Graphene Film Growth on Silicon Carbide by Hot Filament Chemical Vapor Deposition.

The electrical properties of graphene on dielectric substrates, such as silicon carbide (SiC), have received much attention due to their interesting applications. This work presents a method to grow graphene on a 6H-SiC substrate at a pressure of 35 Torr by using the hot filament chemical vapor deposition (HFCVD) technique. The graphene deposition was conducted in an atmosphere of methane and hydrogen at a temperature of 950 °C. The graphene films were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Raman mapping and AFM measurements indicated that few-layer and multilayer graphene were deposited from the external carbon source depending on the growth parameter conditions. The compositional analysis confirmed the presence of graphene deposition on SiC substrates and the absence of any metal involved in the growth process.

Tasa de Staphylococcus aureus resistentes a meticilina en urgencias pediátricas en España / Rate of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in pediatric emergency departments in Spain

Introducción: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) es un germen frecuente en las infecciones bacterianas infantiles. Últimamente la tasa de S. aureus resistente a meticilina (SAMR) está aumentando.Objetivos: Principal: conocer la tasa de cultivos positivos a SAMR en los servicios de urgencias pediátricos españoles. Secundarios: analizar factores de riesgo de aislamiento de SAMR (procedencia del paciente, antecedentes de hospitalización o cirugía en los 90 días previos, de antibioterapia en los 60 días previos, presencia de comorbilidad, dispositivos invasivos, aislamiento SAMR previo) y la morbilidad de estas infecciones.Metodología: Estudio retrospectivo multicéntrico (1/07/2017-30/06/2018) con revisión de historias de pacientes con aislamiento de S. aureus en muestras de cualquier origen obtenidas en 8 servicios de urgencias pediátricos del Grupo de Trabajo de Enfermedades Infecciosas de la Sociedad Española de Urgencias de Pediatría.Resultados: Durante dicho periodo se aisló S. aureus en 403 pacientes (edad media 75,8±59,2 meses; 54,8% hombres): 28,8% infecciones relacionadas con el hospital y 71,2% con la comunidad. Tasa global de SAMR: 16,6% (IC95%: 13-20,2%); 18,1% en infecciones relacionadas con el hospital y 16,2% en infecciones relacionadas con la comunidad (p>0,05). Las tasas más altas de SAMR se obtuvieron en abscesos cutáneos (29,3%; IC95%: 21,8-36,8%), pacientes no nacidos en España (52%; IC95%: 32-72%) o con una infección previa por SAMR (90%; IC95% 71,4-100%). Ingresaron 167 pacientes (41%), presentaron complicaciones 12 (3%) y secuelas 4 (1%). No hubo fallecimientos. (AU)

Introduction: Staphylococcusaureus (S. aureus) is a common germ present in bacterial infections in children. Lately, the rate of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is increasing.Objectives: The main aim of this study is to know the rate of positive cultures to MRSA in Spanish pediatric emergency departments. The secondary aims are to analyze the risk factors for MRSA isolation (patient origin, history of hospitalization or surgery in the previous 90 days, antibiotherapy in the previous 60 days, presence of comorbidity, invasive devices, prior MRSA isolation) and to analyze the morbidity of these infections.Methodology: Retrospective multicenter study (07/01/2017–06/30/2018) with review of patient histories with isolation of S. aureus in samples of any origin obtained in 8 pediatric emergency departments of the Infectious Diseases Working Group of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Emergencies.Results: During this period, S. aureus was detected in 403 patients (average age 75.8±59.2 months; 54.8% male): 28.8% hospital-related infections and 71.2% community-related infections. Overall, MRSA rate was 16.6% (95% CI: 13-20.2%); 18.1% in hospital-related infections and 16.2% in community-related infections (P>.05). The highest rates of MRSA were obtained in skin abscesses (29.3%, 95% CI: 21.8-36.8%), patients not born in Spain (52%; 95% CI: 32-72%) or patients with a previous MRSA infection (90%; 95% CI: 71.4-100%).167 (41%) patients were admitted, 12 (3%) had complications and 4 (1%) suffered sequels. There were no deaths. (AU)

