DNA structural changes (photo)induced by tricarbonyl (pterin)rhenium(I) complex.

We report on interactions of different types of DNA molecules including double-stranded and plasmid DNA as well as polynucleotides (poly[dGdC]2 and poly[dAdT]2) with fac-[ReI(CO)3(pterin)(H2O)] (or Reptr) complex. The interaction was characterized spectroscopically and changes in the plasmid structure were verified by both electrophoresis and AFM microscopy. For comparative reasons, two others related tricarbonyl rhenium(I) complexes, fac-[(4,4'-bpy)ReI(CO)3(dppz)]+ (or Redppz) and fac-[(CF3SO3)ReI(CO)3(2,2'-bpy)] (or Rebpy) were also studied to further explore the influence of the different co-ligands on the interaction and DNA (photo)damage. Data reported herein suggests that DNA molecules can be structurally modified either by direct interaction with Re(I) complexes in their ground states inducing DNA relaxation, and/or through photoinduced cross-linking processes. The chemical nature of the co-ligands modulates the extent of the damage observed.

[Translated article] Total hip arthroplasty with shelf acetabuloplasty in dysplastic coxarthrosis, mean follow-up of 7 years.

INTRODUCTION: Developmental dysplasia of the hip is the cause of approximately one third of secondary coxarthrosis. Anatomy alterations make it difficult to place a total hip prosthesis in its anatomical position and for it to be stable in the long term; there are several techniques to achieve this goal. In the present work, we used autograft of the femoral head (shelf graft or reinforced roof), to improve the coverage of the acetabular component with favourable results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen cases were included in 14 patients with a diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip (13 women and one man), the mean age was 44.3 years (range 35-68 years), with a mean follow-up of 7 years (range 1-15 years). All the cases were evaluated clinically and radiographically, to demonstrate the osseointegration of the graft and the functional results in the medium term. RESULTS: All the acetabular components were placed in anatomical position (Ranawat technique), the mean percentage of host bone coverage was 54.53% (range 43.28-79.05%), obtaining additional coverage with the bone graft of 45.13%. Osseointegration of the graft of 100% at 12 weeks, resorption of the graft from the sixth month, stabilising in the third postoperative year. Only one case of dislocation is reported, no cases of infection, loosening, heterotopic ossification or revision. CONCLUSION: This procedure has shown good functional results in the medium term with 100% osseointegration, despite cases of severe bone resorption of the graft that does not compromise the stability of the prosthesis.

Total hip arthroplasty with shelf acetabuloplasty in dysplastic coxarthrosis, mean follow-up of 7 years. / Artroplastia total de cadera no cementada con techo armado en coxartrosis displásica, seguimiento medio de 7 años.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip is the cause of approximately one third of secondary coxarthrosis. Anatomy alterations make it difficult to place a total hip prosthesis in its anatomical position and for it to be stable in the long term; there are several techniques to achieve this goal. In the present work, we used autograft of the femoral head (shelf graft or reinforced roof), to improve the coverage of the acetabular component with favorable results. MATERIALS AD METHODS: Sixteen cases were included in 14 patients with a diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip (13 women and one man), the mean age was 44.3 years (range 35-68 years), with a mean follow-up of 7 years (range 1-15 years). All the cases were evaluated clinically and radiographically, to demonstrate the osseointegration of the graft and the functional results in the medium term. RESULTS: All the acetabular components were placed in anatomical position (Ranawat technique), the mean percentage of host bone coverage was 54.53% (range 43.28-79.05%), obtaining additional coverage with the bone graft of 45.13%. Osseointegration of the graft of 100% at 12 weeks, resorption of the graft from the sixth month, stabilizing in the third postoperative year. Only one case of dislocation is reported, no cases of infection, loosening, heterotopic ossification or revision. CONCLUSION: This procedure has shown good functional results in the medium term with 100% osseointegration, despite cases of severe bone resorption of the graft that does not compromise the stability of the prosthesis.

[Atypical femoral fractures due to the use of bisphosphonates. Experience of two institutions]. / Fracturas femorales atípicas por el uso de bifosfonatos. Experiencia de dos instituciones.

