Preventing the recurrence of depression with a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil. The PREDI-DEP trial: study protocol.

BACKGROUND: The role of dietary patterns in the prevention of unipolar depression has been analyzed in several epidemiological studies. The primary aims of this study are to determine the effectiveness of an extra-olive oil-enriched Mediterranean diet in reducing the recurrence of depression and improving the symptoms of this condition. METHODS: Multicenter, two-arm, parallel-group clinical trial. Arm 1, extra-virgin olive oil Mediterranean diet; Arm 2, control group without nutritional intervention. Dieticians are in charge of the nutritional intervention and regular contact with the participants. Contacts are made through our web platform ( https://predidep.es/participantes/ ) or by phone. Recurrence of depression is assessed by psychiatrists and clinical psychologists through clinical evaluations (semi-structured clinical interviews: Spanish SCID-I). Depressive symptoms are assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory. Information on quality of life, level of physical activity, dietary habits, and blood, urine and stool samples are collected after the subject has agreed to participate in the study and once a year. DISCUSSION: To the best of our knowledge, the PREDI-DEP trial is the first ongoing randomized clinical trial designed to assess the role of the Mediterranean diet in the prevention of recurrent depression. It could be a cost-effective approach to avoid recurrence and improve the quality of life of these patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study has been prospectively registered in the U.S. National Library of Medicine ( https://clinicaltrials.gov ) with NCT number: NCT03081065.

An increased percentage of myeloid CD34+ bone marrow cells stratifies intermediate IPSS-R myelodysplastic syndrome patients into prognostically significant groups.

INTRODUCTION: The Revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R) for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) has established an intermediate category where a disease-modifying intervention is a matter of debate. Flow cytometry allows us to determine a fraction of immature myeloid cells in a semiautomated procedure. The aim of this study, mirroring IPSS-R study inclusion criteria, was to test whether bone marrow (BM) CD34+My percentage has independent prognostic value in the MDS setting. METHODS: BM CD34+My cells were quantified, at diagnosis, selecting CD34+/CD45+/CD11b±/CD13+. Patients were excluded when receiving treatment for altering the natural course of the disease and when IPSS-R could not be calculated due to the lack of metaphases. Finally, Cox analyses were performed, on a series of 260 patients, for overall survival (OS) and time to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) transformation. RESULTS: By analyzing ROC curves, the most accurate prognostic variable, regarding blasts by cytology and CD34+ by cytometry, was the percentage of blasts by microscopy. The percentage of CD34+My in BM showed an AUC of 0.767 and 0.576 for time to AML transformation and OS, respectively. When performing a multivariate regression including the IPSS-R and the percentage of BM CD34+My cells >1%, both factors predicted for a shorter time to AML transformation. In addition, CD34+My percentage successfully stratified the intermediate IPSS-R category into two prognostic groups with a relative risk of 5.73 (95% CI [1.2-27.8]; P = .03). CONCLUSION: We found that BM CD34+My percentage has an independent value concerning the IPSS-R, especially relevant for the prediction of transformation to AML and within the intermediate group.

Collaborating to Compete: Blood Profiling Atlas in Cancer (BloodPAC) Consortium.

The cancer community understands the value of blood profiling measurements in assessing and monitoring cancer. We describe an effort among academic, government, biotechnology, diagnostic, and pharmaceutical companies called the Blood Profiling Atlas in Cancer (BloodPAC) Project. BloodPAC will aggregate, make freely available, and harmonize for further analyses, raw datasets, relevant associated clinical data (e.g., clinical diagnosis, treatment history, and outcomes), and sample preparation and handling protocols to accelerate the development of blood profiling assays.

