University of Huelva

The synthesis of 5–7 membered oxygenated heterocycles by intramolecular aminooxygenation of unsaturated alkenes using commercially available N‐fluorobenzenesulfonimide as amination reagent and TpiPr2Cu(NCCH3) as precatalyst is reported. With unsaturated aliphatic carboxylic acids, the corresponding lactones are obtained from moderate to almost quantitative yields employing a catalyst loading of 2.5 mol% under mild conditions, whereas 2‐vinylbenzoic acids originate lower yields.

The need for help from a third person to carry out daily activities are between 12% of the elderly and 26% depending on the dependence degree. One of the solutions that our society have for this necessity is the informal care, which is normally provided by family members, relatives, friends and mostly by women. Previous researches have proof that informal care givers eventually suffer to informal caregiver overload. The aim of our study is to know the overload of informal caregivers of dependent persons, in families that are beneficiaries of the Home Help Service (SAD) and in families that are not beneficiaries of this service in Seville. Following this goal, we have created a questionary composed by ad-hoc socio-demographic variables and The Zarit Caregiver Overload Scale, delivered to a sample of 40 care givers, we have concluded that care givers who does not have the public Home Help Service present a higher level of overload.

The article is based on an investigation into the media coverage of a mass media in Spain in relation to socio-territorial conflict and social mobilizations. The initial hypothesis is that these media construct and modify the information looking for the maximum benefit and their own power interests away from the material and ecological well-being of the social majority. The methodology, from a structuralist sociological approach to communication and the new theories of mass communication, mixes quantitative techniques (review and documentary analysis) and qualitative techniques (analysis of discourses). The results confirm that the media construct their informative processes around the obtaining of benefits, where the news stands out with a high content of speculation and the application of a differentiating narrative that excludes alternative themes, social actors and environment.

Our society is currently undergoing a series of unprecedented tensions which are having a significant effect on citizens. The social services system is no stranger to this reality and must deal with more complex social needs that require an exhaustive knowledge of the context in which they occur. The generation of strategies and methodologies capable of foreseeing, assessing and preventing these social risks in each territorial context is currently a fundamental part of improving the efficiency, quality and timeliness of the provision of these services. In this sense, this chapter proposes a risk measurement model, applied to the case of social services, taking the HCVRA method as a reference. Specifically, we propose an initial list of indicators (evaluated by experts) that allow us to measure the vulnerability, threats and resilience of the social services system in the face of the covid-19 pandemic in order to facilitate the strategic decision-making process to mitigate the specific social vulnerability in each territory.

Introduction The physiologic changes associated with pregnancy often result in pain, impacting the quality of life. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent and manage this pain through appropriate health care, including guidance on physical exercise. One of the currently recommended interventions is the Pilates method. However, health care professionals caring for pregnant women must have the necessary knowledge, tools, and resources to advise their patients. This study aimed to examine the impact of Pilates method practice on pregnancy‐related pain. Methods A quasiexperimental study was conducted in multiple primary care centers between November 2018 and December 2019. Participants (n = 107) self‐selected to receive a Pilates program (experimental group; n = 38) or their usual care (control group; n = 69). The presence or absence of pelvic, dorsal, and abdominal pain was evaluated as an outcome measure. The results were compared after the intervention, using descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate statistics. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NTC04431102). Results Pilates method practice was associated with decreased presence of pelvic pain (odds ratio [OR], 2.73; 95% CI, 1.18‐4.51; P = .02) and abdominal pain (OR, 5.24; 95% CI, 2.23‐12.35; P < .001). No statistically significant difference was found for the presence of dorsal pain. Discussion Pilates appears to be a promising tool for enhancing well‐being during pregnancy by reducing pelvic and abdominal pain. It would be beneficial to involve other professionals trained in the Pilates method or, in the future, to train midwives to implement this intervention in birth and parenting programs within primary care.

