Search

Herein, chitosan films obtained by different approaches were functionalized with essential oils, i.e. mentha, clove, and cinnamon, by Supercritical Solvent Impregnation method to impart antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The films were prepared from solutions with two different polymer concentrations (1 and 2.5 wt%) following three methodologies: casting and then drying at air (25 °C, 39 % relative humidity), casting and drying at 60 °C in humid conditions (82 % relativity humidity) and casting and water elimination by a freeze-drying process. The films were, then, characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, proving that the thickness, porosity, and crystallinity of the films are highly dependent on the preparation method. These structural variations affected the impregnation of essential oils by supercritical fluids, in terms of the amount and composition of the active compounds. Subsequently, yellowness, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the impregnated films were evaluated. The results demonstrated that the impregnated films retained high concentration of essential oils, especially the films impregnated with clove and produced by the freeze-drying process due to their higher porosity and lower crystallinity. These films also exhibited superior antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in comparison with the other two analyzed preparation methods.

Liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS)-based methods have become the gold standard methodology for the comprehensive profiling of the human plasma lipidome. However, both the complexity of lipid chemistry and LC-HRMS-associated data pose challenges to the characterization of this biological matrix. In accordance with the current consensus of quality requirements for LC-HRMS lipidomics data, we aimed to characterize the NIST® Standard Reference Material for Human Plasma (SRM 1950) using an LC-ESI(+/−)-MS method compatible with high-throughput lipidome profiling. We generated a highly curated lipid database with increased coverage, quality, and consistency, including additional quality assurance procedures involving adduct formation, within-method m/z evaluation, retention behavior of species within lipid chain isomers, and expert-driven resolution of isomeric and isobaric interferences. As a proof-of-concept, we showed the utility of our in-house LC-MS lipidomic database —consisting of 592 lipid entries— for the fast, comprehensive, and reliable lipidomic profiling of the human plasma from healthy human volunteers. We are confident that the implementation of this robust resource and methodology will have a significant impact by reducing data redundancy and the current delays and bottlenecks in untargeted plasma lipidomic studies.

Contact tracing of individual exposed to any infectious measles case deserves special attention when in the country the disease is mostly imported. We present the coordinated public health actions triggered after reporting a suspected measles case in an aircraft. Spanish public health authorities and airlines responded promptly to allow a rapid contact tracing. Even one secondary measles case was reported no further transmission was identified, revealing that giving PEP and appropriate information help to avoid transmission and to maintain measles elimination in Spain.

A novel characterization technique based on image analysis is presented, intended to complement state-of-the-art reflectometer measurements. The technique is developed by experts from different laboratories (OPAC, AGC, CEA and LNEG), which subsequently conduct two Round Robin experiments on corroded solar reflectors for validation. Regarding the inter-comparability, it is found that parameters like the corrosion spot density or the penetration maximum on coated edges exhibit an average coefficient of variation of 62.6 % and 54.9 %. Better agreement is found for parameters like the total corroded area and the maximum edge corrosion penetration, with coefficients of variation of 14.3 % and 13.4 %, respectively.The developed methodology is further applied during a 68-month lasting outdoor exposure campaign of two types of solar reflectors at two representative sites, one exhibiting corrosivity class C2 and the other C3. On the commercial coating RL1, a total corroded area of 59 mm² and 426 mm² is measured after the outdoor exposure on the C2 and the C3 site, respectively, while on the novel low-lead coated reflector RL3 corresponding values are 280 mm² and 1308 mm². This shows the superior quality of the coating RL1 in terms of corrosion resistance. Furthermore, the analysis highlights the importance of proper edge sealing for corrosion protection, since corrosion penetration is increased by a factor between 1.3 and 4.0 if the edges are unprotected. The reflectance decrease after the outdoor exposure is regarded as negligible (0.000 - 0.005), thus not permitting any of the conclusions that are made from the novel image analysis technique.

