Publications by authors named "Font M"

Article Synopsis
  • * A study analyzed immune parameters in 927 psychiatric inpatients, revealing that those who tested positive for these substances had notably higher white blood cell (WBC) counts and other immune markers than those with negative tests.
  • * The results indicated that cannabinoid users experienced a significant increase in neutrophils, while cocaine users showed heightened eosinophil counts, suggesting that different substances may uniquely influence immune responses in individuals with psychiatric disorders.
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Cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) is associated with increased blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. We sought to evaluate whether arterial stiffness might be associated with BBB permeability in patients with cSVD. We assessed BBB permeability using Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in 29 patients that had suffered a recent small subcortical infarct (RSSI).

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Biofilms of sulfate-reducing bacterium (SRB) like Hildenborough (DvH) can facilitate metal corrosion in various industrial and environmental settings leading to substantial economic losses. Although the mechanisms of biofilm formation by DvH are not yet well understood, recent studies indicate the large adhesin, DvhA, is a key determinant of biofilm formation. The gene neighborhood resembles the biofilm-regulating Lap system of but is curiously missing the c-di-GMP-binding regulator LapD.

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Commercial cyclodextrins (CDs) are commonly used to form inclusion complexes (ICs) with different molecules in order to enhance their water solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Nowadays, there is strong, convincing evidence of the anticancer effect of selenium (Se)-containing compounds. However, pharmaceutical limitations, such as an unpleasant taste or poor aqueous solubility, impede their further evaluation and clinical use.

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Biofilms of the sulfate reducing bacterium (SRB) Hildenborough (DvH) can facilitate metal corrosion in various industrial and environmental settings leading to substantial economic losses; however, the mechanisms of biofilm formation by DvH are not yet well-understood. Evidence suggests that a large adhesin, DvhA, may be contributing to biofilm formation in DvH. The gene and its neighbors encode proteins that resemble the Lap system, which regulates biofilm formation by , including a LapG-like protease DvhG and effector protein DvhD, which has key differences from the previously described LapD.

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Background: At least 5-10% of subjects surviving COVID-19 develop the post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) or "Long COVID". The clinical presentation of PCC is heterogeneous, its pathogenesis is being deciphered, and objective, validated biomarkers are lacking. It is unknown if PCC is a single entity or a heterogeneous syndrome with overlapping pathophysiological basis.

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Introduction: Arterial stiffness may have a significant impact on the development of cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD).

Patients And Methods: We obtained pulse wave velocity (24-h PWV) by means of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in patients with a recent small subcortical infarct (RSSI). Patients with known cardiac or arterial embolic sources were excluded.

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Article Synopsis
  • C-reactive protein (CRP) and various inflammatory ratios (NLR, PLR, MLR, BLR) were studied to understand immune dysregulation in 698 acute schizophrenia (SCZ) inpatients.
  • CRP showed significant positive correlations with NLR, PLR, and MLR, indicating that higher levels of these ratios are associated with higher CRP levels, while no association was found with BLR.
  • The study found that inflammatory ratios could serve as complementary markers for CRP, especially emphasizing the strong relationship between NLR and CRP in multiepisode SCZ patients, with no notable differences based on sex.
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Introduction: Previous studies have reported differences in the management and outcome of women stroke patients in comparison with men. We aim to analyze sex and gender differences in the medical assistance, access to treatment and outcome of acute stroke patients in Catalonia.

Patients And Methods: Data were obtained from a prospective population-based registry of stroke code activations in Catalonia (CICAT) from January/2016 to December/2019.

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Introduction: Cases of myocarditis after COVID-19 messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines administration have been reported. Although the majority follow a mild course, fulminant presentations may occur. In these cases, cardiopulmonary support with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) may be needed.

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Article Synopsis
  • Mass vaccination campaigns have effectively lowered COVID-19 cases and severity, and this study examined the immune responses of patients with primary antibody deficiencies (PAD) after receiving three doses of the mRNA-1273 vaccine.
  • Patients were categorized into groups based on their specific immunodeficiencies, and while unclassified PAD (unPAD) patients and healthy controls showed similar antibody responses after two doses, those with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) exhibited weaker responses.
  • The third vaccine dose improved antibody levels in most PAD patients but had little effect on enhancing cellular immunity, highlighting the need for individualized monitoring and treatment strategies for PAD individuals.
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SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is the most effective strategy to protect individuals with haematologic malignancies against severe COVID-19, while eliciting limited vaccine responses. We characterized the humoral responses following 3 mo after mRNA-based vaccines in individuals at different plasma-cell disease stages: monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), and multiple myeloma on first-line therapy (MM), compared with a healthy population. Plasma samples from uninfected MM patients showed lower SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody levels and neutralization capacity compared with MGUS, SMM, and healthy individuals.

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Background: We analyzed the main factors associated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in patients with minor ischemic stroke.

Methods: Data were obtained from a prospective, government-mandated, population-based registry of stroke code patients in Catalonia (6 Comprehensive Stroke Centers, 8 Primary Stroke Centers, and 14 TeleStroke Centers). We selected patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ≤5 at hospital admission from January 2016 to December 2020.

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Objective: Obesity is characterized by a low-grade inflammatory state in adipose tissue. Tumor Necrosis Factor Weak Inducer of Apoptosis (TWEAK) and Cluster of Differentiation 163 (CD163) are cytokines potentially involved in the pathogenesis of obesity. Little is known about them in children.

