Pautas cíclicas de la economía andaluza en el período 1984-2001: un análisis comparado

In this paper we characterize some cyclical patterns for the Andalusian economy, for the period 1984-2001. Our work is basically an empirical one. Our results show that the Andalusian economy is more volatile than Spain as a whole, although there exist an important degree of coherence between both economies. This result holds at the aggregate level and at the industry level. On average, GDP growth has been higher in Andalusia during expansions, although it has been lower during recessions. The relationship between the fluctuations of income and the fluctuations of the number of unemployed people is shown to be clearly negative, as the theory would predict, but the coefficient of the relation is lower in the case of Andalusia. Moreover, we find the relation not to be symmetric. For a given increase in production, unemployment gets reduced in a larger fraction than the increase that would present in recessions under the same, but negative, increase in production.Business cycles, Unemployment, Asymmetries, Regional Economics

WhpR, an orphan transcriptional regulator of virulence in the pathogen of woody hosts Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi

The genome of the olive tree pathogen Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi (Psv) NCPPB 3335 encodes a region of about 15 kb named WHOP (from Woody Host and Pseudomonas) which is involved in the catabolism of aromatic compounds and is essential for the virulence of Psv in woody olive plants. This region is shared with other strains of Pseudomonas syringae pathovars infecting woody hosts, but it is absent in strains infecting herbaceous plants. The WHOP region is organized into four operons, antABC (metabolism of anthranilate), catBCA (catabolism of catechol) ipoBCA (oxigenase activity) and dhoAB (degradation of fenolic compounds) and three independently transcribed genes, antR (positive regulator of the antABC operon), PSA3335_3206 (aerotaxis receptor) and whpR (putative AraC family regulator). In this study we identified two domains in WhpR, a DBD (DNA bingding domain), characterised by a classical HTH (Helix-Turn-Helix) motif and an AraC-like bingding domain. BlastP searches showed that no homologs (≥ 60%) of this protein are found outside the P. syringae complex. We also addressed the role of WhpR in virulence by the construction of ΔwhpR mutants in several P. savastanoi strains isolated from olive and oleander (P. savastanoi pv. nerii). Moreover, quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis of Psv NCPPB 3335 and its ΔwhpR mutant revealed that WhpR is a negative regulator of most of the operons encoded in the WHOP region. Our future aims are to elucidate the mechanism of WhpR-dependent regulation and to determine whether other genes codified outside the WHOP region are also regulated by WhpR.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Knowledge update on the economic evaluation of pacemaker telemonitoring systems

Introduction: In the last two decades, telemedicine has been increasingly applied to telemonitoring (TM) of patients with pacemakers; however, presently, its growth has significantly accelerated because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has pushed patients and healthcare work-ers alike to seek new ways to stay healthy with minimal physical contact. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to update the current knowledge on the differences in the medium-and long-term effectiveness of TM and conventional monitoring (CM) in relation to costs and health outcomes. (2) Methods: Three databases and one scientific registry were searched (PubMed, EM-BASE, Scopus, and Google Scholar), with no restrictions on language or year of publication. Studies published until July 2021 were included. The inclusion criteria were: (a) experimental or observational design, (b) complete economic evaluation, (c) patients with implanted pacemakers, and (d) comparison of TM with CM. Measurements of study characteristics (author, study duration, sample size, age, sex, major indication for implantation, and pacemaker used), analysis, significant results of the variables (analysis performed, primary endpoints, secondary endpoints, health out-comes, and cost outcomes), and further miscellaneous measurements (methodological quality, variables coded, instrument development, coder training, and intercoder reliability, etc.) were included. (3) Results: 11 studies met the inclusion criteria, consisting of 3372 enrolled patients; 1773 (52.58%) of them were part of randomized clinical trials. The mean age was 72 years, and the atri-oventricular block was established as the main indication for device implantation. TM was significantly effective in detecting the presence or absence of pacemaker problems, leading to a reduction in the number of unscheduled hospital visits (8.34¿55.55%). The cost of TM was up to 87% lower than that of CM. There were no significant differences in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the number of cardiovascular events. (4) Conclusions: Most of the studies included in this systematic review confirm that in the TM group of patients with pacemakers, cardiovascular events are detected and treated earlier, and the number of unscheduled visits to the hospital is significantly reduced, without affecting the HRQoL of patients. In addition, with TM modality, both formal and informal costs are significantly reduced in the medium and long term.Funding: This study was funded by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III through the project “No. PI17/02056” (Co-funded by European Regional Development Fund/European Social Fund “A way to make Europe”/“Investing in your future”)

Long-term cost-utility analysis of remote monitoring of older patients with pacemakers: the PONIENTE study