INTRODUCTION: bisphosphonates are used for the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis with high risk of fracture, glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, Paget's disease and hypercalcemia; as well as an adjuvant for the management of hyperparathyroidism. Bisphosphonates have been associated with previously unknown adverse effects, including atypical femur fractures. OBJECTIVE: to analyze the relationship of the history of bisphosphonate (BF) use as a risk factor for presenting atypical femur fractures (AFF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: patients aged 40 years or older from two hospital centers seen from 2009 to 2018 for femur fracture were included. The radiographic studies of 441 records were reviewed, from which the fracture site was defined. Subtrochanteric (SF) and diaphyseal (DF) femur fractures were analyzed applying the criteria of the second report of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research for case definition of AFF. Finally, the consumption of bisphosphonates in these groups was investigated to estimate a measure of association. RESULTS: of the 441 clinical records, 98 (22.2%) were male and 343 (77.7%) were female with a mean age of 77.8 (40-103) years. Fifty-nine FS/FD were identified, of which 53% (31 records) were categorized as AFF. BF use was determined in 80.6% of patients with AFF and 3.57% in FS/FD. BF use was significantly associated with the presence of AFF (OR: 112, p 0.000, CI 95%: 12.6-1001). CONCLUSIONS: BF use significantly increases the risk of presenting AFF. AFF in patients who used BF occurred after a minimum consumption of 24 months.

INTRODUCCIÓN: los bifosfonatos se usan para el manejo de osteoporosis postmenopáusica con riesgo elevado de fractura, osteoporosis inducida por glucocorticoides, enfermedad de Paget e hipercalcemia; así como coadyuvante para manejo del hiperparatiroidismo. Los bifosfonatos se han asociado a efectos adversos previamente desconocidos dentro de los que se encuentran fracturas de fémur de trazo atípico. OBJETIVO: analizar la relación del antecedente de uso de bifosfonatos (BF) como factor de riesgo para presentar fracturas atípicas de fémur (FAF). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: se incluyeron pacientes de 40 años o más de dos centros hospitalarios atendidos desde 2009 a 2018 por fractura de fémur. Se revisaron los estudios radiográficos de 441 registros, de los cuales se definió el sitio de fractura. Se analizaron las fracturas de fémur subtrocantéricas (FS) y diafisarias (FD) aplicando los criterios del segundo reporte de la American Society for Bone and Mineral Research para la definición de caso de FAF. Finalmente, se indagó el consumo de bifosfonatos en estos grupos para para estimar una medida de asociación. RESULTADOS: de los 441 registros clínicos, 98 (22.2%) fueron del sexo masculino y 343 (77.7%) del femenino, con edad promedio de 77.8 (40-103) años. Se identificaron 59 FS/FD, de las cuales 53% (31 registros) fueron catalogadas FAF. El consumo de BF se determinó en 80.6% de pacientes con FAF y en 3.57% con FS/FD. El uso de BF se asoció significativamente con la presencia de FAF (OR: 112, p 0.000, IC 95%: 12.6-1001). CONCLUSIONES: el uso de BF aumenta significativamente el riesgo de presentar FAF. Las FAF en pacientes que usaron BF se presentó tras un consumo mínimo de 24 meses.

Age norms for grating acuity and contrast sensitivity in children using eye tracking technology.

KEY MESSAGES: Visual acuity is the most used method to assess visual function in children. Contrast sensitivity complements the information provided for visual acuity, but it is not commonly used in clinical practice. Digital devices are increasingly used as a method to evaluate visual function, due to multiple advantages. Testing with these devices can improve the evaluation of visual development in children from a few months of age. Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity tests, using eye tracking technology, are able to measure visual function in children across a wide range of ages, objectively, quickly and without need of an experienced examiner. PURPOSE: To report age-normative values for grating visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in healthy children using a digital device with eye tracking technology and to validate the grating acuity test. METHODS: In the first project of the study, we examined healthy children aged between 6 months and 7 years with normal ophthalmological assessment. Grating visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity (CS) were assessed using a preferential gaze paradigm with a DIVE (Device for an Integral Visual Examination) assisted with eye tracking technology to provide age norms. For the validation project, we compared LEA grating test (LGT) with DIVE VA in a group of children aged between 6 months and 4 years with normal and abnormal visual development. RESULTS: Fifty-seven children (2.86 ± 1.55 years) were examined with DIVE VA test and 44 successfully completed DIVE CS test (3.06 ± 1.41 years). Both, VA and CS values increased with age, mainly along the first two years of life. Sixty-nine patients (1.34 ± 0.61 years) were included in the DIVE VA test validation. The mean difference between LGT and DIVE VA was - 1.05 ± 4.54 cpd with 95% limits of agreement (LoA) of - 9.95-7.84 cpd. Agreement between the two tests was higher in children younger than 1 year with a mean difference of - 0.19 ± 4.02 cpd. CONCLUSIONS: DIVE is an automatic, objective and reliable tool to assess several visual function parameters in children, and it has good agreement with classical VA tests, especially for the first stage of life.