Rate of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in pediatric emergency departments in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: Staphylococcus aureus is a common germ in bacterial infections in children. The rate of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is increasing lately. OBJECTIVES: The main aim is to know the rate of positive cultures to MRSA in Spanish pediatric emergency departments. The secondary aims are to analyse the risk factors for MRSA isolation (patient origin, history of hospitalization or surgery in the previous 90 days, antibiotherapy in the previous 60 days, presence of comorbidity, invasive devices, prior MRSA isolation) and to analyse the morbidity of these infections. METHODOLOGY: Retrospective multicenter study (07/01/2017-06/30/2018) with review of patient histories with isolation of S. aureus in samples of any origin obtained in 8 pediatric emergency departments of the Infectious Diseases Working Group of the Spanish Society of pediatric Emergencies. RESULTS: During this period, S. aureus was detected in 403 patients (average age 75.8 ± 59.2 months; 54.8% male): 28.8% hospital-related infections (HRI) and 71.2% community-related infections (CRI). Overall, MRSA rate was 16.6% (95% CI: 13-20.2%); 18.1% in HRI and 16.2% in CRI (p > 0.05). The highest rates of MRSA were obtained in skin abscesses (29.3%, CI 95%: 21.8-36.8%), patients not born in Spain (52%; CI 95%: 32-72%) or patients with a previous MRSA infection (90%; CI 95% 71.4-100%). 167 (41%) patients were admitted, 12 (3%) had complications and 4 (1%) suffered sequels. There were no deaths. CONCLUSIONS: The overall MRSA rate was one in 6 staphylococcal infections. Higher MRSA rates were detected in samples of suppurating skin injuries and in foreign children or in children with a history of previous MRSA infection. In suppurative skin lesions, early drainage is essential and the change to an antibiotic with MRSA coverage should be considered if the evolution is inadequate.

Inhibition of the sodium-dependent HCO3- transporter SLC4A4, produces a cystic fibrosis-like airway disease phenotype.

Bicarbonate secretion is a fundamental process involved in maintaining acid-base homeostasis. Disruption of bicarbonate entry into airway lumen, as has been observed in cystic fibrosis, produces several defects in lung function due to thick mucus accumulation. Bicarbonate is critical for correct mucin deployment and there is increasing interest in understanding its role in airway physiology, particularly in the initiation of lung disease in children affected by cystic fibrosis, in the absence of detectable bacterial infection. The current model of anion secretion in mammalian airways consists of CFTR and TMEM16A as apical anion exit channels, with limited capacity for bicarbonate transport compared to chloride. However, both channels can couple to SLC26A4 anion exchanger to maximise bicarbonate secretion. Nevertheless, current models lack any details about the identity of the basolateral protein(s) responsible for bicarbonate uptake into airway epithelial cells. We report herein that the electrogenic, sodium-dependent, bicarbonate cotransporter, SLC4A4, is expressed in the basolateral membrane of human and mouse airways, and that it's pharmacological inhibition or genetic silencing reduces bicarbonate secretion. In fully differentiated primary human airway cells cultures, SLC4A4 inhibition induced an acidification of the airways surface liquid and markedly reduced the capacity of cells to recover from an acid load. Studies in the Slc4a4-null mice revealed a previously unreported lung phenotype, characterized by mucus accumulation and reduced mucociliary clearance. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the reduction of SLC4A4 function induced a CF-like phenotype, even when chloride secretion remained intact, highlighting the important role SLC4A4 plays in bicarbonate secretion and mammalian airway function.

[Rate of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in pediatric emergency departments in Spain]. / Tasa de Staphylococcus aureus resistentes a meticilina en urgencias pediátricas en España.

INTRODUCTION: Staphylococcusaureus (S. aureus) is a common germ present in bacterial infections in children. Lately, the rate of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is increasing. OBJECTIVES: The main aim of this study is to know the rate of positive cultures to MRSA in Spanish pediatric emergency departments. The secondary aims are to analyze the risk factors for MRSA isolation (patient origin, history of hospitalization or surgery in the previous 90 days, antibiotherapy in the previous 60 days, presence of comorbidity, invasive devices, prior MRSA isolation) and to analyze the morbidity of these infections. METHODOLOGY: Retrospective multicenter study (07/01/2017-06/30/2018) with review of patient histories with isolation of S. aureus in samples of any origin obtained in 8 pediatric emergency departments of the Infectious Diseases Working Group of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Emergencies. RESULTS: During this period, S. aureus was detected in 403 patients (average age 75.8±59.2 months; 54.8% male): 28.8% hospital-related infections and 71.2% community-related infections. Overall, MRSA rate was 16.6% (95% CI: 13-20.2%); 18.1% in hospital-related infections and 16.2% in community-related infections (P>.05). The highest rates of MRSA were obtained in skin abscesses (29.3%, 95% CI: 21.8-36.8%), patients not born in Spain (52%; 95% CI: 32-72%) or patients with a previous MRSA infection (90%; 95% CI: 71.4-100%). 167 (41%) patients were admitted, 12 (3%) had complications and 4 (1%) suffered sequels. There were no deaths. CONCLUSIONS: The overall MRSA rate was one in six staphylococcal infections. Higher MRSA rates were detected in samples of suppurating skin injuries and in foreign children or in children with a history of previous MRSA infection. In suppurative skin lesions, early drainage is essential and the change to an antibiotic with MRSA coverage should be considered if the evolution is inadequate.

