Mutual Information of Multiple Rhythms in Schizophrenia

Interactions between different cortical rhythms, such as slow and fast oscillations, have been hypothesized to underlie many cognitive functions. In patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, there is some evidence indicating that the interplay between slow and fast oscillations might be impaired or disrupted. In this study, we investigated multiple oscillatory interactions in schizophrenia using a novel approach based on information theory. This method allowed us to investigate interactions from a new perspective, where two or more rhythm interactions could be analyzed at the same time. We calculated the mutual information of multiple rhythms (MIMR) for EEG segments registered in resting state. Following previous studies, we focused on rhythm interactions between theta, alpha, and gamma. The results showed that, in general, MIMR was higher in patients than in controls for alpha–gamma and theta–gamma couplings. This finding of an increased coupling between slow and fast rhythms in schizophrenia may indicate complex interactions in the Default Mode Network (DMN) related to hyperactivation of internally guided cognition.This research was supported by Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (PID2019-105145RB-I00 to Sergio Iglesias-Parro), and Junta de Andalucía, Consejería de Salud (RH_0055-2021 y AP-0033-2020-C1-F2 to María Felipa Soriano). Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Jaén/CBU

The effect of smoking on clinical parameters and structural damage in patients with axial spondyloarthritis: a systematic literature review.

Objectives: To evaluate the association between smoking and clinical parameters and structural damage in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Methods: We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library up to November 2015. We selected articles that analysed the smoking impact on disease activity, functional status, structural damage, physical mobility and life quality. Independent extraction of articles by 2 authors using predefined data fields was performed. Studies quality was graded according to the Oxford Level of Evidence scale. Results: A total of 17 articles were selected for inclusion: 2 case-control, 11 cross sectional and 4 prospective cohort studies, which analysed 4,694 patients. Weak evidence suggested a smoking effect on pain, overall assessment of health, disease activity, physical mobility and life quality in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Moderate-good evidence revealed higher HAQ-AS among smokers (0.025 units/yr, 95%CI: 0.0071-0.0429, p=0.007). Every additional unit of ASDAS resulted in an increase of 1.9 vs. 0.4 mSASSS units/2 yr in AS smokers vs. non-smokers. Good evidence revealed that cigarette smoking and smoking intensity was associated with spinal radiographic progression in axSpA [mSASSS ≥2 units/2 yr: OR=2.75, 95%CI: 1.25-6.05, p=0.012; mSASSS progression in heavy smokers (> 10 cigarettes/day): OR=3.57, 95%IC: 1.33-9.60, p=0.012]. Conclusions: Published data indicate that smoking has a dose-dependent impact on structural damage progression in axSpA. There is worse HAQ among AS smokers compared to non-smokers. Respect to pain, overall assessment of health, disease activity, physical mobility and life quality, although the evidence level is poor, all evidence points in the same direction: smoking AS patients are worse than non-smoking.pre-print260 K

Hybrid Raman-erbium random fiber laser with a half open cavity assisted by artificially controlled backscattering fiber reflectors

A hybrid Raman-erbium random fiber laser with a half-open cavity assisted by chirped artificially controlled backscattering fiber reflectors is presented. A combination of a 2.4 km-long dispersion compensating fiber with two highly erbium-doped fiber pieces of 5 m length were used as gain media. A single random laser emission line centered at 1553.8 nm with an optical signal to noise ratio of 47 dB were obtained when pumped at 37.5 dBm. A full width at half maximum of 1 nm and a 100% confidence level output power instability as low as 0.08 dB were measured. The utilization of the new laser cavity as a temperature and strain sensor is also experimentally studied.This work was supported by the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad of Spain (TEC2016-76021-C2), the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades and Agencia Estatal de Investigación (PID2019-107270RB) and the FEDER funds, the Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte of Spain (PhD grant FPU2018/02797), and Projects for young researches UPNA 2019 (PJUPNA1928)

