Artículos de revista - Aldizkari artikuluak

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Open Access
Enhanced magnetic modulation of light polarization exploiting hybridization with multipolar dark plasmons in magnetoplasmonic nanocavities
(Springer Nature, 2020-03-30) López Ortega, Alberto; Zapata-Herrera, Mario; Maccaferri, Nicolò; Pancaldi, Matteo; García Díez, Mikel; Chuvilin, Andrey; Vavassori, Paolo; Ciencias; Zientziak
Enhancing magneto-optical effects is crucial for reducing the size of key photonic devices based on the non-reciprocal propagation of light and to enable active nanophotonics. Here, we disclose a currently unexplored approach that exploits hybridization with multipolar dark modes in specially designed magnetoplasmonic nanocavities to achieve a large enhancement of the magneto-optically induced modulation of light polarization. The broken geometrical symmetry of the design enables coupling with free-space light and hybridization of the multipolar dark modes of a plasmonic ring nanoresonator with the dipolar localized plasmon resonance of the ferromagnetic disk placed inside the ring. This hybridization results in a low-radiant multipolar Fano resonance that drives a strongly enhanced magneto-optically induced localized plasmon. The large amplification of the magneto-optical response of the nanocavity is the result of the large magneto-optically induced change in light polarization produced by the strongly enhanced radiant magneto-optical dipole, which is achieved by avoiding the simultaneous enhancement of reemitted light with incident polarization by the multipolar Fano resonance. The partial compensation of the magnetooptically induced polarization change caused by the large re-emission of light with the original polarization is a critical limitation of the magnetoplasmonic designs explored thus far and that is overcome by the approach proposed here.
Open Access
Neuromotor dysfunction as a major outcome domain of psychotic disorders: a 21-year follow-up study
(Elsevier, 2025-01-01) Peralta Martín, Víctor; García de Jalón, Elena; Moreno-Izco, Lucía; Peralta, David; Janda-Galán, Lucía; Sánchez Torres, Ana María; Cuesta, Manuel J.; SEGPEPs Group; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
Background The long-term stability of neuromotor domains assessed at the first episode of psychosis (FEP) and their ability for predicting a number of outcomes remains largely unknown, and this study addressed these issues. Methods This was a longitudinal study of 243 participants with FEP who were assessed at baseline for background variables and parkinsonism, dyskinesia, neurological soft signs (NSS) and catatonia, and reassessed 21 years later for the same neuromotor variables, psychopathology, functioning, personal recovery, cognitive performance and medical comorbidity. Stability of neuromotor ratings was assessed using the intraclass correlations coefficient and associations between the predictors and outcomes were examined using univariate and multivariate statistics. Results Baseline dyskinesia and NSS ratings showed excellent stability over time whereas that for parkinsonism and catatonia was relatively low. Neuromotor dysfunction at follow-up was independently predicted by a family history of schizophrenia, obstetric complications, neurodevelopmental delay, low premorbid IQ and baseline ratings of dyskinesia and NSS. Moreover, baseline dyskinesia and NSS ratings independently predicted more positive and negative symptoms, poor functioning and less personal recovery; catatonia predicted less personal recovery and more medical comorbidity. Baseline neuromotor ratings explained between 4% (for medical comorbidity) and 34% (for neuromotor dysfunction) of the variance in the outcomes. Lastly, neuromotor dysfunction at baseline highly predicted clinical staging at follow-up. Conclusion Baseline neuromotor domains show variable stability over time and relate distinctively to very long-term outcomes. Both baseline dyskinesia and NSS are trait markers of the disease process and robust predictors of the outcomes.