Diagnostic value of quantitative SPECT/CT in assessing active sacroiliitis in patients with axial spondylarthritis and/or inflammatory low back pain.

BACKGROUND: The diagnostic accuracy of bone scintigraphy (BS) increases with SPECT/CT imaging. It would therefore be appropriate to reassess the diagnostic utility of scintigraphy in sacroiliitis with axial spondyloarthritis (SpA). The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of MRI, SPECT/CT and a combination of both techniques in sacro-iliitis, and to evaluate the correlation between quantitative SPECT/CT indices and quantitative MRI inflammatory lesion scores. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with active SpA and 22 patients with inflammatory low back pain underwent MRI and SPECT/CT of the sacroiliac joints. The diagnostic accuracy of both techniques was calculated using clinical diagnosis as the gold standard. The correlation between MRI and SPECT/CT was calculated by comparing the SPECT/CT activity indices and the Berlin/SPARCC scoring systems for MRI. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity values in quantitative SPECT/CT, taking the sacroiliac/promontory ratio of >1.36 as the cut-off value, were close to those from MRI published in the literature. The combination of both techniques increased sensitivity while maintaining high specificity. There was a moderate correlation between SPECT/CT and MRI total scores. This correlation was improved by using solely the MRI inflammation scores. CONCLUSION: Quantitative SPECT/CT showed better diagnostic accuracy than planar scintigraphy and showed a moderate correlation with MRI scores in active sacroiliitis. The combination of both tests increased the diagnostic accuracy. Quanti-tative SPECT/CT could play a relevant role in the diagnosis of active sacroiliitis in patients with high a suspicion of SpA and a negative/inconclusive MRI test or in patients with whom MRI studies cannot be carried out.

Corticosteroids and tocilizumab reduce in-hospital mortality in severe COVID-19 pneumonia: a retrospective study in a Spanish hospital.

BACKGROUND: There is an urgent need to reduce mortality of COVID-19. We examined if corticosteroids and tocilizumab reduce risk for death in patients with severe pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed in a single university hospital. All adult patients admitted with confirmed severe COVID-19 pneumonia from 9 March to 9 April 2020 were included. Severe pneumonia was defined as multi-lobar or bilateral pneumonia and a ratio of oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry to the fraction of inspired oxygen (SpFi)<315. All patients received antiviral and antibiotic treatment. From March 26, patients also received immunomodulatory treatment with corticosteroids (methylprednisolone 250 mg/day for 3 days), or tocilizumab or both. In-hospital mortality in the entire cohort and in a 1:1 matched cohort sub-analysis was evaluated. RESULTS: 255 patients were included, 118 received only antiviral and antibiotic treatment while 137, admitted after March 26, also received immunomodulators. In-hospital mortality of patients on immunomodulatory treatment was significantly lower than in those without [47/137(34.3%) vs. 69/118(58.5%), (p < .001)]. The risk of death was 0.44 (CI, 0.26-0.76) in patients receiving corticosteroids alone and 0.292 (CI, 0.18-0.47) in those treated with corticosteroids and tocilizumab. In the sub-analysis with 202 matched patients, the risk of death was 0.356 (CI 0.179-0.707) in patients receiving corticosteroids alone and 0.233 (0.124-0.436) in those treated with the combination. CONCLUSIONS: Combined treatment with corticosteroids and tocilizumab reduced mortality with about 25% in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Corticosteroids alone also resulted in lower in-hospital mortality rate compared to patients receiving only antiviral and antibiotic treatment. Corticosteroids alone or combined with tocilizumab may be considered in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia.