Prognostic signature and clonality pattern of recurrently mutated genes in inactive chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

An increasing numbers of patients are being diagnosed with asymptomatic early-stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), with no treatment indication at baseline. We applied a high-throughput deep-targeted analysis, especially designed for covering widely TP53 and ATM genes, in 180 patients with inactive disease at diagnosis, to test the independent prognostic value of CLL somatic recurrent mutations. We found that 40/180 patients harbored at least one acquired variant with ATM (n=17, 9.4%), NOTCH1 (n=14, 7.7%), TP53 (n=14, 7.7%) and SF3B1 (n=10, 5.5%) as most prevalent mutated genes. Harboring one 'sub-Sanger' TP53 mutation granted an independent 3.5-fold increase of probability of needing treatment. Those patients with a double-hit ATM lesion (mutation+11q deletion) had the shorter median time to first treatment (17 months). We found that a genomic variable: TP53 mutations, most of them under the sensitivity of conventional techniques; a cell phenotypic factor: CD38-positive expression; and a classical marker as ß2-microglobulin, remained as the unique independent predictors of outcome. The high-throughput determination of TP53 status, particularly in this set of patients frequently lacking high-risk chromosomal aberrations, emerges as a key step, not only for prediction modeling, but also for exploring mutation-specific therapeutic approaches and minimal residual disease monitoring.

A schizophrenia-like psychotic disorder secondary to an arachnoid cyst remitted with neurosurgical treatment of the cyst.

We describe a case of delusional psychosis that was terminated by neurosurgical removal of a large arachnoid cyst. The patient was suffering his first psychotic episode and had symptoms typical of schizophrenia. The case underscores the importance of considering that an arachnoid cyst can induce psychopathological symptoms, even those of schizophrenia. Indeed, such symptoms may be the cyst's only clinical manifestation. In addition, the case highlights the importance of doing a structural imaging test when confronted with a first episode of psychosis, especially if the episode is relatively late in appearance. Such imaging may lead to a diagnosis that in turn can enable a definitive neurosurgical resolution of the psychosis.

Seawater injection barrier recharge with advanced reclaimed water at Llobregat delta aquifer (Spain).

The main aquifer of the Llobregat delta (Barcelona, Spain) has been affected by seawater intrusion since the 1960s. The Catalan Water Agency (ACA) has sponsored the construction of a positive hydraulic barrier in order to stop the progress of seawater intrusion advance due to the intensive aquifer development. The hydraulic barrier consists of 15 wells into which highly treated reclaimed water from the waste water treatment plant of the Baix Llobregat is injected. Water is subjected, prior to the distribution to the injection wells, to secondary and tertiary treatments, and later to ultrafiltration, UV disinfection without chlorination, and salinity reduction through reverse osmosis. A preliminary pilot phase of the project was started in late 2007, with highly positive results, and the second phase started in mid 2010. Hydrogeological and hydrochemical monitoring data indicate an efficient performance and aquifer improvement. The evaluation of such efficiency and operational costs has been analyzed and discussed.

Aquifer recharge for securing water resources: the experience in Llobregat river.

The Llobregat Delta Aquifer has historically been a strategic water supply resource to the Barcelona metropolitan area. The use of river water combined with the exploitation of groundwater resources during dry periods has enabled the demographic and economic growth of the Barcelona area during the last fifty years. The aquifer overexploitation has entailed the decrease of groundwater level and the penetration inland of seawater intrusion. The main consequences have been the salinization of several wells and the deterioration of the groundwater quality. In this context, aquifer recharge has been practiced during nearly 40 years with the following objectives: (i) storing excess of water for times of less water availability, (ii) introducing an additional barrier for purification of water for a specific use and (iii) preventing the degradation of groundwater resources due to overexploitation or seawater intrusion. These methods, jointly with an efficient management of well extractions, have enabled to recover groundwater quality and therefore to guarantee the sustainable exploitation of such a vulnerable aquifer.

IgM monoclonal component associated with type I Gaucher disease resolved after enzyme replacement therapy: a case report.

The frequency of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is higher in patients with type I Gaucher disease (GD I) than in the general population. Although enzyme replacement therapy is effective in the control of the disease, its effect on MGUS is still controversial. We present the case of a 65-year-old woman with extensive GD I associated with IgM MGUS, in whom enzyme replacement therapy succeeded in eradicating the monoclonal component. This observation further supports the idea that enzyme replacement therapy decreases the chronic antigenic stimulation responsible for gammopathies in Gaucher disease.

[Detection and initial management of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome in medicine emergency room: 24 hours follow-up in a general hospital]. / Detección y manejo inicial del síndrome de respuesta inflamatoria sistémica en las urgencias de medicina: Análisis de 24 horas en un hospital general.