Endemic Circulation of European Bat Lyssavirus Type 1 in Serotine Bats, Spain

To determine the presence of European bat lyssavirus type 1 in southern Spain, we studied 19 colonies of serotine bats (Eptesicus isabellinus), its main reservoir, during 1998–2003. Viral genome and antibodies were detected in healthy bats, which suggests subclinical infection. The different temporal patterns of circulation found in each colony indicate independent endemic circulation

Qualidade de vida e percepção de saúde em idosos com doença crônica

Introduction: A subject’s representation of quality of life is considered good or bad according to experience. Objective: To determine the quality of life and health-disease perception among the elderly people with chronic non-transmissible diseases. Methods: A study with sequential, explanatory, mixed design of a population of 44 elderly persons with chronic disease in 2017 from two care programs in Tunja. The variables were: sociodemographic, health perception, disease perception and quality of life, SF-36 questionnaires, IPQ-B and focus group were applied. The analysis was with Spearman’s correlation, logistic regression, existential phenomenological analysis and triangulation. Results: The average global quality of life was 59.5 % with mental health at 93.2 %. The understanding of disease with 7.3 ± 2.2 stands out in its perception, the highest correlation was personal control and overall health with 0.770 (p = 0.000) and recognized categories were: the disease as social and family marginalization, family and divine support, the influence of the health system, need for self-care, the importance of support networks and quality of life. Conclusions: Quality of life and the perception of health and disease are correlated, in addition to being influenced by experience and coping methods.Introducción. La representación de calidad de vida de un sujeto se considera buena o mala según la experiencia. Objetivo. Determinar la calidad de vida y la percepción de la salud-enfermedad en la persona mayor con enfermedad crónica no transmisible. Métodos. Estudio con diseño mixto explicativo secuencial, en una población de personas mayores, con enfermedad crónica y pacientes de dos programas de atención en Tunja en 2017. Se elaboró una muestra de 44 personas y las variables fueron sociodemográficas, percepción de la salud, percepción de la enfermedad y calidad de vida. Se aplicaron los cuestionarios SF-36 y el IPQ-B, se realizó un grupo focal y el análisis fue con correlación de Spearman, regresión logística, análisis fenomenológico existencial y triangulación. Resultados. La calidad de vida global promedio fue de 59,5 % y predominó la salud mental con un 93,2 %. En la percepción de la enfermedad sobresale la comprensión de la misma con 7,3±2,2. La correlación más alta fue el control personal y la salud en general con 0,770 (p=0,000). Las categorías reconocidas fueron: la enfermedad como marginación social y familiar, el apoyo familiar y divino, la influencia del sistema de salud, la necesidad del autocuidado, la importancia de las redes de apoyo y la calidad de vida. Conclusiones. La calidad de vida y la percepción de la salud y enfermedad se correlacionan; además están influenciadas por la experiencia y los métodos de afrontamientoIntrodução. A representação da qualidade de vida de um sujeito é considerada boa ou ruim de acordo com a experiência. Objetivo. Determinar a qualidade de vida e a percepção de saúde-doença em idosos com doença crônica não transmissível. Métodos. Estudo com desenho misto explicativo sequencial, numa população de idosos, com doença crónica e doentes de dois programas de cuidados em Tunja em 2017. Foi elaborada uma amostra de 44 pessoas e as variáveis foram sociodemográficas, percepção de saúde, percepção de doença e qualidade de vida. Aplicouse os questionários SF-36 e IPQ-B, realizouse um grupo focal e a análise foi com correlação de Spearman, regressão logística, análise fenomenológica existencial e triangulação. Resultados. A qualidade de vida global média foi de 59,5% e a saúde mental predominou com 93,2%. Na percepção da doença, destacase a compreensão da mesma com 7,3±2,2. A maior correlação foi controle pessoal e saúde geral com 0,770 (p=0,000). As categorias reconhecidas foram: doença como marginalização social e familiar, apoio familiar e divino, influência do sistema de saúde, necessidade de autocuidado, importância das redes de apoio e qualidade de vida. Conclusões. A qualidade de vida e a percepção de saúde e doença estão correlacionadas; eles também são influenciados pela experiência e métodos de enfrentamento

