Rendimiento diagnóstico de la troponina de alta sensibilidad en el síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST / Diagnostic performance of high sensitive troponin in non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome

Objetivo: Los objetivos del estudio son evaluar el rendimiento diagnóstico de la troponina cardiaca T de alta sensibilidad (TnTc-hs) en pacientes con sospecha de síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST (SCASEST), confirmar si permite acortar el tiempo hasta el diagnóstico y analizar las consecuencias clínicas derivadas de su utilización. Método: Se trata de un estudio observacional, longitudinal y prospectivo, realizado en 5 servicios de urgencias hospitalarias. Se incluyó de forma consecutiva a los pacientes que acudían por dolor torácico sospechoso de SCASEST. El manejo del paciente y el tratamiento aplicado siguieron los protocolos internos basados en las guías de consenso de la Sociedad Europea de Cardiología. Se realizaron determinaciones seriadas de Tnc convencional (4ªG) y de TnTc-hs. Resultados: Se incluyó en el estudio a 351 pacientes. El diagnóstico final de infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM) se estableció en 77 pacientes del total, angina inestable en 102 y 172 fueron pacientes diagnosticados como sin síndrome coronario agudo. Los valores de TnTc-hs estaban por encima del p99 en un alto número de pacientes sin IAM. En la determinación inicial del paciente, la sensibilidad diagnóstica de la TnTc-hs fue significativamente superior a la de la TnTc 4ªG (87,0 vs. 42,9%), lo que comportó un valor predictivo negativo del 95,1%. Conclusiones: La TnTc-hs mejora el rendimiento diagnóstico al compararla con el ensayo de Tnc convencional, acorta el tiempo hasta el diagnóstico y reconoce mayor número de pacientes con IAM más pequeños

Objective: To assess the diagnostic performance of high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) in patients with suspected non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS); confirm whether it shortens the time to diagnosis; and analyze the clinical consequences derived from its use. Method: A prospective, longitudinal observational study was carried out in 5 emergency care departments. Patients seen for chest pain with suspected of NSTE-ACS were consecutively included. Patient care followed the internal protocols of the center, based on the consensus guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology. Serial conventional cardiac troponin (cTn) and hs-TnT determinations were made. Results: A total of 351 patients were included in the study. A final diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was established in 77 patients, with unstable angina in 102, and no acute coronary syndrome in 172 patients. The hs-TnT values were above percentile 99% in a large number of patients without AMI. In the initial determination, the diagnostic sensitivity of the hs-TnT was significantly greater than that of cTn (87.0% vs. 42.9%), which led to a negative predictive value of 95.1%. Conclusions: High-sensitivity troponin T improves diagnostic performance compared with conventional troponin assay, shortens the time to diagnosis, and identifies a larger number of patients with smaller myocardial infarctions

17ß-estradiol ameliorates lipotoxicity-induced hepatic mitochondrial oxidative stress and insulin resistance.

The prevalence and severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is higher in men and postmenopausal women compared to premenopausal women, suggesting a protective role for ovarian hormones. Diet-induced obesity and fatty acids surplus promote mitochondrial dysfunction in liver, triggering oxidative stress and activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) which has been related to the development of insulin resistance and steatosis, the main hallmarks of NAFLD. Considering that estrogen, in particular 17ß-estradiol (E2), have been reported to improve mitochondrial biogenesis and function in liver, our aim was to elucidate the role of E2 in preventing fatty acid-induced insulin resistance in hepatocytes through modulation of mitochondrial function, oxidative stress and JNK activation. An in vivo study was conducted in Wistar rats of both sexes (n = 7) fed control diet and high-fat diet (HFD), and in vitro studies were carried out in HepG2 cells treated with palmitate (PA) and E2 for 24 h. Our HFD-fed male rats showed a prediabetic state characterized by greater systemic and hepatic insulin resistance, as well as higher lipid content in liver, compared to females. JNK activation rose markedly in males in response to HFD feeding, in parallel with mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Consistently, in PA-exposed HepG2 cells, E2 treatment prevented JNK activation, insulin resistance and fatty acid accumulation. Altogether, our data highlights the importance of E2 as a mitigating factor of fatty acid-insulin resistance in hepatocytes through downregulation of JNK activation, by means of mitochondrial function improvement.