Open Access
The network structure of cognitive deficits in first episode psychosis patients
(Elsevier, 2022-06-01) Sánchez Torres, Ana María; Peralta Martín, Víctor; Gil Berrozpe, Gustavo José; Mezquida, Gisela; Ribeiro Fernández, María; Molina-García, Mariola; Amoretti, Silvia; Lobo, Antonio; González Pinto, Ana; Merchán-Naranjo, Jessica; Corripio, Iluminada; Vieta, Eduard; Serna, Elena de la; Bergé, Daniel; Bernardo, Miguel; Cuesta, Manuel J.; PEPs Group; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
Network analysis is an important conceptual and analytical approach in mental health research. However, few studies have used network analysis to examine the structure of cognitive performance in psychotic disorders. We examined the network structure of the cognitive scores of a sample of 207 first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients and 188 healthy controls. Participants were assessed using a battery of 10 neuropsychological tests. Fourteen cognitive scores encompassing six cognitive domains and premorbid IQ were selected to perform the network analysis. Many similarities were found in the network structure of FEP patients and healthy controls. Verbal memory, attention, working memory and executive function nodes were the most central nodes in the network. Nodes in both groups corresponding to the same tests tended to be strongly connected. Verbal memory, attention, working memory and executive function were central dimensions in the cognitive network of FEP patients and controls. These results suggest that the interplay between these core dimensions is essential for demands to solve complex tasks, and these interactions may guide the aims of cognitive rehabilitation. Network analysis of cognitive dimensions might have therapeutic implications that deserve further research.
Open Access
Secreted LysM proteins are required for niche competition and full virulence in Pseudomonas savastanoi during host plant infection
(PLOS, 2025-08-01) Domínguez-Cerván, Hilario; Barrientos-Moreno, Laura; Díaz-Martínez, Luis; Murillo Martínez, Jesús; Pérez-Dorado, Inmaculada; Ramos, Cayo; Rodríguez Moreno, Luis; Institute for Multidisciplinary Research in Applied Biology - IMAB
Phytopathogenic bacteria secrete diverse virulence factors to manipulate host defenses and establish infection. Characterization of the type III secretion system (T3SS)- and HrpL-independent secretome (T3-IS) in Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi (Psv), the causal agent of olive knot disease, identified five secreted LysM-containing proteins (LysM1–LysM5) associated with distinct physiological processes critical for infection. Functional predictions from network analyses suggest that LysM1, LysM2, and LysM4 may participate in type IV pilus-related functions, while LysM3 and LysM5 are likely to possess peptidoglycan hydrolase domains critical for cell division. Supporting these predictions, loss of LysM1 function resulted in impaired twitching and swimming motility, highlighting a role in pilus-mediated movement and early host colonization. In contrast, mutants lacking LysM3 or LysM5 exhibited pronounced filamentation and defective bacterial division, underscoring their essential role in septation, a process crucial for both in planta fitness and tumor formation. Structural modeling and protein stability assays demonstrate that LysM3 interacts with peptidoglycan fragments such as tetra-N-acetylglucosamine and meso-diaminopimelic acid, as well as with zinc ions, through conserved LysM and M23 domains. LysM3 also displayed selective bacteriostatic activity against co-inhabiting Gram-negative bacterial competitors, such as Pantoea agglomerans and Erwinia toletana. Our findings highlight the relevance of LysM proteins in maintaining bacterial integrity, motility, and competitive fitness, which are crucial for successful host infection. This study expands the functional repertoire of LysM-containing proteins and reveals their broader impact on bacterial virulence and adaptation to the plant-associated niche.
