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La formación de las personas con enfermedad mental favorece la inclusión social y laboral. La evaluación de estos programas es fundamental para determinar su alcance. El objetivo es identificar los métodos e instrumentos de evaluación empleados en los programas de formación de pares para personas con enfermedad mental. Se realiza una revisión documental. Según los criterios de inclusión y elegibilidad, se seleccionaron 56 programas para su análisis. Los métodos de evaluación utilizados son muy heterogéneos y la información proporcionada es limitada. Encontramos que la mayoría de los programas evalúa conocimientos, pero no las competencias adquiridas con la formación. Para una adecuada evaluación de competencias, es necesario que se recoja información en diferentes momentos y con estrategias que se complementen; de no actuar de esta forma sería complicado afirmar que la persona cuenta con las competencias necesarias para su desempeño.

El concepto alfabetización en salud mental (ASM) hace referencia a los conocimientos y creencias sobre los trastornos mentales. Mejorar la ASM puede tener un impacto significativo en los individuos y en la sociedad en general. El objetivo del estudio fue revisar la producción científica relativa a la ASM, analizar sus características e identificar las fortalezas y debilidades de las acciones propuestas. Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura mediante búsquedas en las bases de datos Web of Science (WOS) y Scopus. Se han seleccionado y analizado 106 artículos. Los resultados se organizan en 4 categorías: concepto de ASM y cómo materializarlo, programas educativos, instrumentos de evaluación de ASM y estudios sobre los niveles de ASM. El término ASM se disemina a lo largo del mundo pese a la falta de consenso conceptual. Se materializa, principalmente, a través de intervenciones educativas con diversas metodologías. Aunque existen limitaciones para medir la ASM, generalmente, se detectan bajos niveles en los diferentes grupos de población y sobre problemas específicos de salud mental. En definitiva, se encontraron, prioritariamente, acciones puntuales que requieren de un mayor desarrollo de programas aplicables en la sociedad para la información y prevención de los problemas de salud mental. Es necesaria la proliferación del término ASM para la prevención e información de los problemas de salud mental.

BackgroundIn the U.S., African Americans (AAs) present with the highest incidence and mortality rates for Colorectal Cancer (CRC). When compared to Caucasian American (CA) patients, AAs also have reduced response to the first line standard of care chemotherapeutic agent 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU). Previously, we observed differential gene expression between the two populations, suggesting that colon tumors from AA patients display a decreased antitumor immune response and an increased expression of genes encoding proteins involved in inflammatory processes, such as Interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Here, we investigate the role of IL-1β in modifying chemotherapeutic response and altering expression of proteins in novel AA and well-established CA colon cancer cell lines.MethodsRNA sequencing analysis was performed to detect expression of genes involved in inflammation in AA and CA colon cancer cells. The effects of IL-1β on 5-FU response was evaluated by assessing cell viability (MTS assay) and apoptosis (flow cytometry analysis) following treatment with 5-FU alone or in combination with the cytokine. Further, we used an IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) to inhibit IL-1β-induced effects on 5-FU sensitivity and NF-kB pathway activation.ResultsAA colon cancer cell lines present significant increase in expression of genes IL1R2 (373-fold change (FC), IRAK1 (3.24 FC), IKBKB, (5.33 FC) NF-KB IA (5.95 FC), MYD88, (3.72 FC), IRAK3 (161 FC), TRAF5 (4.1 FC). A significant decrease in the response to 5-FU treatment, as well as a significant increase in phosphorylation of IκBα and secretion of IL-8, was seen following IL-1β treatment, in both AA and CA cell lines. Finally, treatment with IL-1Ra was able to reverse the effects induced by IL-1β, by increasing the cells sensitivity to 5-FU. IL-1Ra also inhibited phosphorylation of IκBα and IL-8 secretion.ConclusionsOur results suggest a differential expression of inflammatory genes and proteins that might regulate the different response to IL-1β between AA and CA colon cancer cell lines. Our data also demonstrates that IL-1β is involved in modulating 5-FU response in both AA and CA colon cancer cell lines. Further investigation of these mechanisms might help elucidate the differences seen in incidence, mortality and response to therapy in AA colon cancer patients.

