Search

The research on flavonoids has exponentially grown since their first therapeutic evidence, in 1937. They are effective in vitro in a wide range of human diseases, particularly those mediated by free radicals, such as cancer, atherosclerosis, AIDS, or neuronal diseases. However, their applications have been reduced due to their low solubility, poor absorption, and rapid metabolism. Flavonoid encapsulation in nanocarriers significantly improves their oral absorption, protects the drug against degradation, decreases the first-pass hepatic effect, and makes absorption through the lymphatic system easier. In this work, carbon nanotubes were used as nanocarriers of 7-hydroxyflavone, 7-HF. The encapsulation of 7-HF into pristine single- and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and into -COOH functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes has been investigated. The equilibrium association constants were estimated. The structural backbone of 7-HF, two benzene rings linked through three carbon atoms that form a pyran heterocyclic ring containing a keto group, seems to play a key role in the 7-HF/CNT interactions, although other types of interactions are also at work. The in vitro release of 7-HF was studied at three pHs, 2.0, 7.4, and 9.2, mimicking the different biological barriers of the human organism., This research was funded by the Consejería de Educación y Ciencia de la Junta de Andalucía (FQM-206 and FQM-274), the VI Plan Propio Universidad de Sevilla (2018/500) and the European Union (Feder Funds), and the Project PAIDI P20-01234.

En la situación donde los problemas de salud pública impuestos por el COVID-19 representan un grave problema en la docencia de las enseñanzas prácticas de laboratorio debido a las restricciones de espacio y a los aforos máximos permitidos en los laboratorios, se hace muy necesario disponer de recursos electrónicos audiovisuales y multimedia para el apoyo y realización de prácticas por parte de los estudiantes. En este caso concreto, se ha elaborado material multimedia relativo a algunas de las prácticas impartidas por el Dpto. de Química Física en el área de la Termoquímica. La obligatoriedad impuesta por la normativa COVID-19 en los aforos de los laboratorios de prácticas hace muy necesario disponer de estos materiales multimedia y supone una herramienta fundamental para aplicar una metodología mixta (presencial - on-line), que permita a los estudiantes alcanzar un adecuado aprendizaje de las diferentes técnicas experimentales propias del área de la Química Física. En esta videopráctica se ilustran los principios básicos de los intercambios de calor mediante experiencias de laboratorio que permiten determinar el calor específico de un sólido. Se presentan los principios teóricos de la determinación experimental de esta magnitud y se muestra el material, instrumentos y las condiciones necesarias para poder realizar los experimentos. Se demuestra cómo se manejan los instrumentos de medida requeridos, el desarrollo de los experimentos y los procedimientos necesarios para la obtención de esta magnitud a partir de los datos experimentales.

En la situación donde los problemas de salud pública impuestos por el COVID-19 representan un grave problema en la docencia de las enseñanzas prácticas de laboratorio debido a las restricciones de espacio y a los aforos máximos permitidos en los laboratorios, se hace muy necesario disponer de recursos electrónicos audiovisuales y multimedia para el apoyo y realización de prácticas por parte de los estudiantes. En este caso concreto, se ha elaborado material multimedia relativo a algunas de las prácticas impartidas por el Dpto. de Química Física en el área de la Termoquímica. La obligatoriedad impuesta por la normativa COVID-19 en los aforos de los laboratorios de prácticas hace muy necesario disponer de estos materiales multimedia y supone una herramienta fundamental para aplicar una metodología mixta (presencial - on-line), que permita a los estudiantes alcanzar un adecuado aprendizaje de las diferentes técnicas experimentales propias del área de la Química Física. En esta videopráctica se ilustran los principios básicos de los intercambios de calor mediante experiencias de laboratorio que permiten determinar el calor latente de fusión del hielo. Se presentan los principios teóricos de la determinación experimental de estas magnitudes y se muestra el material, instrumentos y las condiciones necesarias para poder realizar los experimentos. Se demuestra cómo se manejan los instrumentos de medida requeridos, el desarrollo de los experimentos y los procedimientos necesarios para la obtención de esta magnitud a partir de los datos experimentales.

espanolEl llamado Archivo Antiguo del Consejo de Castilla esta formado por las consultas y decretos de esta institucion datadas entre el ultimo cuarto del siglo XVI y el primer cuarto del siglo XVIII. Esta serie documental, pese a lo extraordinario de su contenido, ha venido siendo poco utilizada para la investigacion sobre el periodo debido, principalmente, a su denominacion ambigua, que habitualmente ha generado dudas sobre su propia naturaleza; a las multiples manipulaciones sufridas desde su formacion hasta nuestros dias, que hace que su consulta sea engorrosa y problematica; y a la falta de un trabajo de descripcion coherente de la misma. Con este trabajo se pretende analizar su estructura y comprender las condiciones en que ha llegado hasta nuestros dias, dar noticia de su alcance y establecer un metodo de consulta para ofrecerlo a la investigacion de modo que se ponga en valor este excepcional conjunto documental. EnglishThe so-called Old Archive of the Council of Castile is composed of the consultations and decrees of this institution dated between the last quarter of the 16th century and the first quarter of the 18th century. Despite its extraordinary interest, this documentary series has been little used for research on the period, mainly due to its ambiguous name, which has usually raised doubts about its own nature. In addition, the multiple manipulations suffered from its formation to the present day and the lack of a coherent description make its consultation cumbersome and problematic. The aim of this work is to analyze its structure and understand the conditions in which it has survived to the present day, give notice of its scope and establish a consultation method for the research, so that this exceptional documentary series is valued.