INTRODUCTION: Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) is a clinical situation frequently observed in Emergency Room (ER). Its early detection and supporting measures improve prognosis of these patients. AIMS: To know the incidence of SIRS among patients who come to ER, their frequency and distribution factors and the clinical evolution at 3 and 30 days. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Observational prospective simple-blind study. During 24 hours, SIRS was detected by observant doctors with an independent registry. Their management was observed. Patients from Obstetrics and Traumatology were not observed. Follow-up was done using telephonic and informatical techniques at 3 and 30 day. A descriptive analysis was done. RESULTS: There were 163 patients attended in ER; 25 of them with SIRS (15.3%), 16 were male (65%) and 9 female (35%). By ages 8 were under 30, 4 were between 30 and 60 and 13 were over. The respiratory rate was not measured in 12 of the 25 patients with SIRS (48%). An infectious etiology (sepsis) was found in 19 of those 25 (76%) patients. The most frequent criterion of sepsis was tachycardia, followed by leukocyte disorders. Support of volume and antimicrobial therapy were only started at once in 21 and 42% respectively on patients with sepsis. 15 of 25 were admitted (2 in ICU). After 3 days, 11 of 25 remained at hospital and after 30 days 2. CONCLUSIONS: SIRS is a prevalent situation in ER with a high percentage of admissions. Most of SIRS were of infectious origin (sepsis). Major attention is needed among physicians to establish a promptly diagnose and starting support measures that improve their prognosis.

Detección y manejo inicial del síndrome de respuesta inflamatoria sistémica en las urgencias de medicina. Análisis de 24 horas en un hospital general / Detection and inicial management of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome in medicine emergency room. 24 hours follow-up in a general hospital

Introducción: El síndrome de respuesta inflamatoria sistémica (SIRS) se presenta con frecuencia en Urgencias. Desde la Conferencia de Consenso de 1991, ratificada en la Conferencia Internacional de definiciones de sepsis de 2001 se define este síndrome como la adaptación del organismo tras una agresión. Su detección precoz y la instauración de medidas de soporte, guiadas por objetivos, mejoran el pronóstico de los pacientes. Objetivos: Conocer la incidencia de SIRS entre los pacientes que acuden a Urgencias, sus factores de frecuencia y distribución y su evolución clínica a los 3 y 30 días. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio prospectivo observacional, simple ciego. Se detectó la situación de SIRS mediante observadores con registro independiente, y se observó su manejo, durante 24 horas. Se excluyeron los pacientes de obstetricia y traumatología. Seguimiento: Telefónico y mediante la estación informática de pacientes a los 3 y 30 días. Análisis estadístico: descriptivo. Resultados: De las 163 asistencias se encontraron 25 pacientes con SIRS (15,3%), 16 en varones (65%) y 9 en mujeres (35%). Por edades había 8 < 30 años, 4 de 30-60 años y 13 > 60. A 12 se los 25 casos de SIRS (48%) no se les midió la frecuencia respiratoria. En 19 de los 25 casos (76%) el origen fue infeccioso (sepsis). El parámetro definitorio de SIRS más frecuente fue la taquicardia seguido del trastorno leucocitario.Tan sólo se inició precozmente la fluidoterapia y la antibioterapia en el 21 y 42% respectivamente de las sepsis. Ingresaron 15 de los 25 (2 en UCI), 3 días después permanecían 11 ingresados y 30 días después 2. Conclusiones: El SIRS es una situación clínica prevalente en Urgencias de medicina, mayoritariamente de etiología infecciosa (sepsis) quede para un número considerable de ingresos. Es necesaria una mayor sensibilización por parte del colectivo medico para establecer prontamente su diagnóstico e iniciar precozmente el tratamiento de soporte que mejore el pronóstico de estos pacientes