Graphene Growth Directly on SiO2/Si by Hot Filament Chemical Vapor Deposition.

We report the first direct synthesis of graphene on SiO2/Si by hot-filament chemical vapor deposition. Graphene deposition was conducted at low pressures (35 Torr) with a mixture of methane/hydrogen and a substrate temperature of 970 °C followed by spontaneous cooling to room temperature. A thin copper-strip was deposited in the middle of the SiO2/Si substrate as catalytic material. Raman spectroscopy mapping and atomic force microscopy measurements indicate the growth of few-layers of graphene over the entire SiO2/Si substrate, far beyond the thin copper-strip, while X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy showed negligible amounts of copper next to the initially deposited strip. The scale of the graphene nanocrystal was estimated by Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

Using Participatory Mapping to Diagnose Upstream Determinants of Health and Prescribe Downstream Policy-Based Interventions.

Participatory mapping is a powerful methodology for working with community residents to examine social and environmental determinants of public health disparities. However, this empowering methodology has only been applied sparingly in public health research and practice, with limited examples in the literature. To address this literature gap, we 1) review participatory mapping approaches that may be applied to exploring place-based factors that affect community health, and 2) present a mixed-methods participatory geographic information systems (PGIS) examination of neighborhood assets (eg, streetlights) and challenges (eg, spaces of crime and violence) related to access to public parks in South Los Angeles, California. By taking a participatory, fine-grained spatial approach to examining public park access with input from 40 South Los Angeles adolescent and adult residents, our community-engaged PGIS approach identified tobacco shops as previously unrecognized community institutions that are associated with increased neighborhood crime and violence. Our investigation revealed unique challenges in community-level public park access that would likely have been overlooked by conventional spatial epidemiology and social science methods, such as surveys and questionnaires. Furthermore, our granular community-informed approach supported resident and stakeholder advocacy efforts toward reducing the proliferation of tobacco shops through community organizing and policy change initiatives. We thus contend that it would benefit public health research and practice to further integrate empowering, grassroots-based participatory mapping approaches toward informing advocacy efforts and policies that promote health and well-being in disadvantaged communities.

Psychotic disorders versus other psychiatric diagnoses in consultation-liaison psychiatry: 10 years of a single-center experience.

INTRODUCTION: The clinical management of patients with psychotic disorders (PDs) can be particularly complex if it takes place in the context of consultation-liaison psychiatry (CLP) services within a general hospital. However, there are few studies specifically investigating the acute treatment procedures for these patients in CLP settings. OBJECTIVES: To examine the characteristics of a sample of inpatients with a primary PD referred to a CLP service over a 10-year period and to compare the clinical features of this subgroup with patients with other diagnoses (ODs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational and descriptive study over a 10-year period (2005-2014) assessing prospectively adult inpatients admitted to non-psychiatric units of the University Clinical Hospital of Barcelona who were consecutively referred to our CLP service. We performed a posthoc analysis to compare the clinical features between the subgroup of patients with PDs and the rest of patients who meet the criteria for ODs. RESULTS: We requested 393 consultations for patients who either already had the diagnosis of a primary PD and 9,415 for patients with ODs. Our results showed that patients with PDs were younger than the patients with ODs, had a higher prevalence of somatic illnesses related with an unhealthy lifestyle (such as infectious, endocrine, or metabolic diseases), less frequency of cancer, and a need to receive a more intensive psychiatric care. CONCLUSIONS: Inpatients with PDs referred to CLP have different clinical features compared with those who met the criteria for ODs. They are a highly complex group with specific psychiatric care needs.

