Understanding the Curvature Effect on the Structure and Bonding of MoC Nanoparticles on Carbon Supports.

The interaction between molybdenum carbide (MoC) nanoparticles and both flat and curved graphene surfaces, serving as models for carbon nanotubes, was investigated by means of density functional theory. A variety of MoC nanoparticles with different sizes and stoichiometries have been used to explore different adsorption sites and modes across models with different curvature degrees. On flat graphene, off-stoichiometric MoC featuring more low-coordinated Mo atoms exhibits stronger interaction and increased electron transfers from the carbide to the carbon substrate.

Effect of Pre-Transplant Renal Anticoagulation and Antiplatelet Therapy on Post-Transplant Outcomes: A Retrospective Single-Center Study.

The management of anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy in stage V chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing renal transplantation remains controversial. Some centers advocate for the use of reversal agents or procoagulants preoperatively, while others suggest that transplantation can proceed safely without halting these treatments. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications in the first 72 hours post-transplant in patients receiving anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy compared to a control group without such treatments.

Differences in dialysis modality choice between immigrant and native populations in Barcelona, Spain.

Few studies have analyzed the freedom to choose their renal replacement treatment (RRT) modality in Spain. In a total of 673 patients with ACKD (stage 4 and 5) seen at the outpatient ACKD clinic of Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Catalonia (Spain) from 2009 to 2020, we retrospectively compared immigrant and Spanish patients in order to analyze the impact of migration on RRT decision-making and its subsequent evolution in advanced CKD (ACKD) consultation and identifies the social and economic needs of this population. One hundred thirteen (16.

Impact of orthognathic surgery on the cheek area using the Barcelona line.

A facial appearance of premature aging due to poor bone support of the soft tissues is frequently found in patients with midface hypoplasia. This study was performed to evaluate the changes in the soft tissues of the cheek area in patients subjected to bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. The cheek line angle and length of 27 consecutive patients who underwent bimaxillary surgery, were measured on cone beam computed tomography scans obtained before surgery and at 1 and 12 months after surgery using 3D software.

Mid-term outcomes of talar neck trapezoidal osteotomy for correction of severe rigid neurologic equinovarus foot.

Background: Severe rigid neurologic equinovarus foot (NEVF) deformity, though rare, significantly limits transfers and orthotic use in pediatric patients with neurological disorders. Standard treatments like arthrodesis or talectomy are highly invasive, especially in young patients. This study assesses the mid-term outcomes of a talar neck trapezoidal osteotomy (TNTO) to correct severe NEVF in non-ambulatory patients.

Anatomical study of the posterior talofibular ligament: A descriptive analysis of its dual-bundle structure.

Background: The lateral ankle ligament complex, consisting of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), and posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL), is essential for ankle stability. While the ATFL and CFL are frequently studied, the PTFL's role remains less explored.

Methods: Twelve fresh-frozen ankle specimens were dissected to analyze the PTFL's origin, trajectory, and talar insertion, focusing on its bundles and anatomical relationships.

Impact of Treatment With Trifluridine/Tipiracil in Combination With Bevacizumab on Health-Related Quality of Life and Performance Status in Refractory Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: An Analysis of the Phase III SUNLIGHT Trial.

Background: The efficacy of trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) + bevacizumab compared to FTD/TPI for treatment of refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) was demonstrated in the SUNLIGHT trial. This analysis of SUNLIGHT investigated the impact of treatment with FTD/TPI + bevacizumab on patient quality of life (QoL) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS).

Methods: Questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30 and EQ-5D-5L) and ECOG PS assessments were conducted at baseline and on Day 1 of each treatment cycle.

Development of TAR-200: A novel targeted releasing system designed to provide sustained delivery of gemcitabine for patients with bladder cancer.

Treatment options for recurrent high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (HR NMIBC) and muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) are limited, highlighting a need for clinically effective, accessible, and better-tolerated alternatives. In this review we examine the clinical development program of TAR-200, a novel targeted releasing system designed to provide sustained intravesical delivery of gemcitabine to address the needs of patients with NMIBC and of those with MIBC. We describe the concept and design of TAR-200 and the clinical development of this gemcitabine intravesical system in the SunRISe portfolio of studies.

Cardiovascular profile of systemic lupus erythematosus patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in Spain: Analysis of the SEMI-COVID-19 Registry.

Background: Despite advancements in understanding the interplay between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), cardiovascular disease and COVID-19, challenges and knowledge gaps persist. This study aimed to characterize the cardiovascular profiles of SLE patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and to evaluate the influence of SLE on the development of cardiovascular complications.

Methods: This was a multicentre, nationwide observational study in which data were sourced from the SEMI-COVID-19 Registry between March 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021, involving 150 Spanish hospitals.