Diagnostic performance of high sensitive troponin in non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome. / Rendimiento diagnóstico de la troponina de alta sensibilidad en el síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic performance of high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) in patients with suspected non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS); confirm whether it shortens the time to diagnosis; and analyze the clinical consequences derived from its use. METHOD: A prospective, longitudinal observational study was carried out in 5 emergency care departments. Patients seen for chest pain with suspected of NSTE-ACS were consecutively included. Patient care followed the internal protocols of the center, based on the consensus guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology. Serial conventional cardiac troponin (cTn) and hs-TnT determinations were made. RESULTS: A total of 351 patients were included in the study. A final diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was established in 77 patients, with unstable angina in 102, and no acute coronary syndrome in 172 patients. The hs-TnT values were above percentile 99% in a large number of patients without AMI. In the initial determination, the diagnostic sensitivity of the hs-TnT was significantly greater than that of cTn (87.0% vs. 42.9%), which led to a negative predictive value of 95.1%. CONCLUSIONS: High-sensitivity troponin T improves diagnostic performance compared with conventional troponin assay, shortens the time to diagnosis, and identifies a larger number of patients with smaller myocardial infarctions.

GPER and ERα mediate estradiol enhancement of mitochondrial function in inflamed adipocytes through a PKA dependent mechanism.

Obesity is associated with inflammation, dysregulated adipokine secretion, and disrupted adipose tissue mitochondrial function. Estradiol (E2) has been previously reported to increase mitochondrial function and biogenesis in several cell lines, but neither the type of oestrogen receptor (ERα, ERß and GPER) involved nor the mechanism whereby such effects are exerted have been fully described. Considering the anti-inflammatory activity of E2 as well as its effects in enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis, the aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of ERα, ERß, and GPER signaling to the E2-mediated enhancement of adipocyte mitochondrial function in a pro-inflammatory situation. 3T3-L1 cells were treated for 24 h with ER agonists (PPT, DPN, and G1) and antagonists (MPP, PHTPP, and G15) in the presence or absence of interleukin 6 (IL6), as a pro-inflammatory stimulus. Inflammation, mitochondrial function and biogenesis markers were analyzed. To confirm the involvement of the PKA pathway, cells were treated with a GPER agonist, a PKA inhibitor, and IL6. Mitochondrial function markers were analyzed. Our results showed that activation of ERα and GPER, but not ERß, was able to counteract the proinflammatory effects of IL6 treatment, as well as mitochondrial biogenesis and function indicators. Inhibition of PKA prevented the E2- and G1-associated increase in mitochondrial function markers. In conclusion E2 prevents IL6 induced inflammation in adipocytes and promotes mitochondrial function through the combined activation of both GPER and ERα. These findings expand our understanding of ER interactions under inflammatory conditions in female rodent white adipose tissue.

Adolescentes y niños con ERC estadio V: Adherencia, estrategias de afrontamiento y percepción de relación parental / Adolescents and children with stage V CKD: adherence, coping strategies and perception of parental bond

