Molecular-Level Insight into Charge Carrier Transport and Speciation in Solid Polymer Electrolytes by Chemically Tuning Both Polymer and Lithium Salt

The advent of Li-metal batteries has seen progress toward studies focused on the chemical modification of solid polymer electrolytes, involving tuning either polymer or Li salt properties to enhance the overall cell performance. This study encompasses chemically modifying simultaneously both polymer matrix and lithium salt by assessing ion coordination environments, ion transport mechanisms, and molecular speciation. First, commercially used lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) salt is taken as a reference, where F atoms become partially substituted by one or two H atoms in the −CF3 moieties of LiTFSI. These substitutions lead to the formation of lithium(difluoromethanesulfonyl)(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiDFTFSI) and lithium bis(difluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiDFSI) salts. Both lithium salts promote anion immobilization and increase the lithium transference number. Second, we show that exchanging archetypal poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) with poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) significantly changes charge carrier speciation. Studying the ionic structures of these polymer/Li salt combinations (LiTFSI, LiDFTFSI or LiDFSI with PEO or PCL) by combining molecular dynamics simulations and a range of experimental techniques, we provide atomistic insights to understand the solvation structure and synergistic effects that impact macroscopic properties, such as Li+ conductivity and transference number.The authors acknowledge support from the European Commission grant for Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree MESC+ under Framework Agreement Number 2018-1424/001-001-EMJMD, the EU Marie Sklodowska-Curie COFUND DESTINY project under Grant Agreement No. 945357, and the Basque Government PhD Grant. H.M. acknowledges funding from the “Departamento de Educación, Política Lingüística y Cultura del Gobierno Vasco” (Grant IT1358-22). They also thank SGI/IZO-SGIker UPV/EHU for supercomputing resources

Increased individual homozygosity is correlated with low fitness in a fragmented lizard population

Isolation owing to anthropogenic habitat fragmentation is expected to increase the homozygosity of individuals, which might reduce their fitness as a result of inbreeding depression. Using samples from a fragmented population of the lizard Psammodromus algirus, for which we had data about two correlates of fitness, we genotyped individuals for six microsatellite loci that correctly capture genome-wide individual homozygosity of these lizards (as validated with an independent sample of lizards genotyped for both these microsatellites and > 70 000 single nucleotide polymorphisms). Our data revealed genetic structure at a very small geographical scale, which was compatible with restricted gene flow among populations disconnected in a matrix of inhospitable habitat. Lizards from the same fragment were genetically more related to one another than expected by chance, and individual homozygosity was greater in small than in large fragments. Within fragments, individual homozygosity was negatively associated with adult body size and clutch mass, revealing a link among reduced gene flow, increased homozygosity and lowered fitness that might reduce population viability deterministically. Our results contribute to mounting evidence of the impact of the loss of genetic diversity on fragmented wild populations

Identification of IL-6 Signalling Components as Predictors of Severity and Outcome in COVID-19

IL-6 is one of the major mediators of the hyper-inflammatory responses with complex biological functions as it can signal via different modes of action. IL-6 by classical signalling has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities, while trans-signalling mediates pro-inflammatory effects. The net biological effect of IL-6 is established by multiple factors beyond its absolute concentration. Here, we assess the relationship between IL-6 signalling variables [IL-6, soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R) and soluble gp130 (sgp130)] and outcomes in a cohort of 366 COVID-19 patients. The potential trans-signalling was evaluated by a ratio between the pro-inflammatory binary IL-6:sIL-6R complex and the inactive ternary IL-6:sIL-6R:sgp130 complex (binary/ternary complex) and the fold molar excess of sgp130 over sIL-6R (FME). Our data provide new evidence that high levels of IL-6, sIL-6R, sgp130, binary/ternary complex ratio, and low FME are independent predictors of COVID-19 severity in survivor patients (without death), and the combination of IL-6 + sIL-6R + sgp130 exhibited the most robust classification capacity. Conversely, in a subgroup of patients with a very poor prognosis, we found that high levels of IL-6 and low levels of sIL-6R, sgp130, and binary/ternary complex ratio were predictors of death. In this context, the highest predictive capacity corresponded to the combined analysis of IL-6 + FME + lymphopenia + creatinine. Herein, we present IL-6 signalling variables as a helpful tool for the early identification and stratification of patients with clear implications for treatment and clinical decision-making.The research work was supported by the Spanish Institute of Health Carlos III (COV-20/00792) and by the European Commission - NextgenerationEU (Regulation EU 2020/2094), through CSIC's Global Health Platform (PTI Salud Global). MAR-H acknowledges support from the Spanish Institute of Health Carlos III and the European Commission - NextgenerationEU (Regulation EU 2020/2094), through CSIC's Global Health Platform (PTI Salud Global). DC is supported by a predoctoral iPFIS (IFI 19/00048) funded by Spanish Institute of Health Carlos III. MN-N is supported by the Rio Hortega contract (CM20/00074)