Trastornos psicóticos versus otros diagnósticos psiquiátricos en psiquiatría de enlace e interconsulta: estudio unicéntrico durante un periodo de 10 años / Psychotic disorders versus other psychiatric diagnoses in consultation-liaison psychiatry: 10 years of a single-center experience

Introducción. El manejo clínico de los pacientes con trastornos psicóticos (TPs) es particularmente complejo si se lleva a cabo en el contexto de los servicios de psiquiatría de enlace e interconsulta (PEI) de un hospital general. Sin embargo, disponemos de pocos estudios que hayan investigado de forma específica los procedimientos asistenciales de tratamiento agudo para estos pacientes en entornos PEI. Objetivos. Examinar las características de una muestra de pacientes hospitalizados que presentan un TPs primario, que son remitidos a un servicio de PEI durante un período de 10 años y comparar las características clínicas de este subgrupo con respecto a los pacientes con otros diagnósticos (OD). Material y métodos. Estudio observacional y descriptivo llevado a cabo durante un período de 10 años (2005-2014), evaluando prospectivamente pacientes adultos ingresados en unidades no psiquiátricas del Hospital Clínico Universitario de Barcelona, que fueron remitidos de forma consecutiva a nuestro servicio de PEI. Realizamos un análisis post-hocpara comparar las características clínicas entre el subgrupo de pacientes con TPs y el resto de pacientes que cumplían los criterios para OD. Resultados. Se recibieron 393 interconsultas referentes a pacientes que presentaban un diagnóstico de TPs primario y 9.415 derivaciones de pacientes con OD. Nuestros resulta-dos mostraron que los pacientes con TPs eran más jóvenes que los pacientes con OD, tenían una mayor prevalencia de enfermedades somáticas relacionadas con un estilo de poco saludable (como enfermedades infecciosas, endocrinas o metabólicas), una menor frecuencia de cáncer y una necesidad de recibir asistencia psiquiátrica de forma más intensiva. Conclusiones. Los pacientes hospitalizados con TPs que son remitidos a los servicios de PEI tienen diferentes características clínicas en comparación con aquellos que cumplen con los criterios para OD. Se trata de un grupo complejo, con necesidades específicas en cuanto a la atención psiquiátrica

Introduction. The clinical management of patients with psychotic disorders (PDs) can be particularly complex if it takes place in the context of consultation-liaison psychiatry (CLP) services within a general hospital. However, there are few studies specifically investigating the acute treatment procedures for these patients in CLP settings. Objectives. To examine the characteristics of a sample of inpatients with a primary PD referred to a CLP service over a 10-year period and to compare the clinical features of this subgroup with patients with other diagnoses (ODs).Materials and methods. Observational and descriptive study over a 10-year period (2005-2014) assessing prospectively adult inpatients admitted to non-psychiatric units of the University Clinical Hospital of Barcelona who were consecutively referred to our CLP service. We performed a post-hoc analysis to compare the clinical features between the subgroup of patients with PDs and the rest of patients who meet the criteria for ODs. Results. We requested 393 consultations for patients who either already had the diagnosis of a primary PD and 9,415 for patients with ODs. Our results showed that patients with PDs were younger than the patients with ODs, had a higher prevalence of somatic illnesses related with an unhealthy lifestyle (such as infectious, endocrine, or metabolic diseases), less frequency of cancer, and a need to receive a more intensive psychiatric care. Conclusions. Inpatients with PDs referred to CLP have different clinical features compared with those who met the criteria for ODs. They are a highly complex group with specific psychiatric care needs

Kir7.1 inwardly rectifying K+ channel is expressed in ciliary body non pigment epithelial cells and might contribute to intraocular pressure regulation.

Inwardly rectifying K+ channel Kir7.1 is expressed in epithelia where it shares membrane localisation with the Na+/K+-pump. The ciliary body epithelium (CBE) of the eye is a determinant of intraocular pressure (IOP) through NaCl-driven fluid secretion of aqueous humour. In the present study we explored the presence Kir7.1 in this epithelium in the mouse and its possible functional role in the generation of IOP. Use heterozygous animals for total Kir7.1 knockout expressing ß-galactosidase under the control of Kir7.1 promoter, identified the expression of Kir7.1 in non-pigmented epithelial cells of CBE. Using conditional, floxed knockout Kir7.1 mice as negative controls, we found Kir7.1 at the basolateral membrane of the same CBE cell layer. This was confirmed using a knockin mouse expressing the Kir7.1 protein tagged with a haemagglutinin epitope. Measurements using the conditional knockout mouse show only a minor effect of Kir7.1 inactivation on steady-state IOP. Transient increases in IOP in response to general anaesthetics, or to water injection, are absent or markedly curtailed in Kir7.1-deficient mice. These results suggest a role for Kir7.1 in IOP regulation through a possible modulation of aqueous humour production by the CBE non-pigmented epithelial cells. The location of Kir7.1 in the CBE, together with the effect of its removal on dynamic changes in IOP, point to a possible role of the channel as a leak pathway preventing cellular overload of K+ during the secretion process. Kir7.1 could be used as a potential therapeutic target in pathological conditions leading to elevated intraocular pressure.

Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells for treating chronic kidney disease: A pilot study assessing safety and clinical feasibility.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing public health concern, and available treatments are insufficient in limiting disease progression. New strategies, including regenerative cell-based therapies, have emerged as therapeutic alternatives. Results from several groups, including our own, have reported evidence of a supportive role for mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in functional recovery and prevention of tissue damage in murine models of CKD. Prompted by these data, an open pilot study was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of a single injection of autologous adipose tissue-derived MSCs (AT-MSCs) for treatment of CKD. METHODS: AT-MSCs were infused intravenously into six CKD patients at a dose of 1 million cells/kg. Patients were stabilized and followed for one year prior to MSC infusion and one year following infusion. RESULTS: No patients presented with adverse effects. Statistically significant improvement in urinary protein excretion was observed in AT-MSCs transplanted patients, from a median of 0.75 g/day (range, 0.15-9.57) at baseline to 0.54 g/day (range, 0.01-2.66) at month 12 (P = 0.046). The glomerular filtration rate was not significantly decreased post-infusion of AT-MSCs. CONCLUSION: Findings from this pilot study demonstrate that intravenous infusion of autologous expanded AT-MSCs into CKD patients was not associated with adverse effects and could benefit patients already undergoing standard medical treatment.

Evaluación de las cargas de enfermería en la atención del intoxicado en un servicio de urgencias / Assessment of the nursing burden in the care of intoxicated patients in the emergency department

Objetivos: Medir la intensidad de los cuidados enfermeros que precisan los intoxicados que acuden a Urgencias. Método: Durante cuatro meses se registraron los intoxicados remitidos a Urgencias y se seleccionó un subgrupo en el que se midieron los tiempos consumidos por enfermería en cada una de las actividades asistenciales. Resultados: Se registraron 155 intoxicados. La intoxicación medicamentosa fue más frecuente en días laborables (p < 0.05) y la alcohólica en los no laborables (p < 0.05). Al 72 % se les realizó una extracción de sangre y al 55 % de orina para identificar la presencia de tóxicos. Al 79 % se le administró alguna medicación y al 25% carbón activado. El consumo de tiempo en la comunicación verbal fue mayor en el grupo intoxicado con fármacos (p < 0.001). Conclusiones: La ingesta de fármacos ha sido la intoxicación atendida con mayor frecuencia, en particular en días laborables. El intoxicado por medicamentos es el que requiere más tiempo de comunicación verbal

Objectives: To describe and measure the intensity of nursing care in intoxicated patients attended by different levels of emergency care, depending on the day of admission and type of poison involved. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study. For four months, patients referred to the emergency department for acute poisoning were recorded. Of the total patients, a subgroup in which the nursing time used in each activity of the care process were measured was selected. Epidemiological variables (sex, age, date and time of admission to the emergency room), toxicology (type of poison), level of triage, nursing activities and patient outcomes were recorded. Results: 155 cases of poisoning were recorded. Drug poisoning was more common in working days (p < 0.05) and alcoholic in nonworking (p < 0.05). 72 % of patients underwent a blood test and 55 % a urine test to detect the presence of toxic substances. 79 % was administered any medication and 25 % activated carbon. The use of time in verbal communication was greater in patients consuming medicaments (p < 0.001) compared with patients consuming alcohol or illicit drugs. Conclusions: The intake of drugs has been the most frequently attended poisoning, particularly on working days. The intoxicated by drugs is the most time-consuming verbal communication

Aceptación de la terapia sustitutiva de nicotina en pacientes psiquiátricos hospitalizados / Nicotine replacement therapy acceptance in psychiatric inpatients

Objetivos: Determinar el grado de aceptación de la terapia sustitutiva de nicotina (TSN) de los pacientes ingresados en una unidad hospitalaria aguda de Psiquiatría. Método: Se realizó un estudio observacional prospectivo en una unidad de Psiquiatría de adultos en un hospital de tercer nivel. Se incluyeron pacientes adultos fumadores que aceptaron participar. Las principales variables estudiadas fueron: edad, sexo, diagnóstico principal, consumo de cigarrillos diarios, número de intentos previos para dejar de fumar, porcentaje de pacientes que aceptan la TSN, el método de TSN recibido e intención en dejar de fumar. Resultados: Se registraron 122 pacientes, de los cuales un 42.1 % fueron mujeres. La edad media fue de 39 años. El diagnóstico más frecuente fue esquizofrenia (33.1 %). De media, los pacientes fumaban 19.4 cigarrillos por día. El 47 % de la muestra fumaba más de 20 cigarrillos por día. El promedio de intentos para dejar de fumar fue de 1.5 intentos. Un 60 % de los pacientes lo había intentando al menos una vez. El 46 % de los pacientes responde afirmativamente ante la pregunta: «¿Quieres dejar de fumar?». Durante la hospitalización, el 94 % aceptó algún método de TSN. El 39.6 % de los pacientes utilizó un método combinado de TSN (oral y transdérmico), siendo este el más prevalente. Conclusiones: Hay una elevada aceptación de la TSN por parte de los pacientes psiquiátricos, siendo la opción combinada (oral y transdérmico) la más escogida. Un elevado número de pacientes (46 %) responde afirmativamente cuando se le pregunta si quieren dejar de fumar, lo cual sugiere que, contrariamente a lo que podría suponerse, esta población es susceptible de iniciar un abordaje de su tabaquismo mientras están ingresados en una unidad de agudos de Psiquiatría

