The impact of the number of episodes on the outcome of Bipolar Disorder

Background: Bipolar disorder is a highly recurrent severe psychiatric dis- order. The number of episodes has been found consistently associated with poor outcome. It has been suggested that bipolar patients with long duration of illness and highly recur- rent course show great impairment of global functioning. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the clinical course and outcome of patients with bipolar disorder I and II with a high number of mood episodes. Methods: We compared a group of bipolar I and II subjects whose number of episode w as higher than ten (N = 167) with a similar-size representative sample of bipolar patients whose number of episodes was lower or equal than ten (N = 131). Results: Bipolar patients with more than 10 episodes have a more severe outcome of bipolar disorder. Qualification and occupational status was clearly worse for the highly recurrent group which showed a predominance of depressive polarity. Conclusions: These data suggest that bipolar patients with a highly recurrent course have significant functional impairment. With the passing of time, bipolar illness tends to be ruled by depressive features. Treatment strategies may need to address this issue

Integration of in vitro allergy test results and ratio analysis for the diagnosis and treatment of allergic patients (INTEGRA)

Al·lèrgia; Diagnòstic molecular; RecomanacionsAlergia; Diagnóstico molecular; RecomendacionesAllergy; Molecular diagnosis; RecommendationsThe introduction of molecular diagnosis into routine clinical practice has substantially improved the diagnosis and management of allergic patients by allowing clinicians to precisely identify the allergenic molecule responsible for immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergies. However, it can be challenging to accurately interpret the results of molecular assays, partly due to the limited evidence base. In this context, a panel of experts with extensive experience in interpreting in vitro measures of total and serum specific IgE reviewed the available scientific evidence. After this review, the panel selected a series of representative case studies to demonstrate how determination of specific and total IgE values and the relationship between them (ratio analysis) can add value to the diagnostic process by more precisely defining the patient’s sensitization profile. Finally, the experts developed a series of recommendations on the clinical application of ratio analysis to optimize and complement the classical approach to allergy diagnosis

Chemical physics insight of PPy-based modified ion exchange membranes: a fundamental approach

Four commercially available, cost-effective ion exchange membranes (two cationic and two anionic exchange membranes, CEMs and AEMs, respectively) were modified to mitigate crossover phenomena of the redox active species typically observed in Aqueous Organic Redox Flow Batteries (AORFB) systems. The modification strategy was carried out using a pyrrole(Py)-based polymer which successfully reduced the permeation of two redox active organic molecules, a viologen derivative (named BP7 throughout this study) and TEMPOL, by an order of magnitude. Additionally, modified membranes showed not significant changes in ion conductivity, with negligible effect on the electrical conductivity of the membranes at a given conditions. The morphology, physicochemical, mechanical, and electrochemical properties of the membranes were determined to evaluate the impact of these modifications. AEMs modified in this manner were found to have optimal properties, showing an increase in ion exchange capacity while maintaining excellent mechanical stability and unaltered permselectivity. Additionally, the diffusion boundary layer of these AEMs was slightly extended, which suggests a greater double layer stability for ion exchange processes than in the case of CEMs. Our work shows that these modified membranes could be an appealing approach for AORFB applicationsThis work has been funded by the European Union under the HIGREEW project, Affordable High-performance Green Redox Flow batteries (Grant agreement no. 875613). H2020: LC-BAT-4-2019875613

Versatile Graphene-Based Platform for Robust Nanobiohybrid Interfaces

Technologically useful and robust graphene-based interfaces for devices require the introduction of highly selective, stable, and covalently bonded functionalities on the graphene surface, whilst essentially retaining the electronic properties of the pristine layer. This work demonstrates that highly controlled, ultrahigh vacuum covalent chemical functionalization of graphene sheets with a thiol-terminated molecule provides a robust and tunable platform for the development of hybrid nanostructures in different environments. We employ this facile strategy to covalently couple two representative systems of broad interest: metal nanoparticles, via S-metal bonds, and thiol-modified DNA aptamers, via disulfide bridges. Both systems, which have been characterized by a multi-technique approach, remain firmly anchored to the graphene surface even after several washing cycles. Atomic force microscopy images demonstrate that the conjugated aptamer retains the functionality required to recognize a target protein. This methodology opens a new route to the integration of high-quality graphene layers into diverse technological platforms, including plasmonics, optoelectronics, or biosensing. With respect to the latter, the viability of a thiol-functionalized chemical vapor deposition graphene-based solution-gated field-effect transistor array was assessed

CHK1 expression in gastric cancer is modulated by p53 and RB1/E2F1: Implications in chemo/radiotherapy response

Radiation has a limited but relevant role in the adjuvant therapy of gastric cancer (GC) patients. Since Chk1 plays a critical function in cellular response to genotoxic agents, we aimed to analyze the role of Chk1 in GC as a biomarker for radiotherapy resistance. We analyzed Chk1 expression in AGS and MKN45 human GC cell lines by RT-QPCR and WB and in a small cohort of human patient’s samples. We demonstrated that Chk1 overexpression specifically increases resistance to radiation in GC cells. Accordingly, abrogation of Chk1 activity with UCN-01 and its expression with shChk1 increased sensitivity to bleomycin and radiation. Furthermore, when we assessed Chk1 expression in human samples, we found a correlation between nuclear Chk1 accumulation and a decrease in progression free survival. Moreover, using a luciferase assay we found that Chk1’s expression is controlled by p53 and RB/E2F1 at the transcriptional level. Additionally, we present preliminary data suggesting a posttranscriptional regulation mechanism, involving miR-195 and miR-503, which are inversely correlated with expression of Chk1 in radioresistant cells. In conclusion, Chk1/microRNA axis is involved in resistance to radiation in GC, and suggests Chk1 as a potential tool for optimal stratification of patients susceptible to receive adjuvant radiotherapy after surgeryThis work was supported by Instituto de Salud Carlos III–Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria (PS09/1988 to ISP; PI11-00949, pI014-1495 and Feder Funds to RP); Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CCG10-UAM/BIO-5871 to ISP); Fundación Leticia Castillejo Castillo and Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (SAF2012-30862 to RSP), Spain