In this contribution, the shape coexistence phenomenon near the Z=40 proton sub-shell closure is analyzed for both even-even and odd nuclei around neutron number N=60. The onset of deformation is compared in even and odd nuclei using the intrinsic state formalism of the Interacting Boson Fermion Model with configuration mixing, which is presented for the first time in this contribution. The Nb isotopes are studied in detail showing that the onset of deformation can be explained in terms of the crossing of two configurations leading to a Type II Quantum Phase Transition.

A large fraction of the Mediterranean soils is threatened by losses of organic matter and biodiversity, which could compromise the provision of soil ecosystem services and the stability of ecosystems in the face of climate change. In this work we explore several hypotheses related to the role of C inputs and microbial diversity on soil multifunctionality and its resistance to drought in degraded Mediterranean soils. We designed a factorial experiment to test the effect of the addition of an organic amendment and of microbial diversity (using four inoculants with different abundance and diversity of soil microbiota), on the resistance of soil functionality against drought in pot mesocosms. Pots were sown with a forage mixture (Lolium rigidum and Medicago polymorpha), and plant productivity, soil chemical properties, and microbial activity and diversity were measured before and after a simulated drought event. The amendment favored soil moisture, enhancing the stability of the productivity of M. polymorpha. In contrast, the manipulation of inoculation load had a limited effect on the resistance of microbiological activity. Indeed, microbial functioning was highly resistant to reduced water inputs, probably related to the prevalence of Gram positive bacteria. Besides, the effect of microbial diversity on soil multifunctionality was limited. Structural equation modelling confirmed that the enhancement of multifunctionality after soil amendment was attributed to the direct effect of organic C on soil moisture and chemical fertility. In these degraded soils, physico-chemical limitations are the major drivers of soil multifunctionality rather than bacterial or fungal diversity.

The Doñana Natural Space (SW Spain) is considered one of the most important European wetlands, with many ecosystems depending on groundwater. As a consequence of intense groundwater withdrawals for urban use and, above all, irrigation, serious impacts have been observed in the eastern part of this aquifer, where the Doñana National Park is located. There is also groundwater exploitation in the western part of the aquifer, where a groundwater divide exists. The main goal of this work is to analyze the impact of groundwater withdrawals in this area. For this, the evolution of groundwater levels since 1968 in piezometers and pumping wells has been compiled and analyzed. This zone is characterized by the existence of a deep aquifer of high transmissivity, and a shallow aquifer with lower hydraulic conductivity, which behaves as an aquitard. Results show that pumping has caused a strong cone of depression in the deep aquifer, shifting the groundwater divide, and diverting water originally directed to the protected area, aggravating the overexploitation problems. Drawdowns in the shallow aquifer are lower and seem to be masked by the slow groundwater dynamic. However, a small lowering of the water table may cause severe impacts on such fragile ecosystems. The division of the aquifer for its management into six groundwater bodies belonging to two hydrographic districts has caused these important changes to go unnoticed until now. A proper coordination between the different water authorities managing groundwater and urgent adoption of remediation measures is essential.

Examining the barriers encountered by irregular immigrants in accessing the public health system is crucial for the continuity of healthcare processes. This approach not only heightens patient-centered care but also fosters long-term public health preparedness and social cohesion. The aim of this review was to examine the existing barriers to accessing the Spanish healthcare system for the immigrant population. A systematic review of original articles was conducted based on the PRISMA methodology. Studies registered in PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, LILACS, Web of Science, and Enfispo were analyzed. A total of 4773 articles were identified, of which 15 were selected for review. Among the selected articles, 10 employed qualitative methodologies, 1 utilized a mixed methodology, and 4 used quantitative methodologies. A variety of access barriers related to communication, administrative issues, and misinformation about legal aspects were identified. It was noted that one in five immigrants has experienced at least one barrier to accessing the Spanish healthcare system. Barriers to access to the health system are clearly shared by both immigrants and healthcare professionals. Barriers to access to the health system are a result of the coalition of organizational factors, cultural experiences, and socioeconomic and educational determinants. Access to healthcare for irregular migrants in Spain is hindered by language barriers, misinformation, and administrative obstacles, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Policies are needed to ensure equitable care, enhance communication, streamline procedures, and strengthen collaboration with non-governmental organizations and cultural mediators to optimize healthcare responses.

