A facile method to transform pickled olive wastes into sulfur-doped carbon for sodium-ion battery electrode.

This work provides a novel, low-cost, and effective method to prepare disordered carbon materials for advanced sodium-ion batteries using biomass. A large amount of olive stone waste is yearly produced in the world, and it could be re-used for fine applications other than fuel for heat production. After treatment with sulfuric acid solution and carbonization process, wastes of olive stone are efficiently transformed into optimized carbon electrode material. XRD, XRF and XPS, electron microscopy, and physical gas adsorption are used for the compositional, microstructural, and textural characterization of the carbons. During the synthesis, impurities are removed, C-S links are formed and micropores pores are created. Sulfuric acid acts like S-dopant. The latent pores, or pores closed to nitrogen, can be found using CO2 adsorption, and are very suitable for accommodation for sodium. The results reveal that the reversible capacity is raised from ca. 200 mAh g-1 to ca. 250 mAh g-1 for the carbon obtained through treatment with sulfuric acid. The improved electrochemistry is the result of the s-doping and the porosity.

Geriatric Syndromes and Their Relationship with Mortality in a Population of Mexican Older Adults Aged 65 and Over, Admitted to the Emergency Department of a Second-Level Care Hospital.

The main objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between Geriatric Syndromes (GSs) and in-hospital mortality in adults aged 65 and older admitted to the Emergency Department (ED). The study included 202 Older Adults (OAs) who met the inclusion criteria. We conducted a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment and collected clinical and demographic data. A univariate analysis was carried out for each of the GSs analyzed. Those variables with p < 0.05 were entered into a multiple logistic regression using the backward stepwise entry method to analyze the independent predictor variables. The average number of GSs per individual was 4.65 (±2.76). Frailty syndrome was the most prevalent (70.2% of patients). Our study found an association between mortality and some GSs, such as frailty (p = 0.042), risk of falls (p = 0.010), delirium, cognitive impairment, dependence, and risk of ulcers (p < 0.001). We found that cognitive impairment (adjusted OR, 6.88; 95% CI, 1.41-33.5; p = 0.017) and dependence (adjusted OR, 7.52; 95% CI, 1.95-29.98; p = 0.003) were independent predictors associated with mortality in our population. It is necessary to develop new care strategies in the ED that respond to the needs of aging societies, including the use of new technologies and personnel with experience in gerontology.

Liquid biopsy for molecular characterization of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and early assessment of minimal residual disease.

Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) allows genotyping and minimal residual disease (MRD) detection in lymphomas. Using a next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach (EuroClonality-NDC), we evaluated the clinical and prognostic value of ctDNA in a series of R-CHOP-treated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients at baseline (n = 68) and after two cycles (n = 59), monitored by metabolic imaging (positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography [PET/CT]). A molecular marker was identified in 61/68 (90%) ctDNA samples at diagnosis. Pretreatment high ctDNA levels significantly correlated with elevated lactate dehydrogenase, advanced stage, high-risk International Prognostic Index and a trend to shorter 2-year progression-free survival (PFS). Valuable NGS data after two cycles of treatment were obtained in 44 cases, and 38 achieved major molecular response (MMR; 2.5-log drop in ctDNA). PFS curves displayed statistically significant differences among those achieving MMR versus those not achieving MMR (2-year PFS of 76% vs. 0%, p < 0.001). Similarly, more than 66% reduction in ΔSUVmax by PET/CT identified two subgroups with different prognosis (2-year PFS of 83% vs. 38%; p < 0.001). Combining both approaches MMR and ΔSUVmax reduction, a better stratification was observed (2-year PFS of 84% vs. 17% vs. 0%, p < 0.001). EuroClonality-NDC panel allows the detection of a molecular marker in the ctDNA in 90% of DLBCL. ctDNA reduction at two cycles and its combination with interim PET results improve patient prognosis stratification.

Association of CYP3A4-392A/G, CYP3A5-6986A/G, and ABCB1-3435C/T Polymorphisms with Tacrolimus Dose, Serum Concentration, and Biochemical Parameters in Mexican Patients with Kidney Transplant.