Introduction: Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) is a clinical situation frequently observed in Emergency Room (ER). Its early detection and supporting measures improve prognosis of these patients. Aims: To know the incidence of SIRS among patients who come to ER, their frequency and distribution factors and the clinical evolution at 3 and 30 days. Patients and methods: Observational prospective simple-blind study. During 24 hours, SIRS was detected by observant doctors with an independent registry. Their management was observed. Patients from Obstetrics and Traumatology were not observed. Follow-up was done using telephonic and informatical techniques at 3 and 30 day. A descriptive analysis was done. Results: There were 163 patients attended in ER; 25 of them with SIRS (15.3%), 16 were male (65%) and 9 female (35%). By ages 8 were under 30, 4 were between 30 and 60 and 13 were over. The respiratory rate was not measured in 12 of the 25 patients with SIRS (48%). An infectious etiology (sepsis) was found in 19 of those 25 (76%) patients.The most frequent criterion of sepsis was tachycardia, followed by leukocyte disorders. Support of volume and antimicrobial therapy were only started at once in 21 and 42% respectively on patients with sepsis. 15 of 25 were admitted (2 in ICU). After 3 days, 11 of 25 remained at hospital and after 30 days 2. Conclusions: SIRS is a prevalent situation in ER with a high percentage of admissions. Most of SIRS were of infectious origin (sepsis). Major attention is needed among physicians to establish a promptly diagnose and starting support measures that improve their prognosis

Clinical involvement of catechol-O-methyltransferase polymorphisms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders: influence on the severity of psychotic symptoms and on the response to neuroleptic treatment.

Genetic variation in the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene may influence the susceptibility to schizophrenia and the response to neuroleptic treatment. The authors tested for an association between a COMT haplotype and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and for an eventual influence of a specific COMT genotype in the clinical outcome and in the response to treatment. The genotypes for single nucleotide polymorphisms rs737865, rs4633, rs6267, rs4680 (Val 158 Met) and rs165599 were determined in 207 patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and 204 paired controls. Statistical tests for linkage disequilibrium and for case-control differences in haplotype frequencies were performed using log-linear modelling embedded within the expectation-maximization algorithm. P-values based on permutations were calculated using the software UNPHASED, and odds ratios were estimated using the SHEsis platform. The response to neuroleptic treatment was assessed by the Global Assessment of Functioning scale and the severity of psychotic symptoms by the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) scale. The overall disease status was significantly associated with the T-G (Val) diplotype for rs4633-rs4680 (P=0.0049). A significant association was observed between schizophrenia, but not other related disorders, and genotypes GG (Val/Val) for rs4680 and TT for rs4633. Val/Val patients with schizophrenia showed a higher severity of the psychotic symptoms and a worse response to the neuroleptic treatment. COMT genetic variation seems to be involved in the psychotic symptomatology of the schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and specifically in the narrow schizophrenia phenotype. Our results show an influence of the Val 158 Met polymorphism on the severity of psychotic symptoms and on the response to treatment.

Perseverative error in schizophrenia: correlation with cortical blood flow by SPECT.

INTRODUCTION: Perseverative error (PE) is a core symptom of schizophrenia which has been proposed as a phenotypic marker of the illness. Moreover, hypofrontality observed in functional neuroimaging studies while executing a cognitive task has also been suggested as a characteristic sign of schizophrenia. We propose combining symptom and sign to demonstrate the existence of a regional cortical blood flow (RCBF) pattern associated to PE that might constitute a biological marker of schizophrenia. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We used Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomography (SPECT), to study the RCBF associated to PE and to correct response (CR), during the execution of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), of 18 patients with schizophrenia and 13 controls. We focused on five well-defined bilateral brain regions, using the RCBF of the same regions at rest as a baseline. RESULTS: Patients made more PE than controls in the WCST. Among patients, we observed a correlation between PEs and right occipital RCBF. Among controls, we found a negative correlation between PEs and left temporal cortex RCBF and a positive correlation between CRs and left frontobasal and overall left frontal cortexes RCBF. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of PE is associated to higher right parietal-occipital activity in patients with schizophrenia. CR in the WCST are associated to higher left frontal activity in controls but not in patients. Probably, there is a RCBF redistribution pattern related to the typical perseveration of schizophrenia which might constitute a phenotypic marker of the illness observable by functional neuroimaging techniques.