Objectives To determine inpatients’ degree of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) acceptance in an acute psychiatric unit. Method: A prospective, observational study was conducted in a tertiary hospital. Accepting participants were enrolled. The main variables assessed were age, gender, psychiatric diagnosis, smoking history, including: number of cigarettes smoked daily, number of previous quit attempts, rate of acceptance of NRT, method of NRT used and intention to quit smoking. Results: A total of 122 patients were enrolled in the study (42.1 %, women, mean age 39). The most prevalent diagnosis was schizophrenia (33.1 %). Patients smoked on average 19,4 cigarettes per day. Almost half (47 %) of the sample smoked more than 20 cigarettes daily. The mean number of previous quit attempts was 1.5. 60 % of patients had tried at least once to quit smoking. 46 % of patients reported intentions of quitting smoking. NRT was accepted by 94 % of patients (39.6 % used both oral and transdermal therapy). Conclusions: NRT was highly accepted by psychiatric inpatients. A combined use of oral and transdermal NRT was the most frequent option. A high number of patients (46 %) reported intentions to quit smoking, suggesting that it is indeed feasible to initiate a smoking cessation intervention among this population while hospitalized

Tissue Distribution of Kir7.1 Inwardly Rectifying K+ Channel Probed in a Knock-in Mouse Expressing a Haemagglutinin-Tagged Protein.

Kir7.1 encoded by the Kcnj13 gene in the mouse is an inwardly rectifying K+ channel present in epithelia where it shares membrane localization with the Na+/K+-pump. Further investigations of the localisation and function of Kir7.1 would benefit from the availability of a knockout mouse, but perinatal mortality attributed to cleft palate in the neonate has thwarted this research. To facilitate localisation studies we now use CRISPR/Cas9 technology to generate a knock-in mouse, the Kir7.1-HA that expresses the channel tagged with a haemagglutinin (HA) epitope. The availability of antibodies for the HA epitope allows for application of western blot and immunolocalisation methods using widely available anti-HA antibodies with WT tissues providing unambiguous negative control. We demonstrate that Kir7.1-HA cloned from the choroid plexus of the knock-in mouse has the electrophysiological properties of the native channel, including characteristically large Rb+ currents. These large Kir7.1-mediated currents are accompanied by abundant apical membrane Kir7.1-HA immunoreactivity. WT-controlled western blots demonstrate the presence of Kir7.1-HA in the eye and the choroid plexus, trachea and lung, and intestinal epithelium but exclusively in the ileum. In the kidney, and at variance with previous reports in the rat and guinea-pig, Kir7.1-HA is expressed in the inner medulla but not in the cortex or outer medulla. In isolated tubules immunoreactivity was associated with inner medulla collecting ducts but not thin limbs of the loop of Henle. Kir7.1-HA shows basolateral expression in the respiratory tract epithelium from trachea to bronchioli. The channel also appears basolateral in the epithelium of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx in newborn animals. We show that HA-tagged Kir7.1 channel introduced in the mouse by a knock-in procedure has functional properties similar to the native protein and the animal thus generated has clear advantages in localisation studies. It might therefore become a useful tool to unravel Kir7.1 function in the different organs where it is expressed.

Clinical profile of inpatients referred to a consultation-liaison psychiatry service: an observational study assessing changes over a 10-yearperiod.

