Extended states in random dimer gated graphene superlattices.

Ordered and disordered semiconductor superlattices represent structures with completely opposed properties. For instance, ordered superlattices exhibit extended Bloch-like states, while disordered superlattices present localized states. These characteristics lead to higher conductance in ordered superlattices compared to disordered ones. Surprisingly, disordered dimer superlattices, which consist of two types of quantum wells with one type always appearing in pairs, exhibit extended states. The percentage of dissimilar wells does not need to be large to have extended states. Furthermore, the conductance is intermediate between ordered and disordered superlattices. In this work, we explore disordered dimer superlattices in graphene. We calculate the transmission and transport properties using the transfer matrix method and the Landauer-Büttiker formalism, respectively. We identify and discuss the main energy regions where the conductance of random dimer superlattices in graphene is intermediate to that of ordered and disordered superlattices. We also analyze the resonant energies of the double quantum well cavity and the electronic structure of the host gated graphene superlattice (GGSL), finding that the coupling between the resonant energies and the superlattice energy minibands gives rise to the extended states in random dimer GGSLs.

Gaussian and Gaussian-pulsed-like Fermi velocity graphene structures.

Gaussian and Gaussian-related structures are quite attractive due to its versatility to modulate the electronic transport, including its possibility as electron filters. Here, we show that these non-conventional profiles are not the exception when dealing with Fermi velocity barriers in monolayer graphene. In particular, we show that Gaussian Fermi velocity graphene barriers (G-FVGBs) and Gaussian-pulsed-like Fermi velocity graphene superlattices (GPL-FVGSLs) can serve as electron band-pass filters and oscillating conductance structures. We reach this conclusion by theoretically studying the transmission and transport properties of the mentioned structures. The study is based on the continuum model, the transfer matrix method and the Landauer-Büttiker formalism. We find nearly flat transmission bands or pass bands for G-FVGBs modulable through the system parameters. The pass bands improve as the maximum ratio of Fermi velocities (ξmax) increases, however its omnidirectional range is reduced. These characteristics result in a decaying conductance (integrated transmission) withξmax. The integrated transmission remains practically unaltered with the size of the system due to the saturation of the electron pass band filtering. In the case of GPL-FVGSLs the GPL profile results in regions of high transmission probability that can merge as flat transmission minibands if the pulse fraction and the superlattice parameters are appropriately tuned. The GPL profile also results in conductance (integrated transmission) oscillations that can be multiplied or reduced in number by adjusting the pulse fraction as well as the superlattice parameters.

Effect of agricultural microplastic and mesoplastic in the vermicomposting process: Response of Eisenia fetida and quality of the vermicomposts obtained.

This work evaluates the effect of agricultural plastic waste (APW) in two particle sizes, microplastic and film debris, and subjected to a pre-treatment by exposure to UV-C, in the development of the vermicomposting process. Eisenia fetida health status and metabolic response and the vermicompost quality and enzymatic activity were determined. The environmental significant of this study is mainly related to how can affect plastic presence (depending on plastic type, size and/or if it is partially degraded) not only to this biological process of organic waste degradation, but also to the vermicompost characteristics, since these organic materials will be reintroduced in the environment as organic amendments and/or fertilizers in agriculture. The plastic presence induced a significant negative effect in survival and body weight of E. fetida with an average decrease of 10% and 15%, respectively, and differences on the characteristics of the vermicomposts obtained, mainly related with NPK content. Although the plastic proportion tested (1.25% f. w.) did not induce acute toxicity in worms, effects of oxidative stress were found. Thus, the exposure of E. fetida to AWP with smaller size or pre-treated with UV seemed to induce a biochemical response, but the mechanism of oxidative stress response did not seem to be dependent on the size or shape of plastic fragments or pre-treated plastic.

Rational Use of Microbiological Tests in the Diagnosis of Central Nervous System Infections Using Restrictive Criteria: a Retrospective Study.

