Torus and AGN properties of nearby Seyfert galaxies: Results from fitting IR spectral energy distributions and spectroscopy

We used the CLUMPY torus models and a Bayesian approach to fit the infrared spectral energy distributions (SEDs) and ground-based high-angular resolution mid-infrared spectroscopy of 13 nearby Seyfert galaxies. This allowed us to put tight constraints on torus model parameters such as the viewing angle, the radial thickness of the torus Y, the angular size of the cloud distribution sigma_torus, and the average number of clouds along radial equatorial rays N_0. The viewing angle is not the only parameter controlling the classification of a galaxy into a type 1 or a type 2. In principle type 2s could be viewed at any viewing angle as long as there is one cloud along the line of sight. A more relevant quantity for clumpy media is the probability for an AGN photon to escape unabsorbed. In our sample, type 1s have relatively high escape probabilities, while in type 2s, as expected, tend to be low. Our fits also confirmed that the tori of Seyfert galaxies are compact with torus model radii in the range 1-6pc. The scaling of the models to the data also provided the AGN bolometric luminosities, which were found to be in good agreement with estimates from the literature. When we combined our sample of Seyfert galaxies with a sample of PG quasars from the literature to span a range of L_bol(AGN)~10^{43}-10^{47}erg/s, we found plausible evidence of the receding torus. That is, there is a tendency for the torus geometrical covering factor to be lower at high AGN luminosities than at low AGN luminosities. This is because at low AGN luminosities the tori appear to have wider angular sizes and more clouds along radial equatorial rays. We cannot, however rule out the possibility that this is due to contamination by extended dust structures not associated with the dusty torus at low AGN luminosities, since most of these in our sample are hosted in highly inclined galaxies. (Abridged)Comment: Accepted for publication in Ap

First modern human settlement recorded in the Iberian hinterland occurred during Heinrich Stadial 2 within harsh environmental conditions

As the south-westernmost region of Europe, the Iberian Peninsula stands as a key area for understanding the process of modern human dispersal into Eurasia. However, the precise timing, ecological setting and cultural context of this process remains controversial concerning its spatiotemporal distribution within the different regions of the peninsula. While traditional models assumed that the whole Iberian hinterland was avoided by modern humans due to ecological factors until the retreat of the Last Glacial Maximum, recent research has demonstrated that hunter-gatherers entered the Iberian interior at least during Solutrean times. We provide a multi-proxy geoarchaeological, chronometric and paleoecological study on human–environment interactions based on the key site of Peña Capón (Guadalajara, Spain). Results show (1) that this site hosts the oldest modern human presence recorded to date in central Iberia, associated to pre-Solutrean cultural traditions around 26, 000 years ago, and (2) that this presence occurred during Heinrich Stadial 2 within harsh environmental conditions. These findings demonstrate that this area of the Iberian hinterland was recurrently occupied regardless of climate and environmental variability, thus challenging the widely accepted hypothesis that ecological risk hampered the human settlement of the Iberian interior highlands since the first arrival of modern humans to Southwest Europe. © 2021, The Author(s)

First modern human settlement recorded in the Iberian hinterland occurred during Heinrich Stadial 2 within harsh environmental conditions

As the south-westernmost region of Europe, the Iberian Peninsula stands as a key area for understanding the process of modern human dispersal into Eurasia. However, the precise timing, ecological setting and cultural context of this process remains controversial concerning its spatiotemporal distribution within the different regions of the peninsula. While traditional models assumed that the whole Iberian hinterland was avoided by modern humans due to ecological factors until the retreat of the Last Glacial Maximum, recent research has demonstrated that hunter-gatherers entered the Iberian interior at least during Solutrean times. We provide a multi-proxy geoarchaeological, chronometric and paleoecological study on human?environment interactions based on the key site of Peña Capón (Guadalajara, Spain). Results show (1) that this site hosts the oldest modern human presence recorded to date in central Iberia, associated to pre-Solutrean cultural traditions around 26,000 years ago, and (2) that this presence occurred during Heinrich Stadial 2 within harsh environmental conditions. These findings demonstrate that this area of the Iberian hinterland was recurrently occupied regardless of climate and environmental variability, thus challenging the widely accepted hypothesis that ecological risk hampered the human settlement of the Iberian interior highlands since the first arrival of modern humans to Southwest Europe.Tis research was carried out in the context of the ERC MULTIPALEOIBERIA project, funded by the European Research Council (ERC-2018-STG-805478), and the PALEOINTERIOR project, funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (HAR2017-82483-C3-3-P)