Analysis of the Energy Deposit in the Air by Radiation of Alpha Particles Emitted by the Water of a Spring Through the Geant4 Software

This work presents the development of an analysis of the potential radiological risk generated by alpha particles emitted by radon-222, content in a spring water, for the population that usually swims in the place and for the people who live near this spring. This spring is located in the state of Puebla. Several measurements in the water of this place by researchers from IF-UNAM showed that it contains an average radon concentration level of 70 Bq/m3. To evaluate this radiological risk, it has been developed a computational simulation to know the area and the height where the alpha particles deposit their energy to the medium, as well as the amount of energy that they transfer. This simulation was developed in the Geant4 scientific software and the calculations were executed in the supercomputer of the Laboratorio Nacional de Supercomputo del Sureste de Mexico of the BUAP. The results show that the energy deposit occurs within the superficial limits of the spring, between 7 and 8 meters high. This deposited is not only by the alpha particles, but also by the secondary particles that are generated by the interaction of alpha particles with the environment. Based on these results, it is confirmed that there is no radiological risk by energy deposit by alpha particles for the people

Association of alcohol control policies with adolescent alcohol consumption and with social inequality in adolescent alcohol consumption : a multilevel study in 33 countries and regions

Funding: The Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) is an international study carried out in collaboration with WHO Europe. This research is funded by public sources in each member country. Specifically, ELL, CMM, and ISQ are supported by the Ministry de Health, Spain. CMM is supported by the VI Plan Propiode Investigación de la Universidad de Sevilla 2018, under the action “II.5B Contrato de acceso al Sistema Españolde Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación para el Desarrollo del Programa Propio de I + D + i de la Universidad de Sevilla”. JI is supported by the UK Medical Research Council (MC_UU_12017/12) and the Chief Scientist Office (SPHSU12).Background  Previous research found inconsistent associations between alcohol control policies and socioeconomic inequality with adolescent drinking outcomes. This study expands the focus beyond individual associations to examine whether a combination of policies is related to socioeconomic inequality in adolescent drinking outcomes and whether this relationship varies across survey years. Methods  Multilevel modelling of 4 waves of repeat cross-sectional survey data (2001/02, 2005/06, 2009/10, and 2013/14) from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study was carried out. The sample was composed of 671,084 adolescents (51% girls) aged 11, 13, and 15 (mean age=13.58; SD=1.65) from 33 European and North American countries/regions. The dependent variables were lifetime alcohol consumption, weekly alcohol consumption, and lifetime drunkenness. Independent variables were of three types: individual-level variables (age, sex, Family Affluence Scale, and the Perceived Family Wealth), time-level variable (survey year), and context-level variables (minimum legal drinking age, physical availability, advertising restrictions, a total alcohol policy index, and affordability of alcohol). Results  The total alcohol policy index showed a negative relationship with both lifetime and weekly consumption. Higher affordability of alcohol was related to higher lifetime and weekly consumption and higher lifetime drunkenness. Family Affluence Scale was positively related to all three alcohol measures and Perceived Family Wealth was negatively related to lifetime drunkenness, with these associations increasing across survey years. The total alcohol policy index buffered the associations of Family Affluence Scale and Perceived Family Wealth with adolescent drinking outcomes. Conclusion  A combination of alcohol control policies is more effective in reducing adolescent drinking outcomes than single policy measures. Reducing the affordability of alcohol stood out as the most successful single measure. Socioeconomic inequalities (i.e. higher alcohol consumption and drunkenness in adolescents with higher family affluence and higher drunkenness in adolescents perceiving their families to be poor) have persisted and even increased across survey years. A combined alcohol control policy can help in tackling them.PostprintPublisher PDFPeer reviewe

Phenotypic Characteristics and Copy Number Variants in a Cohort of Colombian Patients with VACTERL Association

VACTERL association (OMIM 192350) is a heterogeneous clinical condition characterized by congenital structural defects that include at least 3 of the following features: vertebral abnormalities, anal atresia, heart defects, tracheoesophageal fistula, renal malformations, and limb defects. The nonrandom occurrence of these malformations and some familial cases suggest a possible association with genetic factors such as chromosomal alterations, gene mutations, and inherited syndromes such as Fanconi anemia (FA). In this study, the clinical phenotype and its relationship with the presence of chromosomal abnormalities and FA were evaluated in 18 patients with VACTERL association. For this, a G-banded karyotype, array-comparative genomic hybridization, and chromosomal fragility test for FA were performed. All patients (10 female and 8 male) showed a broad clinical spectrum: 13 (72.2%) had vertebral abnormalities, 8 (44.4%) had anal atresia, 14 (77.8%) had heart defects, 8 (44.4%) had esophageal atresia, 10 (55.6%) had renal abnormalities, and 10 (55.6%) had limb defects. Chromosomal abnormalities and FA were ruled out. In 2 cases, the finding of microalterations, namely del(15)(q11.2) and dup(17)(q12), explained the phenotype; in 8 cases, copy number variations were classified as variants of unknown significance and as not yet described in VACTERL. These variants comprise genes related to important cellular functions and embryonic development