Mn-Fe dual metal-organic framework based on trimesic acid as a high-performance electrode for lithium metal batteries.

A novel Mn-Fe dual metal-organic framework (Mn-Fe-BTC DMOF) was synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method and employed as a cathode material in lithium metal batteries. The Mn-Fe-BTC DMOF exhibited a high initial capacity (1385 mA h g-1) and after 100 cycles (687 mA h g-1), demonstrating its potential for high-performance energy storage devices.

Bacterial Responses and Material-Cell Interplays With Novel MoAlB@MBene.

Developing efficient antibacterial nanomaterials has potential across diverse fields, but it requires a deeper understanding of material-bacteria interactions. In this study, a novel 2D core-shell MoAlB@MBene structure is synthesized using a mild wet-chemical etching approach. The growth of E. coli, S. aureus, and B. subtilis bacteria in the presence of MoAlB@MBene decreased in a concentration-dependent manner, with a prolonged lag phase in the initial 6 h of incubation. Even under dark conditions, MoAlB@MBene triggered the formation of intercellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and singlet oxygen (1O2) in bacteria, while the bacteria protected themselves by forming biofilm and altering cell morphology. The MoAlB@MBene shows consistent light absorption across the visible range, along with a distinctive UV absorption edge. Two types of band gaps are identified: direct (1.67 eV) and indirect (0.74 eV), which facilitate complex light interactions with MoAlB@MBene. Exposure to simulated white light led to decreased viability rates of E. coli (20.6%), S. aureus (22.9%), and B. subtilis (21.4%). Altogether, the presented study enhances the understanding of bacteria responses in the presence of light-activated 2D nanomaterials.

[The relevant role of caregivers of patients using opioid analgesics]. / El relevante papel de los cuidadores de pacientes usuarios de analgésicos opioides.

Aging is a global reality that is accompanied by an increase in polypharmacy. In this vital stage, caregivers emerge as relevant actors since their intervention impacts on the safety of the medication use process and on the quality of life of the patient they assist. As the knowledge about the treatments that caregivers supervise for the patient under their care conditions the health outcomes of the medications, the main objective of this study is to characterize the caregivers of patients who use opioid analgesics and to identify factors that increase the risk of the appearance of Medication Related Problems (DRP).The results reveal that the caregiver profile affects the health outcomes of this therapeutic group in both the prevalence and type of DRP. Of the 63 patients using opioid analgesics under pharmacotherapeutic follow-up during this study, 17 (27%) had caregivers. The caregiver in this study was predominantly female (61.1%).Considering DRP and kinship, a higher prevalence of DRP was observed when the caregivers were children or external personnel.Analyzing the pharmacotherapy of these caregivers, 4.8% have started antidepressant treatment, 3.2% hypnotic treatment after becoming caregivers of these patients. The Zarit Test reveals that 29.4% of the caregivers of these patients manifest overload.We conclude that Pharmaceutical Care should consider the opportunity and relevance of designing and implementing intervention and education protocols focused on caregivers.

National Study of Fournier Gangrene in Spain (2016-2021): Gender/Sex Differences in Mortality and Risks.

Background and Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze sex differences in risk factors associated with hospital mortality in patients with Fournier gangrene (FG). Materials and Methods: A retrospective population-based study (2016-2021) included FG hospitalizations in Spain. To identify the risk factors, we used multivariable logistic regression and reported adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: There were 3644 admissions for FG during the study period (82.5% men and 17.5% women). The mean hospitalization rate per 1000 admissions/year was 0.23 for men and 0.05 for women, and the mean hospitalization rate per 100,000 inhabitants/year was 2.7 for men and 0.4 in women. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (44.9%) and diabetes mellitus (35.6%). The main complications were sepsis (22.1%), 29.8% were admitted to the intensive care unit and 16.1% died. Mortality was higher in women (aOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.07-1.63). The main independent risk factors for mortality in the entire sample were older age, neoplasms, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, sepsis, acute kidney injury, and admission to the intensive care unit. In women, they were older age, leukemia, sepsis, acute kidney injury, and admission to the intensive care unit. Conclusions: The overall FG mortality rate was slightly higher in women than in men, people aged >64 years, people with chronic kidney disease, sepsis, and acute kidney injury, and admission to the intensive care unit. The independent factors associated with mortality in women were similar in both sexes.

