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Background The proportion of women among healthcare and biomedical research professionals in neuro-oncology is growing. With changes in cultural expectations and work-life balance considerations, more men aspire to nonfull-time jobs, yet, leadership positions remain dominated by men. Methods The European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) disparity committee carried out a digital survey to explore gender balance and actions suitable to promote gender equality. The survey was distributed among EANO members in 2021, with responses analyzed descriptively. Results In total, 262 participants completed the survey (141 women, 53.8%; median age 43). Respondents were neurosurgeons (68, 26.0%); neurologists (67, 25.6%), medical oncologists (43, 16.4%), or other healthcare or research professionals; 208 participants (79.4%) worked full-time. Positive action to enforce the role of women in neuro-oncology was deemed necessary by 180 participants (68.7%), but only 28 participants (10.7%) agreed that women only should be promoted until gender balance is reached. A majority of respondents (162, 61.8%) felt that women with an equivalent CV should be prioritized over men to reach gender balance. If in the future the balance favored women at higher positions, 112 respondents (42.7%) agreed to apply positive action for men. The top indicators considered relevant to measure gender balance were: salary for similar positions (183/228, 80.3%), paid overtime (176/228, 77.2%), number of permanent positions (164/228, 71.9%), protected time for research (161/227, 70.9%), and training opportunities (157/227, 69.2%). Conclusions Specific indicators may help to measure and promote gender balance and should be considered for implementation among healthcare professionals in neuro-oncology.

Severe diaphragm dysfunction can lead to respiratory failure and to the need for permanent mechanical ventilation. Yet permanent tethering to a mechanical ventilator through the mouth or via tracheostomy can hinder a patient’s speech, swallowing ability and mobility. Here we show, in a porcine model of varied respiratory insufficiency, that a contractile soft robotic actuator implanted above the diaphragm augments its motion during inspiration. Synchronized actuation of the diaphragm-assist implant with the native respiratory effort increased tidal volumes and maintained ventilation flow rates within the normal range. Robotic implants that intervene at the diaphragm rather than at the upper airway and that augment physiological metrics of ventilation may restore respiratory performance without sacrificing quality of life.

Characterizing sources and targets of illumination in living tissue is challenging. Here we show that spatial distributions of light in tissue can be mapped by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the presence of photosensitive nanoparticle probes. Each probe consists of a reservoir of paramagnetic molecules enclosed by a liposomal membrane incorporating photosensitive lipids. Incident light causes the photoisomerization of the lipids and alters hydrodynamic exchange across the membrane, thereby affecting longitudinal relaxation-weighted contrast in MRI. We injected the nanoparticles into the brains of live rats and used MRI to map responses to illumination profiles characteristic of widely used applications of photostimulation, photometry and phototherapy. The responses deviated from simple photon propagation models and revealed signatures of light scattering and nonlinear responsiveness. Paramagnetic liposomal nanoparticles may enable MRI to map a broad range of optical phenomena in deep tissue and other opaque environments., National Institutes of Health (NIH)

The growing recognition of differences in health outcomes across populations has led to a slow but increasing shift towards transparent reporting of patient outcomes. In addition, pay-for-equity initiatives, such as those proposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, will require the reporting of health outcomes across subgroups over time. Dashboards offer one means of visualising data in the health-care context that can highlight essential disparities in clinical outcomes, guide targeted quality-improvement efforts, and ultimately improve health equity. In this Viewpoint, we evaluate all studies that have reported the successful development of a disparity dashboard and share the data collected and unintended consequences reported. We propose a framework for systematic equality improvement through incentivisation of the collecting and reporting of health data and through implementation of reward systems to reduce health disparities.

The treatment of end-stage heart failure has evolved substantially with advances in medical treatment, cardiac transplantation, and mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices such as left ventricular assist devices and total artificial hearts. However, current MCS devices are inherently blood contacting and can lead to potential complications including pump thrombosis, hemorrhage, stroke, and hemolysis. Attempts to address these issues and avoid blood contact led to the concept of compressing the failing heart from the epicardial surface and the design of direct cardiac compression (DCC) devices. We review the fundamental concepts related to DCC, present the foundational devices and recent devices in the research and commercialization stages, and discuss the milestones required for clinical translation and adoption of this technology.

