Routines, Time Dedication and Habit Changes in Spanish Homes during the COVID-19 Lockdown. A Large Cross-Sectional Survey

Many countries chose to establish social distancing as lockdowns after the COVID-19 outbreak. Households had to adapt their day-to-day lifestyles to new circumstances, affecting routines and time dedication to tasks. This national study was carried out to find out how the confinement by COVID-19 affected Spanish households on the perceived habit changes during this period, in relation to their socio-demographic characteristics and household composition. An online questionnaire was launched during the COVID-19 lockdown, from 30 April to 22 June 2020. Descriptive statistics were analyzed, stratified by gender, on time dedication, routine, home leaving, and habit change variables. Chi-square tests were used to explore the relations of significance with socio-demographic characteristics and home composition. All contrast analyses were performed for a 95% confidence level (significance considered for p < 0.05). In total, 1673 respondents participated from different age groups, educational level, employment status and household composition. Sixty percent of respondents maintained their routines. A third tried to establish a new one, being related to women, young people, not a university student, and living with others, including minors. Regarding dedication to tasks, adults aged 35-54 years, with more cohabitants, especially women, devoted themselves intensively to the home or to care, while those under 35 were dedicated more to rest, leisure, television or reading. People with university studies were more related to teleworking. The frequency of going outside was related to gender, age, educational level and living with elders, specifically for grocery shopping and taking out garbage. Changes in habits, routines and time dedication in confinement were strongly linked to the sociodemographic and coexistence conditions in Spanish homes. The greatest impacts were suffered by women, people with children, and adults between 35-54 years of age, especially on care and domestic chores.This research was funded by Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), grant number 202060E225, entitled: “Proyecto sobre confinamiento social (COVID-19), vivienda y habitabilidad [COVID-HAB]”.S

Hydrogeochemical characteristics of a volcanic-sedimentary aquifer with special emphasis on Fe and Mn content: A case study in Mexico

Previous studies performed on the volcanic-sedimentary aquifer of the Tenancingo Valley (Mexico) reports high concentrations of Fe, Mn, and NO3 −, and water from several wells receives purification treatments due to presence of Fe and Mn. These studies have not achieved conclusive results regarding the origin of Fe and Mn, nor have hydrogeochemical evaluations of the aquifer been performed. The present study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of the water and identify the geochemical processes that determine presence of Fe and Mn in groundwater. This characterization was based on physicochemical data from well and spring samples (16 samples) during dry and rainy seasons (June and November 2012, respectively). The EC, temperature and pH ranged from 125 to 793 μS cm−1 , 14.5 to 24.9 °C and 6.5 to 8.5 pH units, respectively. The Eh values ranged from −219 to 327 mV, indicating the existence of both reducing and oxidizing zones. Presence of Fe and Mn was detected in both springs and wells; concentrations were higher in well, exceeding 4 mg Fe L−1 and 0.5 mg Mn L−1 . Content of Si ranged from 12 to 47 mg L−1 . A model of the hydrogeochemical behavior of the aquifer was created to highlight the following: i) processes involved in water-rock interactions, including fluctuations in silicate levels that determine anionic and cationic content of water, and ii) redox reactions as the major control processes of Fe and Mn. Water quality for human use is restricted by Fe and Mn content and pH. For irrigation use, significant limitations were not presente

A phase II trial of weekly nab-paclitaxel for progressive and symptomatic desmoid tumors

