Influence of the Hubbard U Parameter on the Structural, Electronic, Magnetic, and Transport Properties of Cr/Fe/Zr-Based MBenes.

Although relatively new, MBenes are gaining prominence due to their outstanding mechanical, electronic, magnetic, and chemical properties, and they are predicted to be good electrodes for catalytic processes as well as robust 2D magnets with high critical temperatures, to mention some of their intriguing attributes. From all their multiple stoichiometries, a theoretical study of their orthorhombic and hexagonal phases in the framework of density-functional theory is performed in this work. The results suggest that their properties are strongly dependent on the initial conditions considered in the theoretical approach and must be treated with caution. However, and independently of these factors, all of them are demonstrated to be energetically stable, show a metallic behavior, and exhibit, in specific cases, large magnetic moments per unit cell, exceeding 6.5 µB in the case of the orthorhombic-type Cr2B2, making them suitable as robust 2D magnets with room critical temperature. These findings represent an important step toward a better understanding of MBenes, opening several windows to future research in energy conversion and storage, sensing, catalysis, biotechnology, or spintronics.

Exploring the Structural, Electronic, Magnetic, and Transport Properties of 2D Cr, Fe, and Zr Monoborides.

Compared to other 2D materials, MBenes are at an early stage of investigation in terms of both experimental and theoretical approaches. However, their wide range of possible 2D structures leads to novel and challenging properties and consequent applications. From all the possible stoichiometries, we performed a theoretical study of orthorhombic and hexagonal M2B2 MBenes within the framework of density functional theory. We found that both symmetries of Cr2B2, Fe2B2, and Zr2B2 show metallic behavior and could be grown under certain conditions as they were demonstrated to be dynamically stable. Moreover, the values of the magnetic moment observed, in specific ferromagnetic cases exceeding 2.5µB/M2B2, make them suitable as robust 2D magnets. Our findings represent an important step in the understanding of MBenes and open several windows to future research in fields like energy conversion and storage, sensing, catalysis, biochemistry, and nanotechnology, among others.

Prevalence of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in Colombia: Analysis of the official Ministry of Health administrative registry.

BACKGROUND: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare entity with severe inflammatory demyelinating events of the central nervous system with debilitating sequelae. Its global prevalence ranges between 0.5 and 4/100,000 individuals, with variations by region and ethnicity. Latin America lacks epidemiological data on the disease, and Colombian prevalence is unknown. OBJECTIVE: Prevalence of NMOSD in Colombia was estimated between 2017 and 2021 using the official Ministry of Health administrative database (SISPRO). METHODS: This is an observational, cross-sectional retrospective study, using data between January 2017 and December 2021 in the SISPRO database using the International Classification of Disease code for NMOSD G36.0. Prevalence by gender, age and geographic distribution was estimated using official government statistics for 2019. World Health Organization (WHO) standard population was used to adjust using the direct method. RESULTS: 2,650 patients were diagnosed with NMOSD; the average age was 44.9 years with an overall unadjusted prevalence of 5.3/100,000 individuals, higher for females (7.8) than for males (2.8). No significant changes (from 5.3 to 5.4) were seen after adjusting to the WHO standard. CONCLUSION: According to this study Colombia has one of the highest prevalence rates of NMOSD in Latin America, further studies are needed to elucidate the contributing factors.

"Healthcare Kamikazes" during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Purpose in Life and Moral Courage as Mediators of Psychopathology.

Although the required personal protective equipment was not available during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Spanish healthcare workers continued to work, being dubbed as 'healthcare kamikazes'. Two possible reasons are moral courage and purpose in life that, in turn, would modulate the appearance of psychopathology. Cross-sectional study was carried out in 90 Spanish and 59 Mexican healthcare professionals, and 56 medical and nursing students. Spanish professionals had suffered more work and overall exposure (M = 8.30; SD = 2.57 and M = 9.03; SD = 2.66) than Mexican (M = 5.10; SD = 1.87 and M = 5.55; SD = 2.35). Mexican professionals had fewer anxiety disorders (30.5%; n = 18) and a lower depression score (M = 4.45; SD = 5.63) than the Spanish (43.7%; n = 38; and M = 8.69; SD = 8.07). Spanish professionals more often experienced acute stress disorder (32.6%; n = 29). Purpose in life, in addition to having a direct protective effect on psychopathology, also modulated the relationship between personal and family exposure and psychopathology. In conclusion, purpose in life protects against the appearance of psychopathology in healthcare workers with personal and family exposure to SARS-CoV-2.