On-Surface Driven Formal Michael Addition Produces m-Polyaniline Oligomers on Pt(111)

On-surface synthesis is emerging as a highly rational bottom-up methodology for the synthesis of molecular structures that are unattainable or complex to obtain by wet chemistry. Here, oligomers of meta-polyaniline, a known ferromagnetic polymer, were synthesized from para-aminophenol building-blocks via an unexpected and highly specific on-surface formal 1, 4 Michael-type addition at the meta position, driven by the reduction of the aminophenol molecule. We rationalize this dehydrogenation and coupling reaction mechanism with a combination of in situ scanning tunneling and non-contact atomic force microscopies, high-resolution synchrotron-based X-ray photoemission spectroscopy and first-principles calculations. This study demonstrates the capability of surfaces to selectively modify local molecular conditions to redirect well-established synthetic routes, such as Michael coupling, towards the rational synthesis of new covalent nanostructures

Measuring the Progress and Success of Regional Health Policies: PRARI Toolkit of Indicators for the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR)

PRARI is a social development research project that looks at world-regional social governance, politics, and policy. PRARI brings together an international team of researchers studying the scope for enhancing the effectiveness of the contributions of Southern regional organisations to poverty reduction. It receives funding from the ESRC

EN-DALBACEN 2.0 Cohort: real-life study of dalbavancin as sequential/consolidation therapy in patients with infective endocarditis due to Gram-positive cocci

Objectives: Infective endocarditis (IE) has high mortality and morbidity and requires long hospital stays to deliver the antibiotic treatment recommended in clinical practice guidelines. We aimed to analyse the health outcomes of the use of dalbavancin (DBV) in the consolidation treatment of IEs caused by Gram-positive cocci and to perform a pharmacoeconomic study. Materials and methods: This observational, retrospective, Spanish multicentre study in patients with IE who received DBV as part of antibiotic treatment in consolidation phase were followed for at least 12 months. The study was approved by the Provincial Committee of the coordinating centre. Results: The study included 124 subjects, 70.2% male, with a mean age of 67.4 years and median Charlson index of 4 (interquartile range: 2.5-6). Criteria for definite IE were met by 91.1%. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (38.8%), Staphylococcus aureus (22.6%), Enterococcus faecalis (19.4%), and Streptococcus Spp. (9.7%) were isolated more frequently, all susceptible to vancomycin. Before DVB administration, 91.2% had undergone surgery; 60.5% had received a second regimen for 24.5 d (16.6-56); and 20.2% had received a third regimen for 14.5 d (12-19.5). DBV was administered to facilitate discharge in 95.2% of cases. At 12 months, the effectiveness was of 95.9%, and there was 0.8% loss to follow-up, 0.8% IE-related death, and 3.2% relapse. Adverse events were recorded in 3.2%. The hospital stay was reduced by 14 d, and there was a mean savings of 5548.57 €/patient vs. conventional treatments. Conclusion: DBV is highly effective, safe, and cost-effective as consolidation therapy in patients with IE by Gram-positive cocci, with few adverse events

Quasiexperimental intervention study protocol to optimise the use of new antibiotics in Spain: the NEW_SAFE project