Background: Oral health is a crucial aspect of overall well‐being, and its relationship with obesity has gained increasing attention due to the rising prevalence of obesity worldwide. Obesity is associated with various health complications, including detrimental effects on oral health. Despite the significant implications of obesity on dental health, there is limited research specifically examining this relationship in rural populations. Objective: This study aimed to explore the relationship between obesity type and the need for dental prostheses in adults from the rural population of Yucatán,Mexico, in order to highlight the influence that obesity may have on oral health. Methodology: An observational, descriptive, cross‐sectional study was conducted in July 2021, with a final sample of 114 participants aged between 15 and 81 years. Subjects classified as obese according to the body mass index (BMI) criteria were included, specifically those with a BMI ≥ 30. All participants were evaluated by a single experienced dentist, using a standardized methodology to collect data regarding their oral health, clinical history, and health habits. Results: A notable absence of dental prostheses was observed in over 80% (92 participants) of the subjects. A direct correlation was identified between obesity type and the need for prostheses, with a higher prevalence of prosthetic need in individuals with a higher BMI, where 75% of the obese (38 out of 50 obese participants) reported needing dental prostheses. This suggested a significant interplay between oral health, obesity, and dietary choices. Conclusions: The findings of this study emphasized the importance of optimal oral health to facilitate chewing and digestion, highlighting that obesity, as a condition, can negatively influence oral health. Further studies are needed to investigate the necessity for preventive measures and treatment, as well as to promote awareness of oral health within the community.

Background Empathy is an important psychological construct that plays a significant role in social interactions, mental health, and well-being. Despite the significance of empathy in psychological research and mental health, there is a lack of validated and concise measures available in Turkish. Objective This study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the eight-item Empathy Quotient (EQ-8) in Turkish university students, assessing its reliability, convergent validity, and factor structure. Therefore, we seek to determine its suitability for use in psychological and mental health research within Turkish-speaking populations. Methods We collected the data from two groups. The data of the first group (N = 198) was used to test the factor structure of the EQ-8 by randomly splitting the data into two halves. The first half was used for the exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and the second half was used for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), while the second group (N = 47) was carried out to test the reliability of EQ-8. Results The results of the EFA and CFA yielded a one-factor solution for the EQ-8. The internal consistency reliability was found to be good in both subsamples. Test-retest reliability was established as .86. As to the convergent validity, the scores on EQ-8 were significantly positively related to the scores of the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire. Conclusions These results provide support for the Turkish version of the EQ-8 as a psychometrically sound instrument for measuring empathy. These results contribute to cross-cultural research and the evaluation of interventions targeting empathy.

We investigate the nucleation of carbon dioxide (CO2) hydrates from carbon dioxide aqueous solutions by means of molecular dynamics simulations using the TIP4P/Ice and the TraPPE models for water and CO2, respectively. We work at 400 bar and different temperatures and CO2 concentrations. We use brute force molecular dynamics when the supersaturation or the supercooling is so high so that nucleation occurs spontaneously and Seeding otherwise. We use both methods for a particular state and found an excellent agreement when using a linear combination of q̄3 and q̄12 order parameters to identify critical clusters. With such order parameter, we get a rate of 10²⁵ m⁻³ s⁻¹ for nucleation in a CO2 saturated solution at 255 K (35 K of supercooling). By comparison with our previous work on methane hydrates, we conclude that nucleation of CO2 hydrates is several orders of magnitude faster due to a lower interfacial free energy between the crystal and the solution. By combining our nucleation studies with a recent calculation of the hydrate–solution interfacial free energy at coexistence [Algaba et al., J. Colloid Interface Sci. 623, 354–367 (2022)], we obtain a prediction of the nucleation rate temperature dependence for CO2-saturated solutions (the experimentally relevant concentration). On the one hand, we open the window for comparison with experiments for supercooling larger than 25 K. On the other hand, we conclude that homogeneous nucleation is impossible for supercooling lower than 20 K. Therefore, nucleation must be heterogeneous in typical experiments where hydrate formation is observed at low supercooling. To assess the hypothesis that nucleation occurs at the solution-CO2 interface, we run spontaneous nucleation simulations in two-phase systems and find, by comparison with single-phase simulations, that the interface does not affect hydrate nucleation, at least at the deep supercooling at which this study was carried out (40 and 45 K). Overall, our work sheds light on molecular and thermodynamic aspects of hydrate nucleation.