Electrospun nanofiber scaffolds for the propagation and analysis of breast cancer stem cells in vitro.

Despite advances in cancer treatment, breast cancer remains the second foremost cause of cancer mortality among women, with a high rate of relapse after initial treatment success. A subpopulation of highly malignant cancer cells, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs), is suspected to be linked to metastasis and relapse. Targeting of CSCs may therefore provide a means of addressing cancer-related mortality. However, due to their low population in vivo and a lack of proper culture platform for their propagation, much of the CSC biology remains unknown. Since maintenance of CSCs is heavily influenced by the tumor microenvironment, this study developed a 3D culture platform that mimics the metastatic tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) to effectively increase CSC population in vitro and allow CSC analysis. Through electrospinning, nanofibers that were aligned, porous, and collagen-coated were fabricated from polycaprolactone to recreate the metastatic tumor ECM assemblage. Breast cancer cells seeded onto the nanofiber scaffolds exhibited gross morphology and cytoskeletal phenotype similar to invasive cancer cells. Moreover, the population of breast cancer stem cells increased in nanofiber scaffolds. Analysis of breast cancer cells grown on the nanofiber scaffolds demonstrated an upregulation of mesenchymal markers and an increase in cell invasiveness suggesting the cells have undergone epithelial-mesenchymal transition. These results indicate that the fabricated nanofiber scaffolds effectively mimicked the tumor microenvironment that maintains the cancer stem cell population, offering a platform to enrich and analyze CSCs in vitro.

Hyaluronic acid coating of gold nanoparticles for intraocular drug delivery: Evaluation of the surface properties and effect on their distribution.

Due to the unique anatomical structure of the eye, ocular drug delivery is a promising delivery route for the treatment of several ocular diseases, such as the ocular neovascularization that contributes to diabetic retinopathy. This disease is triggered by inflammation, retinal ischemia, and/or deposits of advanced-glycation end-products (AGEs), as well as increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukins, or reactive oxygen species (ROS). Gold has unique antioxidant and antiangiogenic properties and can inhibit angiogenic molecules. Furthermore, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are not only biocompatible, they are easy to synthesize, they absorb and scatter visible light, and they can be made with precise control over size and shape. GNPs are an excellent candidate for ocular drug delivery because they can be conjugated to an extraordinarily diverse array of different biomolecules, and surface functionalization can improve the mobility of GNPs across the physiological barriers of the eye, such as the vitreous humour or the inner limiting membrane. For this purpose, we employed low molecular weight hyaluronan (HA) to increase the mobility of the nanoparticles as well as target them to HA receptors that are expressed in different cells of the eye. In this study, the combination of gold and HA enhanced the stability of the whole carrier and promoted their distribution across ocular tissues and barriers to reach the retina. Moreover, analysis in vitro, ex vivo, and in ovo revealed the protective and antiangiogenic effect of GNPs as inhibitors of AGEs-mediated- retinal pigment epithelial cell death and neovascularization. We demonstrated that conjugation with HA enhances GNP stability and distribution due to a specific CD44 receptor interaction. The capacity of HA-GNPs to distribute through the vitreous humour and their avidity for the deeper retinal layers ex vivo, suggest that HA-GNPs are a promising delivery system for the treatment of ocular neovascularization and related disorders.

Clusters formation and fragmentation of nitromethane at 266 nm.

We carry out experiments on the fragmentation of nitromethane by multiphoton absorption at the wavelength 266 nm. This was conducted in a reflectron (Jordan), modified in the laboratory. Due to the large number of fragments, special care has been taken into the calibration of the system, in the simultaneity between the laser pulse and the sample, and the associated electronics to ensure that produced fragment spectra arise from the interaction laser-sample. We emphasize the next aspects of the method:•Simple design for introducing a gas sample at laser interaction region to facilitate the cluster formation•Astonishing number of fragments produced by multiphoton absorption.

A pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic assessment of oral antibiotics for pyelonephritis.