This article delves into the complex world of quantum games in multi-agent settings, proposing a model wherein agents utilize gradient-based strategies to optimize local rewards. A learning model is introduced to focus on the learning efficacy of agents in various games and the impact of quantum circuit noise on the performance of the algorithm. The research uncovers a non-trivial relationship between quantum circuit noise and algorithm performance. While generally an increase in quantum noise leads to performance decline, we show that low noise can unexpectedly enhance performance in games with large numbers of agents under some specific circumstances. This insight not only bears theoretical interest, but also might have practical implications given the inherent limitations of contemporary noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) computers. The results presented in this paper offer new perspectives on quantum games and enrich our understanding of the interplay between multi-agent learning and quantum computation. Both challenges and opportunities are highlighted, suggesting promising directions for future research in the intersection of quantum computing, game theory and reinforcement learning.

Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women worldwide. It is classified into intrinsic subtypes characterized by different molecular profiles and prognosis. The prevalence of the different intrinsic subtypes varies between population groups. IHC surrogates based on the expression of the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2 have been widely used to study the distribution of intrinsic subtypes in non-Hispanic whites and African Americans, but data are limited for Hispanic/Latina women. Similarly, most studies analyzing gene expression profiles only include women of European descent. This review focuses on studies that describe the distribution of breast cancer subtypes in Hispanic/Latina women and highlights the need for more research in this population. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(1); 3-10. ©2017 AACR.

Abstract Background Multiple health behaviour change (MHBC) interventions that promote healthy lifestyles may be an efficient approach in the prevention or treatment of chronic diseases in primary care. This study aims to evaluate the cost-utility and cost-effectiveness of the health promotion EIRA intervention in terms of MHBC and cardiovascular reduction. Methods An economic evaluation alongside a 12-month cluster-randomised (1:1) controlled trial conducted between 2017 and 2018 in 25 primary healthcare centres from seven Spanish regions. The study took societal and healthcare provider perspectives. Patients included were between 45 and 75 years old and had any two of these three behaviours: smoking, insufficient physical activity or low adherence to Mediterranean dietary pattern. Intervention duration was 12 months and combined three action levels (individual, group and community). MHBC, defined as a change in at least two health risk behaviours, and cardiovascular risk (expressed in % points) were the outcomes used to calculate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER). Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were estimated and used to calculate incremental cost-utility ratios (ICUR). Missing data was imputed and bootstrapping with 1000 replications was used to handle uncertainty in the modelling results. Results The study included 3062 participants. Intervention costs were €295 higher than usual care costs. Five per-cent additional patients in the intervention group did a MHBC compared to usual care patients. Differences in QALYS or cardiovascular risk between-group were close to 0 (-0.01 and 0.17 respectively). The ICER was €5,598 per extra health behaviour change in one patient and €1,727 per one-point reduction in cardiovascular risk from a societal perspective. The cost-utility analysis showed that the intervention increased costs and has no effect, in terms of QALYs, compared to usual care from a societal perspective. Cost-utility planes showed high uncertainty surrounding the ICUR. Sensitivity analysis showed results in line with the main analysis. Conclusion The efficiency of EIRA intervention cannot be fully established and its recommendation should be conditioned by results on medium-long term effects. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03136211 . Registered 02 May 2017 – Retrospectively registered

La finalidad es dar a conocer la labor educativa y el pensamiento del Maestro Francisco Justo Pérez van-Leenden, docente destacado de la Universidad de La Guajira y del Caribe colombiano, hizo grandes aportes a la academia y a la cultura de la región como se evidencia en sus libros, artículos, investigaciones, ponencias y labores a lo largo de su vida profesional. Su ideal fue la cristalización de una educación incluyente y pertinente para La Guajira-Colombia, territorio caracterizado por la multiculturalidad que reclama para su desarrollo social y económico la puesta en marcha de programas y proyectos etnoeducativos. Para la realización de este trabajo se acudió a escritos y testimonios de quienes lo conocieron, lo cual permitió ahondar en su vida académica, conllevando a resaltar sus contribuciones, constituyéndose en un símbolo para La Guajira.