Allogenic bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cell-based therapy for patients with chronic low back pain: a prospective, multicentre, randomised placebo controlled trial (RESPINE study).

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of a single intradiscal injection of allogeneic bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) versus a sham placebo in patients with chronic low back pain (LBP). METHODS: Participants were randomised in a prospective, double-blind, controlled study to receive either sham injection or intradiscal injection of 20 million allogeneic BM-MSC, between April 2018 and December 2022. The first co-primary endpoint was the rate of responders defined by improvement of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain of at least 20% and 20 mm, or improvement of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) of 20% between baseline and month 12. The secondary structural co-primary endpoint was assessed by the disc fluid content measured by quantitative MRI T2, between baseline and month 12. Secondary endpoints included pain VAS, ODI, the Short Form (SF)-36 and the minimal clinically important difference in all timepoints (1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months). We determined the immune response associated with allogeneic cell injection between baseline and 6 months. Serious adverse events (SAEs) were recorded. RESULTS: 114 patients were randomised (n=58, BM-MSC group; n=56, sham placebo group). At 12 months, the primary outcome was not reached (74% in the BM-MSC group vs 69% in the placebo group; p=0.77). The groups did not differ in all secondary outcomes. No SAE related to the intervention occurred. CONCLUSIONS: While our study did not conclusively demonstrate the efficacy of allogeneic BM-MSCs for LBP, the procedure was safe. Long-term outcomes of MSC therapy for LBP are still being studied. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: EudraCT 2017-002092-25/ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03737461.

A Pilot Study of Saliva MicroRNA Signatures in Children with Moderate-to-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

Background/Objectives: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability in children. Currently, no biological test can predict outcomes in pediatric TBI, complicating medical management. This study sought to identify brain-related micro-ribosomal nucleic acids (miRNAs) in saliva associated with moderate-to-severe TBI in children, offering a potential non-invasive, prognostic tool. Methods: A case-control design was used, enrolling participants ≤ 18 years old from three pediatric trauma centers. Participants were divided into moderate-to-severe TBI and non-TBI trauma control groups. Saliva samples were collected within 24 h of injury, with additional samples at 24-48 h and >48 h post-injury from the TBI group. miRNA profiles were visualized with partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLSDA) and hierarchical clustering. Mann-Whitney testing was used to compare miRNAs between groups, and mixed models were used to assess longitudinal expression patterns. DIANA miRPath v3.0 was used to interrogate the physiological functions of miRNAs. Results: Twenty-three participants were enrolled (14 TBI, nine controls). TBI and control groups displayed complete separation of miRNA profiles on PLSDA. Three miRNAs were elevated (adj. p < 0.05) in TBI (miR-1255b-5p, miR-3142, and miR-4320), and two were lower (miR-326 and miR-4646-5p). Three miRNAs (miR-3907, miR-4254, and miR-1273g-5p) showed temporal changes post-injury. Brain-related targets of these miRNAs included the glutamatergic synapse and GRIN2B. Conclusions: This study shows that saliva miRNA profiles in children with moderate-to-severe TBI may differ from those with non-TBI trauma and exhibit temporal changes post-injury. These miRNAs could serve as non-invasive biomarkers for prognosticating pediatric TBI outcomes. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Assessment of contaminants of emerging concern and antibiotic resistance genes in the Mapocho River (Chile): A comprehensive study on water quality and municipal wastewater impact.

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the persistence and elimination of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) in municipal wastewater treatment plants (MWWTPs) and their presence in the Mapocho River within the metropolitan area of Santiago, Chile. The use of advanced analytical techniques, based on liquid chromatography coupled to both low and high-resolution mass spectrometry, allowed a comprehensive overview on the presence of CECs in samples. Additionally, a preliminary assessment of the microbiological aspects aimed to determine the presence of indicator microorganisms of fecal contamination, such as Escherichia coli and total coliforms was conducted. Furthermore, a qualitative assessment of Antibiotic Resistant Genes (ARGs) was performed. No CECs were detected upstream to the MWWTPs. However, the results from various wastewater samples (influent, secondary, and tertiary effluents) revealed significant diversity, with 73 CECs detected alongside prevalent ARGs including sulI, sulfII, qnrB, and blaTEM. The presence of CECs and ARGs downstream of the MWWTP in the Mapocho River was mainly attributed to effluent discharge. On the other hand, typical values for a healthy river and a MWWTP with a final disinfection stage were found in terms of fecal contamination. Consequently, the imperative for developing tertiary or quaternary treatments capable of degrading CECs and ARGs to minimize environmental impact is underscored. These findings hold public health significance, offering insights into potential risks and influencing future legislative measures in Chile.