Open Access
Experiencias y expectativas en la memoria pública de la violencia política: el caso de España
(Departamento de Historia de la Facultad de Humanidades de la Universidad Nacional de Catamarca, 2024-12-01) Rodríguez Fouz, Marta; Institute for Advanced Social Research - ICOMMUNITAS
El propósito de este artículo es reflexionar sobre cómo se ha venido abordando en España la revisión de su pasado violento. En concreto, se presta atención a cómo se ha legislado sobre la memoria del episodio histórico de la Guerra Civil y las polémicas que se han generado. Se establece un enlace entre las dificultades para designar la naturaleza criminal del levantamiento contra la República, la transición española y los esfuerzos más recientes para esclarecer la verdad mediante iniciativas legislativas que pretenden defender el derecho de las víctimas a evidenciar la memoria de la violencia padecida. El periplo parlamentario de la ley de memoria histórica y, más recientemente, de la ley de memoria democrática permiten ilustran los desafíos respecto a la designación de la violencia de la Guerra Civil y la posterior dictatura como ilegítima. Pero más allá de ese recorrido, las derivas de esos desafíos alcanzan también a los intentos de atender a las víctimas de la violencia política ejecutada por grupos de extrema derecha o por funcionarios públicos, tanto durante la dictadura como en la época posterior. En este caso, en el contexto de la lucha contra el terrorismo de ETA. Desde ahí, se presta atención a las leyes sobre violencia de motivación política aprobadas por el Parlamento vasco y el Parlamento navarro, incidiendo en los obstáculos que han enfrentado y en cómo esos obstáculos están relacionados con el cuestionamiento de la memoria de la violencia del Estado y con un relato político que identifica la denuncia de esa violencia con la justificación de la violencia de ETA.
Open Access
Machine learning-based state-of-health estimation of battery management systems using experimental and simulation data
(MDPI, 2025-07-11) Al-Rahamneh, Anas; Izco Berastegui, Irene; Serrano Hernández, Adrián; Faulín Fajardo, Javier; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC
In pursuit of zero-emission targets, increasing sustainability concerns have prompted urban centers to adopt more environmentally friendly modes of transportation, notably through the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs). A prominent manifestation of this shift is the transition from conventional fuel-powered buses to electric buses (e-buses), which, despite their environmental benefits, introduce significant operational challenges—chief among them, the management of battery systems, the most critical and complex component of e-buses. The development of efficient and reliable Battery Management Systems (BMSs) is thus central to ensuring battery longevity, operational safety, and overall vehicle performance. This study examines the potential of intelligent BMSs to improve battery health diagnostics, extend service life, and optimize system performance through the integration of simulation, real-time analytics, and advanced deep learning techniques. Particular emphasis is placed on the estimation of battery state of health (SoH), a key metric for predictive maintenance and operational planning. Two widely recognized deep learning models—Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM)—are evaluated for their efficacy in predicting SoH. These models are embedded within a unified framework that combines synthetic data generated by a physics-informed battery simulation model with empirical measurements obtained from real-world battery aging datasets. The proposed approach demonstrates a viable pathway for enhancing SoH prediction by leveraging both simulation-based data augmentation and deep learning. Experimental evaluations confirm the effectiveness of the framework in handling diverse data inputs, thereby supporting more robust and scalable battery management solutions for next-generation electric urban transportation systems.
Open Access
The role of premorbid IQ and age of onset as useful predictors of clinical, functional outcomes, and recovery of individuals with a first episode of psychosis
(MDPI, 2021-06-02) Molina-García, Mariola; Fraguas, David; Rey-Mejías, Ángel del; Mezquida, Gisela; Sánchez Torres, Ana María; Amoretti, Silvia; Lobo, Antonio; González Pinto, Ana; Andreu-Bernabeu, Álvaro; Corripio, Iluminada; Vieta, Eduard; Baeza, Inmaculada; Mané, Anna; Cuesta, Manuel J.; Serna, Elena de la; Payá, Beatriz; Zorrilla, Iñaki; Arango, Celso; Bernardo, Miguel; Rapado-Castro, Marta; Parellada, Mara; PEPs Group; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: premorbid IQ (pIQ) and age of onset are predictors of clinical severity and long-term functioning after a first episode of psychosis. However, the additive influence of these variables on clinical, functional, and recovery rates outcomes is largely unknown. Methods: we characterized 255 individuals who have experienced a first episode of psychosis in four a priori defined subgroups based on pIQ (low pIQ < 85; average pIQ ≥ 85) and age of onset (early onset < 18 years; adult onset ≥ 18 years). We conducted clinical and functional assessments at baseline and at two-year follow-up. We calculated symptom remission and recovery rates using the Positive and Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia Schedule (PANSS) and the Global Assessment Functioning (GAF or Children-GAF). We examined clinical and functional changes with pair-wise comparisons and two-way mixed ANOVA. We built hierarchical lineal and logistic regression models to estimate the predictive value of the independent variables over functioning or recovery rates. Results: early-onset patients had more severe positive symptoms and poorer functioning than adult-onset patients. At two-year follow-up, only early-onset with low pIQ and adult-onset with average pIQ subgroups differed consistently, with the former having more negative symptoms (d = 0.59), poorer functioning (d = 0.82), lower remission (61% vs. 81.1%), and clinical recovery (34.1% vs. 62.2%). Conclusions: early-onset individuals with low pIQ may present persistent negative symptoms, lower functioning, and less recovery likelihood at two-year follow-up. Intensive cognitive and functional programs for these individuals merit testing to improve long-term recovery rates in this subgroup.
