Electrochemical and spectroscopic characterisation of amphetamine-like drugs: Application to the screening of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and its synthetic precursors

A complete physicochemical characterisation of MDMA and its synthetic precursors MDA, 3,4-methylenedioxybenzaldehyde (piperonal) and 3,4-methylenedioxy-[beta]-methyl-[beta]-nitrostyrene was carried out through voltammetric assays and Raman spectroscopy combined with theoretical (DFT) calculations. The former provided important analytical redox data, concluding that the oxidative mechanism of the N-demethylation of MDMA involves the removal of an electron from the amino-nitrogen atom, leading to the formation of a primary amine and an aldehyde. The vibrational spectroscopic experiments enable to afford a rapid and reliable detection of this type of compounds, since they yield characteristic spectral patterns that lead to an unequivocal identification.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6TF4-4P0X5D5-4/1/9762a97e2bf78b805ff2aef86d7a1cc

Factor structure and measurement invariance of the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18) in cancer patients

Background/Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess psychometric properties of the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18), evaluate the measurement invariance with respect to sex, age, and tumor location, and to analyze associations between social support and sociodemographic and clinical variables among individuals with resected, non-advanced cancer. Method: A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to explore the dimensionality of the scale and test invariance across sex, age, and tumor localization in a prospective, multicenter cohort of 877 patients who completed the BSI-18 and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Results: The results show that 3-factor and 1-factor measurement models provided a good fit to the data; however, a three-factor, second-order model was deemed more appropriate and parsimonious in this population. Alpha coefficients ranged between .75 and .88. Test of measurement invariance showed strong invariance results for sex, age, and tumor location; strong invariance over time was likewise assumed. Less perceived social support appears to correlate with all BSI factors. Conclusions: The study confirmed the tridimensional structure of the BSI-18 and invariance across age, sex, and tumor localization. We recommend using this instrument to measure anxiety, depression, and somatization in epidemiological research and clinical practice

Uridine Prevents Negative Effects of OXPHOS Xenobiotics on Dopaminergic Neuronal Differentiation

Neuronal differentiation appears to be dependent on oxidative phosphorylation capacity. Several drugs inhibit oxidative phosphorylation and might be detrimental for neuronal differentiation. Some pregnant women take these medications during their first weeks of gestation when fetal nervous system is being developed. These treatments might have later negative consequences on the offspring’s health. To analyze a potential negative effect of three widely used medications, we studied in vitro dopaminergic neuronal differentiation of cells exposed to pharmacologic concentrations of azidothymidine for acquired immune deficiency syndrome; linezolid for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis; and atovaquone for malaria. We also analyzed the dopaminergic neuronal differentiation in brains of fetuses from pregnant mice exposed to linezolid. The drugs reduced the in vitro oxidative phosphorylation capacity and dopaminergic neuronal differentiation. This differentiation process does not appear to be affected in the prenatally exposed fetus brain. Nevertheless, the global DNA methylation in fetal brain was significantly altered, perhaps linking an early exposure to a negative effect in older life. Uridine was able to prevent the negative effects on in vitro dopaminergic neuronal differentiation and on in vivo global DNA methylation. Uridine could be used as a protective agent against oxidative phosphorylation-inhibiting pharmaceuticals provided during pregnancy when dopaminergic neuronal differentiation is taking place

Petrología aplicada a la Conservación del Patrimonio

4 páginas. Ed. Miguel Ángel Rogerio Candelera y Cesáreo Sáiz Jiménez. Primera Reunión de la Red de Ciencia y Tecnología para la Conservación del Patrimonio (Madrid, 28-29 de junio de 2011).El grupo de Petrología Aplicada a la Conservación del Patrimonio (PAP) está constituido por investigadores del CSIC y de la UCM, que pertenecen al Instituto de Geociencias. Este instituto, creado en 2011, es una transformación del antiguo Instituto de Geología Económica (CSIC-UCM), del cual procede este grupo de investigación con más de 25 años de experiencia en la conservación del patrimonio cultural, principalmente del patrimonio arquitectónico y arqueológico realizado en piedra. El grupo participa en los estudios previos y en los realizados durante la fase de ejecución del proyecto de diferentes intervenciones encaminadas a la restauración y conservación del patrimonio (www.conservacionpatrimonio.es).Programas Geomateriales (S2009/MAT-1629) y CONSOLIDER-TCP (CSD2007-0058) y a la financiación de Grupo de Investigación de la UCM, "Alteración y Conservación de los Materiales Pétreos del Patrimonio" (ref. 921349).Peer reviewe