El error perseverativo en la esquizofrenia: correlación con el flujo sanguíneo cortical mediante SPECT / Perseverative error in schizophrenia: correlation with cortical blood flow by SPECT

Introducción. El error perseverativo (perseverative error, PE) es un síntoma característico de la esquizofrenia que ha sido propuesto como marcador fenotípico de la enfermedad. Junto a ello, la hipofrontalidad observada mediante neuroimagen funcional durante la ejecución de una prueba cognitiva ha sido igualmente sugerida como signo característico de la esquizofrenia. Nos proponemos combinar síntoma y signo para demostrar la existencia de un patrón de flujo sanguíneo cortical relativo (relative cortical blood flow, RCBF) asociado al PE, lo que podría constituir un marcador biológico de la esquizofrenia. Material y métodos. Mediante tomografía computarizada por emisión de fotón único (SPECT) estudiamos el patrón de RCBF asociado al PE y a la respuesta correcta (Correct Response, CR) del Test de Ordenación de Cartas de Wisconsin (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, WCST) en 18 pacientes con esquizofrenia y 13 controles. Nos centramos en cinco regiones cerebrales bien definidas bilateralmente, utilizando como línea de base el RCBF de dichas regiones en reposo. Resultados. Los pacientes cometieron más PE que los controles en el WCST. En los pacientes observamos una correlación entre PE y RCBF de la corteza occipital derecha. En los controles encontramos una correlación negativa entre PE y RCBF de la corteza temporal izquierda y una correlación positiva entre CR y RCBF de las cortezas frontobasal izquierda y frontal global izquierda. Conclusiones. La severidad del PE se asocia a una mayor actividad parietooccipital derecha en pacientes con esquizofrenia. La CR del WCST se asocia a mayor actividad frontal izquierda en controles, pero no en pacientes. Probablemente existe una redistribución del RCBF relacionada con la perseveración típica de la esquizofrenia, lo que podría constituir un marcador fenotípico de la enfermedad observable mediante técnicas de neuroimagen funcional

Introduction. Perseverative error (PE) is a core symptom of schizophrenia which has been proposed as a phenotypic marker of the illness. Moreover, hypofrontality observed in functional neuroimaging studies while executing a cognitive task has also been suggested as a characteristic sign of schizophrenia. We propose combining symptom and sign to demonstrate the existence of a regional cortical blood flow (RCBF) pattern associated to PE that might constitute a biological marker of schizophrenia. Material and method. We used Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomography (SPECT), to study the RCBF associated to PE and to correct response (CR), during the execution of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), of 18 patients with schizophrenia and 13 controls. We focused on five well-defined bilateral brain regions, using the RCBF of the same regions at rest as a baseline. Results. Patients made more PE than controls in the WCST. Among patients, we observed a correlation between PEs and right occipital RCBF. Among controls, we found a negative correlation between PEs and left temporal cortex RCBF and a positive correlation between CRs and left frontobasal and overall left frontal cortexes RCBF. Conclusions. The severity of PE is associated to higher right parietal-occipital activity in patients with schizophrenia. CR in the WCST are associated to higher left frontal activity in controls but not in patients. Probably, there is a RCBF redistribution pattern related to the typical perseveration of schizophrenia which might constitute a phenotypic marker of the illness observable by functional neuroimaging techniques

Estudio del flujo sanguíneo cerebral regional (FSCr) mediante SPECT, en reposo y activación con el test de Clasificación de Tarjetas de Wisconsin (WCST), en pacientes con esquizofrenia sin tratamiento o tratados con neurolépticos atípicos / Regional cerebral blood flow SECT study, at rest and during Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) performance, in schizophrenia naive patients or treated with atypical neuroleptics