Central nervous infections, mostly represented by meningitis and encephalitis, remain a diagnostic challenge despite substantial advances in microbiological tools in recent years. Meanwhile, extensive microbiological workups, which often prove to be irrelevant retrospectively, continue to be processed on a large scale, therefore leading to unnecessary costs. The main goal of this study was to evaluate a systematic approach enabling more rational use of microbiological tools in the setting of community-acquired central nervous system infection diagnosis. In this single-center descriptive study, the modified Reller criteria were retrospectively extended to all neuropathogens tested in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples with the FilmArray meningitis/encephalitis panel (BioFire Diagnostics, LLC) and bacterial culture. The inclusion period was 30 months. In total, 1,714 fluid (CSF) samples analyzed from 1,665 patients over 2 and a half years were reported. According to the retrospective application of the modified Reller criteria, microbiological testing was considered unnecessary in 544 CSF samples. Fifteen positive microbiological results were found among these samples, interpreted either as inherited chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), a false-positive result, or a true microbial detection without clinical relevance. No CNS infection case would have been missed if these analyses were not carried out, while about one-third of all meningitis/encephalitis multiplex PCR panels would have been saved. Our retrospective analysis suggests that the modified Reller criteria could be safely applied to all microbiological tests performed in CSF, thereby saving substantial costs. IMPORTANCE Microbiological testing in general and in the setting of central nervous system (CNS) infection in particular are often excessive, leading to superfluous laboratory work and costs. In this regard, restrictive criteria, named Reller criteria, have been developed to reduce unnecessary CSF herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) PCR testing when suspecting encephalitis. These criteria were then adapted for increased safety to become the modified Reller criteria. This retrospective study aims at evaluating the safety of these criteria when applied to CSF microbiological testing in general, including multiplex PCR, direct examination, and bacterial culture. The postulate was that a CNS infection can be excluded if none of these criteria is present. According to our data set, no CNS infection would have been missed if the modified Reller criteria would have been applied to save microbiological tests. This study therefore proposes a simple way to reduce unnecessary microbiological testing in the context of CNS infection suspicion.

Trombosis venosa de retina. Auditoría de un programa de atención especializada / Retinal vein occlusion. Audit of a specialized care program

Background and objectives Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is the second most frequent cause of retinal vascular disease and is related to classic cardiovascular risk factors. A specific program was designed to detect and treat risk factors in patients with RVO. The aim of this study is to audit the results of this program. Patients and methods The program consisted of a multidisciplinary clinical evaluation by the Ophthalmology and Internal Medicine Departments. All patients with RVO were screened, at minimum, for hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, overweight, and antiphospholipid syndrome. New risk factors or poor control of known risk factors were expected to be found in at least one-third of the patients. Among them, therapeutic measures were expected to be taken in at least two-thirds. A dissociated automated search of the data of all patients who entered the program between April 2021 and April 2022 was performed. Results Fifty-six patients were included for analysis. Of these, 39 (69.6%) had at least one new or poorly controlled risk factor and 43 (76.8%) had their treatment modified in some way. Antiphospholipid syndrome was detected in five (8.9%). Only one patient had low-risk hereditary thrombophilia. After an exhaustive examination, no risk factors were found in 11 patients. Conclusion This specific program has been effective in detecting new or poorly controlled risk factors and improving their treatment (AU)

Antecedentes y objetivo La trombosis venosa de retina (TVR) es la segunda causa más frecuente de enfermedad vascular de la retina y se relaciona con factores de riesgo cardiovascular clásicos. Se diseñó un programa específico para detección y tratamiento de factores de riesgo en pacientes con TVR. El objetivo de este estudio es auditar los resultados de dicho programa. Pacientes y métodos El programa consistió en una evaluación clínica multidisciplinar por parte de Oftalmología y Medicina Interna. A todos los pacientes con TVR se les realizó cribado, al menos, de hipertensión arterial, diabetes, dislipidemia, tabaquismo, sobrepeso y síndrome antifosfolípido. Se esperó encontrar nuevos factores de riesgo o pobre control de los ya conocidos en, al menos, un tercio de los pacientes. Entre ellos, se esperó tomar alguna medida terapéutica en, al menos, dos tercios. Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda automatizada disociada de los datos de todos los pacientes que entraron en el programa entre abril de 2021 y abril de 2022. Resultados Cincuenta y seis pacientes se incluyeron para el análisis. De ellos, 39 (69,6%) tenían al menos un factor de riesgo nuevo o mal controlado, y 43 (76,8%) vieron modificado en algún modo su tratamiento. Se detectó síndrome antifosfolípido en 5 (8,9%). Solo un paciente tenía una trombofilia hereditaria de bajo riesgo. Tras un examen exhaustivo no se encontró factor de riesgo alguno en 11 pacientes. Conclusión Este programa específico ha sido efectivo para detectar factores de riesgo nuevos o mal controlados y mejorar su tratamiento (AU)