Desmoid tumors; Phase II trial; PaclitaxelTumores desmoides; Ensayo de fase II; PaclitaxelTumors desmoides; Assaig de fase II; PaclitaxelDesmoid fibromatosis (DF) are mesenchymal neoplasms, with potential aggressive course and relevant clinical impact. New systemic therapy modalities are needed in this symptomatic/progressive population. In this multicenter, phase II trial (NCT03275818), patients with symptomatic/progressing DF received three cycles of weekly nab-paclitaxel. Brief pain inventory short form (BPI-SF) was collected at baseline and in every visit. MRI was performed every 3 months. Primary composite endpoint was RECIST 1.1 overall response rate (ORR) and/or clinical response (improvement ≥ 2 points in BPI-SF). If 40% of patients achieved clinical/radiological response, further investigation would be warranted. Toxicity, progression-free survival (PFS), pattern of response and its correlation with clinical best response and BPI, variation of physical function, and analgesic consumption were secondary endpoints. The translational research reported was not a pre-specified secondary outcome. Forty eligible patients started therapy, being 35 radiologically and clinically evaluable. The study achieved its primary endpoint, as 7(20%) patients obtained RECIST partial response, whereas 31(89%) experienced pain reduction of ≥2 points in BPI-SF worst pain. Therapy was well tolerated. With a median follow-up of 30(14–44) months, median 12 and 24-months PFS rates were 91%(CI 95%, 82–100) and 84%(CI 95%, 71–97). For clinical progression, 12 and 24-months PFS rates were 85% (CI 95%, 73–97) and 74% (CI 95%, 58–90) respectively. Short course of nab-paclitaxel is active, safe and achieves quick and durable responses in progressing/symptomatic DF patients.The authors would like to thank the Spanish group for Research on Sarcomas (GEIS) for supporting the study and BMS/ Celgene (study ID AX-CL-GEIS-007345) for providing drug supply. The sponsor (GEIS) has been in charge of study design, data collection, analysis and manuscript writing. The authors also thank the donors and the University Hospital Virgen del Rocío for participating in patient recruitment. The authors would like to thank Araceli Rodriguez Morales and Gabriela Golab for Data Management. David S. Moura is recipient of a Sara Borrell postdoctoral fellowship funded by the National Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII) (CD20/00155). The authors would also like to thank SELNET project. SELNET has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 825806

Determination of heat wave definition temperatures in Spain at an isoclimatic level: time trend of heat wave duration and intensity across the decade 2009–2018

Background: In line with WHO guidelines for the implementation of public health prevention plans targeted at the impacts of high temperatures, a heat wave defnition temperature (Tthreshold) was calculated for 182 so called “isoclimatic zones” (IZ) in Spain. As the dependent variable for determining this Tthreshold, we analysed daily all-cause mortality data (ICD-10: A00-R99) for each IZ across the period 2009–2018. The independent variable used was the mean value of the maximum daily temperature of the summer months recorded at meteorological observatories in each IZ. We used Box–Jenkins models to ascertain mortality anomalies, and scatterplots to link these anomalies to the temperatures at which they occurred, thereby determining the Tthreshold for each IZ. We then calculated how many heat waves had occurred in each IZ, as well as their intensity, and analysed their time trend over this period. Results: The results showed that in 52.5% of the IZ, the percentile of the maximum temperatures series of the summer months to which Tthreshold corresponded was below the 95th percentile of the meteorological heat wave defnition in Spain: indeed, it only coincided in 30.7% of cases. The geographical distribution of these percentiles displayed great heterogeneity as a consequence of the local factors that infuence the temperature–mortality relationship. The trend in the number of heat waves analysed indicated an overall increase in Spain at a rate of 3.9 heat waves per decade, and a similar rise in mean annual intensity of 9.5 °C/decade. These time-trend values were higher than those yielded by analysing the trend in meteorological heat waves based on the 95th percentile. Conclusions: The results obtained in this study indicate the need to use a heat wave defnition based on epidemiological temperature–mortality studies, rather than on values based on meteorological percentiles. This could be minimising estimated health impacts in analyses of future impacts attributable to heat.Acknowledgements and funding The authors would like to express their gratitude for the following grants from the Carlos III Institute of Health (Instituto de Salud Carlos III/ISCIII) for the ENPY 304/20, and ENPY 436/21 projects.S

Improved kinetic behaviour of Mg(NH2)2-2LiH doped with nanostructured K-modified-LixTiyOz for hydrogen storage