Objectives Diabetes mellitus (DM) and frailty are common in older patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). No data exists about its prognostic impact on long-term outcomes and their possible interaction in this setting. Design Observational prospective study. Setting Multicenter registry conducted in 44 hospitals in Spain. Participants Consecutive patients with ACS aged 80≥years. Measurements A comprehensive geriatric evaluation was performed during hospitalization, including frailty assessment by the FRAIL score. The impact of DM and frailty on the incidence of mortality/readmission at 24 months was analysed by a Cox regression model. Results A total of 498 patients were included (mean age 84.3 years). Prevalence of previous DM was 199/498 (40.0%). The rate of frail patients was 135/498 (27.1%). The incidence of mortality/readmission was higher frail patients (HR 2.49) (both p

The formation of calixarene-based liposomes was investigated, and the characterization of these nanostructures was carried out using several techniques. Four amphiphilic calixarenes were used. The length of the hydrophobic chains attached to the lower rim as well as the nature of the polar group present in the upper rim of the calixarenes were varied. The lipid bilayer was formed with one calixarene and with the phospholipid 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, DOPE. The cytotoxicity of the liposomes for various cell lines was also studied. From the results obtained, the liposomes formed with the least cytotoxic calixarene, (TEAC12)4, were used as nanocarriers of both nucleic acids and the antineoplastic drug doxorubicin, DOX. Results showed that (TEAC12)4/DOPE/p-EGFP-C1 lipoplexes, of a given composition, can transfect the genetic material, although the transfection efficiency substantially increases in the presence of an additional amount of DOPE as coadjuvant. On the other hand, the (TEAC12)4/DOPE liposomes present a high doxorubicin encapsulation efficiency, and a slow controlled release, which could diminish the side effects of the drug., This work was financed by the Consejería de Conocimiento, Innovación y Universidades de la Junta de Andalucía (FQM-206, FQM-274, and PY20-01234), the VI Plan Propio Universidad de Sevilla (PP2019/00000748), RTI2018-100692-B-100; P18-RT-1271; PI18-0005-2018; VI-PP AY.SUPLEM- 2019; RYC-2015-18670, The R+D+I grant PID2019-104195G from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation-Agencia Estatal de Investigación/10.13039/501100011033 (P.H.) and the European Union (Feder Funds). The authors thank the University of Seville for the grant VPPI-US. J.A.L. also thanks the Fundación ONCE funded by the Fondo Social Europeo.

Background Aortic stenosis (AS) is currently the most frequent heart valve disease. Symptomatic severe AS has a poor prognosis and transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is becoming the therapy of choice in these patients. Changes in the conduction tissue after the procedure constitute one of the main limitations of TAVI, with a frequent need for a definitive pacemaker. Interatrial block (IAB) is defined as a prolonged P-wave duration and is related with atrial fibrosis. The presence of IAB could be a marker of conduction tissue abnormalities at other levels. No study has specifically analyzed the role of IAB as a predictor of the need for permanent pacemaker in patients with AS undergoing TAVI. Methods The Baseline Interatrial block and Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (BIT) registry will be performed in approximately 3000 patients with severe AS treated with TAVI. A centralized analysis of baseline ECGs will study the presence and type of IAB and other ECG data (rhythm, P-wave duration, PR and QRS intervals/intraventricular conduction disorders). Clinical follow-up will be carried out by local researchers. The primary endpoint will be the requirement of permanent pacemaker during post-TAVI hospitalization. As secondary objectives, the incidence of new onset AF, stroke, or mortality during follow-up will be analyzed. Secondary endpoints will include the incidence of new onset AF, stroke, or mortality during follow-up. Conclusion The BIT registry will study, for the first time, the influence of previous IAB in the need of permanent pacemaker after TAVI: This large registry will also provide information regarding the association of this and other ECG parameters with prognosis. Sin financiación 0.944 JCR (2019) Q4, 133/138 Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems 0.448 SJR (2019) Q3, 205/362 Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine No data IDR 2019 UEM