Evaluating standards of care in psoriatic arthritis of the QUANTUM project (qualitative initiative to improve outcomes): results of an accreditation project in Spain

In Spain, the QUANTUM project has been promoted to reduce variability in clinical practice and improve the care and quality of life of people with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) by accrediting PsA units throughout the Spanish national health system. To present the results of this approach which sought to ensure an optimum level of quality for patients with PsA. Descriptive analysis of the self-assessments that the PsA units have carried out assessing their degree of compliance with the quality standards established in the QUANTUM project grouped into four blocks: shortening time to diagnosis; optimizing disease management; improving multidisciplinary collaboration; and improving patient monitoring. A total of 41 PsA units were self-evaluated. They met 64.1% of the defined quality standards. Optimize disease management obtained a higher level of standards compliance (72%) and improve multidisciplinary collaboration the lesser (63.9%). Accessibility to the treatments available for PsA in all hospitals was guaranteed (100%). Appropriate diagnostic equipment is available (97.6%). Compliance with specific quality standards leads to detect actions that should be implemented: quality of life assessment (9.8%), locomotor system assessment (12.2%), physical examination data record (14.6%), periodic cardiovascular risk assessment (17.1%). The QUANTUM project results make it possible to visualise how to care for patients with PsA is being developed in Spain. Problems identified in recent multinational reports are also identified in Spain

Personality characteristics by gender in Spanish College Students

Resumens: En este artículo analizamos las diferencias de género de un grupo de estudiantes en relación a la personalidad, el optimismo y el afrontamiento al estrés, con el fin de conocer las características específicas de este colectivo en estas variables y si se mantienen las diferencias que apuntan otros estudios, lo cual permitirá proponer intervenciones específicas. En este estudio han participado 317 estudiantes universitarios, 51 varones y 266 mujeres, a los que se les aplicaron de forma individual diferentes instrumentos: el Cuestionario de personalidad de Eysenck (EPQ-R) en su versión abreviada, el Inventario de Afrontamiento al Estrés (CSI), el Test de Orientación Vital Revisado (LOT-R), el Inventario Neo de Cinco Factores (NEO FFI), el Inventario Bipolar de Goldberg, y el Perfil de Personalidad de Berkeley. A partir de los análisis de diferencias de género, se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la Variable Retirada Social del Inventario de Estrategias de Afrontamiento, la variable neuroticismo del Cuestionario de Personalidad de Eysenck y la variable neuroticismo del Inventario Bipolar de Goldberg, siendo en los varones mayor en las dos primeras y menor en la última, no encontrándose diferencias en el resto de dimensiones evaluadas. Finalmente, parece que los varones tienden a afrontar de forma evitativa, mientras que en el caso del neuroticismo los resultados no son consistentes.Abstract: Gender differences in personality, optimism and stress coping were analysed in a group of Spanish college students. Specific characteristics in these variables would be found, which will propose specific interventions. Three hundred and seventeen college students, 51 men and 266 women completed several personality questionnaires: The shorter version of Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ-R), the Coping Strategies Inventory (CSI), Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R), the Neo Five-Factor Inventory (NEO FFI), the Transparent Bipolar Inventory and the Berkeley Personality Profile. Statistically significant gender differences in social avoidance of coping skills scale and neuroticism of Eysenck Scale and Bipolar Inventory were founded. Men showed highest social avoidance and neuroticism based on Eysenck scale and no differences in other dimensions evaluated were showed. Finally, men tend to use avoidant coping, whereas neuroticism results are not consistent