[Pharmaceutical Interventions in Benzodiazepine users during the COVID-19 Pandemic]. / Intervenciones farmacéuticas en usuarios de benzodiacepinas durante la pandemia COVID-19.

Introduction: Pharmaceutical Intervention aims to optimize and rationalize the use, effectiveness, and safety of dispensed medications resolving drug-related problems (DRPs) and negative medicine outcomes (NMOs). Objectives: To evaluate Pharmaceutical Interventions in Benzodiazepines users during the COVID-19 pandemic from a Community Pharmacy. Method: Prospective observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study (AEMPS code: DAA-CLO-2020-01) of Pharmaceutical Interventions offered by the community pharmacy between August 2020 and February 2021. Results: A total of 306 Pharmaceutical Interventions were conducted involving 127 patients. Health education and personalized medication information were the most common Pharmaceutical Interventions after detecting a high level of unfamiliarity with the Benzodiazepines among patients. Pharmaceutical Interventions leading to medical referrals accounted for 37.8% of the total, triggered by the detection of DRPs and/or NMOs or after identifying the patient as candidate for deprescription. These referrals included patients with a very high level of depression according to the Euroqol 5D-3L test. Pharmaceutical Interventions resulting in Medication Review with Follow-up Service were performed in 3.1% of patients. The patient acceptance rate of Pharmaceutical Interventions reached 98.4%. Conclusions: The high acceptance rate of Pharmaceutical Interventions reinforces the value of Community Pharmacy in optimizing and rationalizing Benzodiazepines usage, while strengthening the pharmacist-patient relationship. The COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges to pharmacist-physician collaboration despite of the availability of telecommunication protocols among healthcare professionals.

Risk Characterization in Patients Using Benzodiazepines While Providing Pharmaceutical Care Dispensing Service.

BACKGROUND: Tolerance and dependence stand out as the most relevant risks observed during benzodiazepine (BZD) treatments. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the degree of dependence of patients on BZD treatments using the Tyrer test; to define a profile of patients at risk of developing BZD dependence; and to discuss the role of the pharmaceutical care offered by the community pharmacy during dispensing. METHODS: Prospective cross-sectional descriptive observational study (August 2020-February 2021) involving 127 patients using BZD. They voluntarily answered a questionnaire during the dispensing pharmaceutical care service. The study was evaluated and codified (code: DAA-CLO-2020-01) by the Spanish Agency for Drugs and Health Products (AEMPS), and statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 25.0. RESULTS: 19.05% of patients using BZD were suspected of suffering from BZD tolerance, and 77.88% of all patients were identified as being at a high risk of BZD dependence. The Tyrer test for dependence indicated a mean score of 5.59 out of 13 points. An 18-fold increased risk of developing dependence was detected in the case of coexistence of high anxiety or depression. CONCLUSIONS: The community pharmacy, through protocolized care practices and supported by tools such as the Tyrer test, can play a decisive role in the detection, prevention, and resolution of the risks associated with BZD treatments.

Template-assisted synthesis of hollow anthraquinone-based covalent organic frameworks for aqueous zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors.

Anthraquinone-based hollow COFs were synthesized via a template-assisted method involving polystyrene nanospheres as the hard template, which enabled doubling the specific capacitance and energy density compared to non-templated COFs. Our approach can be extended to other COFs, offering a promising strategy for enhancing the performance of COF-based electrodes in energy storage applications.

Thermally and Photoinduced Spin-Crossover Behavior in Iron(II)-Silver(I) Cyanido-Bridged Coordination Polymers Bearing Acetylpyridine Ligands.