Introducción y objetivos: Los tratamientos actuales de la estenosis aórtica (EAo) grave incluyen el implante percutáneo de válvula aórtica (TAVI) y la cirugía de sustitución valvular aórtica (SVAo). El objetivo es describir la evolución de los pacientes con EAo grave tras la indicación de intervención, las variables que influyen en su pronóstico y los determinantes de un tiempo de espera superior a 2 meses. Métodos: Subanálisis del registro IDEAS (Influencia del Diagnóstico de Estenosis Aórtica Severa) en los pacientes a los que se indicó intervención. Resultados: De 726 pacientes con EAo grave diagnosticada en enero de 2014, se indicó intervención a 300 que son el foco del presente estudio. La media de edad era 74,0 ± 9,7 años. Se intervino a 258 pacientes (86,0%): 59 con TAVI y 199 con SVAo. Al año, 42 (14,0%) continuaban sin intervención, ya sea por seguir en espera (34) o haber fallecido (8). La mitad de los pacientes que murieron antes del procedimiento fallecieron en los primeros 100 días. El tiempo hasta la intervención fue 2,9 ± 1,6 meses para el TAVI y 3,5 ± 0,2 meses para la SVAo (p = 0,03). Los predictores de mortalidad independientes fueron el sexo masculino (HR = 2,6; IC95%, 1,1-6,0), la insuficiencia mitral moderada-grave (HR = 2,6; IC95%, 1,5-4,5), la movilidad reducida (HR = 4,6; IC95%, 1,7-12,6) y la falta de intervención (HR = 2,3; IC95%, 1,02-5,03). Conclusiones: Los pacientes con EAo grave en espera de intervención tienen alto riesgo de mortalidad. Hay indicadores clínicos asociados con peor pronóstico que podrían indicar la necesidad de una intervención precoz. Introduction and objectives: Current therapeutic options for severe aortic stenosis (AS) include transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Our aim was to describe the prognosis of patients with severe AS after the decision to perform an intervention, to study the variables influencing their prognosis, and to describe the determinants of waiting time > 2 months. Methods: Subanalysis of the IDEAS (Influence of the Severe Aortic Stenosis Diagnosis) registry in patients indicated for TAVI or SAVR. Results: Of 726 patients with severe AS diagnosed in January 2014, the decision to perform an intervention was made in 300, who were included in the present study. The mean age was 74.0 ± 9.7 years. A total of 258 (86.0%) underwent an intervention: 59 TAVI and 199 SAVR. At the end of the year, 42 patients (14.0%) with an indication for an intervention did not receive it, either because they remained on the waiting list (34 patients) or died while waiting for the procedure (8 patients). Of the patients who died while on the waiting list, half did so in the first 100 days. The mean waiting time was 2.9 ± 1.6 for TAVI and 3.5 ± 0.2 months for SAVR (P = .03). The independent predictors of mortality were male sex (HR, 2.6; 95%CI, 1.1-6.0), moderate-severe mitral regurgitation (HR, 2.6; 95%CI, 1.5-4.5), reduced mobility (HR, 4.6; 95%CI, 1.7-12.6), and nonintervention (HR, 2.3; 95%CI, 1.02-5.03). Conclusions: Patients with severe aortic stenosis awaiting therapeutic procedures have a high mortality risk. Some clinical indicators predict a worse prognosis and suggest the need for early intervention. Sin financiación 4.642 JCR (2019) Q1, 30/138 Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems 0.473 SJR (2019) Q3, 196/362 Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine No data IDR 2019 UEM

Gene therapy is a technique that is currently under expansion and development. Recent advances in genetic medicine have paved the way for a broader range of therapies and laid the groundwork for next-generation technologies. A terminally substituted difluorene-diester Schiff Base calix[4]arene has been studied in this work as possible nanovector to be used in gene therapy. Changes to luminescent behavior of the calixarene macrocycle are reported in the presence of ct-DNA. The calixarene macrocycle interacts with calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA), generating changes in its conformation. Partial double-strand denaturation is induced at low concentrations of the calixarene, resulting in compaction of the ct-DNA. However, interaction between calixarene molecules themselves takes place at high calixarene concentrations, favoring the decompaction of the polynucleotide. Based on cytotoxicity studies, the calixarene macrocycle investigated has the potential to be used as a nanovehicle and improve the therapeutic efficacy of pharmacological agents against tumors., This work was financed by the Consejería de Conocimiento, Innovación y Universidades de la Junta de Andalucía (FQM-206, FQM-274, and PY20-01234), the VI Plan Propio Universidad de Sevilla (PP2019/00000748), RTI2018-100692-B-100; P18-RT-1271; PI18-0005-2018; VI-PP AY.SUPLEM-2019; RYC-2015-18670 and the European Union (Feder Funds). F.J.O. thanks the University of Seville for the grant VPPI-US (DOC_00963).

The interaction (adsorption process) of commercial ionic surfactants with non-functionalized and functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has been studied by potentiometric measurements based on the use of ion-selective electrodes. The goal of this work was to investigate the role of the CNTs&rsquo, charge and structure in the CNT/surfactant interactions. Non-functionalized single- (SWCNT) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), and amine functionalized SWCNT were used. The influence of the surfactant architecture on the CNT/surfactant interactions was also studied. Surfactants with different charge and hydrophobic tail length (sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), octyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (OTAB), dodecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (DoTAB) and hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB)) were studied. According to the results, the adsorption process shows a cooperative character, with the hydrophobic interaction contribution playing a key role. This is made evident by the correlation between the free surfactant concentration (at a fixed [CNT]) and the critical micellar concentration, cmc, found for all the CNTs and surfactants investigated. The electrostatic interactions mainly determine the CNT dispersion, although hydrophobic interactions also contribute to this process.

