Computational study of coronoid carbazole based Macrocycles: influence of isomerism.

Carbazole (Cz) units have been recognized as crucial conjugated cores in organic electronics due to their good electro- and photoactive properties, such as high hole-transporting mobilities, when compared to other heterocycles. On the other hand, conjugated macrocycles should be useful building blocks for the construction of 2D porous surface networks or 3D inclusion complexes among other supramolecular structures.2 One of the most interesting features of conjugated cyclic oligomers is that their electronic, structural, and optical properties can be tuned as a function of their interior and exterior domains. Therefore, a systematic study of conjugated macrocycles with well-defined diameters is of crucial importance to establish the structure-property relationships of these materials. For that purpose, we carried out a purely theoretical study of coronoid molecules based on three different indolocarbazoles (ICz) structural isomers (see Figure 1) as indolo[2,3-a]carbazole (23a-4MC), indolo[2,3-b]carbazole (23b-4MC) and indolo[3,2-b]carbazole (32b-4MC), which contain four indolecarbazole units (4MC). This work aims to identify new macrostructures with interesting electronic properties as well as to display the usefulness of the theoretical tools to advance knowledge in the organic electronics field. Overall, this investigation contributes to elucidating the electronic properties of coronoid macrocycles, guiding experimental chemists to produce new molecules with desirable properties.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Car-following techniques: reconsidering the role of the human factor

Keeping correct distance between vehicles is a fundamental tenet in road traffic. New road signs and markings appearing on motorways aid drivers in determining this distance. However, the ‘Nagoya experiment’ (Sugiyama et al., 2008) revealed correct distance made following safe while also eventually destabilizing traffic flow. When traffic becomes dense, most drivers keep the minimum safety distance and brake when the vehicle ahead decelerates. The resultant chain reaction along the entire line of closely following vehicles causes for no apparent reason a traffic stoppage, known as a ‘phantom’ or ‘shockwave’ jam. The car-following models of Sugiyama et al. found certain speeds, traffic densities, and inter-vehicular distances combined to congest traffic. Drawing upon these and other phenomena (e.g., wave movement in Nature), car following by Driving to keep Inertia (DI) was conceived by us as an alternative to Driving to keep Distance (DD). Three studies explored possible prevention of ‘phantom’ jams by adopting DI. Using a driving simulator, affective and behavioural measures were taken (N=113). The results comparing the efficiency of DI vs. DD are summarized. DI promoted a more stable driver trajectory, in cognitive-affective and behavioural terms, and lowered fuel consumption by about 20%

A Prato Tour on Carbon Nanotubes: Raman Insights

The functionalisation of carbon nanotubes has been instrumental in broadening its application field, allowing especially its use in biological studies. Although numerous covalent and non-covalent functionalisation methods have been described, the characterisation of the final materials has always been an added challenge. Among the various techniques available, Raman spectroscopy is one of the most widely used to determine the covalent functionalisation of these species. However, Raman spectroscopy is not a quantitative technique, and no studies are reported comparing its performance when the same number of functional groups are added but using completely different reactions. In this work, we have experimentally and theoretically studied the functionalisation of carbon nanotubes using two of the most commonly used reactions: 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethylene ylides and diazonium-based radical addition. The number of groups introduced onto the tubes by these reactions has been determined by different characterisation techniques. The results of this study support the idea that data obtained by Raman spectra are only helpful for comparing functionalisations produced using the same type of reaction. However, they should be carefully analysed when comparing functionalisations produced using different reaction types.The functionalisation of carbon nanotubes using Prato reaction and diazonium-based radical addition has been studied. The results support the idea that data obtained by Raman spectroscopy are only helpful for comparing functionalisations produced using the same type of reaction. However, they should be carefully analysed when comparing different reaction types.imag