Safe and successful operation of the International Space Station robotic arm is a complex task requiring difficult bimanual hand coordination and spatial reasoning skills, adherence to operating procedures and rules, and systems knowledge. These task attributes are all potentially affected by chronic sleep loss and circadian misalignment. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial examining the impact of regularly timed low-dose caffeine (0.3 mg kg−1 h−1) and moderate illuminance blue-enriched white light (~90 lux, ~88 melEDI lux, 6300 K), 16 participants performed 3 types of realistic robotic arm tasks using a high-fidelity desktop simulator overnight. Our goal was to determine how these countermeasures, separately and combined, impacted telerobotic task performance and the ability to allocate attention to an unrelated secondary visual task. We found that all participants maintained a similar level of robotic task performance throughout the primary task but the application of caffeine separately and with blue-enriched light significantly decreased response time to a secondary visual task by −9% to −13%, whereas blue-enriched light alone changed average response times between −4% and +2%. We conclude that, for sleep-restricted individuals, caffeine improved their ability to divide their visual attention, while the effect of blue-enriched light alone was limited. Light and caffeine together was most effective. Use of these countermeasures should improve the margin of safety if astronauts perform familiar tasks under degraded conditions or novel tasks where task workload is increased.

Vesicovaginal fistulas (VVFs), abnormal openings between the vagina and bladder, disrupt the lives of over 3 million people worldwide due to resulting incontinence and infections. VVFs are commonly treated with surgery after the fistula has had time to heal over several months. In low-resource areas, immediate incontinence often leads to ostracization from the community and can be devastating for the patient. To address this problem, we have designed a three-tiered silicone plug consisting of a bladder-dwelling disk, a midfistula disk, and a vagina-dwelling cross-shaped tapered plug, all supported on a central stem. The system is designed to occlude the fistula and enable full continence until the patient is able to access surgery. This proof-of-concept device withstands typical expulsion forces from the bladder and does not leak under typical bladder filling or urination pressures. The maximum device expulsion force is 3.69 N and it is watertight up to 9.8 kPa. It is designed to be easily deployed by trained community members.

Background: Although inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the first-line therapy for patients with persistent asthma, many patients continue to have exacerbations. We developed machine learning models to predict the ICS response in patients with asthma. Methods: The subjects included asthma patients of European ancestry (n = 1371; 448 children; 916 adults). A genome-wide association study was performed to identify the SNPs associated with ICS response. Using the SNPs identified, two machine learning models were developed to predict ICS response: (1) least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and (2) random forest. Results: The LASSO regression model achieved an AUC of 0.71 (95% CI 0.67–0.76; sensitivity: 0.57; specificity: 0.75) in an independent test cohort, and the random forest model achieved an AUC of 0.74 (95% CI 0.70–0.78; sensitivity: 0.70; specificity: 0.68). The genes contributing to the prediction of ICS response included those associated with ICS responses in asthma (TPSAB1, FBXL16), asthma symptoms and severity (ABCA7, CNN2, PTRN3, and BSG/CD147), airway remodeling (ELANE, FSTL3), mucin production (GAL3ST), leukotriene synthesis (GPX4), allergic asthma (ZFPM1, SBNO2), and others. Conclusions: An accurate risk prediction of ICS response can be obtained using machine learning methods, with the potential to inform personalized treatment decisions. Further studies are needed to examine if the integration of richer phenotype data could improve risk prediction.

Background: Lifestyles influence atrial fibrillation (AF) risk. Determining the effect of lifestyle interventions on blood concentrations of biomarkers of AF-related pathways could help understand AF pathophysiology and contribute to AF prevention. Methods: We studied 532 participants enrolled in the PREDIMED-Plus trial, a Spanish randomized trial conducted in adults (55-75 years) with metabolic syndrome and body mass index between 27-40 kg/m2. Eligible participants were randomized 1:1 to an intensive lifestyle intervention, emphasizing physical activity, weight loss, and adherence to an energy-reduced Mediterranean diet or to a control group. Serum biomarkers [carboxy-terminal propeptide of procollagen type I (PICP), high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT), high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP), 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), and N-terminal propeptide of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)] were measured at baseline, 3 and 5 years after randomization. Mixed models were used to evaluate the effect of intervention on changes in biomarkers through year 5. Mediation analysis was performed to examine the proportion mediated by each component of the intervention. Results: At baseline, participants' mean age was 65, 40% were female, and 50% were assigned to the intervention. After five years, mean changes in log-transformed biomarkers were -0.01 (PICP), 0.20 (hsTnT), -0.17 (hsCRP), 0.12 (3-NT), and 0.27 (NT-proBNP). Compared to the control group, participants in the intervention group experienced greater decreases in hsCRP (-14%, 95% confidence interval (CI) -26%, 0%) or smaller increases in 3-NT (-16%, 95% CI -25%, -5%) and NT-proBNP (-12%, 95% CI -23%, 1%). The intervention had minimal impact on hsTnT (-3%, 95% CI -7%, 2%) or PICP concentrations (-2%, 95% CI -9%, 6%). The eff