Retinal vein occlusion. Audit of a specialized care program.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is the second most frequent cause of retinal vascular disease and is related to classic cardiovascular risk factors. A specific program was designed to detect and treat risk factors in patients with RVO. The aim of this study is to audit the results of this program. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The program consisted of a multidisciplinary clinical evaluation by the Ophthalmology and Internal Medicine Departments. All patients with RVO were screened, at minimum, for hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, overweight, and antiphospholipid syndrome. New risk factors or poor control of known risk factors were expected to be found in at least one-third of the patients. Among them, therapeutic measures were expected to be taken in at least two-thirds. A dissociated automated search of the data of all patients who entered the program between April 2021 and April 2022 was performed. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were included for analysis. Of these, 39 (69.6%) had at least one new or poorly controlled risk factor and 43 (76.8%) had their treatment modified in some way. Antiphospholipid syndrome was detected in five (8.9%). Only one patient had low-risk hereditary thrombophilia. After an exhaustive examination, no risk factors were found in 11 patients. CONCLUSION: This specific program has been effective in detecting new or poorly controlled risk factors and improving their treatment.

Biorecovery of olive mill wastewater sludge from evaporation ponds.

Olive mill wastewater (OMW) resulting from the olive oil extraction process is usually disposed of in evaporation ponds where it concentrates generating a sludge that pollutes the ponds nearby area. In this study, four bio-treatments were applied for the in-situ bioremediation and valorization of OMW sludge: Landfarming, phytoremediation, composting and vermicomposting. In all cases, the OMW sludge was added with organic residues (mushroom compost, rabbit manure, and chicken manure). The bio-treatments were carried out in duplicate, inoculated and non-inoculated, to determine the effect of a specialized fungal consortium (Aspergillus ochraceus H2 and Scedosporium apiospermum H16) on the efficacy of the bio-treatments. The evaluation of chemical parameters, toxicity, and functional microbial biodiversity revealed that the four techniques depleted the toxicity and favored the stimulation of functional microbiota. Landfarming and phytoremediation allowed the decontamination and improvement of soils. Composting and vermicomposting also offered high-quality products of agronomic interest. Inoculation improved the bioremediation effectiveness. Biological treatments are effective for the safe recovery of contaminated OMW sludge into high-quality services and products.

Global microRNA profiling identified miR-10b-5p as a regulator of neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1)-glioma migration.

AIMS: Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is an autosomal-dominant cancer predisposition syndrome caused by loss of function alterations involving the NF1 locus on chromosome 17. The most common brain tumours encountered in affected patients are low-grade gliomas (pilocytic astrocytomas), although high-grade gliomas are also observed at increased frequency. While bi-allelic NF1 loss characterizes these tumours, previous studies have suggested noncoding RNA molecules (microRNA, miR) may have important roles in dictating glioma biology. METHODS: To explore the contributions of miRs in NF1-associated gliomas, we analysed five high-grade gliomas (NF1-HGG) and five PAs (NF1-PA) using global microRNA profiling with NanoString-based microarrays followed by functional experiments with glioma cell lines. RESULTS: miR-10b-5p, miR-135b-5p, miR-196a-5p, miR-196b-5p, miR-1247-5p and miR-320a (adjusted P < 0.05) were increased> 3-fold in NF1-HGG relative to NF1-PA tumours. In addition, miR-378b and miR-1305 were decreased 6.8- and 6-fold, respectively, whereas miR-451a was increased 2.7-fold (adjusted P < 0.05) in NF1-PAs compared to non-neoplastic NF1 patient brain specimens (n = 2). As miR-10b-5p was the microRNA overexpressed the most in NF1-high-grade glioma compared to NF1-low-grade glioma (5.76 fold), we examined its levels in glioma cell lines. miR-10b-5p levels were highest in adult glioma cell lines and lowest in paediatric low-grade glioma lines (P = 0.02). miR-10b-5p knockdown resulted in decreased invasion in NF1-deficient LN229 high-grade glioma line, whereas its overexpression in the NF1-PA derived line (JHH-NF1-PA1) led to increased invasion. There was no change in cell growth (viability and proliferation). CONCLUSIONS: These proof-of-concept experiments support a role for microRNA regulation in NF1-glioma biology.

