Results of phase 2 randomized multi-center study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of infusion of memory T cells as adoptive therapy in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia and/or lymphopenia (RELEASE NCT04578210).

BACKGROUND AIMS: There are currently no effective anti-viral treatments for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-hospitalized patients with hypoxemia. Lymphopenia is a biomarker of disease severity usually present in patients who are hospitalized. Approaches to increasing lymphocytes exerting an anti-viral effect must be considered to treat these patients. Following our phase 1 study, we performed a phase 2 randomized multicenter clinical trial in which we evaluated the efficacy of the infusion of allogeneic off-the-shelf CD45RA- memory T cells containing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-specific T cells from convalescent donors plus the standard of care (SoC) versus just the SoC treatment. METHODS: Eighty-four patients were enrolled in three Spanish centers. The patients were randomized into the infusion of 1 × 106/kg CD45RA- memory T cells or the SoC. We selected four unvaccinated donors based on the expression of interferon gamma SARS-CoV-2-specific response within the CD45RA- memory T cells and the most frequent human leukocyte antigen typing in the Spanish population. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 81 patients. The primary outcome for recovery, defined as the proportion of participants in each group with normalization of fever, oxygen saturation sustained for at least 24 hours and lymphopenia recovery through day 14 or at discharge, was met for the experimental arm. We also observed faster lymphocyte recovery in the experimental group. We did not observe any treatment-related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Adoptive cell therapy with off-the-shelf CD45RA- memory T cells containing SAR-CoV-2-specific T cells is safe, effective and accelerates lymphocyte recovery of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and/or lymphopenia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04578210.

Traditional marketed meats as a reservoir of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli.

This study aimed to analyze Escherichia coli from marketed meat samples in Peru. Sixty-six E. coli isolates were recovered from 21 meat samples (14 chicken, 7 beef), and antimicrobial resistance levels and the presence of mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, as well as clonal relationships and phylogeny of colistin-resistant isolates, were established. High levels of antimicrobial resistance were detected, with 93.9% of isolates being multi-drug resistant (MDR) and 76.2% of samples possessing colistin-resistant E. coli; of these, 6 samples from 6 chicken samples presenting mcr-1-producer E. coli. Colistin-resistant isolates were classified into 22 clonal groups, while phylogroup A (15 isolates) was the most common. Extended-spectrum ß-lactamase- and pAmpC-producing E. coli were found in 18 and 8 samples respectively, with blaCTX-M-55 (28 isolates; 16 samples) and blaCIT (8 isolates; 7 samples) being the most common of each type. Additionally, blaCTX-M-15, blaCTX-M-65, blaSHV-27, blaOXA-5/10-like, blaDHA, blaEBC and narrow-spectrum blaTEM were detected. In addition, 5 blaCTX-M remained unidentified, and no sought ESBL-encoding gene was detected in other 6 ESBL-producer isolates. The tetA, tetE and tetX genes were found in tigecycline-resistant isolates. This study highlights the presence of MDR E. coli in Peruvian food-chain. The high relevance of CTX-M-55, the dissemination through the food-chain of pAmpC, as well as the high frequency of unrelated colistin-resistant isolates is reported.

Influence of cafeteria diet and fish oil in pregnancy and lactation on pups' body weight and fatty acid profiles in rats.

PURPOSE: The aim was to determine the effects of cafeteria diet (CD) and fish oil supplements given to pregnant and lactating rats on the birth weight and fatty acid profiles of their offspring. METHODS: Female rats were given standard diet (STD) or CD for 22 days before pregnancy. After mating, some animals remained on STD or CD; for some CD rats, the diet was supplemented with 8.78 % fish oil (CD-FO). After 12 days, half the CD-FO group returned to CD (CD-FO12) and the others remained on CD-FO. RESULTS: At birth, body weights of pups of the three CD groups were lower than STD, maintained until 21 days in the CD-FO group only. At the end of lactation, dams of the CD groups had increased plasma triacylglycerols (TAG), non-esterified fatty acids, and glycerol concentrations, whereas most n-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) were decreased, the effect being greatest in the CD-FO group, where most n-3 LCPUFA were increased and indices of Δ(5) and Δ(6) desaturase activities decreased. The 21-day-old pups of the CD group had increased plasma TAG, not present in the CD-FO group, which had increased 3-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. In both 2- and 21-day-old CD pups, plasma concentrations of ARA were lower than STD, and even lower in the two CD-FO groups. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of CD and CD-FO decreasing pups body weight could be related to decreased concentrations of ARA, caused by the inhibition of the Δ(5) and Δ(6) desaturases in the pathway of n-6 LCPUFA biosynthesis.