Características de la personalidad según el género en universitarios españoles

Gender differences in personality, optimism and stress coping were analysed in a group of Spanish college students.  Specific characteristics in these variables would be found, which will propose specific interventions. Three hundred and seventeen college students, 51 men and 266 women completed several personality questionnaires: The shorter version of  Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ-R), the Coping Strategies Inventory  (CSI), Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R), the Neo Five-Factor Inventory (NEO FFI), the Transparent Bipolar Inventory and the Berkeley Personality Profile. Statistically significant gender differences in social avoidance of coping skills scale and neuroticism of Eysenck Scale and Bipolar Inventory were founded. Men showed highest social avoidance and neuroticism based on Eysenck scale and no differences in other dimensions evaluated were showed. Finally, men tend to use avoidant coping, whereas neuroticism results are not consistent.En este artículo analizamos las diferencias de género de un grupo de estudiantes en relación a la personalidad, el optimismo y el afrontamiento al estrés, con el fin de conocer las características específicas de este colectivo en estas variables y si se mantienen las diferencias que apuntan otros estudios, lo cual permitirá proponer intervenciones específicas. En este estudio han participado 317 estudiantes universitarios, 51 varones y 266 mujeres, a los que se les aplicaron de forma individual diferentes instrumentos: el Cuestionario de personalidad de Eysenck (EPQ-R) en su versión abreviada, el Inventario de Afrontamiento al Estrés (CSI), el Test de Orientación Vital Revisado (LOT-R), el Inventario Neo de Cinco Factores (NEO FFI), el Inventario Bipolar de Goldberg, y el Perfil de Personalidad de Berkeley. A partir de los análisis de diferencias de género, se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la Variable Retirada Social del Inventario de Estrategias de Afrontamiento, la variable neuroticismo del Cuestionario de Personalidad de Eysenck y la variable neuroticismo del Inventario Bipolar de Goldberg, siendo en los varones mayor en las dos primeras y menor en la última, no encontrándose diferencias en el resto de dimensiones evaluadas. Finalmente, parece que los varones tienden a afrontar de forma evitativa, mientras que en el caso del neuroticismo los resultados no son consistentes

Hormonal dependence and cancer in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective: To estimate the incidence and analyze any cancer-associated factors in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), differentiating between hormone-sensitive (HS) and non-HS cancers. Methods: This was a retrospective multicenter study of a patient cohort from the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Registry of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology. Included were the first cancer post-SLE diagnosis, clinical and sociodemographic information, cumulative damage, severity, comorbidities, treatments, and refractoriness. Cancers were classified as HS (prostate, breast, endometrium, and ovarian) and non-HS (the remainder). The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was calculated and logistic regression models were built. Results: A total of 3,539 patients (90.4% women) were included, 154 of whom had cancer (91% female), and 44 had HS cancer (100% female). The cancer SIR was 1.37 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.15-1.59), with higher values in women age <65 years (SIR 2.38 [95% CI 1.84-2.91]). The SIR in women with HS versus non-HS cancer was 1.02 (95% CI 0.13-1.91) and 1.93 (95% CI 0.98-2.89). In HS versus non-HS cancers, SLE diagnostic age (odds ratio [OR] 1.04 [P = 0.002] versus 1.04 [P = 0.019]), and period of disease evolution (OR 1.01 [P < 0.001] versus 1.00 [P = 0.029]) were associated with cancer. The Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (OR 1.27 [P = 0.022]) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor prescriptions (OR 2.87 [P = 0.048]) were associated with non-HS cancers. Conclusion: Cancer incidence in patients with SLE was higher than in the Spanish population, particularly among young women. This increase might be due to non-HS cancers, which would be associated with SLE involving greater cumulative damage where more ACE inhibitors are prescribed.The RELESSER Registry was partially funded by GSK, Roche, UCB, Lilly and Novartis. The sponsors had no role in the study design, data collection, analysis or interpretation, in writing the report, or in the decision to submit the article for publication. Dr. Pego-Reigosa is supported by grant 316265 (BIOCAPS) from the European Union 7th Framework Program (FP7/REGPOT-2012- 2013.1). The FIS Grant PI11/02857 (Instituto Carlos III, Fondos FEDER) supported this study