The presence of a neutron halo in 15C has been demonstrated in several reaction experiments at intermediate energies. In the present study, the dynamical effects of this structure are observed for the first time at Coulomb barrier energies in the 15C + 208Pb quasi-elastic scattering at Elab=65 MeV, measured at the HIE-ISOLDE facility, CERN using the high-granularity detector array GLORIA. A combined continuum discretised coupled channels and coupled reaction channels calculation describes the data well and significant coupling effects due both to breakup and single-neutron stripping are identified.

Background: The Work Ability Index (WAI) is an instrument that measures work ability. The wide dispersion of the WAI internationally has led to its adaptation for use in different countries. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the WAI. Methods: A methodological design was used over an opportunistic sample of 233 workers in the aeronautical industry in Spain. Reliability was evaluated through internal consistency. Factorial validity, known groups, and convergent validity were tested. Results: The Cronbach's alpha and item-total correlation indicated an adequate internal consistency. The confirmatory factor analysis, performed to evaluate the factorial validity, found adequate fit indices for a two-factor solution with a high correlation between the factors. Factor 1, “Subjectively estimated work ability and resources”, was composed of 3 subscales and factor 2, “Ill-health-related”, of 2 subscales. Subscales 4 and 6 had loading in both factors. Workers under 45 years of age obtained higher significant scores than older ones. Convergent validity was also evidenced since WAI was highly correlated with self-assessment of health status. Conclusions: The Spanish version of the WAI has shown evidence of reliability and validity in this study, supporting its use in individual and collective health surveillance by occupational health professionals. The factorial solution that was found has previously been reported in another international context. However, further research is needed to resolve the discrepancies detected in the role of some subscales between other national and international studies.

Resumen: La hiperpotasemia es una alteración electrolítica frecuente con consecuencias potencialmente graves a corto, medio y largo plazo, tanto en términos de morbilidad y mortalidad como de consumo de recursos del Sistema Nacional de Salud. El abordaje de la hiperpotasemia por diversas especialidades médicas y la reciente disponibilidad de nuevos tratamientos farmacológicos específicos hace necesaria una acción unificada y actualizada. El presente documento de consenso entre las sociedades científicas más directamente implicadas en el abordaje de la hiperpotasemia (Sociedad Española de Cardiología, Sociedad Española de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna, Sociedad Española de Medicina de Urgencias y Emergencias y Sociedad Española de Nefrología) repasa, en primer lugar, aspectos básicos del balance de potasio y de la potasemia, centrándose posteriormente en el concepto, epidemiología, fisiopatología, y abordaje diagnóstico y terapéutico de la hiperpotasemia. Se han revisado las evidencias y los principales estudios publicados con el objetivo de que sea una herramienta útil en el abordaje multidisciplinar del paciente con hiperpotasemia. Abstract: Hyperkalaemia is a common electrolyte imbalance with potentially serious short-, medium- and long-term consequences on morbidity and mortality rates and the use of national health service resources. The fact that different medical specialities can manage hyperkalaemia makes it important to have a unified approach, and the recent availability of new specific drug treatments means that the approach needs to be updated. This consensus document from the scientific societies most directly involved in the management of hyperkalaemia (Sociedad Española de Cardiología [Spanish Society of Cardiology], Sociedad Española de Endocrinología y Nutrición [Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition], Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna [Spanish Society of Internal Medicine], Sociedad Española de Medicina de Urgencias y Emergencias [Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine and Emergencies] and Sociedad Española de Nefrología [Spanish Society of Nephrology]) first of all reviews basic aspects of potassium balance and blood potassium. Then it goes on to focus on the concept, epidemiology, pathophysiology and diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to hyperkalaemia. The available evidence and the main published studies have been reviewed with the aim of providing a useful tool in the multidisciplinary approach to patients with hyperkalaemia.