Antibiotic resistance to oral antibiotics recommended for pyelonephritis is increasing. The objective was to determine if there is a pharmacological basis to consider alternative treatments/novel dosing regimens for the oral treatment of pyelonephritis. A systematic review identified pharmacokinetic models of suitable quality for a selection of antibiotics with activity against Escherichia coli. MIC data was obtained for a population of E. coli isolates derived from patients with pyelonephritis. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) simulations determined probability of target attainment (PTA) and cumulative fraction response (CFR) values for sub-populations of the E. coli population at varying doses. There are limited high-quality models available for the agents investigated. Pharmacokinetic models of sufficient quality for simulation were identified for amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cephalexin, ciprofloxacin, and fosfomycin trometamol. These antibiotics were predicted to have PTAs ≥ 0.85 at or below standard doses for the tested E. coli population including cephalexin 1500 mg 8 hourly for 22% of the population (MIC ≤ 4 mg/L) and ciprofloxacin 100 mg 12 hourly for 71% of the population (MIC ≤ 0.06 mg/L). For EUCAST-susceptible E. coli isolates, doses achieving CFRs ≥ 0.9 included amoxicillin 2500 mg 8 hourly, cephalexin 4000 mg 6 hourly, ciprofloxacin 200 mg 12 hourly, and 3000 mg of fosfomycin 24 hourly. Limitations in the PK data support carrying out additional PK studies in populations of interest. Oral antibiotics including amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, and cephalexin have potential to be effective for a proportion of patients with pyelonephritis. Ciprofloxacin may be effective at lower doses than currently prescribed.

Effects of prenatal exposure to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs of abuse on retinal development. / Efectos de la exposición prenatal a alcohol, tabaco y otras drogas de abuso sobre el desarrollo retiniano.

PURPOSE: To assess structural changes in the retina using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in children prenatally exposed to toxic substances. METHODS: The study included a total of 49 infants, aged between 5 and 18years, exposed to toxic substances during pregnancy. Among the exposed children, 25 were exposed to tobacco, 20 were exposed to alcohol, and 4 children were exposed to other drugs of abuse. All children underwent a complete ophthalmology examination, including an OCT. The results were compared against a control group composed of 25 infants, age matched with controlled pregnancy, and not exposed to toxic substances. RESULTS: Children prenatally exposed to toxic substances showed significantly thinner average retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) compared with control children (81.5 vs. 99.7µm; P<.005), as well as RNFL thinning in its four quadrants (superior RNFL: 97.5 vs. 127.5µm; P<.005; nasal RNFL: 61.5 vs. 72.3µm; P<.005; inferior RNFL: 99.8 vs. 128.6µm; P<.005, temporal RNFL: 58.3 vs. 68.2µm; P<.005). Exposed children also exhibited a thinner ganglion cell layer (72.9 vs. 85.9; P<.005). Greater RNFL thinning was observed in children exposed to drugs of abuse (RNFL thinner average=72), followed by children exposed to alcohol (RNFL thinner average=72.9), and finally the least affected were those children exposed to tobacco during pregnancy (RNFL=94.6). CONCLUSION: Toxic substances during pregnancy interfere in retinal development. These results strengthen the evidence about the avoidance of any toxic substance during pregnancy.

Population pharmacokinetics of daptomycin in critically ill patients.

Daptomycin has shown activity against a wide range of Gram-positive bacteria; however, the approved dosages usually seem insufficient for critically ill patients. The aim of this study was to develop a population pharmacokinetic model for daptomycin in critically ill patients and to estimate the success of the therapy by applying pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) criteria. Sixteen intensive care unit patients were included, four of whom underwent continuous renal replacement therapies (CRRT). Blood and, when necessary, effluent samples were drawn after daptomycin administration at previously defined time points. A population approach using NONMEM 7.3 was performed to analyse data. Monte Carlo simulations were executed to evaluate the suitability of different dosage regimens. The probabilities of achieving the PK/PD target value associated with treatment success (ratio of the area under the plasma concentration-time curve over 24 h divided by the minimum inhibitory concentration (AUC24/MIC ≥ 666)) and to reach daptomycin concentrations linked to toxicity (minimum concentration at steady-state (Cminss) ≥ 24.3 mg/L) were calculated. The pharmacokinetics of daptomycin was best described by a one-compartment model. Elimination was conditioned by the creatinine clearance (Clcr) and also by the extra-corporeal clearance when patients were subjected to continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). The PK/PD analysis confirmed that 280- and 420-mg/d dosages would not be enough to achieve high probabilities of target attainment for MIC values ≥ 1 mg/L in patients with Clcr ≥ 60 mL/min or in subjects with lower Clcrs but receiving CRRT. In these patients, higher dosages (560-840 mg/d) should be needed. When treating infections due to MIC values ≥ 4 mg/L, even the highest dose would be insufficient.