Self-powered broadband photodetector based on a solution-processed p-NiO/n-CdS:Al heterojunction.

Solution-processed photodetectors have emerged as the next generation of sensing technology owing to their ease of integration with electron devices and of tuning photodetector performance. Currently, novel self-powered photodetectors without an external power source, for use in sensing, imaging and communication, are in high demand. Herein, we successfully developed a self-powered photodetector based on a novel solution-processed p-NiO/n-CdS:Al heterojunction, which shows an excellent current rectification characteristic ratio of up to three orders in the dark and distinctive photovoltaic behavior under light illumination. The complete solution synthesis route followed the development of CdS:Al thin films on ITO substrates by chemical bath deposition and NiO thin films by the sol-gel route. Optical absorption data revealed that NiO is more active in the UV region and CdS:Al has a majority of absorption in the visible region; so, upon light illumination, the effective separation of photogenerated carriers produces fast photodetection in the UV-visible region. The photoresponsivity values of the fabricated device were calculated to be 55 mA W-1 and 30 mA W-1 for UV and visible illumination, respectively. Also, the device has a fast rise and decay photoresponse speed at zero bias voltage, due to the self-driven photovoltaic effect which makes this heterojunction a self-powered device. This complete solution and new method of fabrication make it possible to combine different materials and flexible substrates, enhancing its potential applications in photodetectors, optoelectronic devices and sensors.

Olive mill wastewater-evaporation ponds long term stored: Integrated assessment of in situ bioremediation strategies based on composting and vermicomposting.

During the last two decades, the method most widely used to manage olive mill wastewater (OMW) derived from olive oil production has been its disposal in evaporation ponds. Long-term storage of OMW leads to the accumulation of toxic sediments (OMWS) rich in recalcitrant compounds with phytotoxic and antimicrobial properties, which limit their use for agronomic purpose. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two in situ bioremediation strategies (composting and a combination of composting followed by vermicomposting) to remove the potential toxicity of the sediments derived from long-term stored OMW. The results obtained showed that the composting method assisted with the earthworms enhanced the depletion of phenolic compounds and OMWS ecotoxicity more than composting, especially during the maturation stage. Moreover, vermicomposting was more effective in the reduction of the OMWS salinity. However, a pre-composting process to the OMWS is necessary prior to vermicomposting to provide the suitable conditions for earthworms survival and activity. Furthermore, the final compost showed a phytostimulating effect. Therefore, these in situ bioremediation strategies can be considered potential tools for decontamination and recovery of long-term stored OMWS in evaporation ponds, which currently poses an unsolved environmental problem.

Diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis. / Diagnóstico de la trombosis venosa profunda.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is part of the clinical spectrum of venous thromboembolism disease (VTE), whose estimated annual incidence rate is 1-2 episodes per 1000 individuals and represents the third leading cause of cardiovascular mortality in developed countries. Establishing an accurate diagnosis of DVT is essential for preventing acute complications (such as pulmonary embolism) and chronic complications associated with post-thrombotic syndrome. Currently, there are well-established diagnostic algorithms for lower extremity DVT, which include clinical probability models that help establish the risk of experiencing the disease based on the patients' history, clinical findings, D dimer measurements, fibrin degradation product tests with a high negative predictive value and imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis. Venous compression ultrasonography is currently the technique of choice because it is a non-invasive, easy-to-administer test that can make serial evaluations. There is much accumulated evidence that DVT can be safely ruled out in patients with a low or intermediate clinical probability and a negative D dimer (<500 ng/mL) without performing additional examinations. The consensus is not as clear about the need for a proximal or complete examination of the entire extremity. Other techniques may also be employed, such as magnetic resonance venography and venous phase computed axial tomography, although these should not be a substitute for compression ultrasonography as the initial diagnostic test. There are other special circumstances in which the diagnosis is more problematic and there are no diagnostic algorithms as consolidated, such as DVT during pregnancy, diagnosing rethrombosis and DVT that affects the upper extremities.

Development of an Ultra-Low Carbon MgO Refractory Doped with α-Al2O3 Nanoparticles for the Steelmaking Industry: A Microstructural and Thermo-Mechanical Study.