This study investigated the phytotoxicity of agro-industrial wastes (almond, walnut, pistachio and peanut shells, asparagus spears, and brewer's spent grain) and their biochar through germination bioassays in several horticultural species: green pea, lettuce, radish, and arugula. Biowaste was pyrolyzed under controlled conditions to produce biochar, and both biowaste and biochar were characterized. Germination bioassay was conducted using seeds exposed to different dilutions of aqueous extract of biowaste and their biochar (0, 50, and 100%). Germination percentage, seed vigor, germination index, and root and aerial lengths were evaluated. The results showed that the phytotoxicity of the biowaste was significantly different to that of its biochar. The biochar obtained demonstrated changing effects on germination and seedling growth. In particular, biochar extracts from spent brewers grains, walnut shells, and pistachio shells showed 5–14% increases in seed vigor and root and aerial length. Furthermore, the response of different species to both agro-industrial waste and biochar revealed species-specific sensitivity. Seeds of lettuce and arugula species were more sensitive to aqueous extracts than radish and green peas. This knowledge not only elucidates the behavior of agro-industrial waste-based biochar in the early stage of plant development but also provides valuable insights regarding phytotoxicity, seed sensitivity, and the variables involved in germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations represent significant clinical events marked by worsening respiratory symptoms, often necessitating changes in medication or hospitalization. Identifying patterns of exacerbation and understanding their clinical implications are critical for improving patient outcomes. This study aimed to identify exacerbation patterns in COPD patients using variations in the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores and compare clinical characteristics and comorbidities among patients with different exacerbation patterns. Methods: An observational study was conducted involving COPD patients admitted for severe exacerbations. The administered CAT questionnaire referred to two periods: (1) the period during hospital admission and (2) the stable period two months prior to admission. Results: Fifty patients (60% male, mean age 70.5 years, standard deviation [SD] 9.6) were included; of these, eight (16%) were active smokers. Significant worsening in CAT scores during the exacerbation compared to the stable period was observed (25 vs. 13.5, p < 0.001). Three exacerbation patterns were identified: increased cough and sputum (cluster 1); increased dyspnea and activity limitation (cluster 2); and poorer sleep quality and lower energy (cluster 3). No significant differences were found regarding demographics and lung function. Conclusions: Three distinct exacerbation patterns were identified in COPD patients based on CAT score variations, suggesting that exacerbations are heterogeneous events. Future studies with larger sample sizes and prospective follow-up are necessary to validate these findings and explore their clinical and prognostic implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildfire represents a significant threat to ecosystems and communities in the Department of Amazonas, Peru, causing losses in biodiversity and land degradation and affecting socioeconomic security. The objective of this study was to analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of burned areas (BAs) from 1986 to 2023 to identify recurrence patterns and their impact on different types of land use and land cover (LULC). Landsat 5, 7, and 8 satellite images, processed by Google Earth Engine (GEE) using a decision tree approach, were used to map and quantify the affected areas. The results showed that the BAs were mainly concentrated in the provinces of Utcubamba, Luya, and Rodríguez de Mendoza, with a total of 1208.85 km2 burned in 38 years. The most affected land covers were pasture/grassland (38.25%), natural cover (forest, dry forest, and shrubland) (29.55%) and agricultural areas (14.74%). Fires were most frequent between June and November, with the highest peaks in September and August. This study provides crucial evidence for the implementation of sustainable management strategies, fire prevention, and restoration of degraded areas, contributing to the protection and resilience of Amazonian ecosystems against future wildfire threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deliberate and precise modification of the host genome using engineered nucleases represents a groundbreaking advancement in modern medicine. Several clinical trials employing these approaches to address metabolic liver disorders have been initiated, with recent remarkable outcomes observed in patients with transthyretin amyloidosis, highlighting the potential of these therapies. Recent technological improvements, particularly CRISPR Cas9‐based technology, have revolutionized gene editing, enabling in vivo modification of the cellular genome for therapeutic purposes. These modifications include gene supplementation, correction, or silencing, offering a wide range of therapeutic possibilities. Moving forward, we anticipate witnessing the unfolding therapeutic potential of these strategies in the coming years. The aim of our review is to summarize preclinical data on gene editing in animal models of inherited liver diseases and the clinical data