Hyperkalaemia is a common electrolyte imbalance with potentially serious short-, medium- and long-term consequences on morbidity and mortality rates and the use of national health service resources. The fact that different medical specialities can manage hyperkalaemia makes it important to have a unified approach, and the recent availability of new specific drug treatments means that the approach needs to be updated. This consensus document from the scientific societies most directly involved in the management of hyperkalaemia (Sociedad Española de Cardiología [Spanish Society of Cardiology], Sociedad Española de Endocrinología y Nutrición [Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition], Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna [Spanish Society of Internal Medicine], Sociedad Española de Medicina de Urgencias y Emergencias [Spanish Society of Accident and Emergency Medicine] and Sociedad Española de Nefrología [Spanish Society of Nephrology]) first of all reviews basic aspects of potassium balance and blood potassium. Then it goes on to focus on the concept, epidemiology, pathophysiology and diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to hyperkalaemia. The available evidence and the main published studies have been reviewed with the aim of providing a useful tool in the multidisciplinary approach to patients with hyperkalaemia. Resumen: La hiperpotasemia es una alteración electrolítica frecuente con consecuencias potencialmente graves a corto, medio y largo plazo, tanto en términos de morbilidad y mortalidad como de consumo de recursos del Sistema Nacional de Salud. El abordaje de la hiperpotasemia por diversas especialidades médicas y la reciente disponibilidad de nuevos tratamientos farmacológicos específicos hace necesaria una acción unificada y actualizada. El presente documento de consenso entre las sociedades científicas más directamente implicadas en el abordaje de la hiperpotasemia (Sociedad Española de Cardiología, Sociedad Española de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna, Sociedad Española de Medicina de Urgencias y Emergencias y Sociedad Española de Nefrología) repasa, en primer lugar, aspectos básicos del balance de potasio y de la potasemia, centrándose posteriormente en el concepto, epidemiología, fisiopatología, y abordaje diagnóstico y terapéutico de la hiperpotasemia. Se han revisado las evidencias y los principales estudios publicados con el objetivo de que sea una herramienta útil en el abordaje multidisciplinar del paciente con hiperpotasemia.

Aims: The present study sought to analyze the effects of 6-month multicomponent training (MCT) combined with a 4-month detraining on metabolic syndrome (MetS) profile among older adults with decreased functional capacity. Methods: This quasi-experimental study included a total of 104 older adults (80.5 ± 6.0 years) and the sample was divided into a training (TRAIN, n = 55) or control group (CON). Harmonized definition was used to diagnose the MetS. Functional capacity, blood biochemical parameters, blood pressure, body composition and anthropometric measurements were assessed 3 times. Analysis of variance for repeated measures and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to check the differences within groups. Results: TRAIN decreased diastolic blood pressure (DBP), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) and total fat mass during training period, whereas CON did not show any significant changes. During detraining, TRAIN increased HDLC, systolic blood pressure (SBP), waist circumference (WC) and total fat mass; and decreased glucose and fat free mass, whereas CON increased the concentration of glucose and HDLC. From baseline to post-detraining assessment, CON increased the concentration of triglycerides and the WC, while TRAIN only increased the WC (all p