Revista de Vertebrados de la Estación Biológica de Doñaña

Comportamiento reproductor del camaleón común (Chamaeleo chamaeleon L.) en el sur de EspañaDistribución de los reptiles en la provincia de Granada (SE. Península Ibérica)Datos sobre la reproducción y el crecimientode Psammodromus hispanicus Fitzinger, 1826 en un medio adehesado de la España CentralVariación en la colocación y orientación del nido del Alzacola (Cercotrichas galactotes) en dos especies de árbolesOrganización de la comunidad de aves reproductora en las landas montanas del País Vasco AtlánticoEcología de una población ibérica de lobos (Canis Lupus)Etude biométrique des Crosidures (Soricidae, Insectivora) de la región de Massa (Souss, Maroe).Variación geográfica del género Eliomys en la Península IbéricaTendencias gregarias del Ciervo (Cervus elaphus) en Doñana.Data on the autumn diet of the red deer (Cervus elaphus L. 1758) in the Montes de Toledo (Central Spain)Nota sobre la coexistencia de Hyla arborea (L. 1758E Hyla meridionalis (Boettger 1874) rn rl Valle del TiétarCalendario reproductivo y tamaño de las puesta en el galápago leproso, Mauremys leprosa (Shweigger, 1812), en Doñana, HuelvaPelícola (Felicola) inaqualis Piager, 1880 (MALLOPHAGA:TRICHODECTIDAE) parásito deE Herpestes ichneumon L (CARNIVORA: HERPESTIDAE)Abundancia y amplitud de los desplazamientos de Apodemus sylvaticus en cuatro biotopos de Doñana que difieren en cobertura vegetalPeer reviewe

Clonal chromosomal mosaicism and loss of chromosome Y in elderly men increase vulnerability for SARS-CoV-2

The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19) had an estimated overall case fatality ratio of 1.38% (pre-vaccination), being 53% higher in males and increasing exponentially with age. Among 9578 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in the SCOURGE study, we found 133 cases (1.42%) with detectable clonal mosaicism for chromosome alterations (mCA) and 226 males (5.08%) with acquired loss of chromosome Y (LOY). Individuals with clonal mosaic events (mCA and/or LOY) showed a 54% increase in the risk of COVID-19 lethality. LOY is associated with transcriptomic biomarkers of immune dysfunction, pro-coagulation activity and cardiovascular risk. Interferon-induced genes involved in the initial immune response to SARS-CoV-2 are also down-regulated in LOY. Thus, mCA and LOY underlie at least part of the sex-biased severity and mortality of COVID-19 in aging patients. Given its potential therapeutic and prognostic relevance, evaluation of clonal mosaicism should be implemented as biomarker of COVID-19 severity in elderly people. Among 9578 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in the SCOURGE study, individuals with clonal mosaic events (clonal mosaicism for chromosome alterations and/or loss of chromosome Y) showed an increased risk of COVID-19 lethality

Dietary α‐Linolenic Acid, Marine ω‐3 Fatty Acids, and Mortality in a Population With High Fish Consumption: Findings From the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea (PREDIMED) Study

