An X-ray polarimeter for hard X-ray optics

Development of multi-layer optics makes feasible the use of X-ray telescope at energy up to 60-80 keV: in this paper we discuss the extension of photoelectric polarimeter based on Micro Pattern Gas Chamber to high energy X-rays. We calculated the sensitivity with Neon and Argon based mixtures at high pressure with thick absorption gap: placing the MPGC at focus of a next generation multi-layer optics, galatic and extragalactic X-ray polarimetry can be done up till 30 keV.Comment: 12 pages, 7 figure

Efect of brain gym techniques on sustained attention and concentration in the process of initial literacy

The aim of this work was to study changes produced by applying the method of "brain gym" or Brain Gym in attention and concentration for learning reading and writing in children 6 years of initial level. We studied 106 children for three months during the last trimester of classes. Of this total, half of children (53 cases) were in the experimental group who studied the applied method efect, while the other half did not (control group). A test of similarities and differences (Faces), which measured all children, was used. The values were compared at the beginning and end of the study, using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn´s test. When the four defined groups (Pre and Post-Control, Pre and Post-Experimental) were compared, a clear difference between groups (Kruskal-Wallis, p <0.0005) was observed. The differences were clear between Post and Pre-Experimental (p <0.001) and Post-Experimental and Control Pre-and Post-Control (p <0.05). It can be concluded that when the comparison was made between the scores Post-treatment against all others, induced by the method applied effects are significantly higher than those produced in the other groups who did not have the stimulus (p <0.05). We may conclude that the method applied has an effect of improvement in sustained attention and concentration.El objetivo del presente trabajo fue estudiar modificaciones producidas por la aplicación del método de «gimnasia cerebral» o Brain Gym® en la atención y concentración para el aprendizaje de la lectura y de la escritura en niños de 6 años de nivel inicial. Se estudió a 106 niños durante tres meses a lo largo del último trimestre de clases. De este total, la mitad de los niños (53 casos) pertenecían al grupo experimental, a quienes se aplicó el método estudiado, en tanto que a la otra mitad no (grupo control). Se utilizó el test de semejanzas y diferencias (Caras, apareo con la muestra), que midió a todos los niños. los valores se compararon al principio y al finalizar el estudio, utilizando el test Kruskal-Wallis seguido del test de Dunn. Cuando se comparó los cuatro grupos delimitados (pre- y post-control, pre- y post-experimental), se observó una clara diferencia entre grupos (Kruskal-Wallis, p < .0005). Las diferencias fueron claras entre postexperimental y pre-experimental (p< .001) y post-experimental y pre-Control y post-Control (p< .05). Cuando la comparación se hizo entre las puntuaciones post-tratamiento contra todas las demás, los efectos inducidos por el método aplicado fueron significativamente más altos que los producidos en los otros grupos que no tuvieron el estímulo (p < .05). Podemos concluir que el método aplicado tiene un efecto de mejora en la atención sostenida y en la concentración.Fil: Garcia, Marcelo Roberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Sgro, Marcelino. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Stahringer, Rodolfo Carlos. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza; ArgentinaFil: Gargiulo, Pascual Angel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; Argentin

Second Generation Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics in Schizophrenia: The Patient’s Subjective Quality of Life, Well-Being, and Satisfaction

Schizophrenia (SZ) is among the twenty most disabling diseases worldwide. Subjective quality of life, well-being, and satisfaction are core elements to achieving personal recovery from the disorder. Long-acting injectable second-generation antipsychotics (SGA-LAIs) represent a valid therapeutic option for the treatment of SZ as they guarantee good efficacy and adherence to treatment. The aim of this rapid review is to summarize the evidence on the efficacy of SGA-LAIs in improving subjective quality of life, well-being, and satisfaction. The PubMed database was searched for original studies using SGA, LAI, risperidone, paliperidone, aripiprazole, olanzapine, SZ, and psychosis as keywords. Twenty-one studies were included: 13 clinical trials, 7 observational studies, and 1 post hoc analysis. It has been shown that SGA-LAIs bring an improvement to specific domains of subjective and self-rated quality of life, well-being, or satisfaction in prospective observational studies without a control arm and in randomized controlled trials versus placebo. The superiority of SGA-LAIs as compared with oral equivalents and haloperidol-LAI has been reported by some randomized controlled and observational studies. Although promising, the evidence is still limited because of the lack of studies and several methodological issues concerning the choice of the sample, the evaluation of the outcome variables, and the study design. New methodologically sound studies are needed

Genetic determinants of coping, resilience and self-esteem in schizophrenia suggest a primary role for social factors and hippocampal neurogenesis

Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder, associated with a reduction in life expectancy of 15-20 years. Available treatments are at least partially effective in most affected individuals, and personal resources such as resilience (successful adaptation despite adversity) and coping abilities (strategies used to deal with stressful or threatening situations), are important determinants of disease outcomes and long-term sustained recovery. Published findings support the existence of a genetic background underlying resilience and coping, with variable heritability estimates. However, genome-wide analyses concerning the genetic determinants of these personal resources, especially in the context of schizophrenia, are lacking. Here, we performed a genome-wide association study coupled with accessory analyses to investigate potential genetic determinants of resilience, coping and self- esteem in 490 schizophrenia patients. Results revealed a complex genetic background partly overlapping with that of neuroticism, worry and schizophrenia itself and support the importance of social aspects in shapingthese psychological constructs. Hippocampal neurogenesis and lipid metabolism appear to be potentially relevant biological underpinnings, and specific miRNAs such as miR-124 and miR-137 may warrant further studies as potential biomarkers. In conclusion, this study represents an important first step in the identification of genetic and biological correlates shaping resilience, coping resources and self-esteem in schizophrenia