Understanding the wettability of C₁N₁ (sub)nanopores : implications for porous carbonaceous electrodes

Understanding how water interacts with nanopores of carbonaceous electrodes is crucial for energy storage and conversion applications. A high surface area of carbonaceous materials does not necessarily need to translate to a high electrolyte-solid interface area. Herein, we study the interaction of water with nanoporous C1N1 materials to explain their very low specific capacity in aqueous electrolytes despite their high surface area. Water was used to probe chemical environments, provided by pores of different sizes, in 1H MAS NMR experiments. We observe that regardless of their high hydrophilicity, only a negligible portion of water can enter the nanopores of C1N1, in contrast to a reference pure carbon material with a similar pore structure. The common paradigm that water easily enters hydrophilic pores does not apply to C1N1 nanopores below a few nanometers. Calorimetric and sorption experiments demonstrated strong water adsorption on the C1N1 surface, which restricts water mobility across the interface and impedes its penetration into the nanopores

Unterstützung für Familien mit einem psychisch erkrankten Elternteil: welche Hilfen nehmen psychisch erkrankte Eltern in Anspruch und welche wünschen sie sich?

Hintergrund In Deutschland besteht ein Hilfs- und Versorgungssystem für Familien, das sich aus verschiedenen Sektoren speist und vielfältige Angebote aufweist. Fragestellung Erfassung der in Anspruch genommenen Unterstützungsangebote, Ermittlung kindbezogener Faktoren, die mit der Inanspruchnahme in Zusammenhang stehen, sowie der elterlichen Wünsche nach Hilfe. Material und Methode Befragung von 160 (teil-)stationär in psychiatrischen Kliniken aufgenommenen Eltern in einem mündlichen Interview mittels standardisierter und teilstandardisierter Fragebögen. Ergebnisse Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass nichtprofessionelle Hilfe durch Familie und Freunde sowie ambulante Hilfen des fünften Sozialgesetzbuches (SGB V) am meisten in Anspruch genommen werden. Familien, in denen die Kinder als stärker auffällig eingeschätzt werden, nehmen mehr hochschwellige Hilfen in Anspruch als Familien mit Kindern, die weniger auffällig bewertet werden. Regionale Unterschiede gibt es insbesondere bei der Inanspruchnahme hochschwelliger Hilfen aus dem achten Sozialgesetzbuch (SGB VIII). Diskussion Die Ergebnisse weisen darauf hin, dass Familien mit einem psychisch erkrankten Elternteil Hilfen erhalten und intensive Hilfen auch gerade bei stärker belasteten Familien ankommen. Jedoch gibt es regionale Unterschiede bei der Inanspruchnahme von und dem Wunsch nach Unterstützung

Phytotherapeutic and naturopathic adjuvant therapies in otorhinolaryngology

Phytotherapeutic pharmaceuticals and herbal medicinal products with its roots in classical phytotherapeutic medicine have a well-established role in otolaryngological therapy, especially for diseases of the upper airways and acute and chronic infections. A thorough selection and application could mean huge benefit for the patient, in particular in cases with contraindications, chemo- and antibiotic resistance or patient request. Besides, it might spare other medications. Phytotherapeutic pharmaceuticals must fulfil the same criteria of quality, effectiveness and harmlessness of evidence-based medicine like chemical pharmaceuticals, although they are often prescribed due to its well established or traditional based use. This review focuses on phytotherapeutic therapies well established within the European Community for otolaryngologic disease patterns by referring to clinical studies or meta-analysis

COVID-19: Is There Evidence for the Use of Herbal Medicines as Adjuvant Symptomatic Therapy?

Background: Current recommendations for the self-management of SARS-Cov-2 disease (COVID-19) include self-isolation, rest, hydration, and the use of NSAID in case of high fever only. It is expected that many patients will add other symptomatic/adjuvant treatments, such as herbal medicines. Aims: To provide a benefits/risks assessment of selected herbal medicines traditionally indicated for “respiratory diseases” within the current frame of the COVID-19 pandemic as an adjuvant treatment. Method: The plant selection was primarily based on species listed by the WHO and EMA, but some other herbal remedies were considered due to their widespread use in respiratory conditions. Preclinical and clinical data on their efficacy and safety were collected from authoritative sources. The target population were adults with early and mild flu symptoms without underlying conditions. These were evaluated according to a modified PrOACT-URL method with paracetamol, ibuprofen, and codeine as reference drugs. The benefits/risks balance of the treatments was classified as positive, promising, negative, and unknown. Results: A total of 39 herbal medicines were identified as very likely to appeal to the COVID-19 patient. According to our method, the benefits/risks assessment of the herbal medicines was found to be positive in 5 cases (Althaea officinalis, Commiphora molmol, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hedera helix, and Sambucus nigra), promising in 12 cases (Allium sativum, Andrographis paniculata, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea, Eucalyptus globulus essential oil, Justicia pectoralis, Magnolia officinalis, Mikania glomerata, Pelargonium sidoides, Pimpinella anisum, Salix sp, Zingiber officinale), and unknown for the rest. On the same grounds, only ibuprofen resulted promising, but we could not find compelling evidence to endorse the use of paracetamol and/or codeine. Conclusions: Our work suggests that several herbal medicines have safety margins superior to those of reference drugs and enough levels of evidence to start a clinical discussion about their potential use as adjuvants in the treatment of early/mild common flu in otherwise healthy adults within the context of COVID-19. While these herbal medicines will not cure or prevent the flu, they may both improve general patient well-being and offer them an opportunity to personalize the therapeutic approaches