Background: Cost-effectiveness studies on pacemakers have increased in the last years. However the number of long-term cost-utility studies is limited. The objective of this study was to perform a cost-utility analysis comparing remote monitoring (RM) versus conventional monitoring (CM) in hospital of older patients with pacemakers, 5 years after implant. Methods: Under a controlled, not randomized, nor masked clinical trial, 83 patients with pacemakers were initially selected. After five years of follow-up, a total of 55 patients (CM = 34; RM = 21) completed the study. A cost-utility analysis of RM in terms of costs per gained quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) was conducted. The costs from the Public Health System (PHS) as well as patients and their relatives were taken into account for the study. The robustness of the results was verified by the probabilistic analyses through Monte-Carlo simulations. Results: After a five-year follow-up period, total costs were lower in the RM group by 23.02% than in the CM group (€274.52 versus €356.62; p = 0.033) because of a cost saving from patients’ perspective (€59.05 versus €102.98; p = 0.002). However, the reduction of in-hospital visits derived from RM exhibited insignificant impact on the costs from the PHS perspective, with a cost saving of 15.04% (€215.48 vs. €253.64; p = 0.144). Costs/QALYs obtained by the RM group were higher as compared to the CM group, although there were no significant differences. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of CM in comparison to RM became positive (€301.16). Conclusions: This study confirms RM of older patients with pacemakers appears still as a cost-utility alternative to CM in hospital after 5 years of follow-up. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: (Identifier: NCT02234245). Registered 09 September 2014 - Prospectively registered.This study has been funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III through the project "No. PI17/02056" (Co-funded by European Regional Development Fund/European Social Fund "A way to make Europe"/"Investing in your future") and by the General Secretariat for Research, Development and Innovation, Regional Government of Andalusia (Spain), with Project Reference No. PI/0256/2017, under the research call "Development and Innovation Projects in the Field of Biomedicine and Health Sciences". The funders had no role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. The authors performed all research related activities independently

A non-randomized clinical trial to examine patients' experiences and communication during telemonitoring of pacemakers after five years follow-up

Patients with pacemakers need regular follow-ups which are demanding. Telemonitoring for pacemaker can provide a new opportunity to avoid follow-up visits. On the other hand, inperson visits could help patients with pacemakers to cope better with the anxiety linked to their condition and maintain better communication with their doctors than simple remote control of their device status. Therefore, our objective was to analyze the experiences and communication comparing telemonitoring (TM) versus conventional monitoring (CM) of patients with pacemakers. A single-center, controlled, non-randomized, non-blinded clinical trial was designed. Data were collected five years after implantation in a cohort of 89 consecutive patients assigned to two different groups: TM and CM. The ‘Generic Short Patient Experiences Questionnaire’ (GS-PEQ) was used to assess patients’ experiences, and the Healthcare Communication Questionnaire (HCCQ) was used to measure the communication of patients with healthcare professionals. Additionally, an ad-hoc survey including items from the ‘Telehealth Patient Satisfaction Survey’ and a ‘costs survey’ was used. After five years, 55 patients completed the study (TM = 21; CM = 34). Participants’ mean (±SD) age was 81 (±6.47), and 31% were females. No differences in baseline characteristics between groups were found. The comparative analyses TM versus CM showed some significant differences. According to GS-PEQ, TM users received adequate information about their diagnosis or afflictions (p = .035) and the treatment was better adapted to their situation (p = .009). Both groups reported negative experiences regarding their involvement in their treatment decisions, the waiting time before admission, and perceived a low-benefit. According to HCCQ, the TM group experienced poorer consultation management by the healthcare provider (p = .041). Participants reported positive overall communication experiences. The study provides insights into the experiences and communication in PM monitoring services as well as specific areas where users reported negative experiences such as the consultation management by clinicians.Grant numbers awarded to each author: PI17/02056 – The full name of each funder: instituto de Salud Carlos II

±0.3V Bulk-Driven Fully Differential Buffer with High Figures of Merit

A high performance bulk-driven rail-to-rail fully differential buffer operating from ±0.3V supplies in 180 nm CMOS technology is reported. It has a differential–difference input stage and common mode feedback circuits implemented with no-tail, high CMRR bulk-driven pseudo-differential cells. It operates in subthreshold, has infinite input impedance, low output impedance (1.4 kΩ), 86.77 dB DC open-loop gain, 172.91 kHz bandwidth and 0.684 μW static power dissipation with a 50-pF load capacitance. The buffer has power efficient class AB operation, a small signal figure of merit FOMSS = 12.69 MHzpFμW−1, a large signal figure of merit FOMLS = 34.89 (V/μs) pFμW−1, CMRR = 102 dB, PSRR+ = 109 dB, PSRR− = 100 dB, 1.1 μV/√Hz input noise spectral density, 0.3 mVrms input noise and 3.5 mV input DC offset voltage.Junta de Andalucía - Consejería de Economía, Conocimiento, Empresas y Universidades P18-FR-4317Agencia Estatal de Investigación - FEDER PID2019-107258RB-C3

pCO(2) variability in the surface waters of the eastern Gulf of Cadiz (SW Iberian Peninsula)