Tacrolimus (TAC) is an immunosuppressant drug that prevents organ rejection after transplantation. This drug is transported from cells via P-glycoprotein (ABCB1) and is a metabolic substrate for cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A enzymes, particularly CYP3A4 and CYP3A5. Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified in the genes encoding CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and ABCB1, including CYP3A4-392A/G (rs2740574), CYP3A5 6986A/G (rs776746), and ABCB1 3435C/T (rs1045642). This study aims to evaluate the association among CYP3A4-392A/G, CYP3A5-6986A/G, and ABCB1-3435C/T polymorphisms and TAC, serum concentration, and biochemical parameters that may affect TAC pharmacokinetics in Mexican kidney transplant (KT) patients. METHODS: Forty-six kidney transplant recipients (KTR) receiving immunosuppressive treatment with TAC in different combinations were included. CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and ABCB1 gene polymorphisms were genotyped using qPCR TaqMan. Serum TAC concentration (as measured) and intervening variables were assessed. Logistic regression analyses were performed at baseline and after one month to assess the extent of the association between the polymorphisms, intervening variables, and TAC concentration. RESULTS: The GG genotype of CYP3A5-6986 A/G polymorphism is associated with TAC pharmacokinetic variability OR 4.35 (95%CI: 1.13-21.9; p = 0.0458) at one month of evolution; in multivariate logistic regression, CYP3A5-6986GG genotype OR 9.32 (95%CI: 1.54-93.08; p = 0.028) and the use of medications or drugs that increase serum TAC concentration OR 9.52 (95%CI: 1.79-88.23; p = 0.018) were strongly associated with TAC pharmacokinetic variability. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study of the Mexican population showed that CYP3A5-6986 A/G GG genotype is associated with a four-fold increase in the likelihood of encountering a TAC concentration of more than 15 ng/dL. The co-occurrence of the CYP3A5-6986GG genotype and the use of drugs that increase TAC concentration correlates with a nine-fold increased risk of experiencing a TAC at a level above 15 ng/mL. Therefore, these patients have an increased susceptibility to TAC-associated toxicity.

Validation of a 3D Local-Scale Adaptive Solar Radiation Model by Using Pyranometer Measurements and a High-Resolution Digital Elevation Model.

The result of the multidisciplinary collaboration of researchers from different areas of knowledge to validate a solar radiation model is presented. The MAPsol is a 3D local-scale adaptive solar radiation model that allows us to estimate direct, diffuse, and reflected irradiance for clear sky conditions. The model includes the adaptation of the mesh to complex orography and albedo, and considers the shadows cast by the terrain and buildings. The surface mesh generation is based on surface refinement, smoothing and parameterization techniques and allows the generation of high-quality adapted meshes with a reasonable number of elements. Another key aspect of the paper is the generation of a high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM). This high-resolution DEM is constructed from LiDAR data, and its resolution is two times more accurate than the publicly available DEMs. The validation process uses direct and global solar irradiance data obtained from pyranometers at the University of Salamanca located in an urban area affected by systematic shading from nearby buildings. This work provides an efficient protocol for studying solar resources, with particular emphasis on areas of complex orography and dense buildings where shadows can potentially make solar energy production facilities less efficient.

Design and Development of Learning Management System Huemul for Teaching Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resource: Algorithm Development and Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: Interoperability between health information systems is a fundamental requirement to guarantee the continuity of health care for the population. The Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resource (FHIR) is the standard that enables the design and development of interoperable systems with broad adoption worldwide. However, FHIR training curriculums need an easily administered web-based self-learning platform with modules to create scenarios and questions that the learner answers. This paper proposes a system for teaching FHIR that automatically evaluates the answers, providing the learner with continuous feedback and progress. OBJECTIVE: We are designing and developing a learning management system for creating, applying, deploying, and automatically assessing FHIR web-based courses. METHODS: The system requirements for teaching FHIR were collected through interviews with experts involved in academic and professional FHIR activities (universities and health institutions). The interviews were semistructured, recording and documenting each meeting. In addition, we used an ad hoc instrument to register and analyze all the needs to elicit the requirements. Finally, the information obtained was triangulated with the available evidence. This analysis was carried out with Atlas-ti software. For design purposes, the requirements were divided into functional and nonfunctional. The functional requirements were (1) a test and question manager, (2) an application programming interface (API) to orchestrate components, (3) a test evaluator that automatically evaluates the responses, and (4) a client application for students. Security and usability are essential nonfunctional requirements to design functional and secure interfaces. The software development methodology was based on the traditional spiral model. The end users of the proposed system are (1) the system administrator for all technical aspects of the server, (2) the teacher designing the courses, and (3) the students interested in learning FHIR. RESULTS: The main result described in this work is Huemul, a learning management system for training on FHIR, which includes the following components: (1) Huemul Admin: a web application to create users, tests, and questions and define scores; (2) Huemul API: module for communication between different software components (FHIR server, client, and engine); (3) Huemul Engine: component for answers evaluation to identify differences and validate the content; and (4) Huemul Client: the web application for users to show the test and questions. Huemul was successfully implemented with 416 students associated with the 10 active courses on the platform. In addition, the teachers have created 60 tests and 695 questions. Overall, the 416 students who completed their courses rated Huemul highly. CONCLUSIONS: Huemul is the first platform that allows the creation of courses, tests, and questions that enable the automatic evaluation and feedback of FHIR operations. Huemul has been implemented in multiple FHIR teaching scenarios for health care professionals. Professionals trained on FHIR with Huemul are leading successful national and international initiatives.