Background The clinical significance of conduction disturbances after transcatheter aortic valve implantation has been described; however, little is known about the influence of baseline ECGs in the prognosis of these patients. Our aim was to study the influence of baseline ECG parameters, including interatrial block (IAB), in the prognosis of patients treated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Methods and Results The BIT (Baseline Interatrial Block and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) registry included 2527 patients with aortic stenosis treated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation. A centralized analysis of baseline ECGs was performed. Patients were divided into 4 groups: normal P wave duration (P =0.010]) and of the composite end point (death/stroke/new atrial fibrillation) (HR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.17–1.94 [ P =0.001]). Conclusions Baseline ECG characteristics influence the prognosis of patients with aortic stenosis treated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Advanced IAB is present in about an eighth of patients and is associated with all‐cause death and the composite end point of death, stroke, and new atrial fibrillation during follow‐up.

Objectives No previous studies have assessed the role of the FRAIL scale in predicting long-term outcomes in older patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Design, Setting and Participants The multicenter observational LONGEVO-SCA registry included unselected patients ≥80 years of age with ACS from 44 centers. A comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed during hospitalization. Measures Frailty was measured by the FRAIL scale. For the purpose of this study, main outcome measured was mortality or readmission at 24 months. Results A total of 498 patients were included. Mean age was 84.3 years. A total of 198 patients (33.1%) were prefrail and 135 (27.1%) frail. Patients who were prefrail and frail had a higher degree of comorbidities, and higher prevalence of disability, cognitive impairment, and nutritional risk. A total of 165 out of 498 patients (33.1%) died, and 331 patients (66.7%) died or were readmitted at 24 months. Both prefrailty and frailty were associated with a higher mortality compared with robust patients (P < .001). The incidence of mortality or readmission was also higher in patients who were prefrail or frail (P < .001). After adjusting for potential confounders, the association between frailty and mortality or readmission remained significant (hazard ratio 1.28 for prefrailty and hazard ratio 1.96 for frailty, P < .001). The FRAIL scale showed an optimal ability for predicting mortality or readmission (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve 0.86, 95% confidence interval 0.83‒0.89). The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve from the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events risk score was 0.89. No significant differences were observed between both AUC values (P = .163). Conclusions and Implications The FRAIL scale independently predicted long-term outcomes in older patients with ACS. The predictive ability of this scale was comparable to the strongly recommended Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events risk score. Frailty assessment is mandatory for improving risk prediction in these complex patients. Sin financiación 4.669 JCR (2020) Q2, 15/53 Geriatrics & Gerontology 1.840 SJR (2020) Q1, 9/108 Geriatrics and Gerontology No data IDR 2020 UEM

In this work, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and chitosan (CS) nanoparticles were synthesized with the purpose of encapsulating levofloxacin (LEV). A thorough study has been carried out in order to optimize the preparation of LEV-loaded polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) suitable for parenteral administration. Changes in the preparation method, in the organic solvent nature, in the pH of the aqueous phase, or in the temperature were investigated. To the authors´ knowledge, a systematic study in order to improve the LEV nanocarrier characteristics and the yield of drug encapsulation has not been carried out to date. The physicochemical characterization of the NPs, their encapsulation efficiency (EE), and the in vitro release of LEV revealed that the best formulation was the emulsion-solvent evaporation method using dichloromethane as organic solvent, which renders suitable LEV loaded PLGA NPs. The morphology of these NPs was investigated using TEM. Their antimicrobial activities against several microorganisms were determined in vitro measuring the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The results show that the use of these loaded LEV PLGA nanoparticles has the advantage of the slow release of the antibiotic, which would permit an increase in the time period between administrations as well as to decrease the side effects of the drug., This research was funded by the Consejeria de Educacion y Ciencia de la Junta de Andalucia (Proyecto de Excelencia P12-FQM-1105, FQM-206 and FQM-274), the VI Plan Propio Universidad de Sevilla (2018/500) and the European Union (Feder Funds).

Several cationic dimeric surfactants have shown high affinity towards DNA. Bis-quaternary ammonium salts (m-s-m) have been the most common type of dimeric surfactants investigated and it is generally admitted that those that posses a short spacer (s ≤ 3) show better efficiency to bind or compact DNA. However, experimental results in this work show that 12-s-12 surfactants with long spacers make the surfactant/ctDNA complexation more favorable than those with short spacers. A larger contribution of the hydrophobic interactions, which control the binding Gibbs energy, as well as a higher average charge of the surfactant molecules bound to the nucleic acid, which favors the electrostatic attractions, could explain the experimental observations. Dimeric surfactants with intermediate spacer length seem to be the less efficient for DNA binding.