Spatio-temporal variations in the partial pressure of CO2 (pCO(2)) were studied during eight oceanographic cruises conducted between March 2014 and February 2016 in surface waters of the eastern shelf of the Gulf of Cadiz (SW Iberian Peninsula) between the Guadalquivir river and Cape Trafalgar. pCO(2) presents a range of variation between 320.6 and 513.6 mu atm with highest values during summer and autumn and lowest during spring and winter. For the whole study, pCO(2) shows a linear dependence with temperature, and spatially there is a general decrease from coastal to offshore stations associated with continental inputs and an increase in the zones deeper than 400 m related to the influence of the eastward branch of the Azores Current. The study area acts as a source of CO2 to the atmosphere during summer and autumn and as a sink in spring and winter with a mean value for the study period of -0.18 +/- 1.32 mmol M-2 d(-1). In the Guadalquivir and Sancti Petri transects, the CO2 fluxes decrease towards offshore, whereas in the Trafalgar transect fluxes increase due to the presence of an upwelling. The annual uptake capacity of CO2 in the Gulf of Cadiz is 4.1 Gg C yr(-1)

Cell-free microbial culture filtrates as candidate biostimulants to enhance plant growth and yield and activate soil- and plant-associated beneficial microbiota

In this work we compiled information on current and emerging microbial-based fertilization practices, especially the use of cell-free microbial culture filtrates (CFs), to promote plant growth, yield and stress tolerance, and their effects on plant-associated beneficial microbiota. In addition, we identified limitations to bring microbial CFs to the market as biostimulants. In nature, plants act as metaorganisms, hosting microorganisms that communicate with the plants by exchanging semiochemicals through the phytosphere. Such symbiotic interactions are of high importance not only for plant yield and quality, but also for functioning of the soil microbiota. One environmentally sustainable practice to increasing crop productivity and/or protecting plants from (a)biotic stresses while reducing the excessive and inappropriate application of agrochemicals is based on the use of inoculants of beneficial microorganisms. However, this technology has a number of limitations, including inconsistencies in the field, specific growth requirements and host compatibility. Beneficial microorganisms release diffusible substances that promote plant growth and enhance yield and stress tolerance. Recently, evidence has been provided that this capacity also extends to phytopathogens. Consistently, soil application of microbial cell-free culture filtrates (CFs) has been found to promote growth and enhance the yield of horticultural crops. Recent studies have shown that the response of plants to soil application of microbial CFs is associated with strong proliferation of the resident beneficial soil microbiota. Therefore, the use of microbial CFs to enhance both crop yield and stress tolerance, and to activate beneficial soil microbiota could be a safe, efficient and environmentally friendly approach to minimize shortfalls related to the technology of microbial inoculation. In this review, we compile information on microbial CFs and the main constituents (especially volatile compounds) that promote plant growth, yield and stress tolerance, and their effects on plant-associated beneficial microbiota. In addition, we identify challenges and limitations for their use as biostimulants to bring them to the market and we propose remedial actions and give suggestions for future work.This work was supported by the Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (Spain) (grant PID2019-104685GB-100)

WhpR, un regulador transcriptional de la virulencia en el patógeno de huéspedes leñosos Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. Savastanoi

El genoma del patógeno del olivo Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi (Psv) NCPPB 3335 codifica una región de aproximadamente 15 kb denominada WHOP (del inglés, Woody Host and Pseudomonas), involucrada en el catabolismo de compuestos aromáticos y esencial para la virulencia de Psv en plantas de olivo. Esta región también se encuentra en otros patovares de P. savastanoi y Pseudomonas syringae que infectan huéspedes leñosos, pero está ausente en las cepas que infectan plantas herbáceas. La región WHOP está organizada en cuatro operones, antABC (catabolismo del antranilato), catBCA (catabolismo del catecol), ipoBCA (actividad oxigenasa) y dhoAB (actividad desconocida) y tres genes transcritos independientemente, antR (regulador positivo del operón antABC), PSA3335_3206 (anotado como un receptor de aerotaxis) y whpR (regulador transcripcional perteneciente a la familia AraC). En este estudio, hemos identificado dos dominios en WhpR, un dominio DBD (del inglés, DNA-Binding Domain), caracterizado por un motivo HTH (del inglés, Helix-Turn-Helix) y un dominio AraC de unión a ligando. Análisis BlastP no identificaron homólogos (≥ 60 %) de esta proteína fuera del complejo P. syringae. Para analizar el papel de WhpR en virulencia, hemos construido mutantes ΔwhpR en varias cepas de P. savastanoi aisladas de olivo y adelfa (P. savastanoi pv. nerii). Además, análisis de PCR cuantitativa a tiempo real (RT-qPCR) realizados en Psv NCPPB 3335 y su mutante ΔwhpR han revelado que WhpR es un regulador negativo de la mayoría de los operones codificados en la región WHOP. Nuestros objetivos futuros son dilucidar el mecanismo de regulación dependiente de WhpR y determinar si otros genes codificados fuera de la región WHOP también se regulan por esta proteína.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tec