Review and New Perspectives on Non-Layered Manganese Compounds as Electrode Material for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

After more than 30 years of delay compared to lithium-ion batteries, sodium analogs are now emerging in the market. This is a result of the concerns regarding sustainability and production costs of the former, as well as issues related to safety and toxicity. Electrode materials for the new sodium-ion batteries may contain available and sustainable elements such as sodium itself, as well as iron or manganese, while eliminating the common cobalt cathode compounds and copper anode current collectors for lithium-ion batteries. The multiple oxidation states, abundance, and availability of manganese favor its use, as it was shown early on for primary batteries. Regarding structural considerations, an extraordinarily successful group of cathode materials are layered oxides of sodium, and transition metals, with manganese being the major component. However, other technologies point towards Prussian blue analogs, NASICON-related phosphates, and fluorophosphates. The role of manganese in these structural families and other oxide or halide compounds has until now not been fully explored. In this direction, the present review paper deals with the different Mn-containing solids with a non-layered structure already evaluated. The study aims to systematize the current knowledge on this topic and highlight new possibilities for further study, such as the concept of entatic state applied to electrodes.

Clonal architecture and evolutionary history of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia at the single-cell level.

To provide insight into the subclonal architecture and co-dependency patterns of the alterations in Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM), we performed single-cell mutational and protein profiling of eight patients. A custom panel was designed to screen for mutations and copy number alterations at the single-cell level in samples taken from patients at diagnosis (n=5) or at disease progression (n=3). Results showed that in asymptomatic WM at diagnosis, MYD88L265P was the predominant clonal alteration; other events, if present, were secondary and subclonal to MYD88L265P. In symptomatic WM, clonal diversity was more evident, uncovering combinations of alterations that synergized to promote clonal expansion and dominance. At disease progression, a dominant clone was observed, sometimes accompanied by other less complex minor clones, which could be consistent with a clonal selection process. Clonal diversity was also reduced, probably due to the effect of treatment. Finally, we combined protein expression with mutational analysis to map somatic genotype with the immunophenotype. Our findings provide a comprehensive view of the clonality of tumor populations in WM and how clonal complexity can evolve and impact disease progression.

Association between the Polymorphisms rs2070744, 4b/a and rs1799983 of the NOS3 Gene with Chronic Kidney Disease of Uncertain or Non-Traditional Etiology in Mexican Patients.

Background and Objectives: Chronic Kidney Disease of uncertain or non-traditional etiology (CKDnT) is a form of chronic kidney disease of undetermined etiology (CKDu) and is not associated with traditional risk factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of polymorphisms rs2070744, 4b/a and rs1799983 of the NOS3 gene with CKDnT in Mexican patients. Materials and Methods: We included 105 patients with CKDnT and 90 controls. Genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP's, genotypic and allelic frequencies were determined and compared between the two groups using χ2 analysis, and differences were expressed as odd ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Overall, 80% of patients were male. The rs1799983 polymorphism in NOS3 was found to be associated with CKDnT in the Mexican population (p = 0.006) (OR = 0.397; 95% CI, 0.192-0.817) under a dominant model. The genotype frequency was significantly different between the CKDnT and control groups (χ2 = 8.298, p = 0.016). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that there is an association between the rs2070744 polymorphism and CKDnT in the Mexican population. This polymorphism can play an important role in the pathophysiology of CKDnT whenever there is previous endothelial dysfunction.