Effectiveness of treatments in Neuromyelitis optica to modify the course of disease in adult patients. Systematic review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Neuromyelitis Optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an inflammatory disease, which manifests mostly as recurrent episodes of optic neuritis or myelitis that cause important disability. Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of immunosuppressive therapy are crucial in reducing relapses, disability, and mortality. Even though, there are few prospective randomized controlled trials, several drugs have proved to be both effective and safe. Azathioprine and Rituximab represent the standard of care and are used as first-line treatment agents worldwide. However, recent studies have unveiled new therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies. To make treatment recommendations and management guidelines, it is imperative to define an appropriate standard of care. METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS databases using the following terms: "(NMO OR Devic OR Neuromyelitis Optica) AND (Azathioprine OR Prednisone OR Rituximab OR Tocilizumab OR Bortezomib OR Inebilizumab OR Eculizumab OR Satralizumab)" including both, randomized clinical trials and observational studies published between January 2006 and January 2021. The inclusion criteria comprised patients aged 18 or older, NMOSD diagnosis following the Wingerchuck criteria, two or more therapies been compared, and the evaluation of both efficacy and safety outcomes. All studies comparing treatment only with placebo were excluded. Quality was assessed according with the design of the study, and results were synthesized through comparative tables for each outcome evaluated, differentiating the results of randomized and non-randomized studies. RESULTS: Thirteen studies with 1447 patients were included. Twelve studies evaluated the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) before and after treatment; in five of seven evaluating rituximab, it outperformed its comparators in improving the disability degree. Eleven studies assessed the annual relapse rate (ARR). Again, in six of seven evaluating rituximab, it was superior to other therapies. Time to relapse (TTR) was reported in five studies. The three studies that included Rituximab revealed a longer time to relapse in this arm of treatment. Finding were consistent in randomized and non-randomized studies. The new molecules Satralizumab, Eculizumab and Tocilizumab were evaluated in one study each, proving to be highly effective and safe. The safety profile analysis showed a higher number of adverse events for Azathioprine. DISCUSSION: This systematic review demonstrates a superiority tendency of Rituximab upon the other treatments strengthening the available evidence about NMOSD management. Superiority in EDSS outcomes, annual relapse rate, time to first relapse and relapses during treatment time was evidenced in the Rituximab group compared to other medications, with lower rates of adverse events. New molecules Tocilizumab, Eculizumab and Satralizumab also showed superiority in the evaluated results, especially in the relapses during treatment time outcome, although with subtle differences in EDSS and ARR outcomes. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that monoclonal antibodies are highly effective and safe for the treatment of NMOSD; Rituximab showed better performance on multiple outcomes and has more evidence available. New molecules: Eculizumab, Tocilizumab, Satralizumab are good options for treatment. Drugs like Azathioprine and Mycophenolate are effective, but with a worse risk-benefit ratio, therefore, they are useful alternatives in places that do not have access to monoclonal antibodies.

Effects of Bisphenol A on Foxl2 gene expression and DNA damage in adult viviparous fish Goodeaatripinnis.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an emerging pollutant of global concern. Viviparous fish Goodea atripinnis is endemic to the Central Mexican Plateau where BPA was detected; however, few studies examined the influence of this chemical on native viviparous fish. The effects of BPA (sublethal dose) were determined on DNA integrity and Foxl2 expression in G. atripinnis gonads, and interactions of BPA with FOXL2 protein. Genotoxicity analysis revealed that % comets, at 14 and 28 days and comet tail length (at 14 days) were significantly higher in exposed compared to controls. In general, the % DNA tail was not markedly higher in BPA-treated fish; however, tail moment related to tail length exhibited significant increases in DNA damage. RT-qPCR assays showed Foxl2 overexpression after 14 and 28 days of exposure in females; while in males, Foxl2 was overexpressed after 28 days. In silico analysis demonstrated that BPA interacted with seven residues located in FOXL2 homeodomain. In summary, sublethal BPA doses induced DNA damage and changes in Foxl2 expression in gonadal cells of G. atripinnis, which may adversely affect reproduction in BPA-exposed wild populations. Foxl2 overexpression and BPA-FOXL2 interaction suggested alterations in processes involving Foxl2. Viviparous fish may thus serve as potential non-conventional models for assessing pollutants effects.