Background/Objectives: Older adults are particularly susceptible to undernutrition and conditions that can aggravate it, such as frailty and conditions associated with swallowing difficulties or dysphagia. To address these challenges, it is important to consider the perspectives of older adults and their caregivers, especially those with conditions such as frailty or cognitive impairment, as they can provide valuable insights on supporting nutrition in these vulnerable populations. This participatory approach requires structures formed by scientific research committees working together with other stakeholders, involving various actors at all stages of the research process. The aim of this study is to analyze the methodology for involving patients aged 65 and older with malnutrition or at risk of malnutrition as co-investigators in research. Methods: This protocol has been developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-P) checklist. A literature search will be carried out in the following electronic databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL. Through the COVIDENCE program, the research team will independently review the different screening phases of the identified studies for possible inclusion or exclusion. Expected Results: This systematic review will provide up-to-date evidence on the use of non-scientific actors at different stages of research. The main limitation stems from the use of non-scientific agents in a topic as specific as adults with or at risk of undernutrition, which may make it difficult to extrapolate the results to other settings. The registration number in PROSPERO is CRD42024444374.

BACKGROUND: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a sustained inflammatory pathology that manifests as increasing rigidity and a continuous decline in spinal flexibility, leading to increasing lumbar pain during rest. OBJECTIVES: This study primarily aimed to evaluate depression assessments using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and delineate depressive symptomatology in patients diagnosed with AS compared to those without this condition. DESIGN AND SETTING: A comparative study was conducted in Medical Centers in Málaga, Spain. METHODS: A cohort of 102 participants, with a mean age of 46,80 ± 10,54 years, was divided into two sets: 51 individuals diagnosed with AS (cases) and another 51 without AS (controls), each harmonized across variables such as body mass index, age, and sex. Demographic variables were systematically gathered from each participant, and the BDI responses were accurately recorded and subsequently analyzed for comparison. RESULTS: Of the total sample, the sex distribution was 29.4% male and 70.6% female. BDI scores were higher for the AS group (19.25 ± 15.5) than for the control group (5.33 ± 7). Notably, there were clear statistical differences (P < 0.01) in the BDI categories, with elevated levels observed in participants with AS. CONCLUSION: Individuals with AS experienced higher levels of depression than those without AS. Furthermore, there were sex differences within the case group, with a higher percentage of women than men at any level of depression. Notably, there was a moderate inverse correlation between the number of years since diagnosis and depression level. KEYWORDS (MeSH terms): Comorbidities; Anxiety; Behavioral symptoms; Bone diseases AUTHOR’S KEYWORDS: Beck depression inventory; Psychological assessment; Chronic inflammatory diseases

In order to obtain acceptable efficiencies, hard-switching techniques and the converters that implement them must operate at relatively low frequencies (tens of kilohertz), which translate into converters of large size, weight, and volume, and therefore higher cost. To improve these characteristics, this work introduces a new transformerless MHz-range DC–DC converter that provides symmetrical bipolar outputs. The developed topology uses a single grounded switch, achieves soft switching (ZVS) over a wide load range, and does not require the use of floating or isolated controllers, reducing cost, size, and complexity. The output voltages are self-regulated to maintain the same value, ensuring balanced bipolar operation. A comprehensive analysis, design, sizing, simulation, implementation and testing are provided on a 150 W prototype operating at a switching frequency of 1 MHz, with step-up and step-down capability and implemented with GaN FET. The evaluated configuration shows an efficiency close to 90% and high power density, making it suitable for compact designs in a variety of applications requiring reliable power management and high efficiency such as lighting, electric vehicles, or auxiliary power supplies.