Identification and phenotypic characterization of patients with LADA in a population of southeast Mexico.

Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) has clinical and metabolic features of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. LADA does not have specific features for its diagnosis apart from autoantibody detection; however, these tests are not affordable in clinical settings. In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed clinical criteria, metabolic control, pharmacological treatment, and diabetic complications in two groups of patients with diabetes -LADA and T2D- in order to identify specific characteristic of these clinical entities. Finally, we evaluated if the estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) and age at diagnosis of diabetes could be used as a diagnostic criterion for LADA. Demographic, biochemical, clinical and treatment were measured in 377 individuals with diabetes. The diagnostics of LADA were determined using Glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies levels. Chi-square test or t-Student test were used to establish differences between groups. To identify factors associated with LADA, a logistic regression analysis was used. Finally, a ROC curve was plotted to assess the possible variables as diagnostic criteria for LADA. The 377 patients with diabetes were separated into 59 patients with LADA and 318 patients with T2D. Patients with LADA showed lower fasting glucose values, fewer diabetic complications, younger age at diagnosis of diabetes, higher insulin use, and higher eGDR in comparison to patients with T2D. Both groups had a mean BMI classified as overweight. The ROC evaluated the sensitivity and specificity, this analysis indicated that an age younger than 40.5 years and an eGDR value higher than 9.75 mg/kg/min correlated better with LADA. These parameters could be useful to identify patients suspected to have LADA at the first level of medical care in the population of southeastern Mexico and refer them to a second level of care.

Differences in the immunoglobulin gene repertoires of IgG versus IgA multiple myeloma allude to distinct immunopathogenetic trajectories.

The analysis of the immunogenetic background of multiple myeloma (MM) has proven key to understanding disease ontogeny. However, limited information is available regarding the immunoglobulin (IG) gene repertoire in MM cases carrying different heavy chain isotypes. Here, we studied the IG gene repertoire in a series of 523 MM patients, of whom 165 and 358 belonged to the IgA and IgG MM groups, respectively. IGHV3 subgroup genes predominated in both groups. However, at the individual gene level, significant (p<0.05) differences were identified regarding IGHV3-21 (frequent in IgG MM) and IGHV5-51 (frequent in IgA MM). Moreover, biased pairings were identified between certain IGHV genes and IGHD genes in IgA versus IgG MM. Turning to the imprints of somatic hypermutation (SHM), the bulk of rearrangements (IgA: 90.9%, IgG: 87.4%) were heavily mutated [exhibiting an IGHV germline identity (GI) <95%]. SHM topology analysis disclosed distinct patterns in IgA MM versus IgG MM cases expressing B cell receptor IG encoded by the same IGHV gene: the most pronounced examples concerned the IGHV3-23, IGHV3-30 and IGHV3-9 genes. Furthermore, differential SHM targeting was also identified between IgA MM versus IgG MM, particularly in cases utilizing certain IGHV genes, alluding to functional selection. Altogether, our detailed immunogenetic evaluation in the largest to-date series of IgA and IgG MM patients reveals certain distinct features in the IGH gene repertoires and SHM. These findings suggest distinct immune trajectories for IgA versus IgG MM, further underlining the role of external drive in the natural history of MM.

High Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy in the Emergency Department: Main Benefits in Adults, Pediatric Population and against COVID-19: A Narrative Review.

This review aims to summarize the literature's main results about high flow nasal cannula therapy (HFNC) HFNC benefits in the Emergency Department (ED) in adults and pediatrics, including new Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). HFNC has recently been established as the usual treatment in the ED to provide oxygen support. Its use has been generalized due to its advantages over traditional oxygen therapy devices, including decreased nasopharyngeal resistance, washing out of the nasopharyngeal dead space, generation of positive pressure, increasing alveolar recruitment, easy adaptation due to the humidification of the airways, increased fraction of inspired oxygen and improved mucociliary clearance. A wide range of pathologies has been studied to evaluate the potential benefits of HFNC; some examples are heart failure, pneumonia, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease, asthma, and bronchiolitis. The regular use of this oxygen treatment is not established yet due to the literature's controversial results. However, several authors suggest that it could be useful in several pathologies that generate acute respiratory failure. Consequently, the COVID-19 irruption has generated the question of HFNC as a safety and effective treatment. Our results suggested that HFNC seems to be a useful tool in the ED, especially in patients affected by acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, acute heart failure, pneumonia, bronchiolitis, asthma and acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients affected by COVID-19. Its benefits in hypercapnic respiratory failure are more discussed, being only observed benefits in patients with mild-moderate disease. These results are based in clinical as well as cost-effectiveness outcomes. Future studies with largest populations are required to confirm these results as well as establish a practical guideline to use this device.