Caracterización clínica y electroencefalográfica de pacientes con epilepsia generalizada genética, evaluados en el Centro Especializado CEC- LAB IPS Universitaria de Antioquia 2010 - 2012: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo / Clinical and electroencephalographic characterization of generalized genetic epilepsy patients assessed in specialized center cec-lab ips university of antioquia 2010 to 2012: descriptive and retrospective study

Introducción: Las características clínicas y electroencefalográficas de la Epilepsia Generalizada Genética permiten clasificarla en varios subsindromes, sin embargo, existen variaciones en las anormalidades del electroencefalograma y la presentación clínicas entre los síndromes. Objetivo: los datos epidemiológicos relacionados con las epilepsias generalizadas genéticas en Colombia son escasos. En el presente estudio se analizaron los síndromes de las Epilepsias Generalizadas Genéticas (EGG) de acuerdo a las características demográficas, clínicas y electroencefalográficas para determinar el endofenotipo local y poder establecer un punto de referencia que constituya el fundamento de las investigaciones genéticas. Materiales y métodos: estudio retrospectivo realizado en el Centro Especializado CEC-LAB de la Clínica IPS Universitaria León XIII, se reunieron los registros de pacientes entre el 2010 y 2012. Se describieron aquellos con diagnóstico de EGG a través de variables demográficas, clínicas y electroencefalográficas por síndrome. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizaron frecuencias, proporciones, promedios, medianas y medidas de dispersión. Resultados: se estudiaron 5.357 pacientes, de ellos 53(1%) presentó diagnóstico de EGG. La edad promedio fue de 19 años (+/- 15 años). La epilepsia de fenotipo variable obtuvo la mayor prevalencia (21%), la menor y mayor edad de inicio de crisis la presentaron la epilepsia de ausencia mioclónica y mioclónica juvenil respectivamente. Se evidenciaron todos los tipos de crisis usuales en cada síndrome, y una gran variedad de anormalidades electroencefalográficas. Conclusión: los síndromes electroclínicos no pueden ser aplicados a toda la población, su valoración debe ser individualizada, se debe intentar integrarlos a la clasificación actual, siendo cauteloso con los casos que se desvían de una descripción específica desde el punto de vista clínico y electroencefalográfico, por lo cual se debe usar un enfoque neurobiológico que permita comprender y orientar a estos pacientes.

Introduction: The clinical and electroencephalographic features in the Generalized Genetic Epilepsy define several subsyndromes, however, variations of the Electroencephalogram abnormalities and clinical presentation between the syndromes exist. Objective: Epidemiological data regarding genetic generalized epilepsies in Colombia are scarce. In the present study the Generalized Genetic Epilepsy (GGE) syndromes were analyzed based on the demographic, clinical and electroencephalographic to determine local endophenotype and to establish a benchmark that forms the basis of genetic research. Materials and methods: This retrospective study was carried out in the CEC-LAB Specialized Center University Clinic IPS Leo XIII, patient records between 2010 and 2012. It describes those patient diagnosed with EGG and their electroencephalographic, demographic and clinical features by the syndromic classification. For statistical analysis frequencies, proportions, means, medians and dispersion measures were used. Results: 5,357 patients were collected, of them 53 (1%) presented diagnosis of EGG. The average age was 19 years (+/- 15 years). The Variable epilepsy phenotype had the highest prevalence (21%), the younger and older start of seizures were presented in myoclonic absence epilepsy and juvenile myoclonic respectively. Each syndrome presented the classical type of seizures and a variety of EEG abnormalities. Conclusion: electroclinical syndromes cannot be applied to the entire population, their evaluation should be individualized and try to integrate them into the current syndromic classification, being cautious with cases that deviate from a specific electroencephalographic and clinical description whereupon the clinician must be prepared to use a neurobiological approach to understand and guide these patients.

Estudio de factores pronósticos y de la prevalencia del síndrome postrombótico en España en pacientes con trombosis venosa profunda / Study of prognostic factors and prevalence of post-thrombotic syndrome in patients with deep vein thrombosis in Spain

Fundamento y objetivo: Actualmente no se conoce con exactitud la prevalencia del síndrome postrombótico (SPT) en España. El objetivo principal de este trabajo fue determinar la prevalencia de SPT y los posibles factores pronóstico asociados a su desarrollo y el impacto sobre la calidad de vida. Pacientes y método: Estudio observacional, multicéntrico, de corte trasversal y seguimiento retrospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes que hubieran sufrido una trombosis venosa profunda (TVP) entre marzo de 2010 y marzo de 2011. En la inclusión, el investigador examinó a los pacientes y cumplimentó la escala Villalta; en función de la puntuación, se distribuyeron en pacientes con SPT (puntuación > 4) y pacientes sin SPT (puntuación ≤ 4). Posteriormente, se recogieron de forma retrospectiva datos de la TVP y factores de riesgo. Se evaluó la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Resultados: Fueron incluidos 511 pacientes con TVP, de los que se excluyeron 7 por no cumplir algún criterio de inclusión/exclusión. La prevalencia de SPT fue del 53%, siendo un 56,2% de carácter leve, un 20,6%, moderado, y un 23,2%, grave. La presencia de factores de riesgo de TVP, como inmovilización, terapia hormonal y obesidad, fue significativamente mayor en pacientes con SPT frente a pacientes sin SPT. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en la localización de TVP. La percepción del paciente sobre su salud fue significativamente peor en presencia de SPT. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de SPT en pacientes con TVP es muy alta. La presencia de factores de riesgo de TVP contribuye a una mayor predisposición a presentar SPT, en un tiempo medio de 2 años (AU)