This article aims to estimate the differences in environmental impact (greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions, land use, energy used, acidification and potential eutrophication) after one year of promoting a Mediterranean diet (MD).Baseline and 1-year follow-up data from 5800 participants in the PREDIMED-Plus study were used. Each participant's food intake was estimated using validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires, and the adherence to MD using the Dietary Score. The influence of diet on environmental impact was assessed through the EAT-Lancet Commission tables. The influence of diet on environmental impact was assessed through the EAT-Lancet Commission tables. The association between MD adherence and its environmental impact was calculated using adjusted multivariate linear regression models.After one year of intervention, the kcal/day consumed was significantly reduced (-125,1 kcal/day), adherence to a MD pattern was improved (+0,9) and the environmental impact due to the diet was significantly reduced (GHG: -361 g/CO2-eq; Acidification:-11,5 g SO2-eq; Eutrophication:-4,7 g PO4-eq; Energy use:-842,7 kJ; and Land use:-2,2 m2). Higher adherence to MD (high vs. low) was significantly associated with lower environmental impact both at baseline and one year follow-up. Meat products had the greatest environmental impact in all the factors analysed, both at baseline and at one-year follow-up, in spite of the reduction observed in their consumption.A program promoting a MD, after one year of intervention, significantly reduced the environmental impact in all the factors analysed. Meat products had the greatest environmental impact in all the dimensions analysed.Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Background: Lifestyles influence atrial fibrillation (AF) risk. Determining the effect of lifestyle interventions on blood concentrations of biomarkers of AF-related pathways could help understand AF pathophysiology and contribute to AF prevention. Methods: We studied 532 participants enrolled in the PREDIMED-Plus trial, a Spanish randomized trial conducted in adults (55-75 years) with metabolic syndrome and body mass index between 27-40 kg/m2. Eligible participants were randomized 1:1 to an intensive lifestyle intervention, emphasizing physical activity, weight loss, and adherence to an energy-reduced Mediterranean diet or to a control group. Serum biomarkers [carboxy-terminal propeptide of procollagen type I (PICP), high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT), high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP), 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), and N-terminal propeptide of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)] were measured at baseline, 3 and 5 years after randomization. Mixed models were used to evaluate the effect of intervention on changes in biomarkers through year 5. Mediation analysis was performed to examine the proportion mediated by each component of the intervention. Results: At baseline, participants' mean age was 65, 40% were female, and 50% were assigned to the intervention. After five years, mean changes in log-transformed biomarkers were -0.01 (PICP), 0.20 (hsTnT), -0.17 (hsCRP), 0.12 (3-NT), and 0.27 (NT-proBNP). Compared to the control group, participants in the intervention group experienced greater decreases in hsCRP (-14%, 95% confidence interval (CI) -26%, 0%) or smaller increases in 3-NT (-16%, 95% CI -25%, -5%) and NT-proBNP (-12%, 95% CI -23%, 1%). The intervention had minimal impact on hsTnT (-3%, 95% CI -7%, 2%) or PICP concentrations (-2%, 95% CI -9%, 6%). The eff

The exploration of edible insects, specifically Alphitobius diaperinus and Tenebrio molitor, as sustainable sources of protein for human consumption is an emerging field. However, research into their effects on intestinal health, especially in relation to inflammation and permeability, remains limited. Using ex vivo and in vivo models of intestinal health and disease, in this study we assess the impact of the above insects on intestinal function by focusing on inflammation, barrier dysfunction and morphological changes. Initially, human intestinal explants were exposed to in vitro-digested extracts of these insects, almond and beef. Immune secretome analysis showed that the inflammatory response to insect-treated samples was comparatively lower than it was for samples exposed to almond and beef. Animal studies using yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) and buffalo (Alphitobius diaperinus) flours were then used to evaluate their safety in healthy rats and LPS-induced intestinal dysfunction rats. Chronic administration of these insect-derived flours showed no adverse effects on behavior, metabolism, intestinal morphology or immune response (such as inflammation or allergy markers) in healthy Wistar rats. Notably, in rats subjected to proinflammatory LPS-induced intestinal dysfunction, T. molitor consumption did not exacerbate symptoms, nor did it increase allergic responses. These findings validate the safety of these edible insects under healthy conditions, demonstrate their innocuity in a model of intestinal dysfunction, and underscore their promise as sustainable and nutritionally valuable dietary protein sources.

The characteristics of students who begin a medical degree in Spain are determined by the results of the entrance tests (EBAU). In order to select a student profile more closely aligned with the skills that must be acquired in order to practice the profession, the medical schools of Catalonia, with the health and university departments of the Generalitat, carried out a pilot test, inspired by the selection processes that are carried out in other countries around us. Objective: To develop a test for the detection of non-technical skills in students who are admitted to the degree. Methodology: The test consisted of answering three types of tests, to measure communication and relationship with the professional environment (CREP), ethical judgment in specific situations (JUESC) and, finally, critical reasoning ability (CRAC). There was a total of 134 multiple-choice questions that had previously been validated by members of the dean's teams. 511 first-year students (49% of the total) answered the test in September 2022. Results: The means and standard deviations of the three tests were: CREP (7.18, 0.99), JUESC (4.68, 0.81), CRAC (5.43, 1.02), and the total of the test (5.67, 0.62). The reliability tests (Cronbach) were: CREP (0.56), JUESC (0.54), CRAC (0.49), total (0.65). Conclusion: A test that better selects medical students based on a profile more in line with humanistic values is perfectly feasible, although based on this experience, the instrument needs to be improved to make it more reliable. © 2024 The Authors