NGS-Based Molecular Karyotyping of Multiple Myeloma: Results from the GEM12 Clinical Trial.

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has greatly improved our ability to detect the genomic aberrations occurring in multiple myeloma (MM); however, its transfer to routine clinical labs and its validation in clinical trials remains to be established. We designed a capture-based NGS targeted panel to identify, in a single assay, known genetic alterations for the prognostic stratification of MM. The NGS panel was designed for the simultaneous study of single nucleotide and copy number variations, insertions and deletions, chromosomal translocations and V(D)J rearrangements. The panel was validated using a cohort of 149 MM patients enrolled in the GEM2012MENOS65 clinical trial. The results showed great global accuracy, with positive and negative predictive values close to 90% when compared with available data from fluorescence in situ hybridization and whole-exome sequencing. While the treatments used in the clinical trial showed high efficacy, patients defined as high-risk by the panel had shorter progression-free survival (p = 0.0015). As expected, the mutational status of TP53 was significant in predicting patient outcomes (p = 0.021). The NGS panel also efficiently detected clonal IGH rearrangements in 81% of patients. In conclusion, molecular karyotyping using a targeted NGS panel can identify relevant prognostic chromosomal abnormalities and translocations for the clinical management of MM patients.

MYD88 Mutations: Transforming the Landscape of IgM Monoclonal Gammopathies.

The MYD88 gene has a physiological role in the innate immune system. Somatic mutations in MYD88, including the most common L265P, have been associated with the development of certain types of lymphoma. MYD88L265P is present in more than 90% of patients with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM) and IgM monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (IgM-MGUS). The absence of MYD88 mutations in WM patients has been associated with a higher risk of transformation into aggressive lymphoma, resistance to certain therapies (BTK inhibitors), and shorter overall survival. The MyD88 signaling pathway has also been used as a target for specific therapies. In this review, we summarize the clinical applications of MYD88 testing in the diagnosis, prognosis, follow-up, and treatment of patients. Although MYD88L265P is not specific to WM, few tumors present a single causative mutation in a recurrent position. The role of the oncogene in the pathogenesis of WM is still unclear, especially considering that the mutation can be found in normal B cells of patients, as recently reported. This may have important implications for early lymphoma detection in healthy elderly individuals and for the treatment response assessment based on a MYD88L265P analysis.

Successful Management Foreign Body Aspiration Associated with Severe Respiratory Distress and Subcutaneous Emphysema: Case Report and Literature Review.

The presence of a foreign body in the airway is a potentially life-threatening clinical condition that requires urgent medical attention. We present a case of a 12-year-old boy who presented in the emergency room with a history of an episode of choking after aspiration of a foreign body, followed by severe respiratory distress and subcutaneous emphysema. Chest radiography revealed hyperinflation data, pneumothorax, and subcutaneous emphysema data. The flexible bronchoscope examination showed the presence of an inorganic foreign body impacted on the carina with tracheal lesions and laryngeal edema. It was necessary to perform a tracheostomy for its definitive extraction. The gold standard in the treatment of foreign body aspiration is bronchoscopy; although, in children, the technique adopted continues to be controversial, flexible bronchoscopy can be effective and very useful.

Interlaboratory Analytical Validation of a Next-Generation Sequencing Strategy for Clonotypic Assessment and Minimal Residual Disease Monitoring in Multiple Myeloma.