Background and objective: The prevalence of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) in Spain is not known accurately at present. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of PTS and the possible prognostic factors related to its development and impact on quality of life. Patients and method: This was an observational, multicenter, cross-sectional and retrospective study of patients who had suffered a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) between March 2010 and March 2011. The Villalta scale was applied as a standardized assessment of PTS at the enrollment visit. According to the score, distribution was: patients with PTS (score > 4) and patients without PTS (score ≤ 4). Subsequently, DVT data and risk factors were collected retrospectively. The quality of life of patients was evaluated. Results: In total 511 patients with DVT were enrolled, of which 7 patients were excluded as they did not meet the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The prevalence of PTS was 53%, with 56.2% having a mild character, 20.6% moderate, and 23.2% severe. The presence of risk factors for DVT including immobilization, hormonal therapy and obesity was significantly higher in patients with PTS than in patients without PTS. There were not significant differences in the location of the DVT. The perception of patients about their health was significantly worse in patients with DVT. Conclusions: The prevalence of PTS in patients with DVT is very high. The presence of risk factors for DVT clearly contributes to a greater predisposition to suffering PTS in an average time of 2 years (AU)

[Study of prognostic factors and prevalence of post-thrombotic syndrome in patients with deep vein thrombosis in Spain]. / Estudio de factores pronósticos y de la prevalencia del síndrome postrombótico en España en pacientes con trombosis venosa profunda.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) in Spain is not known accurately at present. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of PTS and the possible prognostic factors related to its development and impact on quality of life. PATIENTS AND METHOD: This was an observational, multicenter, cross-sectional and retrospective study of patients who had suffered a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) between March 2010 and March 2011. The Villalta scale was applied as a standardized assessment of PTS at the enrollment visit. According to the score, distribution was: patients with PTS (score>4) and patients without PTS (score ≤4). Subsequently, DVT data and risk factors were collected retrospectively. The quality of life of patients was evaluated. RESULTS: In total 511 patients with DVT were enrolled, of which 7 patients were excluded as they did not meet the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The prevalence of PTS was 53%, with 56.2% having a mild character, 20.6% moderate, and 23.2% severe. The presence of risk factors for DVT including immobilization, hormonal therapy and obesity was significantly higher in patients with PTS than in patients without PTS. There were not significant differences in the location of the DVT. The perception of patients about their health was significantly worse in patients with DVT. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of PTS in patients with DVT is very high. The presence of risk factors for DVT clearly contributes to a greater predisposition to suffering PTS in an average time of 2 years.

Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in acutely ill hospitalized medical patients. A retrospective multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the incidence of VTE in hospitalized medical patients and prophylaxis applied in accordance with the 8th ACCP guidelines and the National PRETEMED guide for thromboprophylaxis. METHODS: Discharge lists were reviewed to select the first consecutive 20 patients, aged ≥ 40 years and admitted ≥ 4 days to the Internal Medicine Departments of 79 Spanish hospitals. Exclusion criteria were: admission for diagnostic procedures, VTE or surgical illness, or care during hospitalization provided by the local investigator. RESULTS: From September 2011 to July 2012, 2845 discharge reports were evaluated and 1623 were considered eligible for the study. Overall 930 (57.3%) patients of this group were at risk of VTE according to the ACCP guidelines, 759 (81.6%) received VTE prophylaxis (mechanical or pharmacological) and 159 (17.1%) had at least one risk factor that might contraindicate anticoagulant use. The proportion of patients at VTE risk according to the ACCP and National PRETEMED guidelines with no risk factors of bleeding that did not receive prophylaxis was 16.3% and 17.2%, respectively. During hospitalization, there were 14 (0.9%) episodes of symptomatic VTE, 12 (86%) of which occurred in patients receiving prophylaxis. VTE rate was 1.3% among patients with VTE risk that received prophylaxis and 3.5% in patients that also had one risk factor that might contraindicate anticoagulant use. CONCLUSIONS: In a setting characterized by high thromboprophylaxis compliance most of the episodes occurred in patients receiving pharmacological prophylaxis. Patients with combined VTE and bleeding risk factors showed the highest rate of both symptomatic VTE and prophylaxis failure.