Ectopic fat accumulation in non-adipose tissues is closely related to diabetes-related myocardial dysfunction. Nevertheless, the complete picture of the lipid metabolites involved in the metabolic-related myocardial alterations is not fully characterized. The aim of this study was to characterize the specific lipid profile in hearts in an animal model of obesity/insulin resistance induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). The cardiac lipidome profiles were assessed via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)/MS-MS and laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (LDI-MS) tissue imaging in hearts from C57BL/6J mice fed with an HFD or standard-diet (STD) for 12 weeks. Targeted lipidome analysis identified a total of 63 lipids (i.e., 48 triacylglycerols (TG), 5 diacylglycerols (DG), 1 sphingomyelin (SM), 3 phosphatidylcholines (PC), 1 DihydroPC, and 5 carnitines) modified in hearts from HFD-fed mice compared to animals fed with STD. Whereas most of the TG were up-regulated in hearts from animals fed with an HFD, most of the carnitines were down-regulated, thereby suggesting a reduction in the mitochondrial beta-oxidation. Roughly 30% of the identified metabolites were oxidated, pointing to an increase in lipid peroxidation. Cardiac lipidome was associated with a specific biochemical profile and a specific liver TG pattern. Overall, our study reveals a specific cardiac lipid fingerprint associated with metabolic alterations induced by HFD.

The characteristics of students who begin a medical degree in Spain are determined by the results of the entrance tests (EBAU). In order to select a student profile more closely aligned with the skills that must be acquired in order to practice the profession, the medical schools of Catalonia, with the health and university departments of the Generalitat, carried out a pilot test, inspired by the selection processes that are carried out in other countries around us. Objective: To develop a test for the detection of non-technical skills in students who are admitted to the degree. Methodology: The test consisted of answering three types of tests, to measure communication and relationship with the professional environment (CREP), ethical judgment in specific situations (JUESC) and, finally, critical reasoning ability (CRAC). There was a total of 134 multiple-choice questions that had previously been validated by members of the dean's teams. 511 first-year students (49% of the total) answered the test in September 2022. Results: The means and standard deviations of the three tests were: CREP (7.18, 0.99), JUESC (4.68, 0.81), CRAC (5.43, 1.02), and the total of the test (5.67, 0.62). The reliability tests (Cronbach) were: CREP (0.56), JUESC (0.54), CRAC (0.49), total (0.65). Conclusion: A test that better selects medical students based on a profile more in line with humanistic values is perfectly feasible, although based on this experience, the instrument needs to be improved to make it more reliable.

The present paper reports a remote carbon-to-carbon boryl migration via an intramolecular 1,4-B/Cu shift, which establishes an in situ stereospecific electrophilic trap on the alkene moiety. The synthetic application is developed to prepare functionalized cyclopentenes by means of a palladium-catalyzed regioselective intramolecular coupling that completes a strategic cyclopropanation and generates valuable structural bicyclic systems. The mechanism is characterized by DFT (density functional theory) calculations which showed that the 1,4-migration proceeds through an intramolecular, nucleophilic attack of the copper-alkyl moiety on the boron atom bonded to the C(sp2), leading to a 5-membered boracycle structure. The computation of the 1,3- and 1,4-B/Cu shifts is also compared as is the impact of the endo- or exocyclic alkene on the reaction kinetics.The intramolecular 1,4-B/Cu shift justifies the observed remote carbon-to-carbon boryl migration, which makes stereoselective electrophilic trapping on the alkene moiety possible. Subsequent palladium-catalyzed regioselective intramolecular coupling enables functionalized cyclopentenes to be prepared that complete strategic cyclopropanation and deliver structurally valuable bicyclic systems. DFT mechanistic studies show that remote boryl migration occurs efficiently through 5-membered boracycle intermediates. image

Lesser mealworm protein concentrate (LMPC) was conjugated with chlorogenic acid (CA) or tannic acid (TA) using an alkaline method. The impact of polyphenol type and concentration on the physicochemical and structural characteristics, antioxidant, interfacial, and emulsifying properties of the LMPC-polyphenol conjugates were investigated. Under the conditions tested, TA demonstrated higher affinity for LMPC compared to CA. The conjugation of LMPC induced conformational changes as showed by intrinsic fluorescence and FT-MIR raw spectra analysis. The surface hydrophobicity of the conjugates was reduced, leading to increased interfacial tension values for LMPC-TA conjugates without impairment of the emulsifying activity. The antioxidant properties were significantly improved by the conjugation. Flaxseed oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions stabilized by the conjugates and LMPC remained physically stable for 12 days at 50 °C with a notable reduction of secondary oxidation products when conjugates were used. LMPC-TA and LMPC-CA exhibited potential to be used as novel antioxidant emulsifiers in O/W emulsions.

The diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia (FM) have relied heavily on subjective reports of experienced symptoms coupled with examination-based evidence of diffuse tenderness due to the lack of reliable biomarkers. Rheumatic disorders that are common causes of chronic pain such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, osteoarthritis, and chronic low back pain are frequently found to be comorbid with FM. As a result, this can make the diagnosis of FM more challenging. We aim to develop a reliable classification algorithm using unique spectral profiles of portable FT-MIR that can be used as a real-time point-of-care device for the screening of FM. A novel volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) technique ensured sample volume accuracies and minimized the variation introduced due to hematocrit-based bias. Blood samples from 337 subjects with different disorders (179 FM, 158 non-FM) collected with VAMS were analyzed. A semi-permeable membrane filtration approach was used to extract the blood samples, and spectral data were collected using a portable FT-MIR spectrometer. The OPLS-DA algorithm enabled the classification of the spectra into their corresponding classes with 84% accuracy, 83% sensitivity, and 85% specificity. The OPLS-DA regression plot indicated that spectral regions associated with amide bands and amino acids were responsible for discrimination patterns and can be potentially used as spectral biomarkers to differentiate FM and other rheumatic diseases.

Background: Histamine intolerance manifests when there is an imbalance between the production of histamine and the body's capacity to metabolise it. Within the gastrointestinal tract, diamine oxidase (DAO) plays a pivotal role in breaking down ingested histamine. Insufficient levels of DAO have been linked to various diseases affecting the respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, muscular, and digestive systems; some of these symptoms are evidenced in fibromyalgia syndrome. This underscores the crucial role of DAO in maintaining the histamine balance and highlights its association with diverse physiological systems and health conditions. The management of fibromyalgia commonly involves the use of psychotropic medications; however, their potential interactions with DAO remain not fully elucidated. Methods: This study delved into the influence of various psychotropic medications on DAO activity through in vitro experiments. Additionally, we explored their impact on the human intestinal cell line Caco-2, examining alterations in DAO expression at both the mRNA and protein levels along with DAO activity. Results: Notably, the examined drugs-sertraline, pregabalin, paroxetine, alprazolam, and lorazepam-did not exhibit inhibitory effects on DAO activity or lead to reductions in DAO levels. In contrast, citalopram demonstrated a decrease in DAO activity in in vitro assays without influencing DAO levels and activity in human enterocytes. Conclusions: These findings imply that a collaborative approach involving psychotropic medications and DAO enzyme supplementation for individuals with fibromyalgia and a DAO deficiency could offer potential benefits for healthcare professionals in their routine clinical practice.

