Speckle statistics as a tool to distinguish collective behaviors of Zebrafish shoals.

Zebrafish have become an important model animal for studying the emergence of collective behavior in nature. Here, we show how to properly analyze the polarization statistics to distinguish shoal regimes. In analogy with the statistical properties of optical speckles, we show that exponential and Rayleigh distributions emerge in shoals with many fish with uncorrelated velocity directions.

Multifractal fluctuations in zebrafish (Danio rerio) polarization time series.

In this work, we study the polarization time series obtained from experimental observation of a group of zebrafish (Danio rerio) confined in a circular tank. The complex dynamics of the individual trajectory evolution lead to the appearance of multiple characteristic scales. Employing the Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (MF-DFA), we found distinct behaviors according to the parameters used.

Impact of Correlated Disorder on Surface Superconductivity: Revealing the Robustness of the Surface Ordering Effect.

Surface superconductivity, wherein electron pairing occurs at material surfaces or interfaces, has attracted a remarkable amount of attention since its discovery. Recent theoretical predictions have unveiled increased critical temperatures, especially at the surfaces of certain compounds and/or structures. The notion of "surface ordering" has been advanced to elucidate this phenomenon.

Improved estimation of the risk of manic relapse by combining clinical and brain scan data.

Introduction: Estimating the risk of manic relapse could help the psychiatrist individually adjust the treatment to the risk. Some authors have attempted to estimate this risk from baseline clinical data. Still, no studies have assessed whether the estimation could improve by adding structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data.

The relationship between cognition and functioning in Bipolar Disorder: An investigation using functional imaging during working memory performance.

The psychosocial functioning of individuals suffering from bipolar disorder (BD) has a significant impact on prognosis and quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess brain functional correlates of psychosocial functioning in BD individuals during the performance of a working memory task. Sixty-two subjects (31 euthymic BD individuals and 31 matched healthy controls) underwent structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning while performing the 1- and 2-back versions of the n-back task (1-back and 2-back).

6-Year Risk of Developing Lung Cancer in Spain: Analysis by Autonomous Communities.

Introduction: Lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) has been proposed as a strategy to reduce lung cancer mortality. Since LDCT has side effects there is a need to carefully select the target population for screening programmes. Because in Spain health competences are transferred to the seventeen Autonomous Communities (ACs), the present paper aims to identify individuals at high risk of developing lung cancer in the different ACs.

Lyapunov exponent in the Vicsek model.

The well-known Vicsek model describes the dynamics of a flock of self-propelled particles (SPPs). Surprisingly, there is no direct measure of the chaotic behavior of such systems. Here we discuss the dynamical phase transition present in Vicsek systems in light of the largest Lyapunov exponent (LLE), which is numerically computed by following the dynamical evolution in tangent space for up to two million SPPs.

The BAT: A videotaped battery to assess theory of mind in schizophrenia.

The ability of attributing mental states to oneself and to the others (theory of mind, ToM) is impaired in schizophrenia. ToM is not a monolithic function, it includes different capacities: some implies the decoding of affective states, others the reasoning about mental states. We have developed the BAT, a Battery to Assess Theory of mind abilities in adult psychotic subjects in an ecological audiovisual format.

6-Year Risk of Developing Lung Cancer in Spain: Analysis by Autonomous Communities.

Introduction: Lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) has been proposed as a strategy to reduce lung cancer mortality. Since LDCT has side effects there is a need to carefully select the target population for screening programmes. Because in Spain health competences are transferred to the seventeen Autonomous Communities (ACs), the present paper aims to identify individuals at high risk of developing lung cancer in the different ACs.

Longitudinal brain functional changes between mania and euthymia in bipolar disorder.

Objectives: While widespread cortical and subcortical brain functional abnormalities have been found in bipolar disorder, the changes that take place between illness phases and recovery are less clearly documented. Only a small number of longitudinal studies of manic patients, in particular, have been carried out.

Methods: Twenty-six bipolar patients underwent fMRI during performance of the n-back working memory task when manic and again after recovery.

Larger Gray Matter Volume in the Basal Ganglia of Heavy Cannabis Users Detected by Voxel-Based Morphometry and Subcortical Volumetric Analysis.

Structural imaging studies of cannabis users have found evidence of both cortical and subcortical volume reductions, especially in cannabinoid receptor-rich regions such as the hippocampus and amygdala. However, the findings have not been consistent. In the present study, we examined a sample of adult heavy cannabis users without other substance abuse to determine whether long-term use is associated with brain structural changes, especially in the subcortical regions.

Concurrent Use of Cannabis and Alcohol: Neuropsychiatric Effect Consequences.

Background: Concurrent use of cannabis and alcohol is frequent. According different studies, the prevalence is among 20-34% depending on different samples studied.

Objective: In contrast with the wide evidence available about neuropsychiatric effects associated to the use of cannabis or alcohol separately, there are few studies of the neuropsychiatric effects of their combination.

Neuropsychiatric and General Interactions of Natural and Synthetic Cannabinoids with Drugs of Abuse and Medicines.

Background & Objective: Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug. The two most important natural cannabinoids are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). The THC content of cannabis has been increasing during the last years and recently appeared in the market as a series of synthetic cannabinoids with potent agonist activity.

Examining the continuum of psychosis: Frequency and characteristics of psychotic-like symptoms in relatives and non-relatives of patients with schizophrenia.

Background: A key finding underlying the continuum of psychosis concept is the presence of psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) in healthy subjects. However, it remains uncertain to what extent these experiences are related to the genetic risk for schizophrenia and how far they actually resemble attenuated forms of psychotic symptoms.