Prospective analysis of psychological differences between adult and elderly cancer patients during postoperaritve adjuvant chemotherapy

PURPOSE: Despite the burgeoning geriatric population with cancer and the importance of understanding how age may be related to mental adjustment and quality of life so far, differences in coping strategies and psychological harm between the elderly and adults are hardly being taken into account to modify the approach to this population. The aim of this prospective study is to describe the differences in psychological characteristics between older and adult cancer patients and examine dissimilarities in their psychological evolution during adjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: Adults (18-69 years old) and older patients (≥ 70) with newly diagnosed non-metastatic resected cancer admitted to receive adjuvant chemotherapy were recruited. Patients completed the following questionnaires: mini-mental adjustment to cancer, brief symptom inventory, shared decision-making questionnaire-patient's version, multidimensional scale of perceived social support, EORTC quality-of-life instrument, life orientation test-revised, and satisfaction with life scale. RESULTS: 500 cancer patients (394 adults and 106 older) were evaluated. The impact of the diagnosis was less negative among older patients, with no differences in coping strategies, quality of life, or search for support. Regarding psychological changes from the beginning to the end of the adjuvant treatment, both age groups reported more somatic symptoms, increased psychological difficulty, reduced coping strategies, and a significant decrease in quality of life at the end of postoperative chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Although there were clear psychological differences between adults and senior cancer patients, their evolution during adjuvant chemotherapy was similar, with deterioration in quality of life and coping. This negative psychological impact of adjuvant chemotherapy should be taken into account when considering interventions

Building a double way bridge. Labor insertion strategies for university students of the School of Economics of the National University of La Plata

¿Por qué las Universidades deben ocuparse de la inserción laboral de sus egresados? Algunos estudios sostienen que la valoración de la educación universitaria es independiente de los resultados de los egresados en el mercado de trabajo, sobre todo aquellos que afirman que la Universidad no forma exclusivamente profesionales, sino también ciudadanos, y que por lo tanto no necesariamente la empleabilidad es una medida de la calidad educativa. Sin embargo, quienes realizan el trayecto formativo de la Educación Superior en las Universidades y en particular en las Facultades más profesionistas como lo es la de Ciencias Económicas, lo hacen para acceder mejor posicionados al mercado laboral. Este trabajo describe los dispositivos que la FCE de la UNLP incluye en su Plan Estratégico 2014-2018 y sucesivos, para promover la inserción laboral de sus estudiantes y egresados. El Sistema de Pasantías Educativas, el Programa de Estudiantes Avanzados y Jóvenes Profesionales, el Programa de Formación y Desarrollo junto a empresas, como la formación en Emprendedorismo a través de un seminario curricular y la Usina de Ideas, evidencian la experiencia de una Universidad Pública, considerando que el empleo y el trabajo influyen positivamente en la formación académica de sus estudiantes y graduados.Why should Universities deal with their graduate’s labor insertion? Some studies argue that the assessment of university education is independent from the results graduates show in labor markets, especially those who hold that the University does not exclusively train professionals but also citizens, therefore employability is not necessarily a measure of educational quality. However, those who complete the formative path of Higher Education in Universities, particularly in the most professionist Schools as Economics, do so in order to have better access to working markets. This paper describes the devices that the School of Economics (Facultad de Ciencias Económicas - FCE) of the National University of La Plata (Universidad Nacional de La Plata - UNLP) includes in its 2014-2018 and future Strategic Plans, to promote labor insertion of its students and graduates. The Educational Internships System (Sistema de Pasantías Educativas), the Program for Advanced Students and Young Professionals (Programa de Estudiantes Avanzados y Jóvenes Profesionales), the Program for Training and Development alongside Companies (Programa de Formación y Desarrollo Junto a Empresas), as well as training in Entrepreneurship through a curricular seminar and the Think Tank (Usina de Ideas), show the experience of a Public University considering employment and work as a positive influence on the academic education of its students and graduates.Facultad de Ciencias Económica