Creating effective dietary guidance requires a rigorous evidence base that is predominantly developed from robust clinical trials or large scale cohort studies, with the quality of the data available depending on the completeness and accuracy of their reporting. An international group of academics from 14 institutions in 12 different countries and on five continents, working on behalf of the Federation of European Nutrition Societies within its "Improving Standards in the Science of Nutrition" initiative, reviewed the CONsolidated Standards Of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement checklist as it pertains to nutrition trials. This perspective piece documents the procedure followed to gain input and consensus on the checklist previously published by this group, including its presentation and interrogation at the International Union of Nutritional Sciences International Congress of Nutrition 2022 (IUNS-ICN 22), inputs from a survey of journal editors, and its piloting on eight nutrition trials of diverse designs. Overall, the initiative has been met with considerable enthusiasm. At IUNS-ICN 22, refinements to our proposal were elicited through a World Café method discussion with participating nutrition scientists. The contributing journal editors provided valuable insights and the discussion led to development of a potential tool specific to assess adherence to the proposed nutrition extension checklist. The piloting of the proposed checklist provided evidence from real-life studies that reporting of nutrition trials can be improved. This initiative aims to stimulate further discussion and development of a CONSORT-nutrition-specific extension.Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are tiny membranous structures that mediate intercellular communication. The role(s) of these vesicles have been widely investigated in the context of neurological diseases; however, their potential implications in the neuropathology subjacent to human psychiatric disorders remain mostly unknown. Here, by using next-generation discovery-driven proteomics, we investigate the potential role(s) of brain EVs (bEVs) in schizophrenia (SZ) by analyzing these vesicles from the three post-mortem anatomical brain regions: the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus (HC), and caudate (CAU). The results obtained indicate that bEVs from SZ-affected brains contain region-specific proteins that are associated with abnormal GABAergic and glutamatergic transmission. Similarly, these vesicles from the analyzed regions were implicated in synaptic decay, abnormal brain immunity, neuron structural imbalances, and impaired cell homeostasis. Our findings also provide evidence, for the first time, that networks of molecular exchange (involving the PFC, HC, and CAU) are potentially active and mediated by EVs in non-diseased brains. Additionally, these bEV-mediated networks seem to have become partially reversed and largely disrupted in the brains of subjects affected by SZ. Taken as a whole, these results open the door to the uncovering of new biological markers and therapeutic targets, based on the compositions of bEVs, for the benefit of patients affected by SZ and related psychotic disorders.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with alterations of lipoprotein structure and function that can be characterized with advanced lipoprotein testing (ADLT). The effect of the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and weight loss on the lipoprotein subclass profile has been scarcely studied. Within the PREDIMED-Plus randomized controlled trial, a sub-study conducted at Bellvitge Hospital recruiting center evaluated the effects of a weight loss program based on an energy-reduced MedDiet (er-MedDiet) and physical activity (PA) promotion (intervention group) compared with energy-unrestricted MedDiet recommendations (control group) on ADLT-assessed lipoprotein subclasses. 202 patients with MetS (n = 107, intervention; n = 95, control) were included. Lipid profiles were determined, and ADLT was performed at baseline, 6, and 12 months. Linear mixed models were used to assess the effects of intervention on lipoprotein profiles. Compared to the control diet, at 12 months, the er-MedDiet+PA resulted in a significant additional 4.2 kg of body weight loss, a decrease in body mass index by 1.4 kg/m2, reduction in waist circumference by 2.2 cm, decreased triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol and non-HDL-cholesterol, and increased HDL-cholesterol. In er-MedDiet+PA participants, ADLT revealed a decrease in small dense-LDL-cholesterol (sd-LDL-C), intermediate-density lipoproteins, VLDL-triglyceride, and HDL-Triglyceride, and an increase in large LDL and large VLDL particles. In conclusion, compared to an ad libitum MedDiet (control group), er-MedDiet+PA decreased plasma triglycerides and the triglyceride content in HDL and VLDL particles, decreased sd-LDL-C, and increased large LDL particles, indicating beneficial changes against cardiovascular disease.

Resumen FUNDAMENTOS // A partir del 1 enero de 2020, los Institutos de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses (IMLCF) empezaron a declarar las causas de muerte directamente al Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE) mediante una aplicación web (IML-Web). El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el impacto de la implementación de esta aplicación en la calidad de los datos recogidos. MÉTODOS // Se realizó un estudio descriptivo utilizando datos de las defunciones con intervención judicial ocurridas en Cataluña. Se comparó la información del período 2015-2018 y de 2019 con la de 2020. Se calcularon los porcentajes, con intervalo de confianza, de las causas de defunción poco específicas, según diferentes clasificaciones, sobre el total de causas por período y división judicial. RESULTADOS // El porcentaje total de causas de defunción poco específicas se redujo, de forma no significativa, 1,6 puntos entre el período 2015-2018 y el año 2020. El mismo indicador entre el año 2019 y 2020 se redujo 13,4 puntos. El porcentaje de defunciones poco específicas de causas externas mostró reducciones estadísticamente significativas entre ambos períodos. En general los indicadores mostraron diferencias territoriales. CONCLUSIONES // La implementación del IML-Web en el año 2020 supone, en comparación con 2019, una mejora en la calidad de la información notificada. En cambio, si se compara con el período 2015-2018, los datos muestran una calidad similar. A nivel general se valora que la información proporcionada por el IMLCF de Cataluña a través del IML-Web es precisa, pero todavía tiene margen de mejora.