OBJECTIVE: Previous research has described the characteristics of Consultation-liaison psychiatry (CLP) services over one or more years. The aim of this paper was to examine the patterns of a large sample of patients receiving CLP service over a 10-year-period (2005–2014) and to determine the possible changes over time of the clinical practice. The sample size of our study, the duration of the observation period and the application of standardized operating procedures for acquiring and coding data, will provide more robust evidence than has been reported by most similar studies published in the last years. METHODS: Longitudinal observational and descriptive study. Data were collected prospectively with standardized operating procedures on consecutive inpatient consultation requests to the University Clinical Hospital of Barcelona CLP service. RESULTS: 9,808 psychiatric consultation were requested (referral rate=2.2%). The referrals to our CLP service were requested mainly by medical units. The most frequent psychiatric diagnoses were alcohol-related disorders, delirium and adjustment disorders. The mean percentage of patients treated with psychopharmacologic drugs was 81.6%. The mean length of the hospital stays of patients with psychiatric comorbidity referred to our CLP service was significantly longer than that of all the admissions to the hospital during that period. Most of the studied variables remained constant over the 10-year-period. However, some somatic diagnoses at admission, reasons for referral and recommendations of psychotropic drugs presented significant changes. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the continuous evolution and changes of several factors in the last two decades, like the health care systems, the clinical practice of CLP services has been quite stable over time. However, our results support the idea of a non-static specialty.

Características clínicas de los pacientes derivados a un servicio hospitalario de psiquiatría de enlace e interconsulta: un estudio observacional evaluando cambios a lo largo de un período de 10 años / Clinical profile of inpatients referred to a consultation-liaison psychiatry service: an observational study assessing changes over a 10-year-period

Objetivo. Existen diversas investigaciones previas que han descrito las características de distintos servicios hospitalarios de Psiquiatría de Enlace e Interconsulta (PEI) a lo largo de un periodo de tiempo de uno o más años. El propósito del presente artículo es el de examinar las características de una muestra amplia de pacientes remitidos a un servicio hospitalario de PEI, durante un período de 10 años (2005-2014) y determinar los posibles cambios de la práctica clínica a lo largo del tiempo. El tamaño muestral de nuestro estudio, la duración del periodo de observación y la aplicación de procedimientos estandarizados para la obtención y codificación de los datos, aportan una evidencia más sólida en comparación con otros estudios similares publicados en los últimos años. Métodos. Estudio observacional, longitudinal y descriptivo. Los datos se recopilaron de forma prospectiva mediante procedimientos estandarizados, en base a las solicitudes recibidas en el servicio hospitalario de PEI del Hospital Clínico Universitario de Barcelona. Resultados. se solicitaron un total de 9.808 consultas psiquiátricas (tasa de derivación=2,2%). Las derivaciones a nuestro servicio fueron realizadas principalmente por unidades médicas. Los diagnósticos psiquiátricos más frecuentes fueron los trastornos relacionados con el consumo de alcohol, los cuadros confusionales y los trastornos de adaptación. El porcentaje medio de pacientes manejados con tratamiento psicofarmacológico fue del 81,6%. La duración media de las hospitalizaciones de los pacientes con comorbilidad psiquiátrica, derivados a nuestro servicio de psiquiatría de enlace, fue significativamente mayor a la estancia media global del hospital durante ese periodo. La mayoría de las variables estudiadas permanecieron constantes durante el período de 10 años. Sin embargo, algunos diagnósticos médicos en el momento del ingreso, motivos de derivación y recomendaciones de tratamiento psicofarmacológico presentaron cambios significativos. Conclusiones. A pesar de la evolución continua y los importantes cambios que se han producido en los sistemas de salud en las dos últimas décadas, la práctica clínica de los servicios de PEI ha permanecido bastante estable en el tiempo. Sin embargo, nuestros resultados apoyan la idea de una especialidad dinámica

Objective. Previous research has described the characteristics of Consultation-liaison psychiatry (CLP) services over one or more years. The aim of this paper was to examine the patterns of a large sample of patients receiving CLP service over a 10-year-period (2005-2014) and to determine the possible changes over time of the clinical practice. The sample size of our study, the duration of the observation period and the application of standardized operating procedures for acquiring and coding data, will provide more robust evidence than has been reported by most similar studies published in the last years. Methods. Longitudinal observational and descriptive study. Data were collected prospectively with standardized operating procedures on consecutive inpatient consultation requests to the University Clinical Hospital of Barcelona CLP service. Results. 9,808 psychiatric consultation were requested (referral rate=2.2%). The referrals to our CLP service were requested mainly by medical units. The most frequent psychiatric diagnoses were alcohol-related disorders, delirium and adjustment disorders. The mean percentage of patients treated with psychopharmacologic drugs was 81.6%. The mean length of the hospital stays of patients with psychiatric comorbidity referred to our CLP service was significantly longer than that of all the admissions to the hospital during that period. Most of the studied variables remained constant over the 10-year-period. However, some somatic diagnoses at admission, reasons for referral and recommendations of psychotropic drugs presented significant changes. Conclusions. Despite the continuous evolution and changes of several factors in the last two decades, like the health care systems, the clinical practice of CLP services has been quite stable over time. However, our results support the idea of a non-static specialty

K2P TASK-2 and KCNQ1-KCNE3 K+ channels are major players contributing to intestinal anion and fluid secretion.