We report two new cyanido-bridged Fe(II)-Ag(I) coordination polymers using different acetylpyridine isomers, {Fe(4acpy)2[Ag(CN)2]2} 1 and {Fe(3acpy)[Ag(CN)2]2} 2 (4acpy = 4-acetylpyridine; 3acpy = 3-acetylpyridine) displaying thermally and photoinduced spin crossover (SCO). In both cases, the acetylpyridine ligand directs the coordination polymer structure and the SCO of the materials. Using 4-acetylpyridine, a two-dimensional (2D) structure is observed in 1 made of layers stacked on each other by silver-ketone interactions leading to a complete SCO and reversible thermally and photoswitching of the magnetic and optical properties. Changing the acetyl group to a 3-position, a completely different structure is obtained for 2. The unexpected coordination of the carbonyl group to the Fe(II) centers induces a three-dimensional (3D) structure, leading to statistical disorder around the Fe(II) with three different coordination spheres, [N6], [N4O2], and [N5O]. This disorder gives rise to an incomplete thermally induced SCO with a poor photoswitchability. These results demonstrate that the choice of the acetyl position on the pyridine dictates the structural characteristics of the compounds with a direct impact on the SCO behavior. Remarkably, this work opens interesting perspectives for the future design of Fe-Ag cyanido coordination polymers with judiciously substituted pyridine ligands to tune the thermally and photoinduced SCO properties.

Measuring spatial navigation during locomotion in children: A systematic review.

Spatial navigation allows us to move around our environment, walking being the most advanced form of human locomotion. Over the years, a range of tools has been developed to study spatial navigation in children. Aim. To describe the role of locomotion during the assessment of spatial navigation in children, providing an overview of the instruments available for assessing spatial navigation in typically developing children and those with neurodevelopmental disorders. Methods and Procedures. A systematic search was performed in six electronic databases between December 2022 and February 2023, then updated in July 2023. Cross-sectional and observational studies were included. Outcomes and results. Of the 3,385 studies screened, 47 were selected for this review. Five studies described the influence of locomotion on spatial navigation, and seven studies included locomotion as an explanatory variable in this area. Most studies focused on children from five to twelve years old, whereas only nine were centred on infants and preschoolers. Just eight assessed spatial abilities in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Conclusions and implications. Children with or at risk of neurodevelopmental impairments show poorer spatial navigation skills. Having the choice to actively explore the space is more important than the way they locomote. It is necessary to have tools to assess spatial navigation during locomotion early in infancy.

Revisiting Epigenetics Fundamentals and Its Biomedical Implications.

In light of the post-genomic era, epigenetics brings about an opportunity to better understand how the molecular machinery works and is led by a complex dynamic set of mechanisms, often intricate and complementary in many aspects. In particular, epigenetics links developmental biology and genetics, as well as many other areas of knowledge. The present work highlights substantial scopes and relevant discoveries related to the development of the term from its first notions. To our understanding, the concept of epigenetics needs to be revisited, as it is one of the most relevant and multifaceted terms in human knowledge. To redirect future novel experimental or theoretical efforts, it is crucial to compile all significant issues that could impact human and ecological benefit in the most precise and accurate manner. In this paper, the reader can find one of the widest compilations of the landmarks and epistemic considerations of the knowledge of epigenetics across the history of biology from the earliest epigenetic formulation to genetic determinism until the present. In the present work, we link the current body of knowledge and earlier pre-genomic concepts in order to propose a new definition of epigenetics that is faithful to its regulatory nature.

Iron-Reduced Graphene Oxide Core-Shell Micromotors Designed for Magnetic Guidance and Photothermal Therapy under Second Near-Infrared Light.

Core-shell micro/nanomotors have garnered significant interest in biomedicine owing to their versatile task-performing capabilities. However, their effectiveness for photothermal therapy (PTT) still faces challenges because of their poor tumor accumulation, lower light-to-heat conversion, and due to the limited penetration of near-infrared (NIR) light. In this study, we present a novel core-shell micromotor that combines magnetic and photothermal properties. It is synthesized via the template-assisted electrodeposition of iron (Fe) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on a microtubular pore-shaped membrane. The resulting Fe-rGO micromotor consists of a core of oval-shaped zero-valent iron nanoparticles with large magnetization. At the same time, the outer layer has a uniform reduced graphene oxide (rGO) topography. Combined, these Fe-rGO core-shell micromotors respond to magnetic forces and near-infrared (NIR) light (1064 nm), achieving a remarkable photothermal conversion efficiency of 78% at a concentration of 434 µg mL-1. They can also carry doxorubicin (DOX) and rapidly release it upon NIR irradiation. Additionally, preliminary results regarding the biocompatibility of these micromotors through in vitro tests on a 3D breast cancer model demonstrate low cytotoxicity and strong accumulation. These promising results suggest that such Fe-rGO core-shell micromotors could hold great potential for combined photothermal therapy.