Introduction Ceftaroline, tedizolid, dalbavancin, ceftazidime-avibactam and ceftolozane-tazobactam are novel antibiotics used to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens (MDR). Their use should be supervised and monitored as part of an antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP). Appropriate use of the new antibiotics will be improved by including consensual indications for their use in local antibiotic guidelines, together with educational interventions providing advice to prescribers to ensure that the recommendations are clearly understood. Methods and analysis This study will be implemented in two phases. First, a preliminary historical cohort (2017-2019) of patients from 13 Andalusian hospitals treated with novel antibiotics will be analysed. Second, a quasiexperimental intervention study will be developed with an interrupted time-series analysis (2020-2021). The intervention will consist of an educational interview between prescribers and ASP leaders at each hospital to reinforce the proper use of novel antibiotics. The educational intervention will be based on a consensus guideline designed and disseminated by leaders after the retrospective cohort data have been analysed. The outcomes will be acceptance of the intervention and appropriateness of prescription. Incidence of infection and colonisation with MDR organisms as well as incidence ofClostridioides difficileinfection will also be analysed. Changes in prescription quality between periods and the safety profile of the antibiotics in terms of mortality rate and readmissions will also be measured. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval will be obtained from the Andalusian Coordinating Institutional Review Board. The study is being conducted in compliance with the protocol and regulatory requirements consistent with International Council of Harmonisation E6 Good Clinical Practice and the ethical principles of the latest version of the Declaration of Helsinki. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at national and international conferences

Monitoring Pro-Poor Health-Policy Success in UNASUR

Monitoring pro-poor health policies at the regional level is essential for both countries and the regional bodies themselves, by identifying the issues related to the policy guidelines, the approach to health or information flows, as well as understanding implementation mechanisms of health policies at the local level. In order to address poverty and health problems, and strengthen ties between regional organizations and member countries, it is essential to generate mechanisms to track accountability to commitments and exchange of information to support the monitoring and evaluation of activities. Since its creation, UNASUR through the South American Health Council (CSS) has invested political and human resources in the area of health. The Five Year Plan 2010-2015 of the CSS, despite a number of pending activities, is the demonstration of this commitment. Added to this are the new activities the CSS gradually developed, which complement the work of the Council, such as their incursions in global health diplomacy. However, policy directions are still guided by the original values and principles included in the 2010-2015 health work plan. The “Poverty Reduction and Regional Integration” (PRARI) project presents an opportunity to generate a monitoring system that is based on existing needs in the region and supports the link between the countries and UNASUR, as well as UNASUR’s position at the global level. The aim of the PRARI project is to support the development of a monitoring system in collaboration with key stakeholders in the region. The focus will be the actions of the CSS in key policy areas such as primary health care, pharmaceutical policies and surveillance systems. Global processes such as those pertaining to the incoming sustainable development goals (SDGs) wil also be considered. In order for this indicator-based monitoring system to be effective and have an impact, it requires ‘regional ownership’ and the active participation of regional and national experts throughout the process of indicator development, implementation and evaluation. Furthermore, institutional support from UNASUR and its Member States, the main beneficiaries of this process, is critical for the monitoring system to be fully operational

Prevalence of rhinitis and asthma respiratory symptoms in Spanish working population