Resumen: Objetivo: Caracterizar los pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) en atención primaria (AP), y describir sus características sociodemográficas, clínicas y tratamiento farmacológico. Diseño: Estudio descriptivo de cohorte. Emplazamiento: Sistema de Información para el Desarrollo de la Investigación en Atención Primaria (SIDIAP), que captura información de la historia clínica de AP del Instituto Catalán de la Salud (aproximadamente el 80% de la población catalana). Participantes: Adultos con diagnóstico activo de IC entre 2018 y 2022. Mediciones principales: Variables sociodemográficas, antropométricas, fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo (FEVI), New York Heart Association (NYHA), datos analíticos, comorbilidades, exposición a fármacos para IC y otras enfermedades. Resultados: Se incluyeron 75.769 personas; el 22,7% con IC con FEVI reducida (ICFEr), el 26,2% con FEVI preservada (ICFEp) y el 51,2% con IC no específica. El grupo de ICFEr estaba formado mayoritariamente por varones (59,5%), con edad media de 74,8 años, y los otros por mujeres (58,8 y 54,6%, de 78,7 y 80,6 años, respectivamente). La FEVI se registró en el 20,3% y el NYHA en el 43,9% de los pacientes. En cuanto al tratamiento, el 75,3% de personas con ICFEr recibía fármacos del sistema renina-angiotensina (SRA), el 75,9% beta-bloqueantes, el 42,1% antagonistas del receptor mineralcorticoide, el 33,6% inhibidores del cotransportador sodio-glucosa tipo 2 y el 62,8% diuréticos. El 63% con ICFEp recibían SRA y el 68% diuréticos. El 61,8% con IC no especificada recibían SRA y el 67,5% diuréticos. Conclusiones: Se describe la población con IC en AP en Cataluña. Destaca un bajo registro de función cardíaca, FEVI y NYHA. La frecuencia de uso de fármacos para IC fue diferente entre las poblaciones y difería de las recomendaciones. Abstract: Objective: To characterise patients with heart failure (HF) in Primary Health Care (PHC) and describe their socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and pharmacological treatment. Design: Descriptive cohort study. Site: Information System for the Development of Research in Primary Care (SIDIAP), which captures information from the electronic health records of PHC of the Catalan Institute of Health (approximately 80% of the Catalan population). Participants: Adults with an active diagnosis of HF between 2018 and 2022. Main measurements: Sociodemographic and anthropometric variables, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), New York Heart Association (NYHA), laboratory data, comorbidities, exposure to drugs for HF and other pathologies. Results: 75,769 individuals were included; 22.7% with HF with reduced LVEF (HFrEF), 26.2% with preserved LVEF (HfpEF) and 51.2% with non-specific HF. The HfrEF group consisted mostly of men (59.5%), with a mean age of 74.8 years, and the others of women (58.8% and 54.6%, aged 78.7 and 80.6 years, respectively). LVEF was recorded in 20.3% and NYHA in 43.9% of patients. In terms of treatment, 75.3% of people with HfrEF were receiving renin-angiotensin system (RAS) drugs, 75.9% beta-blockers, 42.1% mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, 33.6% sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors and 62.8% diuretics. 63% with HfpEF were receiving RAS and 68% diuretics. 61.8% with unspecified HF were receiving RAS and 67.5% diuretics. Conclusions: We analysed the population with HF in PHC in Catalonia. We highlight a low registry of cardiac function, LVEF and NYHA. The frequency of drug use for HF was different between populations and differed from the recommendations.