There are ongoing debates among different stakeholders about which forest and ungulate management strategies will sustain high levels of timber and animal harvest and maintain important ecosystem functions under climate change. Ungulate-forest interactions are complex, including periods where forest regeneration is sensitive to browsing pressure, making it difficult to predict the consequences of a given strategy over time. To aid decision-making, we simulated the impacts of moose browsing on forest succession under 18 different combinations of moose (Alces alces) harvest rate levels and forest management scenarios in a boreal forest landscape in southern Sweden given projected changes in forest growth due to climate change. We found that the current management practices are important for sustaining a moose-forest system. Increasing moose harvest rates led to slightly smaller moose populations, larger estimates of landscape carrying capacity, and less biomass removal of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), a commercially valuable species. However, minor changes in the moose harvest were hardly affecting timber production. Increasing the timber harvest rotation time led to the highest estimates of Scots pine biomass, while thinning younger cohorts lead to the highest estimates of Norway spruce (Picea abies) biomass. These changes came without much effect to moose population dynamics. However, the increased broadleaf production scenario had a very large positive effect on total aboveground live biomass of deciduous species and on landscape carrying capacity and moose density. This scenario subsequently resulted in the greatest estimates of biomass removal of Scots pine, highlighting the tradeoffs associated with increased moose production.

After decades of development of the metal‐catalyzed nitrene transfer reactions to olefins, examples involving the use of fluorinated olefins is yet unknown, despite the current importance of fluorocompounds. Herein we describe the use of copper‐ and silver‐based catalysts for a general protocol that converts α− or β‐fluoro olefins into the corresponding aziridines in high yields.

After decades of development of the metal‐catalyzed nitrene transfer reactions to olefins, examples involving the use of fluorinated olefins is yet unknown, despite the current importance of fluorocompounds. Herein we describe the use of copper‐ and silver‐based catalysts for a general protocol that converts α− or β‐fluoro olefins into the corresponding aziridines in high yields.

This study evaluates the impact of phosphogypsum stacks on the chemical composition of rainwater in the Huelva metropolitan area, a metal-polluted area with high cancer and heart disease mortality rates. A total of 612 rainwater samples were collected using 17 rain gauges located around the study area between January 2021 and December 2022. The pH, conductivity, major ions, and trace metals were detected in the soluble fraction of rainwater. The results revealed spatial variability in the rainwater quality. The highest values of As, Ca²⁺, Cr, F⁻, NH4⁺, Ni, PO4³⁻, SO4²⁻, Sr, and V were detected in rain-gauges near phosphogypsum stacks, exceeding the levels of pH, F⁻, and Ni according to the guideline values for drinking water quality from the WHO. Additionally, other pollution sources also contributed: a regional source (marine factors: Ca²⁺, Cl⁻, K⁺, Mg²⁺, and Na⁺) and a local source (chemical complexes emissions: Co, Cu, Pb, and Zn). A downward trend of most toxic metal(loid) concentrations in wet depositions was detected as the distance to the affected area increased. The findings revealed that phosphogypsum stacks are a relevant source of metal(loid)s with potentially adverse environmental and public health effects that, if replicated, could be relevant for environmental monitoring and policy making.

Background: The ability to identify patients with long-term poor outcomes using clinical and functional information is limited. Identifying prognostic factors to improve long-term outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury can influence and inform targeted interventions for this population. Hypothesis: Preoperative functional tests and patient-reported outcome measures are predictive of postoperative functional recovery and satisfaction in patients undergoing first-time ACL repair, second-time ACL repair on the same knee, and bilateral ACL repair. Study Design: Quasi-experimental prospective study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: A total of 88 patients with ACL reconstruction were included. Subjective knee scoring systems and functional performance tests were used for evaluation and analyzed for correlation with results. Results: The first time ACL injury group had lower scores in the various self-report scales: Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lysholm Rating Scale, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS). Conclusion: Reduction in self-reported knee function and Y balance test performance after ACL injury are predictive factors for recovery. Estimates exceeded clinically important thresholds. Those who had already undergone surgery had clinically better thresholds, highlighting the assessing these measures when designing presurgical rehabilitation programs.