Portable and Raman imaging usefulness to detect decaying on mortars from Punta Begoña Galleries (Getxo, North of Spain)

Punta Begoña Galleries were built in 1918 in Getxo (Basque Country, North of Spain) but were abandoned in 1960. Nowadays, their conservation state is very poor. In this work, portable Raman spectroscopy was applied to evaluate the original composition and possible deterioration products of the mortars used in the inner walls and those covering the concrete of the ceilings allowing us to select the most appropriate sampling points. In the laboratory, Raman microscopy and Raman imaging, assisted with scanning electron microscopy equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM‐EDS), X‐ray diffraction and energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (ED‐XRF) imaging, allowed to identify the key compounds to understand the deterioration processes taking place in the mortars of the galleries. The main components of the mortars from the walls were calcite and gypsum. In some cases, alite (Ca3SiO5) and belite (Ca2SiO4) were identified; these components are characteristic of Portland cement clinker. The main components of the mortar covering the concrete were calcite, quartz, aragonite and gypsum. The aragonite identification confirmed the use of beach sand as the aggregate in the mortar. The concrete from the ceiling of the lower gallery is covered with three different mortar layers; the outermost layer is covered with a black crust. In the three mortars, the main components are similar to those used in the mortar covering the concrete from the upper gallery. Thanks to Raman, ED‐XRF and SEM‐EDS imaging, it was possible to map the distribution of the main components through the three mortar layers and also to identify the presence of dolomite {[CaMg(CO3)2]}, which was not possible to detect following single‐point micro‐Raman analyses.This work has been funded by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the project DISILICA‐1930 (ref. BIA2014‐59124‐P) and by the cooperation agreement between the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and the City Council of Getxo (OTRI2014‐0639). C. García‐Florentino is grateful to the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), which funded her predoctoral fellowship. Technical support provided by Raman‐LASPEA Laboratory and General X‐ray Service of the SGIKer (UPV/EHU, Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness of Spain, Basque Government, ERDF and European Social Fund) is also gratefully acknowledged

Assessment of quality of life, emotional state, and coping skills in patients with neoplastic pulmonary disease

Objetivo: evaluar la calidad de vida, el estado emocional (ansiedad y depresión) y las estrategias de afrontamiento de pacientes con cáncer de pulmón antes de ser intervenidos quirúrgicamente. Método: 121 pacientes ambulatorios con diagnóstico de cáncer de pulmón no microcítico (CPNMC) fueron entrevistados antes de la cirugía. Los cuestionarios empleados fueron el EORTC QLQ-C30 y el módulo específico de pulmón LC13, la escala de Ansiedad y Depresión Hospitalaria (HAD) y el cuestionario de Ajuste mental al Cáncer (MAC). Datos demográficos y clínicos también fueron recogidos. Comparamos grupos en relación al sexo y al tipo de intervención quirúrgica. Resultado: La calidad de vida global del paciente con cáncer de pulmón que va a ser intervenido fue aceptable (72,5). La mayoría de pacientes presentaron altos niveles de funcionamiento y bajos niveles de sintomatología ambos medidos por los cuestionarios EORTC (QLQ-C30 y LC13). Sólo los neumonectomizados tuvieron más déficit en calidad de vida presentando peor funcionamiento de rol, más dolor en el pecho y más sangrado. Se encontraron diferencias en calidad de vida según la variable sexo. La disnea fue el principal síntoma que se asoció a déficit en calidad de vida, depresión y ansiedad, además de otros síntomas físicos (fatiga y dolor). El 20,53% presentó sintomatología depresiva y el 32,15% ansiosa. Las estrategias de afrontamiento más utilizadas por los pacientes con cáncer de pulmón fueron fatalismo (71,67%) y espíritu de lucha (70,49%). Conclusiones: investigar la influencia de los factores emocionales en el pre-operatorio puede ser útil para identificar los factores de riesgo y las dificultades en la adaptación a la enfermedad y así poder diseñar intervenciones psicológicas. Futuras investigaciones y estudios longitudinales son necesarios para establecer comparaciones entre grupos (pre y post-operatorio).Purpose: To assess the quality of life, emotional state (anxiety and depression) and coping skills of a sample of lung cancer patients before the surgery. Methodology: 121 ambulatory patients with non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were interviewed before the surgery. Patients filled the EORTC QILQ-C30 questionnaire, and the EORTC-LC13 lung module, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Mental Adjustment to Cancer (MAC) Scale. Demographic and clinical data were also recorded. We compared the groups according to the gender and to the type of surgery treatment. Result: The quality of life scores of the patients before the surgery were acceptable (72.5). On average patients had high levels of functioning and low levels of symptoms in both EORTC questionnaries (QLQ-C30 and the lung cancer specific module LC13). Only pneumonectomy patients have limitations in some quality of life areas (role functioning, pain in the chest and haemoptysis). Few differences were observed between the genders. Dyspnoea was the main symptom related to low quality of life, depression, anxiety and some physical symptoms (fatigue and pain). 20.53% displayed high level of depressive symptoms and 32.15% anxiety. The most prominents ways of coping used by lung cancer patients are fatalism (71.67%) and fighting spirit (70.49%). Conclusions: Investigating the influence of psychological factors on the preoperative could be very useful for an early identification of psychological risk factors and bad adjustment to the illness and be able to plan a psychological intervention. Further investigations and longitudinal studies are needed especially to establish comparative among pre and post-operative moments

Screening of emotional distress in non-small cell lung cancer patients with surgery treatment.