Objective: Studies evaluating urine culture requests in our country have highlighted a high rate of requests that fall outside the indications specified in clinical guidelines. We evaluated the current degree of inadequacy in the request of urine cultures and how this influences the therapeutic decisions of general practitioners. Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Setting: Three primary care centres in Tarragona area. Participants: Urine culture requests from the adult population ≥ 18 years old, received at the Microbiology Service of the reference hospital in 2022. All requests were made in primary care settings. Main measures: The collected variables included sociodemographic data, urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms at the time of the urine culture request, comorbidities, reason for the request (including diagnosis), type of urine culture, therapeutic approach before and after receiving the result, and the urine culture result. Results: A total of 461 urine cultures were reviewed: 152 men (mean age 64.1 years) and 309 women (mean age 57 years). Of the urine cultures analyzed, 17.4% were for cystitis (22% in women), 2.4% for pyelonephritis, 1.3% for complicated UTIs, and 1.5% for asymptomatic bacteriuria. In 10.6%, they were for recurrent UTIs; in 9.6%, post-treatment. In 55.5% of cases, general practitioners continued without antibiotic treatment, regardless of urine culture results. The reason to request was unknown in 18.9%. Antibiotic changes occurred in 5.6%. Conclusions: There is still a high rate of urine culture over-requesting in primary care, with 20% of cultures being ordered for otherwise uncomplicated UTIs. While the methodology of the project does not allow for causal analysis, it provides a detailed description of clinical practices in primary care. Resumen: Objetivo: Los estudios dirigidos a evaluar las solicitudes de urocultivos en nuestro país han puesto de manifiesto una alta tasa de solicitudes de urocultivos fuera de las indicaciones de las guías clínicas. Evaluamos el grado actual de inadecuación y cómo esto influye en la decisión terapéutica de los médicos de familia. Diseño: Estudio descriptivo transversal. Emplazamiento: Tres centros de salud en Tarragona. Participantes: Peticiones de urocultivos de población adulta ≥18 años recibidas en el Servicio de Microbiología del hospital de referencia en 2022. Todas las solicitudes se pidieron en atención primaria. Mediciones principales: Las variables incluyeron datos sociodemográficos, síntomas de infección del tracto urinario (ITU) en el momento de su petición, comorbilidades, motivo (incluido el diagnóstico), tipo de urocultivo, manejo terapéutico antes y después de recibir el resultado y el resultado del urocultivo. Resultados: Se revisaron 461 urocultivos: 152 hombres (edad media 64,1 años) y 309 mujeres (edad media 57 años). De los urocultivos analizados, el 17,4% fueron por cistitis (22% en mujeres), el 2,4% por pielonefritis, el 1,3% por ITU complicadas y el 1,5% por bacteriuria asintomática. En el 10,6% fueron por ITU recurrentes; en el 9,6%, post-tratamiento. En el 55,5% de los casos, los médicos continuaron sin tratamiento antibiótico, independientemente de los resultados de los urocultivos. El motivo para pedir urocultivos fue desconocido en el 18,9%. Los cambios en el tratamiento antibiótico se observaron en el 5,6%. Conclusiones: Todavía hay una alta tasa de solicitud de urocultivos en atención primaria, con un 20% de los cultivos solicitados para infecciones urinarias no complicadas. La metodología del proyecto no permite un análisis causal, pero sí una descripción de la práctica clínica en atención primaria.

Exercise has long been known for its active role in improving physical fitness and sustaining health. Regular moderate-intensity exercise improves all aspects of human health and is widely accepted as a preventative and therapeutic strategy for various diseases. It is well-documented that exercise maintains and restores homeostasis at the organismal, tissue, cellular, and molecular levels to stimulate positive physiological adaptations that consequently protect against various pathological conditions. Here we mainly summarize how moderate-intensity exercise affects the major hallmarks of health, including the integrity of barriers, containment of local perturbations, recycling and turnover, integration of circuitries, rhythmic oscillations, homeostatic resilience, hormetic regulation, as well as repair and regeneration. Furthermore, we summarize the current understanding of the mechanisms responsible for beneficial adaptations in response to exercise. This review aimed at providing a comprehensive summary of the vital biological mechanisms through which moderate-intensity exercise maintains health and opens a window for its application in other health interventions. We hope that continuing investigation in this field will further increase our understanding of the processes involved in the positive role of moderate-intensity exercise and thus get us closer to the identification of new therapeutics that improve quality of life.

Leukocyte adhesion deficiency type I (LAD-I) is a primary immunodeficiency caused by mutations in the ITGB2 gene, which encodes for the CD18 subunit of β2-integrins. Deficient expression of β2-integrins results in impaired neutrophil migration in response to bacterial and fungal infections. Using a lentiviral vector (LV) that mediates a preferential myeloid expression of human CD18 (Chim.hCD18-LV), we first demonstrated that gene therapy efficiently corrected the phenotype of mice with severe LAD-I. Next, we investigated if the ectopic hCD18 expression modified the phenotypic characteristics of human healthy donor hematopoietic stem cells and their progeny. Significantly, transduction of healthy CD34+ cells with the Chim.hCD18-LV did not modify the membrane expression of CD18 nor the adhesion of physiological ligands to transduced cells. Additionally, we observed that the repopulating properties of healthy CD34+ cells were preserved following transduction with the Chim.hCD18-LV, and that a safe polyclonal repopulation pattern was observed in transplanted immunodeficient NOD scid gamma (NSG) mice. In a final set of experiments, we demonstrated that transduction of CD34+ cells from a severe LAD-I patient with the Chim.hCD18-LV restores the expression of β2-integrins in these cells. These results offer additional preclinical safety and efficacy evidence supporting the gene therapy of patients with severe LAD-I.

