Valorization of the Isocyanate-Derived Fraction from Polyurethane Glycolysis by Synthesizing Polyureas and Polyamides.

The isocyanate-derived fraction resulting as the bottom phase from the split-phase glycolysis of conventional polyurethane flexible foams has been given a new life based on the formation of amine-based polymers (polyureas and polyamides). For that purpose, the bottom phase was first hydrolyzed, producing toluenediamine and diethylene glycol, and further subjected to controlled vacuum distillation in order to recover both products separately. The hydrolysis reaction and the separation process conditions were determined and optimized, obtaining products with a purity comparable to that of commercial ones.

Mutation of the K transporter SlHAK5 of tomato alters pistil morphology, ionome, metabolome and transcriptome in flowers.

K accumulation in plant tissues is a crucial factor for plant growth and development. The tomato high-affinity K transporter SlHAK5 is essential for root K acquisition from low external concentrations. It is also involved in K accumulation in pollen and plant fertility as slhak5 KO plants show a low rate of pollen germination, impaired pollen tube growth and parthenocarpic fruits.

SlCIPK9 regulates pollen tube elongation in tomato plants via a K-independent mechanism.

Potassium (K) is an essential macronutrient which contributes to osmotic- and turgor-related processes in plants. Calcineurin-B like Interacting Protein Kinases (CIPKs) play crucial roles in plants under low-K supply since they activate root K uptake transport systems such as AKT1 and AtHAK5. In Arabidopsis, AtCIPK9 is important for low-K tolerance since atcipk9 plants exhibited poor growth and leaf chlorosis when K was scarce.

Quality, acceptability and usability of self-sampling kits used by non-healthcare professionals for STI diagnosis in Spain: a single-blind study.

Objectives: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have markedly increased over the last decade in Spain, calling for prevention and control innovative approaches. While there is evidence indicating the effectiveness of self-sampling for STI diagnosis, no kits for this purpose have been authorised in Spain.

Methods: A prospective single-blind cross-sectional study carried out between November and December 2022 in an STI clinic in Madrid, Spain, to determine the validity, feasibility and acceptability of self-sampling kits used by non-healthcare professionals from vagina, pharynx, rectum and urethra to diagnose (CT) and (NG).

Polyurethane Composites Recycling with Styrene-Acrylonitrile and Calcium Carbonate Recovery.

The glycolysis process of flexible polyurethane foams containing styrene-acrylonitrile and calcium carbonate as fillers was explored in detail. The use of DABCO as a catalyst allowed us to reduce the catalyst concentration and the polyurethane-to-glycol mass ratio to 0.1% and 1:1, respectively.