An approach to classification and capacitance expressions in electrochemical capacitors technology.

The proliferation of novel types and designs of electrochemical capacitors makes it necessary to obtain a better understanding of the behavior of these systems together with a more systematic classification of them. In this study a rational classification of supercapacitors based on the charge storage mechanism and the active material of each electrode is proposed. The internationally accepted terminology - the terms symmetric, asymmetric and hybrid - is also clarified in an attempt to standardize the current definitions and facilitate the systematic classification of each device. Additionally, the selection of suitable mathematical expressions to calculate the capacitance of each kind of system is rationalized throughout the discussion taking into account the behavioral characteristics of each electrode. An examination of the potential evolution profile of each electrode during the galvanostatic cycling of the supercapacitor is presented as a key tool for understanding the fundamental behavior of these devices.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of combined calcium 600 mg and cholecalciferol 2000 IU for treating vitamin d deficiency: Results from a nationwide study with focus in osteoporosis.

Introduction: Treatment of calcium (Ca) and vitamin D (VD) deficiency (VDD) is crucial for health, especially in bone conditions, such as low bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis. Despite updates in clinical guideline recommendations, no studies have evaluated the efficacy and safety of administering 2000 IU of cholecalciferol combined with calcium. Thus, the main objective of this study was to evaluate VD levels following treatment with Ca 600 mg/ cholecalciferol 2000 IU in real-life clinical practice. Methods: This multicenter, retrospective, observational study included 302 adult patients receiving Ca 600 mg/D3 2000 IU orodispersible tablets, daily for ≥24 weeks. The primary outcome was 25-hydroxivitamin D [25(OH)D] serum levels following treatment. Key secondary outcomes included changes in serum 25(OH)D levels and other bone metabolism (BM) parameters, safety and tolerability. The protocol was approved by a Research Ethics Committee. Results: 285 patients were evaluated (mean age [SD]: 67.4 [12.6] years old; 88.4 % women; basal serum 25(OH)D: 20.0 [8.6] ng/mL); 80.7 % reported previous history of osteoporosis/low BMD (osteopenia) and 37.2 % had received other Ca/VD prior to start study treatment. Median treatment duration was 38.5 weeks [range 24.0-82.4]. Overall, 94.4 % of patients increased serum 25(OH)D following treatment to a mean of 36.3 [11.8] ng/mL (p < 0.001 vs. baseline). Patients with basal VDD, significantly increased serum 25(OH)D to a mean over 30 ng/mL; no significant change found in repleted patients (basal 25(OH)D level ≥ 30 ng/mL). PTH was significantly reduced after treatment, with no clinically relevant effect on serum Ca or phosphate. Three non-serious treatment-emergent adverse events were reported. A post-hoc analysis on osteoporotic patients revealed virtually identical results in this population. Conclusion: Treatment with Ca 600 mg/cholecalciferol 2000 IU for at least 24 weeks is effective and safe, especially in osteoporosis. Patients with VDD significantly increase plasma 25(OH)D to optimal range for bone health, with no clinically relevant changes on other bone metabolism parameters other than reducing secondary hyperparathyroidism. The magnitude of 25(OH)D increase directly correlates with the severity of VDD, with no effect in basally repleted patients.

Effect of early administration of dexamethasone in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia without acute hypoxemic respiratory failure and risk of development of acute respiratory distress syndrome: EARLY-DEX COVID-19 trial.