Occupational Heat Exposure and Breast Cancer Risk in the MCC-Spain Study

[EN] Background: Mechanisms linking occupational heat exposure with chronic diseases have been proposed. However, evidence on occupational heat exposure and cancer risk is limited. Methods: We evaluated occupational heat exposure and female breast cancer risk in a large Spanish case-control study. We enrolled 1,738 breast cancer cases and 1,910 frequency-matched population controls. A Spanish job-exposure matrix, MatEmEsp, was used to assign estimates of the proportion of workers exposed (P >= 25% for at least 1 year) and work time with heat stress (wet bulb globe temperature ISO 7243) for each occupation. We used three exposure indices: ever versus never exposed, lifetime cumulative exposure, and duration of exposure (years). We estimated ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CI), applying a lag period of 5 years and adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Ever occupational heat exposure was associated with a moderate but statistically significant higher risk of breast cancer (OR 1.22; 95% CI, 1.01-1.46), with significant trends across categories of lifetime cumulative exposure and duration (P-trend = 0.01 and 0.03, respectively). Stronger associations were found for hormone receptor-positive disease (OR ever exposure = 1.38; 95% Cl, 1.12-1.67). We found no confounding effects from multiple other common occupational exposures; however, results attenuated with adjustment for occupational detergent exposure. Conclusions: This study provides some evidence of an association between occupational heat exposure and female breast cancer risk.SIThis study was partially funded by the “Accion Transversal del Cancer,” approved by the Spanish Ministry Council on October 11, 2007; the Instituto de Salud Carlos III-FEDER (PI08/1770, PI08/1359, PI09/00773, PI09/01286, PI09/01903, PI09/02078, PI09/01662, PI11/01403, PI11/01889, and PI12/00265); the Fundación Marqués de Valdecilla (API 10/09); the Junta de Castilla y León (LE22A10-2); the Consejería de Salud of the Junta de Andalucía (2009-S0143); the Conselleria de Sanitat of the Generalitat Valenciana (AP_061/10); the Recercaixa (2010ACUP 00310); the Regional Government of the Basque Country; the Consejería de Sanidad de la Región de Murcia; the European Commission grants FOOD-CT-2006–036224-HIWATE; the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) Scientific Foundation; the Catalan Government DURSI grant 2014SGR647; the Secretariat for Universities and Research of the Ministry of Business and Knowledge of the Government of Catalonia (2017SGR1085); the Fundación Caja de Ahorros de Asturias; and the University of Oviedo. M.C. Turner is funded by a Ramón y Cajal fellowship (RYC-2017-01892) from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and co-funded by the European Social Fund. The authors acknowledge support from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation through the “Centro de Excelencia Severo Ochoa 2019–2023” Program (CEX2018-000806-S) and support from the Generalitat de Catalunya through the CERCA Program. Statistical assistance provided by Ana Espinosa Morano was greatly appreciated

Sleep and breast and prostate cancer risk in the MCC-Spain study

Breast and prostate cancers have been associated with circadian disruption. Some previous studies examined associations of sleep duration and breast or prostate cancer risk though findings remain inconsistent. This study examines associations of a range of detailed sleep characteristics and breast and prostate cancer risk in a large-scale population-based case-control study, MCC-Spain. A total of 1738 incident breast cancer cases, 1112 prostate cancer cases and frequency matched controls (n = 1910, and 1493 respectively) were recruited. Detailed data on habitual sleep duration, quality, timing, and daytime napping ("siesta") were collected at recruitment. Additional data on sleep habits during both the previous year and at age 40 years were also subsequently captured. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. There were no associations of habitual sleep duration (h), timing of sleep, or any or specific sleep problems, and either breast and prostate cancer risk. There was a significant positive association of ever taking habitual siestas at recruitment and breast cancer risk (OR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.06-1.42), which strengthened with increased frequency or duration. There were also significant positive associations observed for both breast and prostate cancer, among those reporting recent sleep problems, but not sleep problems at age 40 years, in a subsequent circadian questionnaire. Adverse associations with siesta and disturbed sleep during the previous year likely reflect symptoms of developing/diagnosed cancer and comorbidities. Overall, there was no clear association between various sleep characteristics and breast or prostate cancer risk observed.Funding: The study was partially funded by the ‘Accion Transversal del Cancer’, approved by the Spanish Ministry Council on 11 October 2007, by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III-FEDER (PI08/1770, PI08/1359, PI09/00773, PI09/01286, PI09/01903, PI09/02078, PI09/01662, PI11/01403, PI11/01889, PI11/02213; PI12/00265, PI12/01270, PI12/00715, PI12/00150, PI14/01219, PI14/0613, PI15/00069, PI15/00914, PI15/01032, PI17CIII/00034, CIBERESP CB06/02/0073), the Fundación Marqués de Valdecilla (API 10/09), the Junta de Castilla y León (LE22A10- 2), the Consejería de Salud of the Junta de Andalucía (PI-0571-2009, PI-0306-2011, salud201200057018tra), the Conselleria de Sanitat of the Generalitat Valenciana (AP_061/10), the Recercaixa (2010ACUP 00310), the Regional Government of the Basque Country, the European Commission grants FOOD-CT-2006-036224-HIWATE, the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) Scientifc Foundation, the Catalan Government DURSI grant 2014SGR647, 2017SGR723, 2017SGR1085 and 2014SGR850, the Fundación Caja de Ahorros de Asturias and by the University of Oviedo. MCT is funded by a Ramón y Cajal fellowship (RYC-2017-01892) from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and co-funded by the European Social Fund. ISGlobal acknowledges support from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation through the “Centro de Excelencia Severo Ochoa 2019–2023” Program (CEX2018-000806-S), and support from the Generalitat de Catalunya through the CERCA Program