Sentinel-2 imagery has revealed a substantial underestimation of burned area (BA) compared with earlier satellite products with coarser spatial resolution. In this context, we investigate the predictability of biases between the reference Sentinel-2 BA product developed for Sub-Saharan Africa (FireCCISFD) in 2019 and commonly used global coarse resolution BA products (MCD64, Fire CCI and C3S), providing tools to refine historical annual BA data before the Sentinel-2 era. To do so, we built a comprehensive dataset of environmental predictors of BA biases, with variables or proxies of (I) the annual BA estimated from the coarse-resolution product, (II) BA sizes, (III) the persistence and strength of BA signals, (IV) the maximum potential BA, and (V) the obstruction of land surface observation from satellites. Full and parsimonious random forest models were performed and validated through out-of-bag (OOB) estimations, and reconstructed BAs were validated with external data over space, and over time. The explained variance in BA biases was ≥78.58% (OOB) for all full and parsimonious models. The reconstructed BA data showed a high correspondence with the reference BA in the validation sites over space (≥91.15% var. explained) and time (≥90.37% var. explained), notably reducing biases of coarse resolution products. As an example of the model applicability, the spatial patterns of Madagascar’s BA were reconstructed for 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020, revealing a burned extent between two and four times higher than previous estimations. The proposed models are operational solutions to obtain regional and global virtually unbiased BA estimates since 2000.

Background: Directional subthalamic stimulation in Parkinson's disease can increase stimulation threshold for adverse effects and widen the therapeutic window. However, selection of programming settings is time consuming, requiring a thorough monopolar clinical review. To overcome this, programming may be guided by intraoperatively recording local field potential beta oscillations (13–35 Hz). Objectives: 1) Evaluate whether the power of beta oscillations recorded intraoperatively can predict the clinically most effective directional contacts; and 2) assess long-term directional stimulation outcomes between patients programmed based on clinical monopolar review and patients programmed based on beta activity. Methods: We conducted a non-randomized, prospective study with 24 Parkinson's disease patients divided into two groups. In group A (14 patients, 2016–2018), we investigated whether beta activity in the directional contacts correlated with clinical efficacy. Stimulating parameters were selected according to clinical monopolar review and mean follow-up was 27 months. In group B (10 patients, 2018–2019), stimulating parameters were selected according to beta activity and mean follow-up was 13 months. Results: Neurophysiological results showed a strong correlation between clinical efficacy and the low-beta sub-band. Contacts with highest beta peaks increased the therapeutic window by 25%. Selecting the two contacts with highest beta peaks provided an 82% probability of selecting the best clinical contact. Clinical results showed similar improvements in group A (motor score, 72% reduction; levodopa-equivalent daily dose, 65% reduction) and B (72% and 63% reduction, respectively), maintained at long-term follow-up. Conclusions: Our results validate the long-term efficacy of directional stimulation guided by intraoperative local field potential beta oscillations.