Licencia para reproducir, transmitir y exhibir los documentos para cualquier propósito responsable sin fines de lucro, con la condición del reconocimiento apropiado de los créditos a la revista.[ES] Introducción: en salud laboral interesa conocer la prevalencia de los síntomas respiratorios relacionados con la rinitis y el asma en trabajadores españoles y sus variaciones por factores demográfi cos y laborales. El objetivo de esta investigación fue interrelacionar los síntomas respiratorios de vías altas y bajas. Métodos: se solicitó a 2603 trabajadores de distintos sectores y provincias españolas contestar una encuesta que fue supervisada por un médico del trabajo. Resultados: 438 trabajadores presentaron síntomas nasales crónicos (16.9 %) y 193 (7.5 %), síntomas pulmonares. De los 438 con síntomas nasales, 124 (28.3 %) presentaron síntomas pulmonares. Se observaron variaciones en los síntomas nasales por sexo, sector profesional, área de trabajo, tabaquismo y variaciones en los síntomas pulmonares por sector laboral, con mayor prevalencia en el sanitario, postal y transporte, en comparación con los sectores de la construcción, mueble o el metal. Conclusiones: la prevalencia de los síntomas nasales en la población trabajadora fue más elevada que la de los síntomas pulmonares. Los trabajadores afectados estaban infratratados, a pesar de padecer síntomas. Se observó interrelación entre los síntomas pulmonares y nasales de los trabajadores afectados.[EN] Objective: the aims were to examine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms associated with rhinitis and asthma in Spanish workers and its variations by age, sex, work sector, location in the workplace, smok- ing habits and the relationship between symptoms in the upper and lower respiratory tract. Methods: the sample was of 2603 workers in different sectors and regions throughout the country. They agreed and answered the ques- tions regarding respiratory symptoms, with the supervision of the com- pany s physician. Results: chronic nasal symptoms were present in 438 workers (16.9 %); 193 (7.5 %) had pulmonary symptoms. With nasal and pulmonary symp- toms were 124 patients (28.3 %). Likewise, of the 190 workers with pulmonary symptoms, 124 (64.2 %) had also nasal manifestations. We observed variations in nasal symptoms by sex, professional sector, work area and smoking habits, and variations in pulmonary symptoms by work sector. A higher prevalence was noted in the healthcare, postal, and transport sector as opposed to the construction, furniture or metal sector. Conclusions: the prevalence of nasal symptoms was higher than that of pulmonary symptoms in the working population. The workers affected by these pathologies were not treated adequately, despite they were pre- senting symptoms. We observed a relationship between pulmonary and nasal symptomsVicente Herrero, MT.; Prieto Andrés, L.; López González, ÁA.; Pérez Francés, C.; Ramirez Iñiguez De La Torre, MV.; Santamaria Navarro, C.; Terradillos García, MJ.... (2014). Síntomas respiratorios de rinitis y asma en población laboral española. Revista Medica- Instituto Mexicano Del Seguro Social. 52(1):50-59. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/62647S505952

Quasiexperimental intervention study protocol to optimise the use of new antibiotics in Spain: the NEW_SAFE project

[Introduction] Ceftaroline, tedizolid, dalbavancin, ceftazidime-avibactam and ceftolozane-tazobactam are novel antibiotics used to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens (MDR). Their use should be supervised and monitored as part of an antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP). Appropriate use of the new antibiotics will be improved by including consensual indications for their use in local antibiotic guidelines, together with educational interventions providing advice to prescribers to ensure that the recommendations are clearly understood.[Methods and analysis] This study will be implemented in two phases. First, a preliminary historical cohort (2017–2019) of patients from 13 Andalusian hospitals treated with novel antibiotics will be analysed. Second, a quasiexperimental intervention study will be developed with an interrupted time-series analysis (2020–2021). The intervention will consist of an educational interview between prescribers and ASP leaders at each hospital to reinforce the proper use of novel antibiotics. The educational intervention will be based on a consensus guideline designed and disseminated by leaders after the retrospective cohort data have been analysed. The outcomes will be acceptance of the intervention and appropriateness of prescription. Incidence of infection and colonisation with MDR organisms as well as incidence of Clostridioides difficile infection will also be analysed. Changes in prescription quality between periods and the safety profile of the antibiotics in terms of mortality rate and readmissions will also be measured.[Ethics and dissemination] Ethical approval will be obtained from the Andalusian Coordinating Institutional Review Board. The study is being conducted in compliance with the protocol and regulatory requirements consistent with International Council of Harmonisation E6 Good Clinical Practice and the ethical principles of the latest version of the Declaration of Helsinki. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at national and international conferences.[Trial registration number] NCT03941951; Pre-results.The study is funded by the Consejería de Salud, Junta de Andalucía, grant PI-0077-2018. The investigators also receive funds for research from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Subdirección General de Redes y Centros de Investigación Cooperativa, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Spanish Network for Research in Infectious Diseases (REIPI RD16/0016/0001) through the Plan Nacional de I+D+ i 2013‐2016, cofinanced by European Development Regional Fund “A way to achieve Europe”, Operative program Intelligent Growth 2014‐2020