The effect of α-Al2O3 nanoparticles (up to 5 wt.%) on the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties, as well as on the microstructural evolution of a dense magnesia refractory is studied. Sintering temperatures at 1300, 1500, and 1600 °C are used. The physical properties of interest were bulk density and apparent porosity, which were evaluated by the Archimedes method. Thermal properties were examined by differential scanning calorimetry. The mechanical behavior was studied by cold crushing strength and microhardness tests. Finally, the microstructure and mineralogical qualitative characteristics were studied by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. Increasing the sintering temperature resulted in improved density and reduced apparent porosity. However, as the α-Al2O3 nanoparticle content increased, the density and microhardness decreased. Microstructural observations showed that the presence of α-Al2O3 nanoparticles in the magnesia matrix induced the magnesium-aluminate spinel formation (MgAl2O4), which improved the mechanical resistance most significantly at 1500 °C.

Identification of gender differences in the factors influencing shoulders, neck and upper limb MSD by means of multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS).

In the present research, models based on multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) are proposed to study the influence of gender in the factors affecting the development of shoulders, neck and upper limb MSD. Two different MARS models, corresponding to men and women, are constructed to identify variables with the strongest effect on the target MSD. Both models are capable to predict successfully the occurrence of the studied disorders. Men seem to be more vulnerable to physical risk factors and some other working conditions, whereas women appear to be more affected by psychosocial risk factors and activities carried out outside their working hours. According to the results, gender needs to be considered to ensure the success and effectiveness of ergonomic interventions on the whole working population.

Enhancing violations of Leggett-Garg inequalities in nonequilibrium correlated many-body systems by interactions and decoherence.

We identify different schemes to enhance the violation of Leggett-Garg inequalities in open many-body systems. Considering a nonequilibrium archetypical setup of quantum transport, we show that particle interactions control the direction and amplitude of maximal violation, and that in the strongly-interacting and strongly-driven regime bulk dephasing enhances the violation. Through an analytical study of a minimal model we unravel the basic ingredients to explain this decoherence-enhanced quantumness, illustrating that such an effect emerges in a wide variety of systems.

[Exposed dislocation of the first and second cuneiform bones and fracture in situ of the third cuneiform bone of the foot: Clinical case and literature review]. / Luxación expuesta de la primera y segunda cuña y fractura in situ de la tercera cuña del pie: Caso clínico y revisión de la literatura.

BACKGROUNDS: The isolated fracture/dislocation of the cuneiform bones is a not very frequent event and only a few cases have been reported in the literature. This type of event is presented as a variation of the Lisfranc injuries. The present report shows a rare clinical case of a patient with dislocation of the first and second cuneiform bones and fracture in situ of the third cuneiform bone of the left foot. CASE REPORT: A 49-year-old female patient presented severe traumatism of the dorsum of the foot with bony and soft tissue exposure as a result of a car accident. The patient underwent surgery in the emergency department consisting of surgical cleaning, debridement, reduction of dislocation of the first and second cuneiform bones and percutaneous fixation with 2.0 mm Kirschner wires. RESULTS: After the surgery, the patient was found to be in good general condition, oriented without pain, stable, conscious, without traces of active bleeding from the wound and with the presence of Kirschner wires in an appropriate position. DISCUSSION: An exhaustive inspection of the injury is recommended through the analysis of X-ray images, CT scans or magnetic resonance imaging, especially in unexposed lesions in order to apply the appropriate treatment and be able to achieve a prompt recovery of the patient.

ANTECEDENTES: La fractura y la luxación aislada de los huesos cuneiformes son un evento no muy frecuente y sólo pocos casos han sido reportados en la literatura. Este tipo de eventos se presenta como una variación de las lesiones de Lisfranc. El presente reporte muestra un caso clínico poco frecuente de un paciente con luxación de la primera y segunda cuña y fractura in situ de la tercera cuña del pie izquierdo. CASO CLÍNICO: Mujer de 49 años de edad, que presentó traumatismo severo del dorso del pie con exposición de tejido óseo y blando como consecuencia de atropellamiento. La paciente fue sometida a cirugía en el Servicio de Urgencias, donde se realizó aseo quirúrgico, desbridamiento, reducción de la luxación de la primera y segunda cuña y fijación percutánea con clavillos Kirschner de 2.0 mm. RESULTADOS: Posterior a la cirugía, la paciente se reportó con buen estado en general, orientada, sin facie de dolor, estable, consciente, sin huellas de sangrado activo por la herida y con presencia de clavillos Kirschner en adecuada posición. DISCUSIÓN: Se recomienda una inspección exhaustiva de la lesión a través del análisis de las imágenes de rayos X, tomografía computarizada o imágenes de resonancia magnética, especialmente en lesiones no expuestas, pues con ello se puede aplicar el tratamiento adecuado y lograr una pronta recuperación del paciente.