Resumen: Introducción: las revistas científicas son el principal canal a través del cual se comparten los avances clínicos, se intercambian opiniones y se proponen teorías. El objetivo de este manuscrito fue determinar la situación de las revistas de enfermería. Esto es presencia, visibilidad y prestigio. Materiales y métodos: en mayo de 2022 se llevó a cabo una selección de revistas de enfermería a partir de la base de datos ULRICH. Los criterios de selección fueron revistas revisadas por pares, activas en el momento de la consulta. Del listado final se analizó: visibilidad (idioma de publicación y presencia en bases de datos internacionales), accesibilidad (suscripción, gratuidad y libre acceso) y prestigio (editorial y factor de impacto). Resultados: 374 revistas cumplieron los criterios. El 70% estaban indexadas en, al menos, una base de datos. El 55,3% permiten el acceso al texto completo. Un 46% están incorporadas a Journal Citation Reports. Conclusión: el número de revistas es adecuado, aunque las publicaciones deben ajustarse cada vez más a los mínimos establecidos por bases de datos y políticas editoriales internacionales de libre acceso. Abstract: Background: Nursing journals are the main channel where researchers share their clinical development, opinions and theories. The aim of this study was to determine the situation of nursing journals. There are presence, visibility and prestige. Materials and methods: In May 2022 selection of nursing journals was carried out using the Ulrich database. The inclusion criteria were active peer-reviewed journals at the time of consultation. From the final list, the following were analyzed: visibility (language and presence in international databases), accessibility (subscription, free and open access,) and prestige (publisher and impact factor). Results: 374 journals met the criteria. 70% were indexed in at least one database. 55.3% allow access to full text. 46% are incorporated to Journal Citation Reports. Conclusion: The number of journals is adequate, although the publications must increasingly comply with the minimums established by databases and international open access editorial policies.

This work deals with the preparation and characterization of antimicrobial polymeric composite materials based on polylactide, which is currently widely investigated to produce temporary implants. Polylactide was blended with antimicrobial fillers: silver, hexadecylpyridinium or hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromides anchored on vermiculite or graphene oxide matrices in an amount of 1% wt. The prepared samples were characterized by conventional methods, further they were exposed to degradation tests in physiological saline conditions and characterized for their antimicrobial properties using common pathogen microorganisms. It has been proven that the prepared polylactide composites change their antimicrobial effects after being in physiological saline of pH 7 and 9 for 0–6 months. The weight of the composites changed by about 10%, and antimicrobial properties were growing over time. The effectiveness of the composites was confirmed for 6 months at minimum. Therefore, they are suitable for the preparation of temporary stents, catheters or implants suitable for fracture fixation.

We describe two fatal cases of COVID-19 in which Rhizopus microsporus and Lichtheimia corymbifera were cultured from endotracheal aspirate samples. Both patients had no underlying comorbidities other than obesity. Despite antifungal therapy, both cases developed septic shock and progressive refractory hypoxemia without evidence of other underlying infections. It is unclear whether isolation of these fungal organisms represents invasive disease or corresponds to an epiphenomenon of critical illness. Yet, patients suffering from COVID-19 may be at risk of superinfection from a broader range of fungal organisms than previously thought.

This paper reports on elastic scattering excitation functions for the reaction 9Li+4He measured at backward angles in the centre of mass energy range 5 MeV ≤ E≤c.m.9.5 MeV, with the aim of investigating the possible existence of molecular resonances which have been predicted to exist in the case of neutron-rich B-isotopes. Due to the short lifetime of 9Li, the experiment necessitated the use of inverse kinematics on a gaseous 4He target. The Thick Target Inverse Kinematics technique was used which allowed for the measurement of the full excitation function in a single 9Li run. Broad resonances were observed in the excitation region for 13B 15 MeV ≤ Ex≤20 MeV. To understand the nature of such broad structures, various theoretical attempts are reported concerning possible reaction mechanisms for this neutron rich reaction. The most promising approach to interpret the data is within the orbiting reaction scenario.