Background: Epidemiological evidence suggests a cardioprotective role of α‐linolenic acid (ALA), a plant‐derived ω‐3 fatty acid. It is unclear whether ALA is beneficial in a background of high marine ω‐3 fatty acids (long‐chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) intake. In persons at high cardiovascular risk from Spain, a country in which fish consumption is customarily high, we investigated whether meeting the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids recommendation for dietary ALA (0.7% of total energy) at baseline was related to all‐cause and cardiovascular disease mortality. We also examined the effect of meeting the society's recommendation for long‐chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (≥500 mg/day). Methods and Results: We longitudinally evaluated 7202 participants in the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea (PREDIMED) trial. Multivariable‐adjusted Cox regression models were fitted to estimate hazard ratios. ALA intake correlated to walnut consumption (r=0.94). During a 5.9‐y follow‐up, 431 deaths occurred (104 cardiovascular disease, 55 coronary heart disease, 32 sudden cardiac death, 25 stroke). The hazard ratios for meeting ALA recommendation (n=1615, 22.4%) were 0.72 (95% CI 0.56–0.92) for all‐cause mortality and 0.95 (95% CI 0.58–1.57) for fatal cardiovascular disease. The hazard ratios for meeting the recommendation for long‐chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n=5452, 75.7%) were 0.84 (95% CI 0.67–1.05) for all‐cause mortality, 0.61 (95% CI 0.39–0.96) for fatal cardiovascular disease, 0.54 (95% CI 0.29–0.99) for fatal coronary heart disease, and 0.49 (95% CI 0.22–1.01) for sudden cardiac death. The highest reduction in all‐cause mortality occurred in participants meeting both recommendations (hazard ratio 0.63 [95% CI 0.45–0.87]). Conclusions: In participants without prior cardiovascular disease and high fish consumption, dietary ALA, supplied mainly by walnuts and olive oil, relates inversely to all‐cause mortality, whereas protection from cardiac mortality is limited to fish‐derived long‐chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Clinical Trial Registration URL: http://www.Controlled-trials.com/. Unique identifier: ISRCTN35739639

Habitat fragmentation and biodiversity in Spanish plateaus: a long-term perspective

El estudio a largo plazo de los efectos de la fragmentación del hábitat en un mismo territorio tiene dos ventajas: facilita la comprensión de procesos no siempre evidentes en aproximaciones puntuales y permite incorporar con rapidez nuevas ideas y metodologías en un laboratorio natural bien conocido. En este artículo describimos la progresión de nuestros estudios en un paisaje castellano de bosques fragmentados donde hemos trabajado durante las dos últimas décadas. Aprovechamos esta perspectiva histórica para comentar los planteamientos imperantes en cada momento y la forma en que los adaptamos a nuestros intereses. En ese camino hemos basculado entre el estudio de los patrones (distribución de especies, condición corporal o éxito reproductivo) y el estudio de los procesos (efectos de la abundancia, estructura del hábitat, dispersión, depredación, gregarismo y comportamiento), utilizando diferentes modelos (árboles, aves, reptiles y mamíferos) y metodologías (observaciones, manipulación del hábitat, reintroducciones o marcadores moleculares).The benefits of conducting long-term studies of the effects of habitat fragmentation in a single locality are twofold: such studies improve our knowledge of processes that are not always evident in snapshot approaches, plus they allow researchers to rapidly update their ideas and methods in a well-known natural laboratory. In this paper, we describe the progression of our research in a landscape of fragmented forests located in northern Spain, where we have worked during the last two decades. We take advantage of a historical perspective to comment on the scientific paradigms that framed habitat fragmentation research at different times, and the way we fitted our own research interests to such paradigms. Along this path, we have hopped between the description of patterns (from species’ distributions to variation in individual body condition or breeding success) and the analysis of processes (effects of abundance, habitat structure, dispersal, predation, sociality and other aspects of behaviour), for which we have used different model species (trees, birds, reptiles and mammals) and methods, including observation, habitat manipulation, reintroductions or molecular markers

Analgesia postoperatoria en la queiloplastia del lactante. Estudio comparativo: bloqueo infraorbitario intraoral bilateral con bupivacaína 0,25% con adrenalina vs. analgesia intravenosa con tramadol