Ruta assistencial de complexitat 2.0 (PCC/MACA) a Catalunya: definició de la ruta i proposta de desplegament

Ruta assistencial; Pacients crònics complexos; DesplegamentVia clínica; Pacientes crónicos complejos; DespliegueClinical pathway; Complex chronic patients; DeploymentLes rutes assistencials s’orienten a donar una millor resposta a les persones amb patologies i problemes de salut crònics i de més prevalença; permeten millorar-ne el maneig, organitzar l’atenció dels professionals partint d’un model d’atenció integrada i proactiva, adequar la prestació de serveis a un model d’atenció compartida entre els diferents àmbits d’atenció, així com definir mecanismes per a la individualització del pla d’atenció i l’adequació en la utilització de recursos. En aquest document es presenta la ruta assistencial de complexitat (PCC/MACA) i es proporcionen instruments i eines per fer-ne el desplegament al territori

En red-damos: Tejiendo experiencias de transformación educativa

28 páginasEste libro nace de las experiencias de docentes de diferentes niveles educativos, quienes realizan aportes a la comprensión y aplicación de diversos medios didácticos para el favorecimiento del aprendizaje en sus estudiantes. En este contexto, se busca que los principales lectores sean colegas docentes de latitudes y contextos variados, pero con similar entusiasmo por intervenir en su ejercicio pedagógico.Primera edició

Car following: Comparing distance-oriented vs. inertia-oriented driving techniques

The rationale behind most car-following (CF) models is the possibility to appraise and formalize how drivers naturally follow each other. Characterizing and parametrizing Normative Driving Behavior (NDB) became major goals, especially during the last 25 years. Most CF models assumed driver propensity for constant, safe distance is axiomatic. This paper challenges the idea of safety distance as the main parameter defining a unique (or natural) NDB. Instead, it states drivers can adapt to reactive and proactive car following. Drawing on recent CF models close to the Nagoya paradigm and on other phenomena (e.g., wave movement in Nature), we conceived car following by Driving to keep Inertia (DI) as an alternative to Driving to keep Distance (DD). On a driving simulator, three studies (N ¼ 113) based on a repeated-measures experimental design explored the efficiency of these elementary techniques by measuring individual driver performance (e.g., accelerations, decelerations, average speed, distance to leader). Drivers easily grasped and applied either technique and easily switched back and forth between the two. As an overall indicator, all the studies revealed DI trips use about 20% less fuel than DD trips do.Support came from Fundación Universitaria Antonio Gargallo y Obra Social Ibercaja, Spain (grant 2015/B011

Prevalence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose regulation in Spain: the [email protected] Study