Introducción. Corroborar la hipótesis de la hipofrontalidad en la esquizofrenia y estudiar la posible relación existente entre los síntomas positivos y negativos (medidos con la Escala de síndromes positivos y negativos, PANSS) y el flujo sanguíneo cerebral regional (FSCr), tanto en reposo como en activación mediante el Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). Métodos. Comparamos el FSCr de un grupo de controles (n = 18) con el de un grupo de pacientes con esquizofrenia (n = 21) mediante tomografía computarizada por emisión de fotón único (SPECT). Resultados. En el grupo control los índices de FSC frontal izquierdo en reposo y activación y derecho en activación son significativamente superiores a los de los pacientes. Únicamente en los controles el índice frontal derecho experimenta un incremento significativo como resultado de la activación. El FSC occipital derecho en activación se incrementa significativamente sólo en los pacientes. Observamos una correlación positiva significativa entre las puntuaciones de la PANSS-P y el índice frontal izquierdo en reposo. Síntomas aislados de la PANSS-N como dificultad en el pensamiento abstracto (N5) y falta de espontaneidad y fluidez en la conversación (N6) se asocian a hipoperfusión frontal en reposo. El embotamiento afectivo (N1) se asocia a hipoperfusión frontal izquierda en activación. Conclusiones. Nuestros datos apoyan la hipótesis de la hipofrontalidad, tanto en reposo como en activación, es decir, entendida como la incapacidad de los pacientes con esquizofrenia para incrementar el FSC frontal durante la ejecución del WCST (activación). Los síntomas positivos de la esquizofrenia se asocian a hiperperfusión frontal izquierda

Introduction. To corroborate the hypothesis of hypofrontality in schizophrenia and to study the relationship between positive/negative symptoms (measured by the positive and negative syndrome scale [PANSS]) and regional cortical blood flow (rCBF), both at rest and during the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) performance (activation). Methods. We compared a control group (n = 18) to a group of patients with schizophrenia (n = 21) in terms of rCBF, measured by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Results. We found significantly higher left-frontal- CBF (during the WCST performance and at rest) and right-frontal-CBF (only at rest) in control subjects. Only the control group showed a right-frontal-CBF increase during activation. Only the patients group showed a significant right-occipital-CBF increase during the activation. We observed a positive significant correlation between the PANSS-P score and the left- frontal index at rest. Some negative symptoms such as difficulty in abstract thinking (N5) and lack of spontaneity and flow of conversation (N6) are associated to low frontal blood flow at rest. Affective blunting (N1) is associated to low left-frontal blood flow during activation. Conclusions. Our data support the hypothesis of hypofrontality, at rest and during activation, which means the incapacity of schizophrenic patients to increase the frontal CBF while performing the WCST (activation). Schizophrenia positive symptoms are associated to high left-frontal blood flow

Regional cerebral blood flow SPECT study, at rest and during Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) performance, in schizophrenia naive patients or treated with atypical neuroleptics.

INTRODUCTION: To corroborate the hypothesis of hypofrontality in schizophrenia and to study the relationship between positive/negative symptoms (measured by the positive and negative syndrome scale [PANSS]) and regional cortical blood flow (rCBF), both at rest and during the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) performance (activation). METHODS: We compared a control group (n = 18) to a group of patients with schizophrenia (n = 21) in terms of rCBF, measured by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). RESULTS: We found significantly higher left-frontal- CBF (during the WCST performance and at rest) and right-frontal-CBF (only at rest) in control subjects. Only the control group showed a right-frontal-CBF increase during activation. Only the patients group showed a significant right-occipital-CBF increase during the activation. We observed a positive significant correlation between the PANSS-P score and the left- frontal index at rest. Some negative symptoms such as difficulty in abstract thinking (N5) and lack of spontaneity and flow of conversation (N6) are associated to low frontal blood flow at rest. Affective blunting (N1) is associated to low left-frontal blood flow during activation. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the hypothesis of hypofrontality, at rest and during activation, which means the incapacity of schizophrenic patients to increase the frontal CBF while performing the WCST (activation). Schizophrenia positive symptoms are associated to high left-frontal blood flow.