Assessment of Untargeted Metabolomics by Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry to Define Breast Cancer Liquid Biopsy-Based Biomarkers in Plasma Samples.

An early diagnosis of cancer is fundamental not only in regard to reducing its mortality rate but also in terms of counteracting the progression of the tumor in the initial stages. Breast cancer (BC) is the most common tumor pathology in women and the second deathliest cancer worldwide, although its survival rate is increasing thanks to improvements in screening programs. However, the most common techniques to detect a breast tumor tend to be time-consuming, unspecific or invasive. Herein, the use of untargeted hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis appears as an analytical technique with potential use for the early detection of biomarkers in liquid biopsies from BC patients. In this research, plasma samples from 134 BC patients were compared with 136 from healthy controls (HC), and multivariate statistical analyses showed a clear separation between four BC phenotypes (LA, LB, HER2, and TN) and the HC group. As a result, we identified two candidate biomarkers that discriminated between the groups under study with a VIP > 1 and an AUC of 0.958. Thus, targeting the specific aberrant metabolic pathways in future studies may allow for better molecular stratification or early detection of the disease.

Pitahaya (Hylocereus ocamponis)-Peel and -Flesh Flour Obtained from Fruit Co-Products-Assessment of Chemical, Techno-Functional and In Vitro Antioxidant Properties.

The aim of this work was to assess the chemical composition and physico-chemical, techno-functional, and in vitro antioxidant properties of flours obtained from the peel and flesh of pitahaya (Hylocereus ocamponis) to determine their potential for use as ingredients for food enrichment. The chemical composition, including total betalains, mineral content, and polyphenolic profile, was determined. The techno-functional properties (water holding, oil holding, and swelling capacities) were also evaluated. For the antioxidant capacity, four different methodologies, namely ferrous ion-chelating ability assay, ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay; 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging ability assay, and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical assay, were used. Pitahaya-peel flour had higher values for protein (6.72 g/100 g), ash (11.63 g/100 g), and dietary fiber 56.56 g/100 g) than pitahaya-flesh flour, with values of 6.06, 3.63, and 8.22 g/100 g for protein, ash, and dietary fiber, respectively. In the same way, pitahaya peel showed a higher content of minerals, betalains, and polyphenolic compounds than pitahaya-flesh flour, with potassium (4.43 g/100 g), catechin (25.85 mg/g), quercetin-3-rhamnoside (11.66 mg/g) and myricetrin (12.10 mg/g) as principal compounds found in the peel. Again, pitahaya-peel flour showed better techno-functional and antioxidant properties than pitahaya-flesh flour. The results obtained suggest that the flours obtained from the peel and pulp of pitahaya (H. ocamponis) constitute a potential material to be utilized as an ingredient in the food industry due to the high content of bioactive compounds such as betalains, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, with notable antioxidant capacity.

Li Promoting Long Afterglow Organic Light-Emitting Transistor for Memory Optocoupler Module.

The artificial brain is conceived as advanced intelligence technology, capable to emulate in-memory processes occurring in the human brain by integrating synaptic devices. Within this context, improving the functionality of synaptic transistors to increase information processing density in neuromorphic chips is a major challenge in this field. In this article, Li-ion migration promoting long afterglow organic light-emitting transistors, which display exceptional postsynaptic brightness of 7000 cd m-2 under low operational voltages of 10 V is presented. The postsynaptic current of 0.1 mA operating as a built-in threshold switch is implemented as a firing point in these devices. The setting-condition-triggered long afterglow is employed to drive the photoisomerization process of photochromic molecules that mimic neurotransmitter transfer in the human brain for realizing a key memory rule, that is, the transition from long-term memory to permanent memory. The combination of setting-condition-triggered long afterglow with photodiode amplifiers is also processed to emulate the human responding action after the setting-training process. Overall, the successful integration in neuromorphic computing comprising stimulus judgment, photon emission, transition, and encoding,  to emulate the complicated decision tree of the human brain is demonstrated.