Potentiometric measurements based on the use of ion-selective electrodes have been used to study the interaction (adsorption) of anionic and cationic surfactants with functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT–COOH). According to results, the interaction is driven by hydrophobic forces between the hydrocarbon tails of the surfactants and the nanotube walls. Electrostatic interactions practically exert no influence on the interaction. Driving forces in the dispersion processes are different. Keywords: Ion-selective electrodes, Carbon nanotubes, Surfactants, Interaction, Dispersion, Driving forces

Sin financiación 5.078 JCR (2018) Q1, 27/136 Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems 0.579 SJR (2018) Q2, 171/365 Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine No data IDR 2018 UEM

Background: The number of nonagenarian patients with aortic stenosis will likely increase due to the ageing population. We assessed the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of nonagenarian patients with severe aortic stenosis. Methods: A total of 177 (117 females and 60 males) consecutive nonagenarian patients from two large contemporary registries were included in this study. Clinical characteristics, comorbidity as assessed by the Charlson Index, clinical management, and outcomes were recorded. The main outcome measure was one-year mortality. Results: The mean patient age was 91.1 years, and 56 patients (31.6%) had a Charlson Index

The quenching of the fluorescence of 1-pyrene-carboxaldehyde by iodide ions has been studied in the presence of micellar solutions of CTAC and SDS. In the presence of the latter surfactant, the fluorophore accumulates at the micelles whereas the quencher is repelled from the aggregates. Consequently, a decrease of the quenching is observed when the concentration of micelles increases. In the CTAC case, both the 1-pyrene-carboxaldehyde and the iodide ions accumulate on the micelles, so that a maximum in the quenching is observed (see Fig. 3). These facts can be formally rationalized using the pseudophase model. However, the meaning of the parameters appearing in the equations of this model are, for photochemical quenching processes, different from those corresponding to ground state reactions. The quantitative analysis of the parameters has been carried out employing a formulation previously developed by us, which is extended here in order to take into account the particular characteristics of micellar solutions.

Background: Interatrial block (IAB) is associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) in different clinical situations, but little information exists in elderly patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and its association with frailty. Methods: Consecutive MI patients aged ≥ 75 years were prospectively included. Frailty was assessed during the admission, as well as the prevalence of IAB. Main outcome measure was mortality and new onset AF at one year. Results: We included 254 patients. From 220 patients with sinus rythm (86.6%), 37 had partial IAB (16.8%) and 34 advanced IAB (15.5%). Patients with advanced IAB had lower values of handgrip strenght (19.8 vs 21.7 kg, p 0.073). These patients had a trend toward higher incidence of AF or mortality during follow up (HR 1.51, 95% CI 0.85–2.70, p = 0.164). Conclusions: Advanced IAB was associated with a trend toward higher prevalence of frailty. Elderly patients with MI and advanced IAB had a trend toward higher incidence of AF. Sin financiación 1.166 JCR (2018) Q4, 119/136 Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems 0.547 SJR (2018) Q2, 176/365 Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine No data IDR 2018 UEM

Introduction and objectives: Current therapeutic options for severe aortic stenosis (AS) include transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Our aim was to describe the prognosis of patients with severe AS after the decision to perform an intervention, to study the variables influencing their prognosis, and to describe the determinants of waiting time > 2 months. Methods: Subanalysis of the IDEAS (Influence of the Severe Aortic Stenosis Diagnosis) registry in patients indicated for TAVI or SAVR. Results: Of 726 patients with severe AS diagnosed in January 2014, the decision to perform an intervention was made in 300, who were included in the present study. The mean age was 74.0 +/- 9.7 years. A total of 258 (86.0%) underwent an intervention: 59 TAVI and 199 SAVR. At the end of the year, 42 patients (14.0%) with an indication for an intervention did not receive it, either because they remained on the waiting list (34 patients) or died while waiting for the procedure (8 patients). Of the patients who died while on the waiting list, half did so in the first 100 days. The mean waiting time was 2.9 +/- 1.6 for TAVI and 3.5 +/- 0.2 months for SAVR (P = .03). The independent predictors of mortality were male sex (HR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.1-6.0), moderate-severe mitral regurgitation (HR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.5-4.5), reduced mobility (HR, 4.6; 95% CI, 1.7-12.6), and nonintervention (HR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.02-5.03). Conclusions: Patients with severe aortic stenosis awaiting therapeutic procedures have a high mortality risk. Some clinical indicators predict a worse prognosis and suggest the need for early intervention. (C) 2018 Sociedad Espanola de Cardiologia. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

A quantitative treatment of quenching processes under restricted geometry conditions in the Slow Exchange Limit is presented. The expressions for KSV have been obtained for this limit in some common situations that can arise in studies under restricted geometry conditions, such as an inhomogeneous quencher distribution in the solution, the presence of oxygen in solution, or the case of solutions containing a mixture of receptors. These situations have been considered and incorporated into the treatment.