There is a lack of noninvasive diagnostic methods for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the severe condition of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Platelet activation, evaluated through certain related parameters, is associated with liver disease and inflammation, but previous results are inconclusive.To investigate the potential utility of platelet-related indices as noninvasive diagnostic markers for the detection and prediction of MASLD, focusing on NASH.We found that mean platelet volume (MPV), plateletcrit (PCT) and platelet distribution width (PDW) were increased in the severe and morbidly obese (SMO) group compared to the normal weight (NW) group. We found decreased levels of MPV in steatosis and NASH patients. MPV and PCT values were decreased in the presence of mild liver inflammation. Platelet count (PLA) and PCT values were lower in the presence of ballooning. We obtained an area under the ROC curve of 0.84 using MPV and three other variables to predict MASLD.Some platelet-related indices vary depending on liver condition. Here, we reported decreased MPV in MASLD presence. Moreover, we presented for the first time a predictive model using MPV, ALT levels and the presence of diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome to predict MASLD in obese women. Also, MPV is closely related to early liver inflammation in NASH, and PLA and PCT are related to hepatic ballooning. These indices could be widely used for the early detection of NASH since they are usually determined in routine laboratory tests.© 2023 Stichting European Society for Clinical Investigation Journal Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A novel electrochemical cell design in a vertically stacked configuration is presented. Through a layered structure using a top macroporous working electrode, a polyelectrolyte, and a bottom metallic conductor a standalone electrochemical cell with an internal reference electrode is built. This sensor allows monitoring an electrochemical property of an external solution with only one electrode in direct contact with the sample. Using paper-based platinum electrode for the porous top electrode and Nafion as polyelectrolyte material, the self-powered detection of hydrogen peroxide is performed. The system can be operated in multiple modes. In a capacitive way, the open circuit potential is measured. Alternatively, in a self-powered current mode, the system emulates a fuel cell. Additionally, a potential-current switched mode is also demonstrated. Because of this unique design and operational features this sensor is considered as an electrochemical pixel. To further demonstrate the advantages of this device, the detection of glucose is performed by building an array of sensors using a single back (reference) electrode and multiple working electrodes. These results lay the groundwork for the development of a new generation of simple and low cost biochemical sensors and electrochemical sensing arrays.Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The aquatic ecosystem is one of the most delicate environments, housing a diverse range of organisms, including fish, all of which are exposed to a wide variety of pollutants. The accumulation of these harmful substances in fish, which are part of the human diet, presents a significant health risk to humans. In our study, we have optimized an extraction technique to determine the presence of 25 high production volume chemicals in liver and skin samples taken from commonly consumed fish species. We have employed ultrasound-assisted extraction in conjunction with gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry to achieve this goal. Apparent recoveries of the method ranged from 50% to 111% for both sample types with some exceptions such as most of the benzosulfonamides and benzothiazole. Additionally, the method's detection and quantification limits varied from 0.1 to 1.7 ng g−1 (dry weight, d.w) and 0.2–4.5 ng g−1 (d.w), respectively. Our investigation focused on three frequently consumed fish species in Tarragona: sea bass, sea bream, and turbot. Almost all of the samples we analysed contained traces of contaminants, with phthalates being the most commonly detected. The highest concentrations were observed for diethyl phthalate, with levels peaking at 8350 ng g−1 (d.w.). Organophosphate esters, such as triethyl phosphate and tributyl phosphate, also showed notable presence, with peak concentrations of 93.6 and 34.0 ng g−1 (d.w.), respectively.

In the context of ecological transition, the use of wine by-products for industrial applications is a major challenge. Wine lees, the second wine by-product in terms of quantity, represent a source of nutrients that can be used for stimulating the growth of microorganisms. Here, white wine lees were used as a stimulating agent for the growth of wine lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and to promote wine malolactic fermentation (MLF) driven out by Oenococcus oeni. By adding freeze-dried wine lees to wines under different conditions – including different wine lees at different concentrations and different O. oeni strains at various initial populations - it was observed that wine lees can enhance the growth of LAB and reduce the duration of MLF. The chemical composition of wines was also evaluated, proving that wine lees do not compromise the quality of the wines. In addition, wine lees did not seem to promote the growth of spoilage microorganisms like as Brettanomyces bruxellensis. Altogether, this work reports the possibility of recovering the lees of white wine to obtain a product favoring the MLF of red wines. More general, we propose a recycling strategy of wine by-products to obtain new products for winemaking.

Rat hepatitis E virus (ratHEV; species Rocahepevirus ratti) is considered a newly emerging cause of acute hepatitis of zoonotic origin. ratHEV infection of people living with HIV (PLWH) might portend a worse, as with hepatitis E virus (HEV; species Paslahepevirus balayani), and consequently this group may constitute a high-risk population. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of ratHEV by measuring viral RNA and specific IgG antibodies in a large Spanish cohort of PLWH. Multicentre study conducted in Spain evaluating PLWHIV included in the Spanish AIDS Research Network (CoRIS). Patients were evaluated for ratHEV infection using PCR at baseline and anti-ratHEV IgG by dot blot analysis to evaluate exposure to ratHEV strains. Patients with detectable ratHEV RNA were followed-up to evaluate persistence of viremia and IgG seroconversion. Eight-hundred and forty-two individuals were tested. A total of 9 individuals showed specific IgG antibodies against ratHEV, supposing a prevalence of 1.1 (95% CI; 0.5%−2.1%). Of these, only one was reactive to HEV IgG antibodies by ELISA. One sample was positive for ratHEV RNA (prevalence of infection: 0.1%; 95% CI: 0.08%−0.7%). The case was a man who had sex with men exhibiting a slightly increased alanine transaminase level (49 IU/L) as only biochemical alteration. In the follow-up, the patients showed undetectable ratHEV RNA and seroconversion to specific ratHEV IgG antibodies. Our study shows that ratHEV is geographical broadly distributed in Spain, representing a potential zoonotic threat.