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo evaluar las siguientes variables: adherencia al tratamiento, afrontamiento y percepción del vínculo con los padres en pacientes niños y adolescentes de 8 a 18 años con Enfermedad Renal Crónica (ERC) estadio V atendidos en el Hospital Garrahan en el período julio 2014 - junio 2015. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, prospectivo y transversal. Se realizaron entrevistas individuales semiestructuradas con pacientes y padres. Se utilizaron instrumentos validados en nuestro país para evaluar adherencia, afrontamiento y percepción de la relación parental. Resultados: Participaron 58 pacientes (55% de sexo femenino), 47 de estos pacientes son adolescentes, de los cuales el 72% presentó adherencia objetiva (corroborada por el especialista), el 72% presentó adherencia subjetiva al tratamiento y el 70% de los padres perciben a sus hijos como adherentes. Se ha hallado una distorsión entre la percepción que los pacientes tienen de su adherencia al tratamiento y el cumplimiento del mismo en aquellos que no adhieren en forma objetiva al tratamiento. El 84% de los pacientes adolescentes no adherentes, según el especialista, se perciben a sí mismos como adherentes. El 32% de los pacientes adherentes se perciben a sí mismos como no adherentes. En los padres de los adolescentes se han hallado cifras similares respecto del cumplimiento de tratamiento de sus hijos. Las estrategias de afrontamiento más utilizadas por los adolescentes son: ansiedad preocupación, reestructuración cognitiva y apoyo emocional. La mayoría (81%) percibe un control aceptable por parte de sus padres. Los adolescentes que perciben un control patológico por parte de sus padres usan como estrategias de afrontamiento más frecuentes ansiedad y evasión por la diversión. De los 11 niños que participaron en el trabajo, el 82% presenta adherencia objetiva (corroborada por el especialista), el 73% presenta adherencia subjetiva al tratamiento y el 73% de los padres perciben a sus hijos como adherentes. Las estrategias de afrontamiento más utilizadas por los niños son: búsqueda de gratificaciones alternativas y reestructuración cognitiva. La mayoría (91%) percibe un control aceptable por parte de sus padres. Dado que la n de niños es muy pequeña no se han realizado correlaciones entre los datos. Conclusión: Los mayoría de los pacientes incluidos en este trabajo son adherentes al tratamiento prescripto. El análisis de las divergencias encontradas entre adherencia objetiva y subjetiva puede ser de utilidad para la modificación de conductas que tiendan a un mayor cumplimiento del tratamiento (AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the following variables: treatment adherence, coping skills and perception of the parental bond in patients ­ children and adolescents ­ between 8 and 18 years of age with stage V chronic kidney disease (CKD) seen at Garrahan Hospital from July 2014 to June 2015. Material and methods: A prospective, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted. Individual semistructured interviews were held with the patients and parents. Locally validated instruments were used to evaluate treatment adherence, coping skills, and perception of the relationship with the parents. Results: 58 patients participated in the study (55% female), 47 of these patients were adolescents, of whom 72% had objective adherence (confirmed by specialist), 72% had subjective adherence to the treatment, and 70% of the parents felt their children adhered to treatment. Inconsistency was found between the patients' perceived adherence to treatment and adherence of those who were not considered to objectively adhere to treatment. Of the adolescent patients who did not adhere to treatment according to the specialist, 84% felt that they did adhere. Of the patients who adhered 32% perceived themselves as non-adherent. Similar figures regarding treatment adherence of their children were found in the parents. The most common coping strategies used by the adolescents were anxiety, worrying, cognitive estructuration, and emotional support. The majority (81%) felt control by the parents to be acceptable. Adolescents who perceived the control of the parents as pathological more commonly use anxiety and fun for denial as coping strategies. Of the 11 children who participated in the study, 82% had objective adherence to treatment (confirmed by the specialist) and 73% subjective adherence to treatment, and 73% of the parents perceived their children as adherent to treatment. The coping strategies most commonly used by the children were search for alternative gratifications and cognitive restructuration. The majority (91%) felt control by the parents to be acceptable. As the sample size of the children was very small no correlations among the data were analyzed. Conclusion: The majority of the patients included in the study adhered to the treatment prescribed. Analysis of the inconsistencies found between objective and subjective adherence may be useful to modify behaviors for better treatment compliance (AU)

17ß-estradiol improves hepatic mitochondrial biogenesis and function through PGC1B.

Sexual dimorphism in mitochondrial biogenesis and function has been described in many rat tissues, with females showing larger and more functional mitochondria. The family of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 (PGC1) plays a central role in the regulatory network governing mitochondrial biogenesis and function, but little is known about the different contribution of hepatic PGC1A and PGC1B in these processes. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of 17ß-estradiol (E2) in mitochondrial biogenesis and function in liver and assess the contribution of both hepatic PGC1A and PGC1B as mediators of these effects. In ovariectomized (OVX) rats (half of which were treated with E2) estrogen deficiency led to impaired mitochondrial biogenesis and function, increased oxidative stress, and defective lipid metabolism, but was counteracted by E2 treatment. In HepG2 hepatocytes, the role of E2 in enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis and function was confirmed. These effects were unaffected by the knockdown of PGC1A, but were impaired when PGC1B expression was knocked down by specific siRNA. Our results reveal a widespread protective role of E2 in hepatocytes, which is explained by enhanced mitochondrial content and oxidative capacity, lower hepatic lipid accumulation, and a reduction of oxidative stress. We also suggest a novel hepatic protective role of PGC1B as a modulator of E2 effects on mitochondrial biogenesis and function supporting activation of PGC1B as a therapeutic target for hepatic mitochondrial disorders.