obtained thus far, emphasizing both therapeutic efficacy and potential limitations of these medical interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapies have increased the patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) in whom standard electrophoretic techniques fail to detect the M‐protein. Quantitative immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry (QIP‐MS) can accurately measure serum M‐protein with high sensitivity, and identify interferences caused by therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. Here, we investigate the outcome of QIP‐MS in 33 patients treated with the academic BCMA‐directed CAR T‐cell ARI0002h (Cesnicabtagene Autoleucel). QIP‐MS offered more detailed insights than serum immunofixation (sIFE), identifying glycosylated M‐proteins and minor additional peaks. Moreover, the potential interferences owing to daratumumab or tocilizumab treatments were successfully detected. When analysing different assay platforms during patient's monitoring after ARI0002h administration, we observed that QIP‐MS showed a high global concordance (78.8%) with sIFE, whereas it was only moderate (55.6%) with bone marrow (BM)‐based next‐generation flow cytometry (NGF). Furthermore, QIP‐MS consistently demonstrated the lowest negativity rate across the different timepoints (27.3% vs. 60.0% in months 1 and 12, respectively). Patients with QIP‐MS(+)/BM‐based NGF(−) showed a non‐significant shorter median progression free survival than those with QIP‐MS(−)/BM‐based NGF(−). In summary, we show the first experience to our knowledge demonstrating that QIP‐MS could be particularly useful as a non‐invasive technique when evaluating response after CAR T‐cell treatment in MM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 16-year-old patient, while an infant, incurred right-sided hemiparesis and had difficulty breast feeding. She was later diagnosed with a neonatal stroke and her genetic testing showed a missense mutation in her PROS1 (Protein S) gene. Both her grandfather and father, but not her mother, had hereditary Protein S (PS) deficiency. The patient was not prescribed any mediation due to her young age but was frequently checked by her physician. The patient's plasma was first collected at the age of 13, and the isolated plasma from the patient and her father were analyzed by aPTT, thrombin generation, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. These analyses showed low PS activity and clotting time associated with the missense mutation in the PROS1 gene. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the patient received her first Pfizer vaccination dose in 2021, followed by a booster dose in 2022. The plasma samples were collected 8 weeks post-immunization, after which her clotting parameters had improved for up to 6 months following vaccination. The patient's plasma showed a significant reduction in thrombin generation and an improved aPTT clotting time. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that her antithrombin-III level was significantly higher post-vaccination, and both thrombin and FXII levels were significantly lowered compared with her father. To our knowledge, this is the first report to document that COVID-19 vaccination can lower the risk of thrombosis in a patient with inherited thrombophilia. Although the effect was observed on a single mutation, it would be interesting to investigate the effect of COVID-19 vaccinations on other thrombophilia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study outlines a protocol aimed at identifying and mapping health promotion practices in need of development from the perspectives of key sectors responsible for it at the local level and from an intersectoral perspective across four Spanish regions. Design: A complementary multi‐method study combining survey methods and qualitative interviews will be adopted. Methods: Purposive snowball sampling will be employed to select potentially rich informants from city councils, primary care centres, primary and secondary schools, and public health and civil society organizations in 12 municipalities sensitive to local health. Data on the degree of execution of health promotion activities, the level of intersectorality in their implementation, and their origins will be collected using PromoACTIVA questionnaires, an intersectoral typology model and an interview protocol. A parallel mixed analysis encompassing descriptive statistics and a 'framework analysis' will be performed. Discussion: This study is expected to yield thorough and reliable insights into health promotion practices and omissions at the local level by focusing on key stakeholders, both individually and collaboratively. This information can enhance health promotion planning and improve its effectiveness, efficiency and contextual relevance. The development and testing of a methodology for the integration and interpretation of these data will ensure sustainable capacity building. Impact: Managers and practitioners interested in health promotion planning in the researched settings can benefit from a comprehensive map of the current state of their practices and insights into the starting points of collaboration. In addition, planners from other local settings will gain access to tools and methodologies to replicate and expand these maps to their own contexts. Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging key stakeholders with experience working in or with primary care centres, public health organizations, primary and secondary schools, civil society organizations, and city councils was vital to ensure the study's relevance and feasibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling has emerged as a valuable tool for investigating complex processes like microencapsulation. This paper aims to validate the ability of CFD simulations to predict particle size distribution in a polymer microencapsulation process. The CFD modeling approach employed a Eulerian multiphase framework, incorporating a discrete population balance model to track the evolution of the droplet population. A realizable k-ε turbulence model and a multiple reference frame strategy were utilized to capture the system's flow dynamics. The results reveal that while the CFD simulations align well with experimental data at higher agitation speeds (>10,000 rpm), discrepancies arise at lower speeds (<7500 rpm), indicating a challenge in accurately capturing turbulent viscous regimes. Despite these challenges, the CFD model demonstrates robust predictive capabilities for droplet formation and distribution in microencapsulation processes, validated by error margins within the acceptable limits. The validated model can be used as a reliable tool to guide experimental efforts and optimize process parameters, contributing to an enhanced understanding and control of microencapsulation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review summarizes recent progress in our current understanding of the mechanisms underlying the cell death pathways in bryophytes, focusing on conserved pathways and particularities in comparison to angiosperms. Regulated cell death (RCD) plays key roles during essential processes along the plant life cycle. It is part of specific developmental programmes and maintains homeostasis of the organism in response to unfavourable environments. Bryophytes could provide valuable models to study developmental RCD processes as well as those triggered by biotic and abiotic stresses. Some pathways analogous to those present in angiosperms occur in the gametophytic haploid generation of bryophytes, allowing direct genetic studies. In this review, we focus on such RCD programmes, identifying core conserved mechanisms and raising new key questions to analyse RCD from an evolutionary perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract Background Confinement due to COVID-19 has increased mental ill-health. Few studies unpack the risk and protective factors associated with mental ill-health and addictions that might inform future preparedness. Methods Cross-sectional on-line survey with 37,810 Catalan residents aged 16+ years from 21 April to 20 May 2020 reporting prevalence of mental ill-health and substance use and associated coping strategies and behaviours. Results Weighted prevalence of reported depression, anxiety and lack of mental well-being was, respectively, 23, 26, and 75%, each three-fold higher than before confinement. The use of prescribed hypnosedatives was two-fold and of non-prescribed hypnosedatives ten-fold higher than in 2018. Women, younger adults and students were considerably more likely, and older and retired people considerably less likely to report mental ill-health. High levels of social support, dedicating time to oneself, following a routine, and undertaking relaxing activities were associated with half the likelihood of reported mental ill-health. Worrying about problems living at home, the uncertainty of when normality would return, and job loss were associated with more than one and a half times the likelihood of mental ill-health. With the possible exception of moderately severe and severe depression, length of confinement had no association with reported mental ill-health. Conclusions The trebling of psychiatric symptomatology might lead to either to under-identification of cases and treatment gap, or a saturation of mental health services if these are not matched with prevalence increases. Special attention is needed for the younger adult population. In the presence of potential new confinement, improved mental health literacy of evidence-based coping strategies and resilience building are urgently needed to mitigate mental ill-health.

Abstract Background The Frail-VIG frailty index has been developed recently. It is an instrument with a multidimensional approach and a pragmatic purpose that allows rapid and efficient assessment of the degree of frailty in the context of clinical practice. Our aim was to investigate the convergent and discriminative validity of the Frail-VIG frailty index with regard to EQ-5D-3L value. Methods We carried out a cross-sectional study in two Primary Health Care (PHC) centres of the Catalan Institute of Health (Institut Català de la Salut), Barcelona (Spain) from February 2017 to January 2019. Participants in the study were all people included under a home care programme during the study period. No exclusion criteria were applied. We used the EQ-5D-3L to measure Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and the Frail-VIG index to measure frailty. Trained PHC nurses administered both instruments during face-to-face assessments in a participant’s home during usual care. The relationships between both instruments were examined using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression analyses. Results Four hundred and twelve participants were included in this study. Frail-VIG score and EQ-5D-3L value were negatively correlated (r = − 0.510; P