KEY POINTS: K+ channels are important in intestinal epithelium as they ensure the ionic homeostasis and electrical potential of epithelial cells during anion and fluid secretion. Intestinal epithelium cAMP-activated anion secretion depends on the activity of the (also cAMP dependent) KCNQ1-KCNE3 K+ channel, but the secretory process survives after genetic inactivation of the K+ channel in the mouse. Here we use double mutant mice to investigate which alternative K+ channels come into action to compensate for the absence of KCNQ1-KCNE3 K+ channels. Our data establish that whilst Ca2+ -activated KCa 3.1 channels are not involved, K2P two-pore domain TASK-2 K+ channels are major players providing an alternative conductance to sustain the intestinal secretory process. Work with double mutant mice lacking both TASK-2 and KCNQ1-KCNE3 channels nevertheless points to yet-unidentified K+ channels that contribute to the robustness of the cAMP-activated anion secretion process. ABSTRACT: Anion and fluid secretion across the intestinal epithelium, a process altered in cystic fibrosis and secretory diarrhoea, is mediated by cAMP-activated CFTR Cl- channels and requires the simultaneous activity of basolateral K+ channels to maintain cellular ionic homeostasis and membrane potential. This function is fulfilled by the cAMP-activated K+ channel formed by the association of pore-forming KCNQ1 with its obligatory KCNE3 ß-subunit. Studies using mice show sizeable cAMP-activated intestinal anion secretion in the absence of either KCNQ1 or KCNE3 suggesting that an alternative K+ conductance must compensate for the loss of KCNQ1-KCNE3 activity. We used double mutant mouse and pharmacological approaches to identify such a conductance. Ca2+ -dependent anion secretion can also be supported by Ca2+ -dependent KCa 3.1 channels after independent CFTR activation, but cAMP-dependent anion secretion is not further decreased in the combined absence of KCa 3.1 and KCNQ1-KCNE3 K+ channel activity. We show that the K2P K+ channel TASK-2 is expressed in the epithelium of the small and large intestine. Tetrapentylammonium, a TASK-2 inhibitor, abolishes anion secretory current remaining in the absence of KCNQ1-KCNE3 activity. A double mutant mouse lacking both KCNQ1-KCNE3 and TASK-2 showed a much reduced cAMP-mediated anion secretion compared to that observed in the single KCNQ1-KCNE3 deficient mouse. We conclude that KCNQ1-KCNE3 and TASK-2 play major roles in the intestinal anion and fluid secretory phenotype. The persistence of an, admittedly reduced, secretory activity in the absence of these two conductances suggests that further additional K+ channel(s) as yet unidentified contribute to the robustness of the intestinal anion secretory process.

The geography of crime and violence surrounding tobacco shops, medical marijuana dispensaries, and off-sale alcohol outlets in a large, urban low-income community of color.

Tobacco shops, medical marijuana dispensaries (MMD), and off-sale alcohol outlets are legal and prevalent in South Los Angeles, California-a high-crime, low-income urban community of color. This research is the first to explore the geographic associations between these three legal drug outlets with surrounding crime and violence in a large low-income urban community of color. First, spatial buffer analyses were performed using point-location and publically accessible January-December 2014 crime data to examine the geography of all felony property and violent crimes occurring within 100, 200, 500, and 1000-foot buffers of these three legal drug outlet types across South Los Angeles. Next, spatial regression analyses explored the geographic associations between density of these outlets and property and violent crimes at the census tract level. Results indicated that mean property and violent crime rates within 100-foot buffers of tobacco shops and alcohol outlets-but not MMDs-substantially exceeded community-wide mean crime rates and rates around grocery/convenience stores (i.e., comparison properties licensed to sell both alcohol and tobacco). Spatial regression analyses confirmed that tobacco shops significantly positively associated with property and violent crimes after controlling for key neighborhood factors (poverty, renters, resident mobility, ethnic/racial heterogeneity). Thus, study findings provide the first empirical evidence that tobacco shops may constitute public health threats that associate with crime and violence in U.S. low-income urban communities of color. Implementing and enforcing control policies that regulate and monitor tobacco shops in these communities may promote community health by improving public safety.