GPER mediates the effects of 17ß-estradiol in cardiac mitochondrial biogenesis and function.

Considering the sexual dimorphism described in cardiac mitochondrial function and oxidative stress, we aimed to investigate the role of 17ß-estradiol (E2) in these sex differences and the contribution of E2 receptors to these effects. As a model of chronic deprivation of ovarian hormones, we used ovariectomized (OVX) rats, half of which were treated with E2. Ovariectomy decreased markers of cardiac mitochondrial biogenesis and function and also increased oxidative stress, whereas E2 counteracted these effects. In H9c2 cardiomyocytes we observed that G-protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) agonist mimicked the effects of E2 in enhancing mitochondrial function and biogenesis, whereas GPER inhibitor neutralized them. These data suggest that E2 enhances mitochondrial function and decreases oxidative stress in cardiac muscle, thus it could be responsible for the sexual dimorphism observed in mitochondrial biogenesis and function in this tissue. These effects seem to be mediated through GPER stimulation.

Psychiatrists admitted to a physicians' health programme.

BACKGROUND: Psychiatrists are at a high risk of becoming mentally ill at some point during their careers. AIMS: To compare the profile of psychiatrists admitted to the Barcelona Physicians' Health Programme (PHP) with other sick doctors in the programme. METHODS: A retrospective case review of electronic medical records was conducted for physicians registered at the 'Colegio de Médicos' in Barcelona and consecutively admitted to the Barcelona PHP from January 1998 until December 2013. RESULTS: One thousand two hundred eighteen records were reviewed. The 72 psychiatrists admitted to the programme were not statistically different from the other physicians in gender (54% versus 51% women), primary diagnosis (34% non-substance use mental disorders versus 29% substance use disorders), prevalence of adjustment disorders and median length of their first treatment episode (9.0 versus 8.4 months). Psychiatrists were significantly older (mean age 53 versus 50 years; t = 2.12; P < 0.05), more frequently had inpatient treatment during their first treatment episode (17% versus 10%; χ (2) = 4.57, P < 0.05) and had more referred (rather than self-referred) admissions (22% versus 13%; χ (2) = 4.57, P < 0.05) than other physicians. However, only the type of referral played a significant role when considering the simultaneous effect of all relevant variables (Wald = 4.43; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Psychiatrists with mental disorders may be more reluctant to ask for help from a PHP voluntarily than other physicians. Members of this professional group should be encouraged to seek help when affected by mental distress or addiction problems.

Toscana virus meningitis case in Switzerland: an example of the ezVIR bioinformatics pipeline utility for the identification of emerging viruses.

Toscana virus (TOSV) represents a frequent cause of viral meningitis in the Mediterranean Basin that remains neglected in neighbouring countries. We report a documented TOSV meningitis case in a traveller returning from Tuscany to Switzerland. While routine serological and PCR assays could not discriminate between TOSV and Sandfly fever Naples virus infection, a high-throughput sequencing performed directly on the cerebrospinal fluid specimen and analysed with the ezVIR pipeline provided an unequivocal viral diagnostic. TOSV could be unequivocally considered as the aetiological agent, proving the potential of ezVIR to improve standard diagnostics in cases of infection with uncommon or emerging viruses.

Estradiol stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis and adiponectin expression in skeletal muscle.