Introduction and objectives: Corticosteroids are among the drugs demonstrating a mortality benefit for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The RECOVERY trial highlighted that dexamethasone reduced 28-day mortality for hospitalized COVID-19 patients requiring either supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation. It is noted that approximately 30% of COVID-19 patients, initially presenting with mild symptoms, will advance to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), especially those with detectable laboratory markers of inflammation indicative of disease progression. Our research aimed to explore the efficacy of dexamethasone in preventing the progression to ARDS in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia who do not yet require additional oxygen but are at high risk of developing ARDS, potentially leading to a reduction in morbimortality. Methods: In this multicenter, randomized, controlled trial, we evaluated the impact of dexamethasone on adult patients diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia who did not need supplementary oxygen at admission but were identified as having risk factors for ARDS. The risk of ARDS was determined based on specific criteria: elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels over 245 U/L, C-reactive protein levels exceeding 100 mg/L, and a lymphocyte count below 0.80 × 109/L. Participants were randomly allocated to either receive dexamethasone or the standard care. The primary endpoints included the incidence of moderate or severe ARDS and all-cause mortality within 30 days post-enrollment. Results: One hundred twenty-six patients were randomized. Among them, 41 were female (30.8%), with a mean age of 48.8 ± 14.4 years. Ten patients in the dexamethasone group (17.2%) and ten patients in the control group (14.7%) developed moderate ARDS with no significant differences. Mechanical ventilation was required in six patients (4.7%), with four in the treatment group and two in the control group. There were no deaths during hospitalization or during follow-up. An intermediate analysis for futility showed some differences between the control and treatment groups (Z = 0.0284). However, these findings were within the margins close to the region where the null hypothesis would not be rejected. Conclusion: In patients with COVID-19 pneumonia without oxygen needs but at risk of progressing to severe disease, early dexamethasone administration did not lead to a decrease in ARDS development. Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04836780.

Effect of EARLY administration of DEXamethasone in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia without acute hypoxemic respiratory failure and risk of development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (EARLY-DEX COVID-19): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroids are one of the few drugs that have shown a reduction in mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In the RECOVERY trial, the use of dexamethasone reduced 28-day mortality compared to standard care in hospitalized patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 requiring supplemental oxygen or invasive mechanical ventilation. Evidence has shown that 30% of COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms at presentation will progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), particularly patients in whom laboratory inflammatory biomarkers associated with COVID-19 disease progression are detected. We postulated that dexamethasone treatment in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia without additional oxygen requirements and at risk of progressing to severe disease might lead to a decrease in the development of ARDS and thereby reduce death. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a multicenter, randomized, controlled, parallel, open-label trial testing dexamethasone in 252 adult patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who do not require supplementary oxygen on admission but are at risk factors for the development of ARDS. Risk for the development of ARDS is defined as levels of lactate dehydrogenase > 245 U/L, C-reactive protein > 100 mg/L, and lymphocyte count of < 0.80 × 109/L. Eligible patients will be randomly assigned to receive either dexamethasone or standard of care. Patients in the dexamethasone group will receive a dose of 6 mg once daily during 7 days. The primary outcome is a composite of the development of moderate or more severe ARDS and all-cause mortality during the 30-day period following enrolment. DISCUSSION: If our hypothesis is correct, the results of this study will provide additional insights into the management and progression of this specific subpopulation of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia without additional oxygen requirements and at risk of progressing to severe disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04836780. Registered on 8 April 2021 as EARLY-DEX COVID-19.

Reduction of litter size during lactation in rats greatly influences fatty acid profiles in dams.

This study aimed to determine in lactating rats how fatty acid profiles are affected by litter size. On day 2 after parturition, litters of lactating rats were adjusted to a normal litter size of 9 pups/dam (NL) or to a small litter of 4 pups/dam (SL), and dams were studied at day 21 of lactation. Plasma glucose, insulin, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) concentrations were higher in SL than in NL dams, whereas the concentrations of most other fatty acids, triacylglycerols (TAG), and non-esterified fatty acids were lower in the SL dams. In the liver, the concentration of TAG was lower in SL than in NL dams as was the concentration of most fatty acids, with the exception of stearic acid (STA), arachidonic acid (ARA), and DHA concentrations that were higher in SL. Both plasma and liver Δ9 desaturase indices were lower in SL than in NL dams, whereas both Δ5 and Δ6 desaturase indices were higher in SL dams. In the liver, the expression of acetyl CoA carboxylase was lower in SL than in NL dams, and among the different adipose tissue depots, only mesenteric adipose tissue showed a higher concentration of most fatty acids in SL than in NL dams. It is proposed that reduction of litter size during lactation decreases liver lipogenesis de novo, although the synthesis of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids from their corresponding precursors increases, and lipolytic activity in mesenteric adipose tissue decreases probably as result of increased insulin responsiveness.

Reduced graphene oxide membranes in ocular regenerative medicine.