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Background: This study identifies correlates of the lockdown's psychological distress in frail older community-dwellers (Catalonia, Spain).

Methods: Participants from a community frailty intervention program, with a comprehensive geriatric assessment within the 12-months pre-lockdown and COVID-19 free during the first pandemic wave (March-May 2020), underwent a phone assessment past the lockdown to assess COVID-19-related emotional distress (DME) as well as other sociodemograhic, clinical and psychosocial factors.

Results: Of the 94 frail older adults (age = 82,34 ± 6,12 years; 68,1% women; 38,3% living alone), 84,9% were at risk of experiencing moderate-to-high psychological distress, according to the backward stepwise logistic regression model obtained (χ2 = 47,007, p < 0,001, Nagelkerke R = 0,528), based on the following factors: absence of depressive symptoms before lockdown (OR = 0,12, p = 0,014, 95%CI[0,023-0,647]), not carrying out leisure activities during lockdown (OR = 0,257, p = 0,023, 95%CI[0,079-0,832]) and currently experiencing high malaise due to COVID-19 situation (OR = 1,504, p < 0,001, 95%CI[1,241-1,822]).

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Background: SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is the most effective strategy to protect older residents of long-term care facilities (LTCF) against severe COVID-19, but primary vaccine responses are less effective in older adults. Here, we characterised the humoral responses of institutionalised seniors 3 months after they had received the mRNA/BNT162b2 vaccine.

Methods: plasma levels of SARS-CoV-2-specific total IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies were measured before and 3 months after vaccination in older residents of LTCF.

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Article Synopsis
  • * Current drug discovery efforts are focused on targeting essential enzymes in T. cruzi's survival pathways, including glycolysis, sterol synthesis, and oxidative stress management.
  • * The authors provide an overview of these targets and their characteristics, while also compiling a list of existing inhibitors to guide future research aimed at developing effective CD treatments.
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Inclusion complexation of rifampicin (RIF) with several types of cyclodextrins (βCD, hydroxypropyl-βCD, γCD, hydroxypropyl-γCD) in aqueous solutions at different pH values was investigated to assess the interactions between RIF and cyclodextrins (CDs). Molecular modeling was performed to determine the possible interactions between RIF and CDs at several pH values. The inclusion complexes were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffractometry, and scanning electron microscopy.

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NT-proBNP is produced from both atria and ventricles and it is increased in patients with cardiac disease. NT-proBNP is also associated with cerebral small vessel disease(cSVD) but there are no studies that had carried out a systematic evaluation of cardiac function in this specific setting. We conducted a prospective observational study in 100 patients within 30 days after a recent lacunar infarct by means of brain MRI, 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, transthoracic echocardiography, and plasmatic NT-proBNP.

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A single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 72 volunteers who received a synergistic combination of yeast-based ingredients with a unique β-1,3/1,6-glucan complex and a consortium of heat-treated probiotic rich in selenium and zinc (ABB C1) or placebo on the next day after getting vaccinated against influenza (Chiromas) ( = 34) or the COVID-19 (Comirnaty) ( = 38). The duration of treatment was 30 and 35 days for the influenza and COVID-19 vaccine groups, respectively. Mean levels of CD4+T cells increased from 910.

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Shear stress is known to affect many processes in (patho-) physiology through a complex, multi-molecular mechanism, termed mechanotransduction. The sheer complexity of the process has raised questions how mechanotransduction is regulated. Here, we comprehensively evaluate the literature about the role of small non-coding miRNA in the regulation of mechanotransduction.

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The selective functionalization of C(sp )-H bonds using transition-metal catalysis is among the more attractive transformations of modern synthetic chemistry. In addition to its inherent atom economy, such reactions open unconventional retrosynthetic pathways that can streamline synthetic processes. However, the activation of intrinsically inert C(sp )-H bonds, and the selection among very similar C-H bonds, represent highly challenging goals.

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Humans are widely exposed to a great variety of mycotoxins and their mixtures. Therefore, it is important to design strategies that allow prioritizing mycotoxins based on their toxic potential in a time and cost-effective manner. A strategy combining in silico tools (Phase 1), including an expert knowledge-based (DEREK Nexus Lhasa Limited, Leeds, UK) and a statistical-based platform (VEGA QSAR©, Mario Negri Institute, Milan, Italy), followed by the in vitro SOS/umu test (Phase 2), was applied to a set of 12 mycotoxins clustered according to their structure into three groups.

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Introduction: In Burkina Faso, cardiac stimulation was introduced in October 2000 has grown over time.In orderto evaluate the effectiveness of stimulation on life, we proposed to evaluate the quality of life of patients with a pacemaker. GENERAL OBJECTIVE: to study the effect of the pacemaker on the quality of life of patients PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study aimed at describingthe wearers of a pacemaker for at least six months at the Yalgado OUEDRAOGO University Hospital and the Schiphramedical center.

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Therapeutic plans (TPs) were introduced in Italy in 2004 in order to ensure the continuity in the prescription of new drugs between specialist physicians and general practitioners (GPs). Over the years this prescription tool was updated several times: starting from a paper form without any template ("paper TP") to a template defined by AIFA to collect specific clinical information, up to a web-based form to collect all information into a database. Over time-critical issues concerning its usefulness have been raised, especially when AIFA established several extensions for TP validity to ensure the social distancing required by the covid-19 pandemic.

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