Sexual dimorphism has been found in mitochondrial features of skeletal muscle, with female rats showing greater mitochondrial mass and function compared with males. Adiponectin is an insulin-sensitizing adipokine whose expression has been related to mitochondrial function and that is also expressed in skeletal muscle, where it exerts local metabolic effects. The aim of this research was to elucidate the role of sex hormones in modulation of mitochondrial function, as well as its relationship with adiponectin production in rat skeletal muscle. An in vivo study with ovariectomized Wistar rats receiving or not receiving 17ß-estradiol (E2) (10 µg/kg per 48 h for 4 weeks) was carried out, in parallel with an assay of cultured myotubes (L6E9) treated with E2 (10 nM), progesterone (Pg; 1 µM), or testosterone (1 µM). E2 upregulated the markers of mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics, and also of mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle and L6E9. Although in vivo E2 supplementation only partially restored the decreased adiponectin expression levels induced by ovariectomy, these were enhanced by E2 and Pg treatment in cultured myotubes, whereas testosterone showed no effects. Adiponectin receptor 1 expression was increased by E2 treatment, both in vivo and in vitro, but testosterone decreased it. In conclusion, our results are in agreement with the sexual dimorphism previously reported in skeletal muscle mitochondrial function and indicate E2 to be its main effector, as it enhances mitochondrial function and diminishes oxidative stress. Moreover, our data support the idea of the existence of a link between mitochondrial function and adiponectin expression in skeletal muscle, which could be modulated by sex hormones.

Nuevos fármacos antiagregantes en el síndrome coronario agudo y su utilización en el servicio de urgencias / New platelet aggregation inhibitors in acute coronary syndrome in the emergency department

En los últimos años ha habido novedades significativas en las estrategias de manejo yen los fármacos utilizados en el tratamiento del síndrome coronario agudo (SCA). Hasta hoy, las guías de práctica clínica recomendaban el uso de doble terapia antiagregante con aspirina y clopidogrel. Dos nuevos inhibidores del receptor P2Y12 (prasugrel y ticagrelor) han sido aprobados como tratamiento del SCA, y muestran una inhibición plaquetaria más rápida y más eficaz. Esta incorporación a la práctica clínica implica un cambio importante en el manejo de estos pacientes en su fase aguda. Se revisa brevemente la fisiopatología del proceso trombótico, los inicios de la antiagregación y los ensayos clínicos llevados a cabo con estos nuevos fármacos, así como su utilización en los servicios de urgencias (AU)

New pharmacologic strategies for managing acute coronary syndrome (ACS) have emerged in recent years. Clinical guidelines continue to recommend dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel. Two recently approved P2Y12inhibitors, prasugrel and ticagrelor, have been shown to act faster and more effectively in treating ACS. These drugs mark an important turning point in the emergency management of ACS. We briefly review the pathophysiology of the thrombotic process and recall the early history of antiplatelet therapy. We explain the results of clinical trials of these new drugs and their use in the emergency department (AU)

Strong serological responses and HIV RNA increase following AS03-adjuvanted pandemic immunization in HIV-infected patients.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to determine the antibody responses and effect on viral load of the AS03-adjuvanted pandemic H1N1 vaccine in HIV-infected patients. METHOD: A total of 121 HIV-infected patients and 138 healthy subjects were enrolled in a prospective, open-label study. Healthy subjects received one dose and HIV-infected patients two doses of the AS03-adjuvanted split influenza A/09/H1N1 vaccine (Pandemrix®; GlaxoSmithKline, Brentford, United Kingdom.) at an interval of 3-4 weeks. The study was extended in 2010/2011 for 66 patients. Geometric mean titres (GMTs), seroprotection rates (post-vaccination titre ≥ 1:40) and HIV-1 RNA levels were measured before and 4 weeks after immunization. RESULTS: After two immunizations, the seroprotection rate (94.2 vs. 87%, respectively) and GMT (376 vs. 340, respectively) in HIV-infected patients were as high as in healthy subjects after one dose, regardless of CD4 cell count. Four weeks after immunization, HIV RNA was detected in plasma samples from 40 of 68 (58.0%) previously aviraemic patients [median 152 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL; interquartile range (IQR) 87-509 copies/mL]. Subsequent measures indicated that HIV RNA levels had again declined to <20 copies/mL in most patients (27 of 34; 79.4%). Following (nonadjuvanted) influenza immunization in 2010/2011, HIV RNA levels only slightly increased (median final level 28 copies/mL) in three of 66 (4.5%) previously aviraemic patients, including two of 25 (8%) patients in whom an increase had been elicited by AS03-adjuvanted vaccine the year before. CONCLUSION: Most HIV-infected patients developed seroprotection after two doses of AS03-adjuvanted pandemic vaccine. A transient effect on HIV RNA levels was observed in previously aviraemic patients. A booster dose of the nonadjuvanted influenza vaccine containing the A/09/H1N1 strain the following year did not reproduce this finding, indicating a non-antigen-specific adjuvant effect.