Graphene light modulators working at near-infrared wavelengths.

We demonstrate a graphene-based electro-absorption modulator with extremely small modulation volume that can be controlled by low gating voltages 1-3 V and shows light modulation at wavelengths as short as 900 nm. Our choice of hafnium oxide dielectric separator gives the possibility to obtain significant electro-optical effect in a simple optical heterostructure. Having low power consumption, our devices could find a wide range of applications in telecom industry.

Desarrollo de una herramienta computacional para el análisis de conductancia galvánica de la piel, ECG y frecuencia respiratoria por arritmia sinusal respiratoria (SCRATER) / Development of a computational tool for the analysis of galvanic skin conductance, EKG and respiratory rate due to respiratory sinus arrhythmia (SCRATER)

Resumen: La existencia de una correlación entre la frecuencia cardíaca (FC), la frecuencia respiratoria (FR) y las respuestas electrodérmicas de la piel (Skin Conductance Response, SCR) ha sido reportada en la literatura, así como también el uso de estos parámetros como medida del nivel de activación del sistema nervioso autónomo. Objetivo: Este trabajo presenta una herramienta (SCRATER) para el análisis conjunto de SCR, FC y FR, las dos últimas, calculadas a partir del análisis del registro de electrocardiograma (ECG). Metodología: En esta investigación, se realizó una descripción detallada de cada algoritmo desarrollado, asi como una una descripción de la interfaz para utilizarlos. En la validación de los algoritmos empleados, se analizaron 192 registros de ECG y 231 registros de actividad electrodérmica (Electro-Dermal Activity, EDA) de 40 participantes masculinos sanos, de los cuales se calculó el número de complejos QRS y FC en cada registro de ECG y el número de SCRs de cada registro de EDA. Resultados: Los datos obtenidos fueron comparados con otras herramientas que analizan SCR y FC pero de manera independiente, obteniendo resultados equiparables mediante coeficientes de correlación. Limitaciones: El ruido y los artefactos presentes en los registros no permiten una correcta estimación de los parámetros y afectan los resultados de todas las herramientas empleadas en el desarrollo de este trabajo. Valor: SCRATER ofrece tres ventajas principales sobre las otras herramientas: 1) libre acceso, 2) código abierto y no utiliza formatos codificados o exclusivos. Conclusión: Este trabajo proporciona una herramienta computacional gratuita que permite analizar simultáneamente SCRs, FC y FR.

Abstract: The existence of a correlation between heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and skin conductance response (SCR) has been reported in the literature, as well as the use of these parameters as a measure of the activation level of the autonomous nervous system. Objective: This paper introduces a computational tool (SCRATER) developed with the aim to analyze simultaneous recordings of SCR, and heart and respiratory rates, which were calculated from the electrocardiogram recording (ECG) analysis. Methodology: In this research, a detailed description of each developed algorithm was made, as well as a description of the interface to be used. In the validation of the algorithms used, 192 ECG records and 231 Electro-Dermal Activity (EDA) registers of 40 healthy male participants were analyzed, from which the number of QRS complexes and HR in each ECG record and the number of SCRs of each EDA record are calculated. Results: The data obtained were compared with other tools that analyze SCR and HR separately, obtaining comparable results using correlation coefficients. Limitations: The noise and artifacts present in the records do not allow a correct estimation of the parameters and affect the results of all the tools used in the development of this work. Value: SCRATER offers three main advantages over other tools: 1) free access, 2) open source and 3) does not use coded or exclusive formats. Conclusion: This work provides a free computational tool that allows simultaneous analysis of SCRs, FC and FR.

Use of Paliperidone Palmitate Throughout a Schizoaffective Disorder Patient's Gestation Period.

Introduction: Paliperidone palmitate treatment of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder is effective and well tolerated, but there is almost no data on its safety during pregnancy. Case report: An analysis is made of the safety and tolerability of paliperidone palmitate treatment throughout the gestation period in a 34-year-old patient diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. Discussion: Paliperidone palmitate treatment throughout the gestation period was safe and well tolerated by both mother and foetus, there being no malformations or other perinatal complications in the newborn to date.