Lung cancer is the most common malignant disease and the principal cause of oncology death in Western countries. Its poor prognosis due to the difficulty of early diagnosis, causal attributions related to personal tobacco consumption and resulting symptoms, not only from the progress of the disease but also from the side effects of treatment, can cause high emotional distress and a decreased quality of life. The purpose of this paper is to review first the psychological problems found in patients suffering from non-small lung cancer susceptible to surgery treatment, and secondly, provide information about the assessment procedures most frequently used in this group of patients in order to establish a screening protocol to detect patients at risk for emotional distress. Based on existing data we recommended to assess emotional distress, pain and quality of life from the time of diagnosis and through all the process with the following assessment tools: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, EORTC QLQ C30 and LC13, and Brief Pain Inventory. With the results of the screening measure we should refer patients experiencing to the Psycho- Ooncology Unit

Diseño y elaboración de experimentos demostrativos para la enseñanza de la física en la aula de clase

This article summarize the aspects of the research "DISEÑO Y ELABORACIÓN DE EXPERIMENTOS DEMONSTRATIVOS PARA LA ENSEÑANZA DE LA FÍSICA EN EL AULA DE CLASE" coordinated by the professors of the school of education and the school of Exact and Natural sciencces in cooperation with seven students from the school of education.El presente artículo resume aspectos de la investigación "DISEÑO Y ELABORACIÓN DE EXPERIMENTOS DEMOSTRATIVOS PARA LA ENSEÑANZA DE LA FÍSICA EN EL AULA DE CLASE" coordinada por profesores de la Facultad de Educación y de la Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas con la colaboración de siete estudiantes de la Facultad de Educación

Protocolo de intervención psicosocial en pacientes oncológicos sometidos a cirugía torácica

At present, lung cancer is the most common cause of death worldwide from cancer in men and the second among women. Moreover, lung cancer shows an increasing rate of incidence and mortality among the world’s population. Surgical resection, if feasible, is the treatment of choice. However, surgical treatment can cause a great amount stress, both for patients and their families. To reduce psychological and emotional distress and improving quality of life, psychosocial evaluation and intervention should begin prior to the surgical procedure and continue through the postsurgical period. In this paper, the psychosocial evaluation and intervention protocol developed in the Thoracic Surgery Unit of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos of Madrid is presented

Evaluación de la calidad de vida, estado emocional y estrategias de afrontamiento en pacientes con enfermedad neoplásica pulmonar

Objetivo: evaluar la calidad de vida, el estado emocional (ansiedad y depresión) y las estrategias de afrontamiento de pacientes con cáncer de pulmón antes de ser intervenidos quirúrgicamente. Método: 121 pacientes ambulatorios con diagnóstico de cáncer de pulmón no microcítico (CPNMC) fueron entrevistados antes de la cirugía. Los cuestionarios empleados fueron el EORTC QLQ-C30 y el módulo específico de pulmón LC13, la escala de Ansiedad y Depresión Hospitalaria (HAD) y el cuestionario de Ajuste mental al Cáncer (MAC). Datos demográficos y clínicos también fueron recogidos. Comparamos grupos en relación al sexo y al tipo de intervención quirúrgica. Resultado: La calidad de vida global del paciente con cáncer de pulmón que va a ser intervenido fue aceptable (72,5). La mayoría de pacientes presentaron altos niveles de funcionamiento y bajos niveles de sintomatología ambos medidos por los cuestionarios EORTC (QLQ-C30 y LC13). Sólo los neumonectomizados tuvieron más déficit en calidad de vida presentando peor funcionamiento de rol, más dolor en el pecho y más sangrado. Se encontraron diferencias en calidad de vida según la variable sexo. La disnea fue el principal síntoma que se asoció a déficit en calidad de vida, depresión y ansiedad, además de otros síntomas físicos (fatiga y dolor). El 20,53% presentó sintomatología depresiva y el 32,15% ansiosa. Las estrategias de afrontamiento más utilizadas por los pacientes con cáncer de pulmón fueron fatalismo (71,67%) y espíritu de lucha (70,49%). Conclusiones: investigar la influencia de los factores emocionales en el pre-operatorio puede ser útil para identificar los factores de riesgo y las dificultades en la adaptación a la enfermedad y así poder diseñar intervenciones psicológicas. Futuras investigaciones y estudios longitudinales son necesarios para establecer comparaciones entre grupos (pre y post-operatorio)