Factores pronóstico a corto plazo en los ancianos atendidos en urgencias por síndrome coronario agudo con elevación del segmento ST / Short-term prognostic factors in elderly patients treated in emergency departments

Objetivo: Investigar los factores asociados a la mortalidad a corto plazo en los pacientes ancianos que acuden a urgencias por síndrome coronario agudo con elevación del segmento ST (SCAEST).Método: Estudio multicéntrico, longitudinal, observacional, analítico-prospectivo y sin intervención. Se incluyó a pacientes de 70 o más años atendidos en 42 hospitales españoles. Se analizaron 17 variables independientes que pudieran influir en la mortalidad a 30 días. Los datos se obtuvieron a partir de un registro creado para este estudio, de la historia clínica o de la entrevista con el paciente o sus familiares. Se realizó un estudio multivariable mediante regresión logística. Resultados: Se incluyó a 1.137 pacientes, 340 (29,9%) fallecieron a los 30 días de la consulta en urgencias. Cuatro variables se asociaron de forma significativa con la mortalidad: la edad (odds ratio [OR] = 2,71; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, 2,02-3,64), la no realización de angioplastia primaria (AP) (OR = 3; IC del 95%, 1,32-6,81)la clasificación de Killip avanzada (OR = 10,19; IC del 95%, 6,99 -14,85) y la localización anterior del infarto (OR = 1,39; IC del 95%, 1,03-1,86).Conclusiones: Encontramos diversos factores disponibles tras la valoración en urgencias, como la edad, que determinan un mal pronóstico a corto plazo del paciente anciano que consulta por un SCAEST. Ni la clase de Killip, ni la localización anterior del infarto agudo de miocardio ni la edad son susceptibles de modificación, no así la realización de una AP que, a diferencia del tratamiento fibrinolítico, es un factor independiente de no mortalidad a los 30 días (AU)

Objective: To identify factors associated with short-term mortality in patients of advanced age who come to the emergency department with acute coronary syndrome with ST segment elevation.Methods: Prospective longitudinal observational multicenter analytic study without interventions. Patients aged 70 yearsor older who were treated at 42 Spanish hospitals were included. Seventeen independent variables that might influence30-day mortality were analyzed. The information was extracted from the medical records or obtained during interviews with the patient or a family member; it was then recorded in a database developed for this study.Results: A total of 1137 patients were included; 340 (29.9%) died within 30 days of the emergency department visit.Four variables conferred significant risk of mortality. These were age (odds ratio [OR], 2.71; 95% confidence interval [CI],2.02-3.64); lack of primary angioplasty (OR, 3; 95% CI, 1.32-6.81); advanced Killip class (OR, 10.19; 95% CI, 6.99-14.85); and anterior location of the lesion (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.03-1.86).Conclusions: We identified several factors, such as age, that are recorded during emergency department assessment andthat predict poor short-term outcome in the elderly patient treated for acute coronary syndrome with ST segment elevation. Although Killip class, location of the acute myocardial infarction, and age cannot be modified, we did identify a factor (performance of primary angioplasty) that, unlike fibrinolytic treatment, is independently associated with a better outcome in terms of 30-day mortality (AU)

Polarized gamma-ray emission from the galactic black hole Cygnus X-1.

Because of their inherently high flux allowing the detection of clear signals, black hole x-ray binaries are interesting candidates for polarization studies, even if no polarization signals have been observed from them before. Such measurements would provide further detailed insight into these sources' emission mechanisms. We measured the polarization of the gamma-ray emission from the black hole binary system Cygnus X-1 with the International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory Imager on Board the Integral Satellite (INTEGRAL/IBIS) telescope. Spectral modeling of the data reveals two emission mechanisms: The 250- to 400-keV (kilo-electron volt) data are consistent with emission dominated by Compton scattering on thermal electrons and are weakly polarized. The second spectral component seen in the 400-keV to 2-MeV band is by contrast strongly polarized, revealing that the MeV emission is probably related to the jet first detected in the radio band.