The system Mg(NH2)2 + 2LiH is considered as an interesting solid-state hydrogen storage material owing to its low thermodynamic stability of ca. 40 kJ/mol H2 and high gravimetric hydrogen capacity of 5.6 wt.%. However, high kinetic barriers lead to slow absorption/desorption rates even at relatively high temperatures (>180 °C). In this work, we investigate the effects of the addition of K-modified LixTiyOz on the absorption/desorption behaviour of the Mg(NH2)2 + 2LiH system. In comparison with the pristine Mg(NH2)2 + 2LiH, the system containing a tiny amount of nanostructured K-modified LixTiyOz shows enhanced absorption/desorption behaviour. The doped material presents a sensibly reduced (∼30 °C) desorption onset temperature, notably shorter hydrogen absorption/desorption times and reversible hydrogen capacity of about 3 wt.% H2 upon cycling. Studies on the absorption/desorption processes and micro/nanostructural characterizations of the Mg(NH2)2 + 2LiH + K-modified LixTiyOz system hint to the fact that the presence of in situ formed nanostructure K2TiO3 is the main responsible for the observed improved kinetic behaviour.Fil: Gizer, Gökhan. Max-planck Strasse. Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht GmbH. Institute of Materials Research; AlemaniaFil: Puszkiel, Julián Atilio. Max-planck Strasse. Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht GmbH. Institute of Materials Research; Alemania. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Ezeiza; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Castro Riglos, Maria Victoria. Max-planck Strasse. Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht GmbH. Institute of Materials Research; Alemania. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Ezeiza; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Pistidda, Claudio. Max-planck Strasse. Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht GmbH. Institute of Materials Research; AlemaniaFil: Ramallo Lopez, Jose Martin. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas; ArgentinaFil: Mizrahi, Martin Daniel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas; Argentina. Max-planck Strasse. Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht GmbH. Institute of Materials Research; AlemaniaFil: Santoru, Antonio. Max-planck Strasse. Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht GmbH. Institute of Materials Research; AlemaniaFil: Gemming, Thomas. IFW Dresden; AlemaniaFil: Tseng, Jo Chi. German Electron Synchrotron; AlemaniaFil: Klassen, Thomas. Max-planck Strasse. Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht GmbH. Institute of Materials Research; AlemaniaFil: Dornheim, Martin. Max-planck Strasse. Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht GmbH. Institute of Materials Research; Alemani

Pain and depression comorbidity causes asymmetric plasticity in the locus coeruleus neurons

There is strong comorbidity between chronic pain and depression, although the neural circuits and mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. By combining immunohistochemistry, tracing studies and western blotting, with the use of different DREADDS (designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs) and behavioural approaches in a rat model of neuropathic pain (chronic constriction injury), we explore how this comorbidity arises. To this end, we evaluated the time-dependent plasticity of noradrenergic locus coeruleus neurons relative to the site of injury: ipsilateral (LCipsi) or contralateral (LCcontra) locus coeruleus at three different time points: short (2 days), mid (7 days) and long term (30-35 days from nerve injury). Nerve injury led to sensorial hypersensitivity from the onset of injury, whereas depressive-like behaviour was only evident following long-term pain. Global chemogenetic blockade of the LCipsi system alone increased short-term pain sensitivity while the blockade of the LCipsi or LCcontra relieved pain-induced depression. The asymmetric contribution of locus coeruleus modules was also evident as neuropathy develops. Hence, chemogenetic blockade of the LCipsi -> spinal cord projection, increased pain-related behaviours in the short term. However, this lateralized circuit is not universal as the bilateral chemogenetic inactivation of the locus coeruleus-rostral anterior cingulate cortex pathway or the intra-rostral anterior cingulate cortex antagonism of alpha1- and alpha2-adrenoreceptors reversed long-term pain-induced depression. Furthermore, chemogenetic locus coeruleus to spinal cord activation, mainly through LCipsi, reduced sensorial hypersensitivity irrespective of the time post-injury. Our results indicate that asymmetric activation of specific locus coeruleus modules promotes early restorative analgesia, as well as late depressive-like behaviour in chronic pain and depression comorbidity.Peer reviewe

Phase II randomized study of Plitidepsin (Aplidin), alone or in association with L-carnitine, in patients with unresectable advanced renal cell carcinoma