CONTEXT.­: Minimal residual disease (MRD) is a major prognostic factor in multiple myeloma, although validated technologies are limited. OBJECTIVE.­: To standardize the performance of the LymphoTrack next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays (Invivoscribe), targeting clonal immunoglobulin rearrangements, in order to reproduce the detection of tumor clonotypes and MRD quantitation in myeloma. DESIGN.­: The quantification ability of the assay was evaluated through serial dilution experiments. Paired samples from 101 patients were tested by LymphoTrack, using Sanger sequencing and EuroFlow's next-generation flow (NGF) assay as validated references for diagnostic and follow-up evaluation, respectively. MRD studies using LymphoTrack were performed in parallel at 2 laboratories to evaluate reproducibility. RESULTS.­: Sensitivity was set as 1.3 tumor cells per total number of input cells. Clonality was confirmed in 99% and 100% of cases with Sanger and NGS, respectively, showing great concordance (97.9%), although several samples had minor discordances in the nucleotide sequence of rearrangements. Parallel NGS was performed in 82 follow-up cases, achieving a median sensitivity of 0.001%, while for NGF, median sensitivity was 0.0002%. Reproducibility of LymphoTrack-based MRD studies (85.4%) and correlation with NGF (R2 > 0.800) were high. Bland-Altman tests showed highly significant levels of agreement between flow and sequencing. CONCLUSIONS.­: Taken together, we have shown that LymphoTrack is a suitable strategy for clonality detection and MRD evaluation, with results comparable to gold standard procedures.

Thermodynamic Performance of a Brayton Pumped Heat Energy Storage System: Influence of Internal and External Irreversibilities.

A model for a pumped thermal energy storage system is presented. It is based on a Brayton cycle working successively as a heat pump and a heat engine. All the main irreversibility sources expected in real plants are considered: external losses arising from the heat transfer between the working fluid and the thermal reservoirs, internal losses coming from pressure decays, and losses in the turbomachinery. Temperatures considered for the numerical analysis are adequate for solid thermal reservoirs, such as a packed bed. Special emphasis is paid to the combination of parameters and variables that lead to physically acceptable configurations. Maximum values of efficiencies, including round-trip efficiency, are obtained and analyzed, and optimal design intervals are provided. Round-trip efficiencies of around 0.4, or even larger, are predicted. The analysis indicates that the physical region, where the coupled system can operate, strongly depends on the irreversibility parameters. In this way, maximum values of power output, efficiency, round-trip efficiency, and pumped heat might lay outside the physical region. In that case, the upper values are considered. The sensitivity analysis of these maxima shows that changes in the expander/turbine and the efficiencies of the compressors affect the most with respect to a selected design point. In the case of the expander, these drops are mostly due to a decrease in the area of the physical operation region.

Advancing towards a Practical Magnesium Ion Battery.

A post-lithium battery era is envisaged, and it is urgent to find new and sustainable systems for energy storage. Multivalent metals, such as magnesium, are very promising to replace lithium, but the low mobility of magnesium ion and the lack of suitable electrolytes are serious concerns. This review mainly discusses the advantages and shortcomings of the new rechargeable magnesium batteries, the future directions and the possibility of using solid electrolytes. Special emphasis is put on the diversity of structures, and on the theoretical calculations about voltage and structures. A critical issue is to select the combination of the positive and negative electrode materials to achieve an optimum battery voltage. The theoretical calculations of the structure, intercalation voltage and diffusion path can be very useful for evaluating the materials and for comparison with the experimental results of the magnesium batteries which are not hassle-free.

Possible Association of Cholesterol as a Biomarker in Suicide Behavior.

Suicides and suicidal behavior are major causes of mortality and morbidity in public health and are a global problem. Various authors have proposed changes in lipid metabolism (total cholesterol decrease) as a possible biological marker for suicidal behavior. The objective of this study was to review the studies that have demonstrated a relationship between serum cholesterol levels and suicidal behavior and to describe the possible pathophysiological mechanisms that associate changes in cholesterol concentration and suicidal behavior. Relevant literature related to serum cholesterol levels and suicidal behavior was identified through various database searches. The data from the existing literature present the findings that relate low cholesterol levels and possible pathophysiological mechanisms (neuroinflammation, serotonergic neurotransmission), genes related to cholesterol synthesis, pharmacological treatments that alter lipid metabolism and the possible participation in suicidal behavior. Nevertheless, future research is required to describe how serum cholesterol affects cholesterol metabolism in the CNS to establish and understand the role of cholesterol in suicidal behavior.