Introduction: atherosclerosis, blood vessel disease, is the main cause of cardiovascular disease associated with aging; comprising modifiable risk factors that increase because of this when it exists.Objective: to evaluate atherogenic markers and metabolic syndrome in older adults, with cardiovascular risk living in urban areas, Pinar del Río province. Methods: observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study, from the service of Clinical Laboratory at Abel Santamaría Cuadrado Teaching General Hospital  Pinar del Río with 60 years old and older patients from the urban areas, during the period 2013 - 2014. The target group included 588 patients. The sample comprised 100 patients who have at least two risk factors previously established for this study.Results: ample predominance of women (61.0 %), the risk factors of higher incidence were hypertension 67 %, and sedentary lifestyle 65 %, followed by obesity 48 %, diabetes mellitus 40 % along with smoking habit 32 %, obese with increased diameters of waist circumference 48 %, and dyslipidemia 49 %, those with high glycemic values in fasting 50 % of the sample. It was considered that 63 % of the patients studied suffer from metabolic syndrome.Conclusions: a high number of white-skin women, the predominant risk factors were hypertension followed by sedentary lifestyle, obesity, diabetes mellitus and smoking habit. Approximately half of the sample was obese with increased diameters of the waist circumference, a large part suffered from dyslipidemia and half of them showed high fasting blood glucose levels. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was detected.IIntroducción: aterosclerosis, enfermedad de los vasos sanguíneos, principal causa de enfermedad cardiovascular vinculada al envejecimiento, con factores de riesgo modificables que se incrementan cuando esta existe.Objetivo: evaluar marcadores aterogénicos y síndrome metabólico en adultos mayores, con riesgo cardiovascular residentes en zonas urbanas de la provincia Pinar del Río.Métodos: estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal, servicio de Laboratorio Clínico Hospital General Docente “Abel Santamaría Cuadrado” Pinar del Río, pacientes de 60 años y más de zonas urbanas, durante período 2013 - 2014. Universo de 588 pacientes. Muestra de 100 pacientes que posean mínimo de dos factores de riesgo establecidos con anterioridad para este estudio.Resultados: amplio predominio de las mujeres (61 %). Factores de riesgo de mayor incidencia hipertensión arterial 67 %, y sedentarismo 65 %, seguidos por obesidad 48 %, diabetes mellitus 40 % y hábito de fumar 32 %, obesos con diámetros aumentados de la circunferencia de la cintura 48 %, presentaban dislipidemia 49 % y tenían elevados valores de glucemia en ayunas el 50 % de la muestra. Se consideró que 63 % de los pacientes estudiados presentaron síndrome metabólico.Conclusiones: elevado número de mujeres de piel blanca, con factor de riesgo predominante de hipertensión arterial seguido por sedentarismo, obesidad, diabetes mellitus y hábito de fumar. Alrededor de la mitad de la muestra fueron obesos con diámetros aumentados de la circunferencia de la cintura, gran parte presentaban dislipidemia y la mitad altos valores de glucemia en ayunas. Se detecta prevalencia de síndrome metabólico

SARS-CoV-2 viral load in nasopharyngeal swabs is not an independent predictor of unfavorable outcome

The aim was to assess the ability of nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 viral load at first patient’s hospital evaluation to predict unfavorable outcomes. We conducted a prospective cohort study including 321 adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 through RT-PCR in nasopharyngeal swabs. Quantitative Synthetic SARS-CoV-2 RNA cycle threshold values were used to calculate the viral load in log10 copies/mL. Disease severity at the end of follow up was categorized into mild, moderate, and severe. Primary endpoint was a composite of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and/or death (n = 85, 26.4%). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 viral load over the second quartile (≥ 7.35 log10 copies/mL, p = 0.003) and second tertile (≥ 8.27 log10 copies/mL, p = 0.01) were associated to unfavorable outcome in the unadjusted logistic regression analysis. However, in the final multivariable analysis, viral load was not independently associated with an unfavorable outcome. Five predictors were independently associated with increased odds of ICU admission and/or death: age ≥ 70 years, SpO2, neutrophils > 7.5 × 103/µL, lactate dehydrogenase ≥ 300 U/L, and C-reactive protein ≥ 100 mg/L. In summary, nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 viral load on admission is generally high in patients with COVID-19, regardless of illness severity, but it cannot be used as an independent predictor of unfavorable clinical outcome