This randomized phase II study evaluated two schedules of the marine compound Plitidepsin with or without co-administration of L-carnitine in patients with renal cell carcinoma. Patients had adequate performance status and organ function.The primary endpoint was the rate of disease control (no progression) at 12 weeks (RECIST).Other endpoints included the response rate and time dependent efficacy measures.The trial also assessed the efficacy of L-carnitine to prevent Plitidepsin-related toxicity. The two regimes given as 24 hour infusion every two weeks showed hints of antitumoral activity. Disease control at 12 weeks was 15.8% in Arm A (5mg/m2, no L-carnitine) and 11,1% in Arm B (7mg/m2 with L-carnitine). Two partial responses were observed in Arm A (19 patients), none in Arm B (20 patients). Both schedules had the same progression-free interval (2.1 months).The median overall survival was 7.0 and 7.6 months.The safety profile was similar in both arms of the trial and adverse events were mainly mild to moderate (NCI CTC version 2.0). Increasing the dose to 7mg/m2 did not increase the treatment efficacy but the incidence of transaminase and CPK elevations and serious AEs. Coadministration of L-carnitine did not prevent muscular toxicity or CPK-elevation associated with Plitidepsin

3D bioprinted functional skeletal muscle models have potential applications for studies of muscle wasting in cancer cachexia

Acquired muscle diseases such as cancer cachexia are responsible for the poor prognosis of many patients suffering from cancer. In vitro models are needed to study the underlying mechanisms of those pathologies. Extrusion bioprinting is an emerging tool to emulate the aligned architecture of fibers while implementing ad- ditive manufacturing techniques in tissue engineering. However, designing bioinks that reconcile the rheological needs of bioprinting and the biological requirements of muscle tissue is a challenging matter. Here we formulate a biomaterial with dual crosslinking to modulate the physical properties of bioprinted models. We design 3D bioprinted muscle models that resemble the mechanical properties of native tissue and show improved prolif- eration and high maturation of differentiated myotubes suggesting that the GelMA-AlgMA-Fibrin biomaterial possesses myogenic properties. The electrical stimulation of the 3D model confirmed the contractile capability of the tissue and enhanced the formation of sarcomeres. Regarding the functionality of the models, they served as platforms to recapitulate skeletal muscle diseases such as muscle wasting produced by cancer cachexia. The genetic expression of 3D models demonstrated a better resemblance to the muscular biopsies of cachectic mouse models. Altogether, this biomaterial is aimed to fabricate manipulable skeletal muscle in vitro models in a non- costly, fast and feasible manne

Heteroleptic iron(II) spin-crossover complexes based on a 2,6-Bis(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine-type ligand functionalized with a carboxylic acid

Two new heteroleptic complexes [Fe(1bppCOOH)(3bpp-bph)](ClO4)2·solv (1·solv, solv = various solvents; 1bppCOOH = 2,6-bis(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)isonicotinic acid; 3bpp-bph = 2,6-bis(5-([1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine) and [Fe(1bppCOOH)(1bppCOOEt)](ClO4)2·0.5Me2CO (2·0.5Me2CO, 1bppCOOEt = ethyl 2,6-bis(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)isonicotinate) were designed and prepared. The heteroleptic compound 1·solv was obtained by the combination of stoichiometric amounts of Fe(ClO4)2, 1bppCOOH, and 3bpp-bph, and it was designed to fine-tune the spin crossover (SCO) properties with respect to the previously reported homoleptic compound [Fe(1bppCOOH)2](ClO4)2. Indeed, the introduction of a new substituted 3bpp ligand induces a weaker ligand field in addition to promoting the formation of π···π and C-H···π intermolecular interactions through the biphenyl groups. For the desolvated counterpart 1, this results in a shift of the SCO curve toward room temperature and the observation of a 13 K hysteresis width. Besides, compound 2·0.5Me2CO, which represents the first example of a heteroleptic complex containing two 1bpp tridentate ligands, stabilizes the LS state at room temperature confirming the same trend observed for the corresponding homoleptic compounds. Interestingly, both 1 and 2·0.5Me2CO heteroleptic complexes exhibit photoswitchable properties when irradiating with a 523 nm laser at 10 K. Preliminary characterization of the deposited complexes on native SiO2 by X-ray absorption measurements suggests oxidation and decomposition of the complexes