Open Access
A neuropsychological study on Leonhard's nosological system
(Springer, 2022-04-01) Cuesta, Manuel J.; Sánchez Torres, Ana María; Gil Berrozpe, Gustavo José; Lorente Omeñaca, Ruth; Moreno-Izco, Lucía; Peralta Martín, Víctor; SEGPEPs Group; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
Phenotype validation of endogenous psychosis is a problem that remains to be solved. This study investigated the neuropsychological performance of endogenous psychosis subtypes according to Wernicke–Kleist–Leonhard’s classification system (WKL). The participants included consecutive admissions of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder or mood disorder with psychotic symptoms (N = 98) and healthy comparison subjects (N = 50). The patients were assessed by means of semi-structured interviews and diagnosed through the WKL system into three groups: a manic-depressive illness and cycloid psychosis group (MDC), unsystematic schizophrenia (USch) and systematic schizophrenia (SSch). All the participants completed a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. The three Leonhard’s psychosis subtypes showed a common neuropsychological profile with differences in the severity of impairment relative to healthy controls. MDC patients showed better performance on premorbid intelligence, verbal memory and global cognitive index than USch and SSch patients, and they showed better performance on processing speed, and working memory than SSch patients. USch patients outperformed SSch patients in verbal memory, working memory and global cognitive index. Neuropsychological performance showed a modest accuracy for classification into the WKL nosology. Our results suggest the existence of a common profile of cognitive impairment cutting across WKL subtypes of endogenous psychosis but with significant differences on a severity continuum. In addition, classification accuracy in the three WKL subtypes by means of neuropsychological performance was modest, ranging between 40 and 64% of correctly classified patients.
Open Access
Prospective long-term cohort study of subjects with first-episode psychosis examining eight major outcome domains and their predictors: study protocol
(Frontiers Media, 2021-03-19) Peralta Martín, Víctor; Moreno-Izco, Lucía; García de Jalón, Elena; Sánchez Torres, Ana María; Janda-Galán, Lucía; Peralta, David; Fañanás, Lourdes; Cuesta, Manuel J.; SEGPEPs Group; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
Background: Our current ability to predict the long-term course and outcome of subjects with a first-episode of psychosis (FEP) is limited. To improve our understanding of the long-term outcomes of psychotic disorders and their determinants, we designed a follow-up study using a well-characterized sample of FEP and a multidimensional approach to the outcomes. The main goals were to characterize the long-term outcomes of psychotic disorders from a multidimensional perspective, to address the commonalities and differential characteristics of the outcomes, and to examine the common and specific predictors of each outcome domain. This article describes the rationale, methods, and design of a longitudinal and naturalistic study of subjects with epidemiologically defined first-admission psychosis. Methods: Eligible subjects were recruited from consecutive admissions between January 1990 and December 2009. Between January 2018 and June 2021, we sought to trace, re-contact, and re-interview the subjects to assess the clinical course, trajectories of symptoms and functioning, and the different outcomes of psychotic disorders. Since this is a naturalistic study, the research team will not interfere with the subjects' care and treatment. Predictors include antecedent variables, first-episode characteristics, and illness-related variables over the illness course. We assess eight outcome domains at follow-up: psychopathology, psychosocial functioning, self-rated personal recovery, self-rated quality of life, cognitive performance, neuromotor dysfunction, medical and psychiatric comorbidities, and mortality rate. The range of the follow-up period will be 10–31 years with an estimated mean of 20 years. We estimate that more than 50% of the baseline sample will be assessed at follow-up. Discussion: The study design was driven by the increasing need to refine the ability to predict the different clinical outcomes in FEP, and it aims to close current gaps in knowledge, with a broad approach to both the definition of outcomes and their determinants. To the best of our knowledge, this study is one of the few attempting to characterize the very long-term outcome of FEP and the only study addressing eight major outcome domains. We hope that this study helps to better characterize the long-term outcomes and their determinants, enabling better risk stratification and individually tailored, person-based interventions.