Methods: Forty-nine adults with no history of mental illness in first-degree relatives and 59 siblings of patients with schizophrenia were rated on the psychosis section of the Computerized Diagnostic Interview Schedule IV (C DIS-IV) and the Rust Inventory of Schizotypal Cognitions (RISC).

Brain functional changes in first-degree relatives of patients with bipolar disorder: evidence for default mode network dysfunction.

Background: Relatively few studies have investigated whether relatives of patients with bipolar disorder show brain functional changes, and these have focused on activation changes. Failure of de-activation during cognitive task performance is also seen in the disorder and may have trait-like characteristics since it has been found in euthymia.

Method: A total of 20 euthymic patients with bipolar disorder, 20 of their unaffected siblings and 40 healthy controls underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging during performance of the n-back working memory task.

Validation of the Spanish version of the Clinical Assessment for Negative Symptoms (CAINS).

Negative symptoms are a core feature of schizophrenia and their reliable and valid assessment is a prerequisite for developing effective therapeutic interventions. This study examined the psychometric properties and validity of the Spanish version of a new rating instrument, the Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS). Outpatients and inpatients (N=100) with DSM-IV schizophrenia were administered the translated CAINS, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), and the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS).

Brain functional changes across the different phases of bipolar disorder.

Background: Little is known about how functional imaging changes in bipolar disorder relate to different phases of the illness.

Aims: To compare cognitive task activation in participants with bipolar disorder examined in different phases of illness.

Method: Participants with bipolar disorder in mania (n = 38), depression (n = 38) and euthymia (n = 38), as well as healthy controls (n = 38), underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging during performance of the n-back working memory task.

Sex addiction and gambling disorder: similarities and differences.

Objective: Recently, the DSM-5 has developed a new diagnostic category named "Substance-related and Addictive Disorders". This category includes gambling disorder (GD) as the sole behavioral addiction, but does not include sex addiction (SA). The aim of this study is to investigate whether SA should be classified more closely to other behavioral addictions, via a comparison of the personality characteristics and comorbid psychopathology of individuals with SA with those of individuals with GD, which comes under the category of addiction and related disorders.

Driving and legal status of Spanish opioid-dependent patients.

Background: Opioid dependent patients have legal problems, driving violations and accidents more frequently than the general population. We have hypothesized that those patients currently driving may have better legal outcomes than those who do not possess a valid driving license. With this aim we have analyzed the information gathered in the PROTEUS study regarding the legal and driving statuses and assessed the possible association between them.

[Adverse events in general surgery. A prospective analysis of 13,950 consecutive patients].

Introduction: Adverse event (AE) rates in General Surgery vary, according to different authors and recording methods, between 2% and 30%. Six years ago we designed a prospective AE recording system to change patient safety culture in our Department. We present the results of this work after a 6 year follow-up.

Core indicators evaluation of effectiveness of HIV-AIDS preventive-control programmes carried out by nongovernmental organizations. A mixed method study.

Background: The number of nongovernmental organizations working on AIDS has grown. There is great diversity in the type of activities and population groups that have been targeted. The purposes of this study are: to describe and analyze the objectives and HIV-AIDS preventive activities that are carried out by the AIDS-NGOs that work with AIDS in Catalonia and that receive subsidies from the Department of Health; and to develop a comprehensive proposal for measurable and agreed upon core quality evaluation indicators to monitor and assess those objectives and activities that can have an impact on the fight against inequalities and stigmatization, and incorporate the perspectives of the service providers and users.

Experiences about HIV-AIDS preventive-control activities. Discourses from non-governmental organizations professionals and users.

Objectives: The main aim of this study was to identify the experiences of professionals in nongovernmental organizations (NGO) in Catalonia (Spain) working in HIV/AIDS prevention and control activities and potential areas of improvement of these activities and their evaluation. A further aim was to characterize the experiences, knowledge and practices of users of these organizations with regard to HIV infection and its prevention.

Methods: A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted with the participation of both professionals and users of Catalan nongovernmental organizations (NGO) working in HIV/AIDS.

[Fast test serum PSA determination (Sd Bioline PSA)].

Objectives: Over the last years numerous semiquantitative PSA tests have appeared, based on serum or plasma immunochromatography. We present our experience using the SD BIOLINE PSA test, which is performed with plasma or serum for fast qualitative determination of PSA; the cutpoint is 3 ng/ml.

Methods: We analized 54 patients who were admitted in our hospital ward.

Cancer incidence in AIDS patients in Catalonia, Spain.

HIV infected people and AIDS patients develop cancer more frequently than the general population. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk of developing cancer among 15 to 69 year old AIDS patients from two geographic areas: Tarragona and Girona provinces, in north-eastern Spain. We have studied invasive and in situ cancers (for all sites) among 1659 AIDS patients from +/-5 years around the date of their AIDS diagnosis by matching the population-based Cancer Registries with the AIDS Registry covering these populations.

[Reporting of newly diagnosed HIV infections in Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain. Implementation and results].

Objectives: To describe newly diagnosed HIV infections from the HIV Reporting System in Catalonia (2001-2003), and to compare the characteristics of the epidemic based on the use of the HIV Reporting System and the Catalonian AIDS Registry versus those based on the Catalonian AIDS Registry alone.

Methods: Data were collected from newly diagnosed HIV infections and AIDS cases between 2001 and 2003 in Catalonia.

Results: Among the newly diagnosed HIV infections (1,765) the most frequent route of HIV infection was heterosexual transmission (46.