Prevalence and implications of psychopathological non-cognitive symptoms in dementia.

OBJECTIVE: Clinical experience and recent population studies suggest that psychopathological, non-cognitive symptoms are both frequent and relevant in dementia. METHOD: A representative community sample (n = 4,803 individuals, 55 + years) was interviewed in a two-phase design. The Geriatric Mental Sate (GMS) was used for assessment and cases were diagnosed according to DSM-IV-TR criteria. RESULTS: The prevalence of non-cognitive symptoms (1 + symptoms) in cases of dementia (n = 223) was 90.1%, and negative-type symptoms were most frequently found. A GMS 'apathy-related symptom cluster' (anergia, restriction of activities and anhedonia) was significantly more frequent in the demented (55.6%) than in non-cases (0.7%; specificity = 99.2%). In both dementia of Alzheimer's type and vascular dementia, number of symptoms tended to be inversely related to severity of dementia, but psychopathological profiles differed. CONCLUSION: Non-cognitive, negative-type symptoms are very frequent in cases of dementia living in the community. They have powerful specificity in the distinction with non-cases, and might change current concepts of dementia.

Rehabilitación cognitiva o neuropsicológica

Las investigaciones recientes sobre la esquizofrenia han hecho hincapié en los déficit de procesamiento de la información que incluyen problemas de atención selectiva, de reconocimiento y codificación de señales sociales, de almacenamiento de la información en las funciones de ejecución y selección de respuestas adecuadas. El concepto de vulnerabilidad cognitiva propone que los déficit en el procesamiento de la información previos a la aparición de la enfermedad, impiden al paciente la adquisición de habilidades sociales adaptativas. Estos déficit bloquean la capacidad del paciente para afrontar los cambios producidos por la enfermedad o para resolver situaciones ambientales adversas. Los investigadores Brenner y cols. proponen que estos déficit hacen al sujeto más vulnerable a los acontecimientos estresantes porque reducen sus estrategias de afrontamiento y que estos mismos déficit interfieren en la adquisición de nuevos conocimientos. Estos autores han desarrollado un programa de terapia psicológica para enfermos con esquizofrenia Integrated Psychological Therapy Programme (IPT). Este programa está organizado de forma jerarquizada para minimizar tanto las disfunciones cognitivas como las conductuales de tipo social que son características en la esquizofrenia (AU)

Identification of odorant receptors from the Alpine marmot (Marmota marmota).

Alpine Marmots (Marmota marmota) are a good model to study intraspecific chemical communication among mammals. This species has been subjected to several behavioural and biochemical studies regarding both their scent-marking behaviour by cheek-rubbing, and the chemical composition of their glandular secretions. However, no molecular study has been undertaken until today on proteins from the olfactory epithelium possibly implicated in chemical perception. In this study, we identified, to our knowledge for the first time, some olfatory receptors from this wild rodent. Starting with olfactory epithelium of an Alpine Marmot, and by mean of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction technique (RT-PCR), we isolated fourteen partial sequences that exhibited a high degree of homology (45-92%) with olfactory receptors from other vertebrates. Conserved identities and structural features clearly defined these Alpine Marmot sequences as members of the seven transmembrane domain olfactory receptors. All sequences were observed as belonging to known olfactory receptor families and were classified into ten subfamilies of the tetrapods OR class. Finally, Northern blot analysis revealed specific expression of these sequences in the Alpine Marmot olfactory epithelium tissue.

Outpatient group therapy for anorexia nervosa: a preliminary study.

Group therapy is generally recognized as an important form of psychotherapy for anorexia nervosa patients, but there are few controlled studies of its effectiveness. The aim of the current study was to determine the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for the treatment of anorexia nervosa in outpatients. Twenty-six outpatients with anorexia nervosa, were assessed for depression (BDI, Beck Depression Inventory), eating psychopathology (EDI, Eating Disorders Inventory), eating attitudes (EAT, Eating Attitudes Test) and weight at the beginning and at the end of the treatment and at one year follow-up. Our results substantiate the effectiveness of the CBT approach as a treatment and also at one year follow-up. Good EAT scores were observed in 70% of our cases after the treatment and in 60% at follow-up. Further research should assess the effectiveness of therapeutic groups more intensively because of their economic advantages.