Evaluation of biobased materials in the development of polymeric membranes for water capture and purification.

The current study addresses the pressing issue of unsustainable water management, particularly in regions experiencing high water stress. It focuses on examining the viability of polymeric membranes composed of biobased materials, mainly chitosan, for various sustainable water management solutions. The membranes evaluated in the study were blends of PVC with either chitosan-silica or charcoal-silica, designed to enhance their functionality and performance.

Left ventricular elastance with resting volumetric transthoracic echocardiography identifies different phenotypes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: A retrospective analysis of a multicenter prospective observational study.

Background: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a heterogeneous entity including patients with different phenotypes of near normal, normal, and supernormal left ventricular (LV) function.

Objectives: To assess the value of resting LV elastance (also known as force) with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) to identify HFpEF phenotypes.

Methods: In a prospective, observational, multicenter study, 2380 HFpEF patients were recruited from July 2016 to May 2024.

Clostridioides difficile infection and recurrence in cancer patients (CIRCA): a multicentre, international study.

Objectives: We aimed to describe the characteristics of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in cancer patients, analysing risk factors for 90-day recurrence and attributable mortality.

Methods: Retrospective analysis on all CDI episodes from 2020 to 2022 in three Australian hospitals and one Spanish hospital. Logistic regression analyses were performed.

The effect of Inhaled Nitric Oxide Treatment on Biomarkers of Oxidative/Nitrosative Damage to Proteins and DNA/RNA.

Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) is a selective pulmonary vasodilator that is used as a treatment for persistent pulmonary hypertension in neonates (PPHN) with hypoxic respiratory failure. The generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species might induce oxidative/nitrosative damage to multiple organs. There is an increasing scientific and clinical interest in the determination of specific biomarkers to measure the degree of oxidative/nitrosative stress in non-invasively collected biofluids.

WHY ARE WE NOT EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF LOWER LIMB MUSCLE POWER TO IDENTIFY PEOPLE WITH SARCOPENIA?

Sarcopenia refers to a neuromuscular disease characterized by age-related declines in muscle mass and function. Since Professor Rosenberg first introduced the concept of sarcopenia in 1989, numerous operational paradigms have been proposed, tested, and validated against negative outcomes. The most recent recommendations advocate that dynapenia, or reduced of muscle strength, should be used alongside low muscle mass for the identification of sarcopenia.

Phosphorus addition diminishes the negative effect of nitrogen addition on methane sink in subtropical forest soils.

Increased global nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) inputs caused by human activities can significantly impact methane (CH) uptake in terrestrial ecosystems. Forest soils, as the largest CH sink among terrestrial ecosystems, play a crucial role in mitigating global warming. However, the effects of long-term N and P additions on CH sink and the associated microbial mechanisms in subtropical forest soils remain unclear.

The role of photooxidation and organic matter in Cr(III) and Cr(VI) interactions with poly(lactic acid) microplastics in aqueous solution.

There is limited research on the influence of environmental variables on the interactions of biodegradable microplastics with chromium. This study reports the results of adsorption experiments with Cr and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) in synthetic aqueous solutions. It addresses the influence of the initial oxidation state, Cr(III) or Cr(VI), the effects of UV irradiation and the presence of organic matter.

Survival of viruses in water microcosms.

Human enteric viruses and emerging viruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, influenza virus and monkeypox virus, are frequently detected in wastewater. Human enteric viruses are highly persistent in water, but there is limited information available for non-enteric viruses. The present study evaluated the stability of hepatitis A virus (HAV), murine norovirus (MNV), influenza A virus H3N2 (IAV H3N2), human coronavirus (HCoV) 229E, and vaccinia virus (VACV) in reference water (RW), effluent wastewater (EW) and drinking water (DW) under refrigeration and room temperature conditions.

High-precision Cu isotopic analysis of human dietary Cu sources via multi-collector ICP-mass spectrometry.

The disruption of Cu homeostasis is associated with the pathogenesis of many diseases and can result in alterations in Cu isotope fractionation. Changes in the Cu isotope ratio (Cu/Cu) of body fluids and tissues have been observed in liver disorders, cancers, and other diseases, displaying diagnostic/prognostic potential. However, it is not entirely clear whether certain physiological or lifestyle factors may also influence the bodily Cu isotopic composition, potentially obfuscating the signature of the pathology.

A study of preservice teachers' digital competence development: Exploring the role of direct instruction, integrated practice, and modeling.

As technology rapidly transforms educational landscapes, the imperative for teachers to possess digital competence becomes increasingly vital. This paper explores the effectiveness of different approaches employed by teacher education programs in equipping preservice teachers with digital competence. The study categorizes these approaches into three main groups: direct, integrated, and modeling.