Chemical reactivity under restricted geometry conditions can be described through the equations of the Pseudophase Model (a two state model). This model is based on the assumption of an equilibrium between these two states (free and bound) which is not perturbed by the reactive event. This implies that the reaction in which these states participate must be slow, in relation to the exchange processes between the two states. This condition holds in the case of chemical reactions, but does not hold for very rapid photochemical reactions. However, the Pseudophase Model seems to be applicable, apparently , in the case of excited state reactions. According to this a similar formal behavior is observed in chemical and photochemical reactions. However, a closer inspection of the data reveals important differences between the two types of reactions, in particular in the meaning of the parameters appearing in the equations of the Pseudophase Model. These similarities, and differences, are considered in this work using, as representative examples, the reactions between [Fe(CN) 5 (4-CNpy)] 3− and [Co(NH 3 ) 4 (pzCO 2 )] 2+ (chemical) and the quenching of pyrene by the iodide ion (photochemical), under restricted geometry conditions. These conditions are due to the presence of receptors (CTACl micelles and DNA, respectively) in the reaction media. An explanation for these facts is given.

A previously established treatment for photochemical processes in the presence of one receptor has been extended for the case of solutions containing mixtures of two (or more) receptors. The treatment gives variations in emission intensities and Stern–Volmer constants when the concentrations of receptors are changed. The quenching of 1-pyrene-carboxaldehyde by iodide ion in mixtures of β- and 2-hydroxypropyl- β- cyclodextrins has been used to check the new treatment. These mixtures are of three classes. Mixtures of class (i) are a model of a receptor containing two kinds of binding sites with different affinities towards a ligand. The second class of mixtures, (ii), are models for multisite receptors containing only one type of site. These sites however can change their affinity for a given ligand as a consequence of external stimuli, such as a change in pH. Finally, mixtures of class (iii) would be representative of polymers with two different binding sites in which the occupation of one of them produces, through a configurational change, the appearance of the previously hidden second class of sites.

The IFFANIAM study (Impact of frailty and functional status in elderly patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary angioplasty) is an observational multicenter registry to assess the impact of frailty and functional status on outcomes of elderly patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary angioplasty. STEMI patients age 75 years or older undergoing primary angioplasty will be extensively studied during admission in 4 tertiary care Hospitals in Spain, assessing their baseline functional status (Barthel index, Lawton-Brody index), frailty (Fried criteria, FRAIL scale [fatigue, resistance, ambulation, illnesses, and loss of weight]), comorbidities (Charlson index), nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment–Short Form), and quality of life (Seattle Angina Questionnaire). Participants will be managed according current recommendations. The primary outcome will be the description of 1-year mortality, its causes, and associated factors. Secondary outcomes will be functional capacity and quality of life. Results will help to better understand the impact of frailty and functional ability on outcomes in elderly STEMI patients undergoing primary angioplasty, thus potentially contributing to improving their clinical management. Higher life expectancy has resulted in a large segment of elderly population and an increase in myocardial infarction in these patients. This calls attention to healthcare systems to focus on promoting methods to improve the clinical management of this population.

Background: Despite current recommendations, a high percentage of patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis are managed conservatively. The aim of this study was to study symptomatic patients undergoing conservative management from the IDEAS registry, describing their baseline clinical characteristics, mortality, and the causes according to the reason for conservative management. Methods: Consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis diagnosed at 48 centers during January 2014 were included. Baseline clinical characteristics, echocardiographic data, Charlson index, and EuroSCORE-II were registered, including vital status and performance of valve intervention during oneyear follow-up. For the purpose of this substudy we assessed symptomatic patients undergoing conservative management, including them in 5 groups according to the reason for performing conservative management [I: comorbidity/frailty (128, 43.8%); II: dementia 18 (6.2%); III: advanced age 34 (11.6%); IV: patients' refusal 62 (21.2%); and V: other reasons 50 (17.1%)]. Results: We included 292 patients aged 81.5 +/- 9 years. Patients from group I had higher Charlson index (4 +/- 2.3), higher EuroSCORE-II (7.5 +/- 6), and a higher overall (42.2%) and non-cardiac mortality (16.4%) than the other groups. In contrast, patients from group III had fewer comorbidities, lower EuroSCORE-II (4 +/- 2.5), and low overall (20.6%) and non-cardiac mortality (5.9%). Conclusions: Patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis managed conservatively have different baseline characteristics and clinical course according to the reason for performing conservative management. A prospective assessment of comorbidity and other geriatric syndromes might contribute to improve therapeutic strategy in this clinical setting. (C) 2016 Japanese College of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The factors that influence decision making in severe aortic stenosis (AS) are unknown. Our aim was to assess, in patients with severe AS, the determinants of management and prognosis in a multicenter registry that enrolled all consecutive adults with severe AS during a 1-month period. One-year follow-up was obtained in all patients and included vital status and aortic valve intervention (aortic valve replacement [AVR] and transcatheter aortic valve implantation [TAVI]). A total of 726 patients were included, mean age was 77.3 ± 10.6 years, and 377 were women (51.8%). The most common management was conservative therapy in 468 (64.5%) followed by AVR in 199 (27.4%) and TAVI in 59 (8.1%). The strongest association with aortic valve intervention was patient management in a tertiary hospital with cardiac surgery (odds ratio 2.7, 95% confidence interval 1.8 to 4.1, p