Biological membranes are currently used in Ophthalmology in order to treat different ocular disorders. These membranes have different properties such as cellular biocompatibility and promoting wound healing. Moreover, intrinsic antimicrobial properties could also be desirable because it would allow their use reducing the risk of infections. Graphene and its derivatives are promising biomaterials that already proved their bactericidal effect. However, their clinical use is limited due to the controversial results regarding their toxicity. In this work, we have developed and characterized a reduced graphene oxide membrane (rGOM) for its use in ocular Regenerative Medicine, and studied its in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility and genotoxicity with different types of human ocular cells. We proved that rGOM allowed the growth of different ocular cells without inducing in vitro or in vivo cytotoxicity or genotoxicity in the short-term. These results indicate that rGOM may be a promising candidate in Regenerative Medicine for the treatment of different ocular pathologies.

No genome-wide DNA methylation changes found associated with medium-term reduced graphene oxide exposure in human lung epithelial cells.

The presence of nanomaterials in our everyday life is ever increasing, and so too are concerns about the possible health consequences of exposure to them. While evidence of their biological activity is growing, there is still scant knowledge of the epigenetic mechanisms that could be at play in these processes. Moreover, the great variability in the chemical and physical structures of these compounds handicaps the study of their possible health risks. Here we have synthesized reduced graphene oxide (rGO) through the thermal exfoliation/reduction of graphite oxide, and characterized the resulting material. We have then made use of Illumina's MethylationEPIC arrays and bisulphite pyrosequencing to analyse the genome-wide and global DNA methylation dynamics associated with the medium-term exposure of human lung epithelial cells to rGO at concentrations of 1 and 10 µg/mL. The results show no genome-wide or global DNA methylation changes associated with either condition. Our observations thus suggest that medium-term rGO exposure does not have significant effects on the DNA methylation patterns of human lung epithelial cells.

Clinical course and prognostic factors of COVID-19 infection in an elderly hospitalized population.

INTRODUCTION: Older subjects have a higher risk of COVID-19 infection and a greater mortality. However, there is a lack of studies evaluating the characteristics of this infection at advanced age. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 404 patients ≥ 75 years (mean age 85.2 ±â€¯5.3 years, 55 % males), with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infection, attended in two hospitals in Madrid (Spain). Patients were followed-up until they were discharged from the hospital or until death. RESULTS: Symptoms started 2-7 days before admission, and consisted of fever (64 %), cough (59 %), and dyspnea (57 %). A total of 145 patients (35.9 %) died a median of 9 days after hospitalization. In logistic regression analysis, predictive factors of death were age (OR 1.086; 1.015-1.161 per year, p = 0.016), heart rate (1.040; 1.018-1.061 per beat, p < 0.0001), a decline in renal function during hospitalization (OR 7.270; 2.586-20.441, p < 0.0001) and worsening dyspnea during hospitalization (OR 73.616; 30.642-176.857, p < 0.0001). Factors predicting survival were a female sex (OR 0.271; 0.128-0.575, p = 0.001), previous treatment with RAAS inhibitors (OR 0.459; 0.222-0.949, p = 0.036), a higher oxygen saturation at admission (OR 0.901; 0.842-0.963 per percentage point increase, p = 0.002), and a greater platelet count (OR 0.995; 0.991-0.999 per 106/L, p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: Elderly patients with COVID-19 infection have a similar clinical course to younger individuals. Previous treatment with RAAS inhibitors, and demographic, clinical and laboratory data influence prognosis.

Multifunctional Silicone Rubber Nanocomposites by Controlling the Structure and Morphology of Graphene Material.

Multifunctional elastomer nanocomposites have been applied in several high-tech fields. The design of materials with tailored properties capable of tuning their performance is a topical challenge. Here, we demonstrate that it is possible to modulate the mechanical and transport properties of silicone rubber nanocomposites by controlling the structure, chemical composition and morphology of the graphene material. Intrinsic graphene properties, such as remaining oxygen groups, specific surface area, and aspect ratio, among others, have a profound effect on the final properties of the nanocomposite. Thus, the thermal conductivity benefits from larger filler size and high aromatic restoration. Whereas mechanical properties and electrical conductivity require a proper balance between filler/polymer matrix interaction and a partial aromatic restoration.

Dietary fish oil supplementation during early pregnancy in rats on a cafeteria-diet prevents fatty liver in adult male offspring.