Scabies in Infants: Series of 51 Cases.

We conducted a two-year retrospective evaluation of infants aged under two years with a confirmed, clinical, or suspected diagnosis of scabies in a healthcare center in Alicante (Spain) to determine possible factors associated with diagnostic delay and poor treatment response. We collected epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, and treatment variables. After describing our findings as mean values and percentages, we compared categorical variables using the Student's t-test and the Mann-Whitney U test, and we compared continuous variables with the Chi2 test and Pearson's correlation coefficient. We included 51 infants (19 boys and 32 girls) with a mean age of 15 months. The main source of contagion was the family; half of the infants lived with four or more people. According to the International Consensus Criteria for the Diagnosis of Scabies, confirmed scabies was diagnosed in 45% of cases and clinical scabies in 47%, and 45% of cases had a diagnostic delay. Lesions mainly affected the hands, feet, and trunk, with papules in 92% of cases and burrows in 55%. The predominant symptoms were pruritus (94%) and irritability (69%). Regarding treatment, 98% of the infants received topical permethrin and 35% received oral ivermectin. Treatment failed in 76% of infants. Living in large family units was associated with a higher risk of contagion and therapeutic failure. Diagnostic delay was associated with previous misdiagnosis.

Boosting Zinc Hybrid Supercapacitor Performance via Thiol Functionalization of Graphene-Based Cathodes.

Zinc hybrid supercapacitors (Zn-HSCs) hold immense potential toward the next-generation energy storage systems, effectively spanning the divide between conventional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and supercapacitors. Unfortunately, the energy density of most of Zn-HSCs has not yet rivalled the levels observed in LIBs. The electrochemical performance of aqueous Zn-HSCs can be enhanced through the chemical functionalization of graphene-based cathode materials with thiol moieties as they will be highly suitable for favoring Zn2+ adsorption/desorption. Here, a single-step reaction is employed to synthesize thiol-functionalized reduced graphene oxide (rGOSH), incorporating both oxygen functional groups (OFGs) and thiol functionalities, as demonstrated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies. Electrochemical analysis reveals that rGOSH cathodes exhibit a specific capacitance (540 F g-1) and specific capacity (139 mAh g-1) at 0.1 A g-1 as well as long-term stability, with over 92% capacitance retention after 10 000 cycles, outperforming chemically reduced graphene oxide (CrGO). Notably, rGOSH electrodes displayed an exceptional maximum energy density of 187.6 Wh kg-1 and power density of 48.6 kW kg-1. Overall, this study offers an unprecedented powerful strategy for the design and optimization of cathode materials, paving the way for efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions to meet the increasing demands of modern energy applications.

Assessing the social impacts of the COVID-19 crisis using phone helplines. The case of the Balearic Islands, Spain.

Background: Crises and health policies to tackle them can increase health inequalities. We explored the scope and usefulness of helplines set up during the COVID-19 crisis and characterised the vulnerability of their users. This study explored the geographic and socioeconomic effects of the telephone helplines set up by the Balearic Islands Government and aimed to characterise the vulnerability of their users. Methods: Telephonic survey combined with a geographical analysis of a sample of calls made between 15th of March and 30th of June of 2020 to five helplines: COVID-19 general information; psychological, social (minimum vital income), labour (temporary employment regulation), and housing (rental assistance) helps. The questionnaire included sociodemographic and housing characteristics, type of problem, and if it was solved or not. We used multinomial regression to explore factors associated with having solved the problem. We calculated the standardised rate of calls by municipality using Chi-squared and z-test to test differences. Results: 1,321 interviews from 2,678 selected (231 excluded, 608 untraceable, and 518 refusals). 63.8% of women, 48.7% were born in another country. They had no internet at home in 3.1%, only on the phone in 17.3%. The 23.5% had no income at home. The Problem was solved in 25.4%, and partly in 30.9%. Factors associated with not solving the problem were not having income at home (p = 0.021), labour (p = 0.008), economic (p = 0.000) or housing (p = 0.000) problems. People from 55 of 67 municipalities did at least one call. The highest rates of calls were from coastal tourist municipalities. Conclusion: Helplines reached most of the territory of the Balearic Islands and were used mainly in tourist municipalities. It probably has not been helpful for families with more significant deprivation. Digital inequalities have emerged.