In line with the new philosophy on clinical practice guidelines adopted by the executive committee of the Sociedad Espanola de Cardiologia (SEC: Spanish Society of Cardiology), which was explained and justifi ed in a recent document published in the Revista Espanola de Cardiologia (REC),1 this article has the objective of discussing the most important and novel aspects of the guidelines on the management of dyslipidemias but without attempting to replace them. A joint effort by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS),2 these guidelines updated the old protocols for treating dyslipidemias developed by the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (NCEP-ATP III) and published in 2001 (summary) and 2002 (complete text),3 with a minor update in 2004.4 In Spain, recommendations from the Comite Espanol Interdisciplinario para la Prevencion Cardiovascular (CEIPC) have been used more recently,5 with the approval of the Spain’s Health Ministry and the participation of the SEC, although in this Spanish guideline dyslipidemia is just one section of the general recommendations on cardiovascular prevention.

The classical Pseudophase Model (a two state model) describes well the reactivity in the presence of receptors. This model assumes that the exchange between free and bound reactants is at equilibrium in spite of the reaction, a condition that usually cannot be maintained if the reactants are excited. However, the equation of the Pseudophase Model holds, at least formally, in this case. The formalism developed to clarify this question indicates that the parameters acquire a somewhat different meaning in the case of photochemical reactions. The experiments carried out in the presence of DNA and β-cyclodextrin support the formalism developed.

The catalytic effect of micelles, polymers (such as DNA, polypeptides) and nanoparticles, saturable receptors (cyclodextrins and calixarenes) and more complex systems (mixing some of the above mentioned catalysts) have been reviewed. In these microheterogeneous systems the observed changes in the rate constants have been rationalized using the Pseudophase Model. This model produces equations that can be derived from the Brönsted equation, which is the basis for a more general formulation of catalytic effects, including electrocatalysis. When, in the catalyzed reaction one of the reactants is in the excited state, the applicability (at least formally) of the Pseudophase Model occurs only in two limiting situations: the lifetime of the fluorophore and the distributions of the quencher and the probe are the main properties that define the different situations. D.G.I.C.Y.T. (CTQ2008-00008/BQU)

Introduccion y objetivos En la estratificacion del syndrome coronario agudo disponemos de variables clinicas para identificar a los pacientes con alto riesgo de presentar complicaciones. Analizamos si los pacientes de alto riesgo, sin antecedentes de cardiopatia isquemica, que presentan un primer episodio de sindrome coronario agudo sin elevacion del segmento ST presentan variables clinicas predictoras de estenosis significativa (> 50%) del tronco comun. Metodos Se analizo a 102 pacientes de alto riesgo sin antecedentes de cardiopatia isquemica con sindrome coronario agudo sin elevacion del segmento ST, a los que se les practico coronariografia. Establecemos 2 grupos: con estenosis significativa del tronco comun (n = 14) y el resto (n = 88). Resultados Variables relacionadas con la estenosis del tronco comun en el analisis univariado: edad > 65 anos (el 57,1 frente al 15,9%; p = 0,002), diabetes mellitus (el 71,4 frente al 33,0%; p = 0,006), insuficiencia renal cronica (el 28,6 frente al 5,7%; p = 0,019), insuficiencia cardiaca izquierda (el 71,4 frente al 6,8%; p Conclusiones La presencia de insuficiencia cardiaca izquierda en la evaluacion inicial del sindrome coronario agudo sin elevacion del ST, en pacientes de alto riesgo sin antecedentes de cardiopatia isquemica, puede ser un predictor util de enfermedad del tronco comun.

Introduction and objectives. Risk stratification in nonST-elevation acute coronary syndrome makes use of clinical variables that can identify patients at an increased risk of complications. Our objective was to identify clinical variables that predict significant stenosis (i.e., >50%) of the left main coronary artery in high-risk patients who have had a first episode of non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome but who do not have a history of coronary artery disease. Methods. The study included 102 high-risk patients with no history of coronary artery disease who were admitted because of non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome. All underwent coronary angiography. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those with significant left main coronary artery stenosis (n=14) and those without (n=88). Results. Univariate analysis showed that the variables significantly associated with left main coronary artery stenosis were age >65 years (57.1% vs 15.9%; P=.002), diabetes mellitus (71.4% vs 33.0%; P=.006), chronic renal failure (28.6% vs 5.7%; P=.019), left heart failure (71.4% vs 6.8%; P