Building a double way bridge. Labor insertion strategies for university students of the School of Economics of the National University of La Plata

¿Por qué las Universidades deben ocuparse de la inserción laboral de sus egresados? Algunos estudios sostienen que la valoración de la educación universitaria es independiente de los resultados de los egresados en el mercado de trabajo, sobre todo aquellos que afirman que la Universidad no forma exclusivamente profesionales, sino también ciudadanos, y que por lo tanto no necesariamente la empleabilidad es una medida de la calidad educativa. Sin embargo, quienes realizan el trayecto formativo de la Educación Superior en las Universidades y en particular en las Facultades más profesionistas como lo es la de Ciencias Económicas, lo hacen para acceder mejor posicionados al mercado laboral. Este trabajo describe los dispositivos que la FCE de la UNLP incluye en su Plan Estratégico 2014-2018 y sucesivos, para promover la inserción laboral de sus estudiantes y egresados. El Sistema de Pasantías Educativas, el Programa de Estudiantes Avanzados y Jóvenes Profesionales, el Programa de Formación y Desarrollo junto a empresas, como la formación en Emprendedorismo a través de un seminario curricular y la Usina de Ideas, evidencian la experiencia de una Universidad Pública, considerando que el empleo y el trabajo influyen positivamente en la formación académica de sus estudiantes y graduados.Why should Universities deal with their graduate’s labor insertion? Some studies argue that the assessment of university education is independent from the results graduates show in labor markets, especially those who hold that the University does not exclusively train professionals but also citizens, therefore employability is not necessarily a measure of educational quality. However, those who complete the formative path of Higher Education in Universities, particularly in the most professionist Schools as Economics, do so in order to have better access to working markets. This paper describes the devices that the School of Economics (Facultad de Ciencias Económicas - FCE) of the National University of La Plata (Universidad Nacional de La Plata - UNLP) includes in its 2014-2018 and future Strategic Plans, to promote labor insertion of its students and graduates. The Educational Internships System (Sistema de Pasantías Educativas), the Program for Advanced Students and Young Professionals (Programa de Estudiantes Avanzados y Jóvenes Profesionales), the Program for Training and Development alongside Companies (Programa de Formación y Desarrollo Junto a Empresas), as well as training in Entrepreneurship through a curricular seminar and the Think Tank (Usina de Ideas), show the experience of a Public University considering employment and work as a positive influence on the academic education of its students and graduates.Facultad de Ciencias Económica

Building a double way bridge. Labor insertion strategies for university students of the School of Economics of the National University of La Plata