We studied in rats the effects of cafeteria diet (CD) supplemented (or not) with fish oil (FO) during just the first 12 days of pregnancy, or during the whole of pregnancy and lactation in 14-month old offspring. Female rats were given standard diet (STD) or CD and after mating some animals remained on STD or CD; for some CD rats the diet was supplemented with 8.78% FO. After 12 days, half of the CD-FO group returned to CD (CD-FO12) and the others remained on CD-FO. From weaning all offspring were given STD. The adiposity index of male offspring of CD dams increased but was normal in CD-FO males. Plasma triacylglycerols (TAG) and individual fatty acid concentrations were similar among the groups. Liver total lipids, TAG, fatty acid concentrations, Δ9-desaturase indices and the mRNA expression of fatty acid synthase were higher in male offspring of CD than in those of STD; most of these differences disappeared in male offspring of CD-FO12 and CD-FO dams. Female offspring showed smaller changes. Thus, a moderate supplement with FO during just the first half of gestation or during pregnancy and lactation in rats on CD decreases the liver steatosis in male adult offspring.

The adsorption of chromium (VI) from industrial wastewater by acid and base-activated lignocellulosic residues.

This study deals with the adsorption of Cr(VI) from synthetic and industrial wastewater, produced by a sewage plant. The activated carbons were prepared from a lignocellulosic raw material by thermal treatment at 450 and 650 degrees C in the presence of acid (AlCl(3), HCl, H(3)PO(4) and H(2)SO(4)) and base (NaOH) agents. To optimize the adsorption of Cr(VI), the chemical modifications caused by each activating agent (related to the capability of Cr(VI) removal), and the optimal experimental conditions of the pH, Cr(VI) concentration, adsorbent dose and residence time, were studied. Thus, treatment with H(3)PO(4) gives rise to carbons with a high surface area and high efficiency for Cr(VI) removal at short equilibrium times. In contrast, the generation of active surface sites by means of NaOH requires longer equilibrium times, the adsorption being less effective than in the former case. The adsorption isotherms obey the Langmuir equation only in the first stages of the reaction but fit the Freundlich equations over the whole range studied, so the heat of adsorption can be easily calculated. The results also show that the activated carbons obtained can be recovered by filtration with an efficiency of 30% in the third cycle.

Estudio sobre aspectos epidemiológicos que influyen en el aborto espontáneo / Study on epidemiological aspects that influence spontaneous abortion / Estudo dos aspectos epidemiológicos que influenciam o aborto espontâneo

RESUMEN El aborto espontáneo es uno de los más frecuentes de su tipo, con el objetivo de determinar algunos aspectos epidemiológicos del aborto espontáneo y disminuir su incidencia se realizó el presente estudio. A través del método observacional, transversal, descriptivo y prospectivo; se investigaron pacientes atendidas en el Hospital Fe del Valle en el primer semestre del 2019. La muestra estuvo conformada por 109 pacientes con aborto espontáneo, de un universo de 342 remitidas por esta causa. Entre los resultados, se identificó que la edad media es de 27 años. De 88 gestantes, con parto anterior, 40.84% fueron eutócicos, de 111 con abortos anteriores 29.74% fueron espontáneos. La manifestación clínica más frecuente fue el sangrado transvaginal (79.81%). La mayoría de los abortos espontáneos ocurrieron en el primer trimestre del embarazo, la edad gestacional media al momento de ocurrencia del evento fue 9.3 semanas; los factores de riesgo más frecuentes fueron: consumo de café (62.39%), aborto previo (44.04%). El consumo de cafeína, el tabaquismo y el aborto espontáneo precoz son factores de riesgo frecuentes en las pacientes estudiadas.

ABSTRACT Spontaneous abortion is one of the most frequent of its kind. In order to determine some epidemiological aspects of spontaneous abortion and reduce its incidence, the present study was carried out. Through the observational, transversal, descriptive and prospective method; Patients treated at the Hospital Fe del Valle in the first half of 2019 were investigated. The sample consisted of 109 patients with spontaneous abortion, out of a universe of 342 referred for this cause. Among the results, it was identified that the mean age is 27 years. Of 88 pregnant women, with previous delivery, 40.84% ​​were eutocic, of 111 with previous abortions 29.74% were spontaneous. The most frequent clinical manifestation was transvaginal bleeding (79.81%). The majority of spontaneous abortions occurred in the first trimester of pregnancy, the mean gestational age at the time of occurrence of the event was 9.3 weeks; the most frequent risk factors were: coffee consumption (62.39%), previous abortion (44.04%). Caffeine consumption, smoking and early spontaneous abortion are frequent risk factors in the patients studied.