Introduction and objectives. The presence of postanoxic encephalopathy after an episode of aborted sudden cardiac death is a serious medical and social problem. Pacientes and method. Of 193 patients admitted to the coronary unit during a 12-year period with aborted sudden cardiac death, 104 died (54%) and 89 survived the episode (46%). We compared the characteristics and 6-month prognosis between survivors according to the presence or absence of post-anoxic encephalopathy. Results. Of 89 survivors, 38 patients were discharged alive with post-anoxic encephalopathy (42%) and 51 were discharged without neurological disturbances (58%). Patients with post-anoxic encephalopathy were older (65 ± 13.6 vs. 59 ± 12.9 years; p = 0.04). Mean time to care for cardiac arrest was 11.1±4.9 min in the post-anoxic encephalopathy group, versus 3.4±3 min (p < 0.01). The first documented rhythm was VF/VT in 57% and asystolia in 29% in the post-anoxic encephalopathy group, vs. 88% and 3% (p = 0.02). More than half (58%) of the patients in the postanoxic encephalopathy group had coronary artery disease, vs. 49% (p = NS). Slightly more than half (52%) of the patients in the post-anoxic encephalopathy group had infectious complications, vs. 21% (p = 0.01). After 6 months of follow-up, mortality in patients discharged with postanoxic encephalopathy was 62%, vs. 10% (p < 0.01); 21% of then showed significant functional improvement and 18% remained neurologically stable. Conclusions. Most patients admitted to a coronary unit with aborted sudden cardiac death died during hospitalization. Almost half of the survivors had post-anoxic encephalopathy at discharge; of these patients, 62% died within the following 6 months, and functional status improved only in a minority of them.

The evaluation of the energy yield (EY) in Photovoltaic (PV) systems depends strongly on the quality of the onsite irradiance measurement. Prior to system installation, normally only the horizontal plane irradiance is available and therefore various mathematical models are used to translate the measured values into the plane of the PV array. This paper evaluates the influence of irradiance models, and specifically diffuse tilted irradiance models, on the accuracy of the EY calculation. For this purpose several PV installations were evaluated by comparing measured global tilted irradiance values and measured DC energy with modeled values.

We have designed and realized a test rig to characterize concentrated solar‐based CHP (combined heat and power) generator. Cost benefit analysis has been used to compare alternate technologies, which can cogenerate electrical and thermal power. We have summarized the experimental setup and methods to characterize a concentrated solar thermal (CST) unit. In this paper, we demonstrate the performance data of a concentrated solar thermal system.

As emerging thin-film PV technologies continue to penetrate the market and the number of utility scale installations substantially increase, detailed understanding of the performance of the various PV technologies becomes more important. An accurate database for each technology is essential for precise project planning, energy yield prediction and project financing. However recent publications showed that it is very difficult to get accurate and reliable performance data of theses technologies. This paper evaluates previously reported claims the amorphous silicon based PV modules have a higher annual energy yield compared to crystalline silicon modules relative to their rated performance. In order to acquire a detailed understanding of this effect, outdoor module tests were performed at GE Global Research Center in Munich. In this study we examine closely two of the five reported factors that contribute to enhanced energy yield of amorphous silicon modules. We find evidence to support each of these factors and evaluate their relative significance. We discuss aspects for improvement in how PV modules are sold and identify areas for further study further study.

Marcus Zettl, Omar Stern, Oliver Mayer, Marianne Hartung, Mark Lynass, Eva Bernal GE Global Research Europe Freisinger Landstr. 50, 85748 Garching, Germany. Tel. +49-89-5528-3430, Fax –3102 eMail: marcus.zettl@research.ge.com or omar.stern@research.ge.com ABSTRACT Usually photovoltaic modules are characterized unde r standard testing conditions by subjecting them to an irradiation of 1000 W/m

The presence of post-anoxic encephalopathy after an episode of aborted sudden cardiac death is a serious medical and social problem.Of 193 patients admitted to the coronary unit during a 12-year period with aborted sudden cardiac death, 104 died (54%) and 89 survived the episode (46%). We compared the characteristics and 6-month prognosis between survivors according to the presence or absence of post-anoxic encephalopathy.Of 89 survivors, 38 patients were discharged alive with post-anoxic encephalopathy (42%) and 51 were discharged without neurological disturbances (58%). Patients with post-anoxic encephalopathy were older (65 13.6 vs. 59 12.9 years; p = 0.04). Mean time to care for cardiac arrest was 11.14.9 min in the post-anoxic encephalopathy group, versus 3.43 min (p0.01). The first documented rhythm was VF/VT in 57% and asystolia in 29% in the post-anoxic encephalopathy group, vs. 88% and 3% (p = 0.02). More than half (58%) of the patients in the post-anoxic encephalopathy group had coronary artery disease, vs. 49% (p = NS). Slightly more than half (52%) of the patients in the post-anoxic encephalopathy group had infectious complications, vs. 21% (p = 0.01). After 6 months of follow-up, mortality in patients discharged with post-anoxic encephalopathy was 62%, vs. 10% (p0.01); 21% of then showed significant functional improvement and 18% remained neurologically stable.Most patients admitted to a coronary unit with aborted sudden cardiac death died during hospitalization. Almost half of the survivors had post-anoxic encephalopathy at discharge; of these patients, 62% died within the following 6 months, and functional status improved only in a minority of them.