRESS and highlight the new and relevant aspects of the last 5 years.

Unveiling the Impact of the Cations and Anions in Ionic Liquid/Glyme Hybrid Electrolytes for Na-O2 Batteries.

A series of hybrid electrolytes composed of diglyme and ionic liquids (ILs) have been investigated for Na-O2 batteries, as a strategy to control the growth and purity of the discharge products during battery operation. The dependence of chemical composition of the ILs on the size, purity, and distribution of the discharge products has been evaluated using a wide range of experimental and spectroscopic techniques. The morphology and composition of the discharge products found in the Na-O2 cells have a complex dependence on the physicochemical properties of the electrolyte as well as the speciation of the Na+ and superoxide radical anion. All of these factors control the nucleation and growth phenomena as well as electrolyte stability. Smaller discharge particle sizes and largely homogeneous (2.7 ± 0.5 µm) sodium superoxide (NaO2) crystals with only 9% of side products were found in the hybrid electrolyte containing the pyrrolidinium IL with a linear alkyl chain. The long-term cyclability of Na-O2 batteries with high Coulombic efficiency (>90%) was obtained for this electrolyte with fewer side products (20 cycles at 0.5 mA h cm-2). In contrast, rapid failure was observed with the use of the phosphonium-based electrolyte, which strongly stabilizes the superoxide anion. A high discharge capacity (4.46 mA h cm-2) was obtained for the hybrid electrolyte containing the pyrrolidinium-based IL bearing a linear alkyl chain with a slightly lower value (3.11 mA h cm-2) being obtained when the hybrid electrolyte contained similar pyrrolidinium-based IL bearing an alkoxy chain.

Teaching and learning musical instruments through ICT: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

The COVID-19 lockdown in education institutions required music teachers to use ICT to continue teaching. This research study, with the use of a Likert type online questionnaire, analyses the ICT activities carried out during this period and the learning conceptions they reflect. The questionnaire consisted of the description of activities which varied, depending on the learning promoted (reproductive or constructive), the learning outcomes (verbal, procedural, or attitudinal), the type of assessment to which the activities were directed, and the presence of cooperative activities. The teachers had to indicate the frequency with which they carried out these activities. The questionnaire was completed by 254 instrumental music teachers from different types of institutions and different levels. The main study outcome was that teachers used reproductive activities more frequently than constructive ones. We also found that most activities were those favouring verbal learning and assessment. The cooperative activities were the least frequent. Finally, through a cluster analysis, we identified three teaching profiles depending on the frequency and type of ICT used: Passive, Active, and Interpretative. The variable that produced the most consistent differences was previous ICT use.

Andean Plants Essential Oils: A Scented Alternative to Synthetic Insecticides for the Control of Blowflies.

Blowflies are vectors of microorganisms and human pathogens, and their maggots cause myiasis in vertebrates and infest and spoil meat and fish products. Essential oils (EOs) from spices were proven to be a safer and more sustainable alternative to synthetic insecticides for the control of blowflies and are suitable for protecting food from such pests. However, some EOs are not acceptable for environmental or topical applications due to their strong, unpleasant odour. In this study, we measured the acute toxicity and the repellence of two EOs extracted from the Andean plants Aloysia citrodora Palau and Bursera graveolens (Kunth) Triana and Planch., both known for their pleasant odour, against the blue blowfly Calliphora vomitoria (L.) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). We also compared their bioactivity with that of the Allium sativum L. EO, which is very effective but bad-smelling. The A. citrodora EO was mainly rich in oxygenated monoterpenes, the most abundant of which were geranial (26.8%) and neral (21.0%). The B. graveolens EO was chiefly composed of monoterpene hydrocarbons, mostly represented by limonene (46.2%). According to the sensory description, the best odour profile was associated with the A. citrodora EO, while the olfactory expression of the EO from B. graveolens was negatively affected by a strong odour of "mouldy lemon". The behavioural test showed that the A. citrodora EO was more repellent than that of A. sativum and, on the contrary, that the B. graveolens EO was attractive. The toxicity tests showed that the EOs of both Andean plants have a clear toxic effect on the C. vomitoria eggs and adults. In terms of ovicidal activity, there were no significant differences among the effects of the three tested EOs. On the adult flies, the toxicity of the two EOs of the Andean plants was much lower than that of A. sativum (LC50 fumigation = 1.86 µL EO L-1 air; LC50 ingestion = 8.10 µL EO mL-1 gel) both by fumigation (LC50 = 23.66 and 25.30 µL EO L-1 air for A. citrodora and B. graveolens, respectively) and ingestion (LC50 = 36.65 and 44.97 µL EO mL-1 gel for A. citrodora and B. graveolens, respectively), while, by contact, the A. citrodora EO (LD50 = 0.27 µL EO insect-1) was more toxic than the A. sativum EO (LD50 = 0.46 µL EO insect-1).

Teaching and Learning in Times of COVID-19: Uses of Digital Technologies During School Lockdowns.

The closure of schools as a result of COVID-19 has been a critical global incident from which to rethink how education works in all our countries. Among the many changes generated by this crisis, all teaching became mediated by digital technologies. This paper intends to analyze the activities carried out during this time through digital technologies and the conceptions of teaching and learning that they reflect. We designed a Likert-type online questionnaire to measure the frequency of teaching activities. It was answered by 1,403 teachers from Spain (734 primary and 669 secondary education teachers). The proposed activities varied depending on the learning promoted (reproductive or constructive), the learning outcomes (verbal, procedural, or attitudinal), the type of assessment to which the activities were directed, and the presence of cooperative activities. The major result of this study was that teachers used reproductive activities more frequently than constructive ones. We also found that most activities were those favoring verbal and attitudinal learning. The cooperative activities were the least frequent. Finally, through a cluster analysis, we identified four teaching profiles depending on the frequency and type of digital technologies use: Passive, Active, Reproductive, and Interpretative. The variable that produced the most consistent differences was previous digital technologies use These results show that Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) uses are reproductive rather than constructive, which impedes effective digital technologies integration into the curriculum so that students gain 21st-century competencies.

Improved Sodiation Additive and Its Nuances in the Performance Enhancement of Sodium-Ion Batteries.

The abundance of the available sodium sources has led to rapid progress in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), making them potential candidates for immediate replacement of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, commercialization of SIBs has been hampered by their fading efficiency due to the sodium consumed in the formation of solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) when using hard carbon (HC) anodes. Herein, Na2C3O5 sodium salt is introduced as a highly efficient, cost-effective, and safe cathode sodiation additive. This sustainable sodium salt has an oxidation potential of ∼4.0 V vs Na+/Na°, so it could be practically implemented into SIBs. Moreover, for the first time, we have also revealed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) that in addition to the compensating Na+ ions spent in the SEI layer, the high specific capacity and capacity retention observed from electrochemical measurements are due to the formation of a thinner and more stable cathode-electrolyte interphase (CEI) on the P2-Na2/3Mn0.8Fe0.1Ti0.1O2 while using such a cathode sodiation additive. Half-cell studies with P2-Na2/3Mn0.8Fe0.1Ti0.1O2 cathodes show a 27% increase in the specific capacity (164 mAh gP2-1) with cathode sodiation additives. Full-cell studies with the HC anode show a 4 times increase in the specific capacity of P2-Na2/3Mn0.8Fe0.1Ti0.1O2. This work provides notable insights into and avenues toward the development of SIBs.