Tehran, the capital city of Iran, has been facing air pollution for several decades due to rapid urbanization, population growth, improper vehicle use, and the low quality of fuels. In this study, 31 indoor dust samples were collected passively from residential and commercial buildings located in the central and densely populated districts of the city. These samples were analyzed after preparation to measure the concentration of elements (As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, V, Zn). Statistical data analyses were employed to compare their relationship across various uses, variations, and for source identification. Geochemical indices of contamination factor (CF) and pollution load index (PLI) were utilized to evaluate the degree of contamination. The mean concentrations of Zn, Cu, and Pb (938, 206, and 176 µg g-1, respectively) are 6, 5, and 3 times higher than their mean values in worldwide urban soils. Additionally, Cd, Mo, and Ni showed concentrations about 1.5 times higher, while As, Co, Cr, Mn, and Sr fell within the range of reference soils. Be, V, and Sb displayed remarkably lower mean values. Building use did not significantly influence element levels in indoor deposited dust except for Pb and Zn. A comparison of indoor concentrations with previously published data for outdoor dusts revealed higher enrichments of Mo, Cu, Pb, and Ni, while As, Cd, and Zn showed lower enrichments in street dust samples. The order of CF values indicated Hg > Zn > Cd > Pb > Cu > As > Ni > Cr > Co > V. For Hg, Zn, Pb, Cd, and Cu, all or almost all samples exhibited very high contamination. PLI values were consistently higher than 1, indicating contamination in all samples. Multivariate statistical analysis and Tehran's specific geological location suggested that ma

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic muscle pain disorder that shares several clinical features with other related rheumatologic disorders. This study investigates the feasibility of using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as a fingerprinting approach to diagnose FM and other rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), osteoarthritis (OA), and chronic low back pain (CLBP). Blood samples were obtained on protein saver cards from FM (n = 83), non-FM (n = 54), and healthy (NC, n = 9) subjects. A semi-permeable membrane filtration method was used to obtain low-molecular-weight fraction (LMF) serum of the blood samples. SERS measurement conditions were standardized to enhance the LMF signal. An OPLS-DA algorithm created using the spectral region 750 to 1720 cm−1 enabled the classification of the spectra into their corresponding FM and non-FM classes (Rcv > 0.99) with 100% accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. The OPLS-DA regression plot indicated that spectral regions associated with amino acids were responsible for discrimination patterns and can be potentially used as spectral biomarkers to differentiate FM and other rheumatic diseases. This exploratory work suggests that the AuNP SERS method in combination with OPLS-DA analysis has great potential for the label-free diagnosis of FM.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma contributes significantly to global cancer-related deaths, featuring only a 10% survival rate over five years. The quest for novel tumor markers is critical to facilitate early diagnosis and tailor treatment strategies for this disease, which is key to improving patient outcomes. In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, these markers have been demonstrated to play a crucial role in early identification, continuous monitoring, and prediction of its prognosis and have led to better patient outcomes. Nowadays, biopsy specimens serve to ascertain diagnosis and determine tumor type. However, liquid biopsies present distinct advantages over conventional biopsy techniques. They offer a noninvasive, easily administered procedure, delivering insights into the tumor's status and facilitating real-time monitoring. Liquid biopsies encompass a variety of elements, such as circulating tumor cells, circulating tumor DNA, extracellular vesicles, microRNAs, circulating RNA, tumor platelets, and tumor endothelial cells. This review aims to provide an overview of the clinical applications of liquid biopsy as a technique in the management of pancreatic cancer.

Background and aims: Despite considerable evidence that lipid-lowe ring therapies (LLTs) afford clinical benefit, the control of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is suboptimal, and available LLTs are underused, especially in patients at high and very high cardiovascular (CV) risk. This study assesses the real-world LDL-C target attainment rate in patients on LLT before experiencing a first major acute cardiovascular event (MACE). Methods and results: The HEARTBEAT was a retrospective, multicentre observational study. From March to June 2021 a total of 334 patients on LLT who had a first MACE while being on statins were included in the study. Of these patients, 83.2 % had a high (40.7 %) or very high CV risk (29.0 %) prior to MACE. Overall, 87.5 % and 89.7 % of the patients at high and very high CV risk, respectively, failed to reach the LDL-C target. Regarding LLTs, only 11.8 % and 19.6 % of the patients at high and very high risk had received high-intensity LLTs prior to MACE. It was estimated that if these patients had reached their recommended LDL-C targets, the risk of MACE may have been reduced by a median of 24.5 % and 23.2 % in patients at high and very high risk respectively. Conclusions: Patients who suffer a first MACE while on statin therapy often were at high/very high CV risk. Despite their risk, LDL-levels and being on statins they are undertreated, and too far from lipid targets. A proper use of high-intensity LLTs led to an increase attainment of LDL targets and lower CV events. (c) 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of The Italian Diabetes Society, the Italian Society for the Study of Atherosclerosis, the Italian Society of Human Nutrition and the Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University. This