Open Access
Recent developments in the use of carbon-based nanomaterials in cancer therapy
(Elsevier, 2025-10-10) Algarra González, Manuel; Vinacua, Sara; Gil-Korilis, Adrián; Gil Bravo, Antonio; Ciencias; Zientziak; Institute for Advanced Materials and Mathematics - INAMAT2; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
Cancer is one of the most complex health problems worldwide, demanding innovative approaches to achieve effective diagnosis, treatment and prevention. The field of nanomedicine, including nanomaterials and particularly carbon-based nanoparticles, has emerged as a promising candidate to transform cancer therapy. This review presents a landscape of carbon nanomaterial- and nanoparticle-based cancer interventions. First, a brief overview of the types of nanomaterials available is provided, including metal-based nanomaterials, mesoporous silicas, polymers and composites (most notably MXenes and metal-organic frameworks), proteins, and carbon-based nanomaterials, including carbon quantum dots. The latter have attracted significant attention due to their exceptional biocompatibility, tunable surface chemistry, and distinctive optical properties, making them ideal candidates for cancer diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The second part of this review focuses on briefly presenting the various therapies developed with carbon-based nanomaterials including chemo, radio, immuno, targeted, hyperthermia, photodynamic, and photothermal therapies.
Open Access
Redescubriendo esculturas zoomorfas, el caso de la «leona» de San Miguel de Serrezuela (Ávila)
(Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 2025-06-28) De Soto García, Isabel Sonsoles; Manglano Valcárcel, Gregorio Ramón; Sánchez de Oro, Pablo; Soto García, María de los Reyes de; Ciencias; Zientziak; Institute on Innovation and Sustainable Development in Food Chain - ISFOOD
En el término municipal de San Miguel de Serrezuela (Ávila), se localizaron a mediados del siglo XX tres esculturas zoomorfas. Dos son verracos vetones, mientras que la tercera escultura ha permanecido prácticamente inédita al no corresponderse formalmente con un verraco, se trata de la «leona» de San Miguel de Serrezuela. Con el fin de solventar el conocimiento parcial de esta pieza, en este artículo se plantea un estudio formal de la misma. Se inicia con un análisis historiográfico de la escultura y se completa con datos morfométricos y fotogramétricos para caracterizar la pieza. Desde este punto, se formula una comparativa con esculturas desde época protohistórica a medieval, tratando de establecer paralelos crono¿tipológicos. Todo ello lleva a concluir una posible adscripción de la «leona» a una cronología de la Segunda Edad del Hierro, poseyendo la pieza influencias ibéricas.
Open Access
El paisaje fortificado de la Edad del Hierro en Navarra
(Asociación Española de Amigos de los Castillos, 2015-01-01) Armendáriz Martija, Javier; Ciencias humanas y de la educación; Giza eta Hezkuntza Zientziak; Institute for Advanced Social Research - ICOMMUNITAS
In Navarre there is evidence of violence among the population dating from the Neolithic, but the most ancient fortresses were built in the Iron Age (8th to 2 nd centuries B. C.). At that time the model of concentrated and strongly fortified settlement, on plains or high up, was adopted. Complex defensive elements, such as walls, towers, ditches and others were in use as far as the end of the Middle Age.