The patient perspective on the use of information and communication technologies and e-health in rehabilitation.

INTRODUCTION: Success of e-health relies on the extent to which the related technology, such as the electronic device, is accepted by its users. However, there has been limited research on the patients' perspective on use of e-health-related technology in rehabilitation care. OBJECTIVE: To explore the usage of common electronic devices among rehabilitation patients with access to email and investigate their preferences regarding their usage in rehabilitation. METHODS: Adult patients who were admitted for inpatient and/or outpatient rehabilitation and were registered with an email address were invited to complete an electronic questionnaire regarding current and preferred use of information and communication technologies in rehabilitation care. RESULTS: 190 out of 714 invited patients completed the questionnaire, 94 (49%) female, mean age 49 years (SD 16). 149 patients (78%) used one or more devices every day, with the most frequently used devices were: PC/laptop (93%), smartphone (57%) and tablet (47%). Patients mostly preferred to use technology for contact with health professionals (mean 3.15, SD 0.79), followed by access to their personal record (mean 3.09, SD 0.78) and scheduling appointments with health professionals (mean 3.07, SD 0.85). CONCLUSION: Most patients in rehabilitation used one or more devices almost every day and wish to use these devices in rehabilitation. Implications for Rehabilitation In a sample of 190 patients in rehabilitation with access to email, almost all patients used one or more electronic devices almost every day of the week, with the most frequently used devices were: a PC/laptop, smartphone and tablet. Most of the patients wish to incorporate electronic devices in their rehabilitation process and prefer to use those devices to have insight in their health record, communication with peers and scheduling appointments with health professionals. To better assist patients with e-health in rehabilitation care in the future, preferences could be implemented in rehabilitation care by using the most commonly used devices.

Spectral windows analysis method for monitoring anthropogenic radionuclides in real-time environmental gamma-ray scintillation spectrometry.

This paper proposes an analysis methodology based on the spectral windows technique aimed for environmental real-time gamma-ray spectra obtained with scintillation detectors. The method permits us to monitor activity concentrations of selected isotopes, such as anthropogenic radionuclides like 137Cs and 131I, by removing the Compton scattering plus other external contributions and resolving peak overlapping within any window. Activity concentrations are presented for 137Cs, 131I, 214Bi, and 214Pb when applying the method to a monitor using a LaBr3(Ce) detector. The method avoids false-positive and false-negative results of anthropogenic radionuclides in the presence of radiation from natural origins by obtaining activity concentrations that correspond to those obtained by a Gaussian fitting commercial software.

Is the biocompatibility of copper with polymerized natural coating dependent on the potential selected for the electropolymerization process?

With the intention of taking care of the environment and human health, the development of alternative eco-friendly methods to inhibit metal corrosion is intensively encouraged. In previous works we showed that some phytocompounds components of essential oils such as carvacrol (Carv) and thymol (TOH) are able to be electropolymerized on metals and they seem to be promissory for this purpose. The aim this paper is to investigate if the biocompatibility of copper covered by coatings formed by electropolymerization of Carv and TOH (polyCarv and polyTOH) is related with the potential selected for the electropolymerization process. Potentiostatic perturbations at different potentials, AFM images, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and measurements of copper ions release provided suitable information to make a detailed analysis of different stages of the electropolymerization process that leads to polyCarv and polyTOH layers on copper surface. The change of the characteristics of the coatings over time was evaluated after several polymerization periods and current transients were interpreted by using nucleation and growth models. Results showed interesting changes in the polymerization process with the electrochemical perturbation, nature of the isomer, and time of the treatment. The treatment that provides the most protective, transparent and homogeneous layer, that strongly increased the biocompatibility of Cu could be selected: electropolymerization of Carv at 0.4V. Results highlight the importance of the detailed study of the evolution of the electropolymerization processes to select the best ecofriendly condition due the high impact of potential perturbation and polarization time on the biocompatibility of the resulting polymeric layer-copper system.