Iron participates in myriad processes necessary to sustain life. During the past decades, great efforts have been made to understand iron regulation and function in health and disease. Indeed, iron is associated with both physiological (e.g., immune cell biology and function and hematopoiesis) and pathological (e.g., inflammatory and infectious diseases, ferroptosis and ferritinophagy) processes, yet few studies have addressed the potential functional link between iron, the aforementioned processes and extramedullary hematopoiesis, despite the obvious benefits that this could bring to clinical practice. Further investigation in this direction will shape the future development of individualized treatments for iron-linked diseases and chronic inflammatory disorders, including extramedullary hematopoiesis, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

In this work, a series of antibacterial cationic copolymers derived from bio-sourced itaconic acid was studied as potential biobased active components in biodegradable formulations based on poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) for packaging applications. These copolymers were first characterized by testing their antimicrobial activity against resistant bacterial strains, their biodegradability in compost conditions, and their thermal properties by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The antibacterial properties showed potent activity against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with MIC values as low as 78 μg mL−1. Related to their biodegradability, the cationic polymers biodegraded fast under compost conditions and even a priming effect was observed in the compost. Thermal properties, characterized by DSC and TGA, showed that the copolymers thermally degraded at temperature relatively low; nevertheless, they are able to be processed at temperatures up to ∼150 °C. Subsequently, these antibacterial polymers were successfully blended as minor active component (10 wt%) with PBAT by melt-extrusion and press-compression molding. The resulting biopolymeric films exhibit potent antibacterial activity, which confirm that the cationic polymers incorporated as active component are able to perverse this activity after the processing and impart antibacterial properties to PBAT bioplastic. Therefore, these antibacterial biobased polymers derived from itaconic acid seem to be good candidates for applications related to active food packaging or even for biomedical devices.

Summary: Background: Assessing relatedness of pathogen sequences in clinical samples is a core goal in molecular epidemiology. Tools for Bayesian analysis of phylogeny, such as the BEAST software package, have been typically used in the analysis of sequence/time data in public health. However, they are computationally-, time-, and knowledge-intensive, demanding resources that many laboratories do not have available or cannot allocate frequently. Methods: To evaluate a faster and simpler alternative method to support the routine interpretation of sequence data for epidemiology, we obtained sequences for two regions in the measles virus genome, N-450 and MF-NCR, from patient samples of genotypes B3, D4 and D8 taken between 2011 and 2017 in the UK and Romania. A mathematical model incorporating time, possible shared ancestry and the Poisson distribution describing the number of expected substitutions at a given time point was developed to exclude epidemiological relatedness between pairs of sequences. The model was validated against the commonly used Bayesian phylogenetic method using an independent dataset collected in 2017–19. Findings: We demonstrate that our model, using time and sequence information to predict whether two samples may be related within a given time frame, minimises the risk of erroneous exclusion of relatedness. An easy-to-use implementation in the form of a guide and spreadsheet is provided for convenient application. Interpretation: The proposed model only requires a previously calculated substitution rate for the locus and pathogen of interest. It allows for an informed but quick decision on the likelihood of relatedness between two samples within a time frame, without the need for phylogenetic reconstruction, thus facilitating rapid epidemiological interpretation of sequence data. Funding: This work was funded by the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The World Health Organization European Regional Office funded Aurora Fernández-García and Mihaela Lazar training visits to UKHSA.

From 2013, it is compulsory to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for anyone who puts a property either for sell or for hire in Spain. Since such EPCs are to be issued by qualified specialists, learning about them has become vital for engineering and architecture students. The aim of this work is to determine whether such knowledge can be acquired by the employment of online tools.To do so, it was set a survey sample consisting of students enrolled in University of Oviedo Mining Engineering Master Degree, during 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 academic years, and also of 2018–2019 Mining Technologies Engineering undergraduates. They were all provided with different EPC online course materials whose effectiveness was evaluated later on, by the filling out of a tailored form.The survey results revealed that most of the questioned students recognized the value of online learning, but merely with a subordinate role. Only 4.9% of them would gladly renounce to on-site lectures and just 12.20% would accept more than 50% of online training in any course they were to follow. Anyway, such results were not particularly surprising, since they were obtained from people who had chosen to study at an on-site university. Keywords: Energy Performance Certificate, Engineering, Evaluation, Online Learning