RESUMO O aborto espontâneo é um dos mais frequentes desse tipo e, com o objetivo de determinar alguns aspectos epidemiológicos do aborto espontâneo e reduzir sua incidência, foi realizado o presente estudo. Pelo método observacional, transversal, descritivo e prospectivo; Foram investigados pacientes atendidos no Hospital Fe del Valle no primeiro semestre de 2019. A amostra foi constituída por 109 pacientes com aborto espontâneo, de um universo de 342 encaminhados por essa causa. Dentre os resultados, identificou-se que a média de idade é de 27 anos. Das 88 gestantes, com parto anterior, 40,84% foram eutócicas, das 111 com abortos anteriores 29,74% foram espontâneos. A manifestação clínica mais frequente foi sangramento transvaginal (79,81%). A maioria dos abortos espontâneos ocorreu no primeiro trimestre da gravidez, a idade gestacional média no momento da ocorrência do evento era de 9,3 semanas; os fatores de risco mais frequentes foram: consumo de café (62,39%), aborto anterior (44,04%). O consumo de cafeína, tabagismo e aborto espontâneo precoce são fatores de risco frequentes nas pacientes estudadas.

Olanzapine for the treatment of chronic refractory schizophrenia: a 12-month follow-up naturalistic study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to provide long-term data on the effectiveness and safety of olanzapine in a group of patients with severe refractory schizophrenia. GENERAL METHODS: Twenty patients who had previously received treatment with typical antipsychotic agents and who met the DSM-IV criteria of schizophrenia and refractoriness to treatment were evaluated in a 1-year prospective study after switching to olanzapine. The Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS) and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) were used to measure effectiveness. The extrapyramidal symptoms were also recorded. Serial laboratory tests, electrocardiograms and body weight measurements were also performed. Longitudinal statistical analyses were performed on the global changes in the scores of the scales by means of a repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: Significant reductions in the global scores from baseline in the PANSS, as well as in the BPRS, were observed. Furthermore, these reductions were also significant when considered only from Week 12. Olanzapine was, in general, well tolerated; a weight gain was observed between baseline and Month 4.5, but, interestingly, it decreased again from this time point to Month 12. CONCLUSION: Olanzapine was shown to be a suitable treatment for refractory schizophrenia in this series of seriously ill patients. Although most of the effects were observed before Week 12, improvement persisted after 1 year. Weight gain stopped or even regressed when the treatment was prolonged. Large controlled clinical trials to define the role of atypical antipsychotics for the management of treatment-refractory schizophrenia are necessary.

Graphite felt modified with bismuth nanoparticles as negative electrode in a vanadium redox flow battery.

A graphite felt decorated with bismuth nanoparticles was studied as negative electrode in a vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB). The results confirm the excellent electrochemical performance of the bismuth modified electrode in terms of the reversibility of the V(3+) /V(2+) redox reactions and its long-term cycling performance. Moreover a mechanism that explains the role that Bi nanoparticles play in the redox reactions in this negative half-cell is proposed. Bi nanoparticles favor the formation of BiHx , an intermediate that reduces V(3+) to V(2+) and, therefore, inhibits the competitive irreversible reaction of hydrogen formation (responsible for the commonly observed loss of Coulombic efficiency of VRFBs). Thus, the total charge consumed during the cathodic sweep in this electrode is used to reduce V(3+) to V(2+) , resulting in a highly reversible and efficient process.

Maternal consumption of trans-fatty acids during the first half of gestation are metabolically available to suckled newborn rats.

Dietary trans-fatty acids (t-FA) during pregnancy have adverse effects on growth and development. To determine the effect of dietary t-FA during just the first half of pregnancy, rats were given a diet containing 8 % hydrogenated peanut oil and 2 % olive oil (PO) and compared to rats given a diet containing 10 % olive oil (OO). After 12 days all rats were fed standard diet and were studied at days 12 or 20 of pregnancy or days 1 or 6 postpartum. At day 12 of pregnancy there were small differences in the plasma and lumbar adipose tissue fatty acid profiles and elaidic acid [18:1(n-9)t] was present in the PO group. From day 12 to 20 of pregnancy, plasma non-esterified fatty acids, glycerol, triacylglycerols (TAG) and most individual fatty acids increased more in PO than in OO. At day 20 of pregnancy in the PO group most plasma elaidic acid appeared as plasma TAG and was also present in the mammary gland, to decline in both sites at day 1 postpartum. Elaidic acid concentration was low in the plasma of 20-day fetuses, increased in 1-day newborns declining at day 6. Thus t-FA, eaten during early pregnancy, accumulated in maternal adipose tissue and were released during late pregnancy to be taken up by the mammary gland becoming available to the newborns during suckling.