Objective: To compare the effectiveness and length of bilateral intraoral blockade of the infraorbitary nerve versus standard intravenous analgesia with tramadol for the management of postoperative pain in breast-fed infants undergoing chieloplasty due to harelip. Material and methods: After conducting an adequate pre-anesthetic assessment and obtaining the informed consent from their parents, we performed a double-blind, randomized, controlled and randomized study in 25 ASA I infants with ages ranging from 3 to 10 months that were candidates to corrective harelip surgery (chieloplasty). All of them were pretreated half an hour before the surgical procedure with oral midazolan (0.5 mg.kg-1) and the same anesthesiologist performed the anesthetic technique and the nerve blockade in all the cases, this being inhaled induction with sevoflurane prior to venoclysis. General anesthesia was achieved with intravenous administration of atropine, fentanyl and rocuronium at the standard doses prior to endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. Patients were randomized to one of the following groups: Group A (n = 12): 1-2 ml of bupivacaine 0.25% plus adrenaline was administered for bilateral blockade of the intraorbitary nerve and intravenous saline solution instead of intravenous analgesia with tramadol. Group B (n = 13): saline solution was administered for nerve blockade, instead of bupivacaine, and intravenous tramadol (1.5 mg.kg-1) was provided as postoperative analgesia. All of the patients underwent general anesthesia with sevoflurane and fentanyl "on-demand" according to standard parameters (blood pressure, heart rate, pupil size, etc.). During the first six hours at Reanimation, length of analgesia, degree of discomfort and pain severity were assessed. The presence of complications or side effects was also recorded. Data were analyzed using the t Student and the χ² test. Results: No differences were found regarding demographic features. Analgesia lasted more in group A (7.3 ± 5.1 h) compared to group B (2.8 ± 2.2 h) (p < 0.01). Subjective assessment of pain severity was higher in group B (2.23 ± 0.83) compared to group A (0.66 ± 0.6) (p < 0.01). Degree of comfort, as assessed through an objective scale, was significantly greater in the group undergoing blockade with local anesthetic. Discussion: Anesthesia for neonates undergoing surgical reparation of harelip with intraoral bilateral blockade of the infraorbitary nerve is a safe, simple and quick technique that provides a lasting postoperative analgesia and also reduces the risks of respiratory depression, since it allows a lower use of opiate analgesics and, hence, an immediate and comfortable awakening.Objetivo: Comparar la eficacia y duración del bloqueo del nervio infraorbitario intraoral bilateral frente a la analgesia intravenosa convencional con tramadol en el control del dolor postoperatorio en lactantes sometidos a queiloplastia por labio leporino. Material y métodos: Tras la realización de una adecuada valoración preanestésica y la obtención del consentimiento informado de los padres, realizamos un estudio prospectivo, controlado aleatorizado y doble ciego en 25 niños, ASA I, con edades comprendidas entre los 3-10 meses, tras obtener el consentimiento informado de los padres, propuestos para cirugía correctora de labio leporino (queiloplastia). Todos ellos fueron premeditados, media hora antes de la intervención quirúrgica, con midazolan oral (0,5 mg.kg-1) y, en todos los casos, se practicó la técnica anestésica y el bloqueo nervioso por el mismo anestesiólogo, que consistió en una inducción inhalatoria con sevoflurano previa a la venoclisis. La anestesia general se completó con atropina, fentanilo y rocuronio a las dosis establecidas que se administraron, por vía intravenosa, previamente a la intubación endotraqueal y la ventilación mecánica. Los pacientes fueron divididos aleatoriamente en dos grupos: Grupo A (n = 12): se administró 1-2 ml de bupivacaína al 0,25% con adrenalina para el bloqueo infraorbitario bilateral y solución salina intravenosa como sustitutivo de la analgesia intravenosa con tramadol. Grupo B (n = 13): se administró solución salina para el bloqueo nervioso, en lugar de la bupivacaína, y tramadol intravenoso (1,5 mg.kg-1) como analgesia postoperatoria. En todos ellos se realizó anestesia general con sevoflurano y fentanilo "a demanda" según parámetros convencionales (tensión arterial, frecuencia cardiaca, tamaño pupilar, etc.). Durante sus primeras seis horas de estancia en Reanimación se valoró la duración de la analgesia, grado de disconfort e intensidad dolorosa. Además se anotó la aparición de cualquier complicación o efecto adverso. Los datos se analizaron mediante t Student y test χ². Resultados: No existieron diferencias en cuanto a las características demográficas. La duración de la analgesia fue mayor en el grupo A (7,3 ± 5,1 h) que en el grupo B (2,8 ± 2,2 h) (p < 0,01). La valoración subjetiva de la intensidad dolorosa fue mayor en el grupo B (2,23 ± 0,83) que en el grupo A (0,66 ± 0,6) (p < 0,01). El grado de confort, según escala objetiva, fue significativamente mayor en el grupo que recibió el bloqueo con anestésico local. Discusión: La anestesia para neonatos sometidos a reparación de labio leporino, empleando bloqueo bilateral intraoral del nervio infraorbitario es una técnica segura, simple y rápida, que permite una analgesia duradera en el postoperatorio a la vez que minimiza los riesgos de depresión respiratoria, ya que posibilita una reducción en la utilización de analgésicos opioides, permitiendo un inmediato y confortable despertar