Avances de la investigación biológica en la esquizofrenia: aportaciones de neuroimagen funcional / No disponible

Se revisan logros de los estudios histológicos que, junto a los hallazgos de la incipiente aplicación de la neuroimagen, han revelado algunos mecanismos implicados en la etiopatogenia y fisiopatología de la esquizofrenia. Desde hace pocos años, la confluencia de las diferenteslíneas de investigación han producido importantes avancesque marcaran la trayectoria futura de la investigación biológica de la esquizofrenia en psiquiatría, y se han publicado los primeros estudios que relacionan la influencia que ejercen determinados genotipos de genes candidatos, sobre las alteraciones neurofisiológicas, ejecución de test de memoria de trabajo, variaciones estructurales y funcionales y psicopatológicas en pacientes con esquizofrenia, individuos de alto riesgo y personas sanas. En definitiva, estudios que detectan los individuos más vulnerables al padecimiento de este gravetrastorno mental

In this article we review the most recent studies in neuroimage that have helped to understand the etiology and pathogenesis of schizophrenia. In the last few years different research lines came together to produce importand advances and open new pathways for the futureknowledge about schizophrenia. The first studies on the different genotipes involved in schizophrenia were published and also studies on neurophysiology, neuropsychology, structural and functional neuroimage in patients with schizophrenia, persons at high risk fordeveloping the illness, and healthy controls have been developed. In summary, in the last years we have many available studies on different fields that help to understand the etiology and pathology of schizophrenia,and different characteristics in high risk individuals

Fatal visceral leishmaniasis, with massive bone-marrow infection, in an immunosuppressed but HIV-negative Spanish patient, after the initiation of treatment with meglumine antimoniate.

Although visceral leishmaniasis is often fatal in the developing world, Leishmania-attributable deaths in Europe are relatively rare and nowadays almost always linked to HIV infection. In Spain, however, a HIV-negative man with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and prednisone treatment was recently hospitalized because of hypotension and asthenia. Although the patient was afebrile, a bone-marrow aspirate, collected after thrombo- and leuco-cytopenia had been observed, was found to contain huge numbers of amastigotes. A course of antileishmanial treatment with meglumine antimoniate was initiated but the patient went into refractory shock and died within 6 h. The significance of this case, in terms of the routine investigation and treatment of immunosuppressed patients who may have leishmaniasis, is discussed.

Serotonergic polymorphisms and psychotic disorders in populations from North Spain.

There is strong biological evidence relating alterations in the serotonergic system with mental disorders. These alterations may be originated at the DNA level by sequence mutations that alter the functioning of serotonin receptors and transporter. To test this hypothesis we investigated three genetic variants of the 5-HT2A receptor (-1438G/A, 102T/C and His452Tyr) and two variants of the serotonin transporter (a VNTR in the second intron and a 44 bp insertion/delition in the promoter region of the gene) in a clinical sample recruited in a human isolate and in surrounding areas in Northern Spain (N = 257) and in ethnically matched controls (N = 334). No clear association was found between 5-HT2A variants and psychosis. However, marginal associations were observed between the 5-HTT LPR and VNTR variants and psychosis (P < or = 0.05) indicating a minor contribution to psychosis of genetic alterations in this gene.

[Utility of verapamil in the treatment of diastolic dysfunction in patients with acromegaly]. / Utilidad del verapamil en el tratamiento de la disfunción diastólica de pacientes acromegálicos.

INTRODUCTION: Diastolic dysfunction is a common complication in patients with acromegaly. By using the metabolic treatment for acromegaly, an improvement in diastolic function is not always achieved and a group of these patients could obtain some benefit from a specific treatment for such a condition. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the utility of verapamil therapy in acromegalic patients with diastolic dysfunction. METHODS: Fourteen patients (7 males and 7 females) with the diagnosis of acromegaly and diastolic dysfunction confirmed by echocardiogram were studied. After six months of treatment with verapamil (240 mg/day) the echo-cardiographic parameters and the functional class (NYHA) of patients were reevaluated. RESULTS: All patients showed an increased basal measurement of the cardiac mass (mean [percentiles 25-75]: 149 g/m2 [128-264]) and no improvement was observed after treatment (182 g/m2 [123-328]). Also, no improvement was found regarding the studied diastolic function parameters: E/A relationship of left ventricle (0.70 [0.54-0.83] versus 0.61 [0.54-0.86]) and isovolumetric relaxation time (146 [119-193] versus 120 [97-169]). A trend towards improvement was indeed found in the functional class, although no statistical differences were observed. CONCLUSION: Our results did not demonstrate a benefit derived from the treatment with verapamil upon the diastolic function in patients with acromegaly.