¿Por qué las Universidades deben ocuparse de la inserción laboral de sus egresados? Algunos estudios sostienen que la valoración de la educación universitaria es independiente de los resultados de los egresados en el mercado de trabajo, sobre todo aquellos que afirman que la Universidad no forma exclusivamente profesionales, sino también ciudadanos, y que por lo tanto no necesariamente la empleabilidad es una medida de la calidad educativa. Sin embargo, quienes realizan el trayecto formativo de la Educación Superior en las Universidades y en particular en las Facultades más profesionistas como lo es la de Ciencias Económicas, lo hacen para acceder mejor posicionados al mercado laboral. Este trabajo describe los dispositivos que la FCE de la UNLP incluye en su Plan Estratégico 2014-2018 y sucesivos, para promover la inserción laboral de sus estudiantes y egresados. El Sistema de Pasantías Educativas, el Programa de Estudiantes Avanzados y Jóvenes Profesionales, el Programa de Formación y Desarrollo junto a empresas, como la formación en Emprendedorismo a través de un seminario curricular y la Usina de Ideas, evidencian la experiencia de una Universidad Pública, considerando que el empleo y el trabajo influyen positivamente en la formación académica de sus estudiantes y graduados.Why should Universities deal with their graduate’s labor insertion? Some studies argue that the assessment of university education is independent from the results graduates show in labor markets, especially those who hold that the University does not exclusively train professionals but also citizens, therefore employability is not necessarily a measure of educational quality. However, those who complete the formative path of Higher Education in Universities, particularly in the most professionist Schools as Economics, do so in order to have better access to working markets. This paper describes the devices that the School of Economics (Facultad de Ciencias Económicas - FCE) of the National University of La Plata (Universidad Nacional de La Plata - UNLP) includes in its 2014-2018 and future Strategic Plans, to promote labor insertion of its students and graduates. The Educational Internships System (Sistema de Pasantías Educativas), the Program for Advanced Students and Young Professionals (Programa de Estudiantes Avanzados y Jóvenes Profesionales), the Program for Training and Development alongside Companies (Programa de Formación y Desarrollo Junto a Empresas), as well as training in Entrepreneurship through a curricular seminar and the Think Tank (Usina de Ideas), show the experience of a Public University considering employment and work as a positive influence on the academic education of its students and graduates.Facultad de Ciencias Económica

Dignity and psychosocial related variables in elderly advanced cancer patients

Abstract Introduction: Most cancers occur in older individuals, who are more vulnerable due to functional impairment, multiple comorbidities, cognitive impairment, and lack of socio‑familial support. These can undermine patients' sense of dignity. This study seeks to compare dignity scores in older patients with advanced cancer on sociodemographic and clinical variables and analyze the predictive value of anxiety, depression, functional limitations, and social support on dignity scores. Methods: A prospective, multicenter, observational study conducted with participation of 15 hospitals in Spain from February 2020 to October 2021. Patients with newly‑diagnosed, advanced cancer completed the dignity (PPDS), anxiety and depression (BSI), Social Support (Duke-UNC‑11), and functional limitations (EORTC‑C30) scales. Lineal regression analyses explored the effects of anxiety, depression, functional status, and social support on dignity, adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical variables. Results: A total of 180 subjects participated in this study. The results of the correlation analysis revealed that dignity correlated negatively with anxiety, depression, and sex, and positively with social support, functional status, and longer estimated survival. Thus, women, and more anxious and depressed individuals scored lower on the dignity scale, whereas patients with more social support, fewer functional limitations, and longer estimated survival scored higher. Conclusion: In conclusion, being female, having a lower educational level, lower estimated survival, depression, anxiety, less social support, and limited functionality are correlated with less dignity in the elderly with advanced cancer. It is a priority to manage both physical and psychological symptoms in patients with unresectable advanced cancer to mitigate psychological distress and increase their sense of dignit

Validity and Reliability of the Decision Regret Scale in Cancer Patients Receiving Adjuvant Chemotherapy

OBJECTIVES: Decisional regret is an indicator of satisfaction with the treatment decision and can help to identify those patients who need more support and evaluate the efficacy of decision support interventions. The objectives of this study are, 1) to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Decision Regret Scale and 2) to analyze the moderating effect of psychological distress on functional status and regret in patients with cancer following adjuvancy. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter cohort of 403 patients who completed the Decision Regret Scale (DRS), Health-Related Quality of Life (EORTC QLQ-C30), and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). The evaluation was conducted six months after receiving adjuvant treatment in patients with resected cancer. RESULTS: After treatment, most participants (51.9%) experienced no decision regret; 33.7% felt mild regret, and 14.4% exhibited high levels of regret. The Spanish version of the DRS demonstrated satisfactory properties: it had a strong, clear unidimensional factorial structure with substantial loadings. Decisional regret was related with lower scores on functional, symptom, and quality of life scales, and higher levels of psychological distress (all P = 0.001). Psychological distress was found to have a moderating effect on the relationship between functional state and decision regret. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of the DRS is a reliable, valid tool to evaluate regret and post-decisional quality in clinical practice and further highlights the potential clinical implications of psychological distress for the relation between physical status and regret