Difficulties on the acces to innovative targeted therapies for lung cancer in Spain

Purpose Spanish Lung Cancer Group (SLCG) conducted a review to analyze the barriers to access to innovative targeted therapies for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in clinical practice in Spain. Methods Review all relevant content published on websites of European Commission, European Medicines Agency, and Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Products regarding the authorization and access to oncology treatments. Results More than 20 targeted therapies are available to treat different molecular alterations in patients with NSCLC. European Commission has approved treatments for genomic alterations involving the following genes: ALK, RET, ROS1, EGFR, BRAF, NTRK, KRAS, MET. However, the availability of these therapies in Spain is not complete, as innovative treatments are not reimbursed or funded late, with only five of these alterations currently covered by National Health System. Conclusion SLCG considers imperative to improve the access in Spain to innovative treatments for NSCLC to reduce inequity across European countries

Protocolo de intervención psicosocial en pacientes oncológicos sometidos a cirugía torácica

At present, lung cancer is the most common cause of death worldwide from cancer in men and the second among women. Moreover, lung cancer shows an increasing rate of incidence and mortality among the world’s population. Surgical resection, if feasible, is the treatment of choice. However, surgical treatment can cause a great amount stress, both for patients and their families. To reduce psychological and emotional distress and improving quality of life, psychosocial evaluation and intervention should begin prior to the surgical procedure and continue through the postsurgical period. In this paper, the psychosocial evaluation and intervention protocol developed in the Thoracic Surgery Unit of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos of Madrid is presented

Immunotherapy moves to the early-stage setting in non-small cell lung cancer: emerging evidence and the role of biomarkers

Despite numerous advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy in the last decade, lung cancer continues to present the highest mortality rate of all cancers. Targeted therapy based on specific genomic alterations, together with PD-1 and CTLA-4 axis blocking-based immunotherapy, have significantly improved survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and both therapies are now well-established in this clinical setting. However, it is time for immunotherapy to be applied in patients with early-stage disease, which would be an important qualitative leap in the treatment of lung cancer patients with curative intent. Preliminary data from a multitude of studies are highly promising, but therapeutic decision-making should be guided by an understanding of the molecular features of the tumour and host. In the present review, we discuss the most recently published studies and ongoing clinical trials, controversies, future challenges and the role of biomarkers in the selection of best therapeutic options

Manejo de la inmunosupresión en pacientes trasplantados de riñón con COVID19. Estudio multicéntrico nacional derivado del registro COVID de la Sociedad Española de Nefrología

Introduction: SARS CoV2 infection has had a major impact on renal transplant patients with a high mortality in the first months of the pandemic. Intentional reduction of immunosuppressive therapy has been postulated as one of the cornerstone in the management of the infection in the absence of targeted antiviral treatment. This has been modified according to the patient`s clinical situation and its effect on renal function or anti-HLA antibodies in the medium term has not been evaluated.Objectives: Evaluate the management of immunosuppressive therapy made during SARS-CoV2 infection, as well as renal function and anti-HLA antibodies in kidney transplant patients 6 months after COVID19 diagnosis.Material and methods: Retrospective, national multicentre, retrospective study (30 centres) of kidney transplant recipients with COVID19 from 01/02/20 to 31/12/20. Clinical variables were collected from medical records and included in an anonymised database. SPSS statistical software was used for data analysis.Results: renal transplant recipients with COVID19 were included (62.6% male), with a mean age of 57.5 years. The predominant immunosuppressive treatment prior to COVID19 was triple therapy with prednisone, tacrolimus and mycophenolic acid (54.6%) followed by m-TOR inhibitor regimens (18.6%). After diagnosis of infection, mycophenolic acid was discontinued in 73.8% of patients, m-TOR inhibitor in 41.4%, tacrolimus in 10.5% and cyclosporin A in 10%. In turn, 26.9% received dexamethasone and 50.9% were started on or had their baseline prednisone dose increased. Mean creatinine before diagnosis of COVID19, at diagnosis and at 6 months was: 1.7 +/- 0.8, 2.1 +/- 1.2 and 1.8 +/- 1 mg/dl respectively (p < 0.001). 56.9% of the patients (N = 350) were monitored for anti-HLA antibodies. 94% (N = 329) had no anti-HLA changes, while 6% (N = 21) had positive anti-HLA antibodies. Among the patients with donor-specific antibodies post-COVID19 (N = 9), 7 patients (3.1%) had one immunosuppressant discontinued (5 patients had mycophenolic acid and 2 had tacrolimus), 1 patient had both immunosuppressants discontinued (3.4%) and 1 patient had no change in immunosuppression (1.1%), these differences were not significant.Conclusions: The management of immunosuppressive therapy after diagnosis of COVID19 was primarily based on discontinuation of mycophenolic acid with very discrete reductions or discontinuations of calcineurin inhibitors. This immunosuppression management did not influence renal function or changes in anti-HLA antibodies 6 months after diagnosis