Embargo
Publishing trends, motivations, and obstacles among pediatric surgeons: an international survey on research dissemination and peer review challenges
(Thieme, 2025-04-04) Aubert, Ophelia; Gazzaneo, Marta; Moreno Alfonso, Julio César; Ulman, Hilmican; Garnier, Hanna; Ure, Benno; Lacher, Martin; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Objective: this study aims to assess publishing trends, motivations, preferences, and challenges among pediatric surgeons globally. Methods: a cross-sectional survey was conducted among pediatric surgeons from multiple countries, distributed through the Trainees of European Pediatric Surgery (TEPS) network and social media. The anonymous questionnaire contained 26 items focusing on journal preferences, motivations for publishing, obstacles faced, peer-review experiences, open access publishing, and methods of research dissemination. Results: a total of 172 responses were collected from pediatric surgeons in 33 countries. Most respondents worked in tertiary hospitals (88%) and were consultants or senior attendings (49%). Over half (65%) had published at least one scientific paper in the last 3 years. PubMed was the primary search engine (82%), and pediatric surgical journals were the preferred outlets for publication (87%). Key motivations for choosing a journal were impact factor (22%) and scope (19%), while publication costs (38%) and slow review processes (22%) were the primary deterrents. Open access publication options were used by more than half of respondents, with a third spending less than €2,500 on fees. Social media, particularly Instagram, emerged as a popular platform for research dissemination. Conclusion: pediatric surgeons prefer publishing in specialized journals, with impact factor and scope being key drivers of journal choice. Publication costs and the peer-review process are the most significant obstacles. Efforts to address these challenges, such as reducing fees and enhancing the review process, are crucial for facilitating research dissemination in pediatric surgery.
Open Access
Relapse of first-episode schizophrenia patients and neurocognitive impairment: the role of dopaminergic and anticholinergic burden
(Elsevier, 2022-10-01) Cuesta, Manuel J.; Ballesteros, Alejandro; Sánchez Torres, Ana María; Amoretti, Silvia; López-Ilundain, José M.; Merchán-Naranjo, Jessica; González-Ortega, Itxaso; Salgado, Purificación; Rodríguez-Jiménez, Roberto; Roldán-Bejarano, Alexandra; Sarró, Salvador; Ibáñez, Ángela; Usall, Judith; Escartí, Maria José; Moreno-Izco, Lucía; Mezquida, Gisela; Parellada, Mara; González Pinto, Ana; Berrocoso, Esther; Bernardo, Miguel; 2EPs Group; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
Background: the prevention of relapse may be a key factor to diminish the cognitive impairment of first-episode schizophrenia (FES) patients. We aimed to ascertain the effects of relapse, and dopaminergic and anticholinergic treatment burdens on cognitive functioning in the follow-up. Methods: ninety-nine FES patients participated in this study. Cognitive assessments were performed at baseline and after 3 years of follow-up or, in those patients who relapsed, after >2 months of stabilization of the new acute psychotic episode. The primary outcomes were final cognitive dimensions. Results: repeated measures MANOVA analyses showed improvements in the whole sample on the end-point assessments in processing speed and social cognition. However, only impairment in social cognition showed a significant interaction with relapse by time in this sample. Relapse in FES patients was significantly associated with poor performance on end-point assessments of working memory, social cognition and global cognitive score. Anticholinergic burden, but not dopaminergic burden, was associated with verbal memory impairment. These significant associations resulted after controlling for baseline cognitive functioning, relapse and dopaminergic burden. Conclusions: the relationship between relapse and cognitive impairment in recovered FES patients seems to be particularly complex at the short-term follow-up of these patients. While relapse was associated with working memory, social cognition impairments and global cognitive score, anticholinergic burden might play an additional worsening effect on verbal memory. Thus, tailoring or changing antipsychotics and other drugs to reduce their anticholinergic burden may be a potential modifiable factor to diminish cognitive impairment at this stage of the illness.
Open Access
The Spanish Polygenic Score reference distribution: a resource for personalized medicine
(Nature, 2025-04-24) Carmona, Rosario; Roldán, Gema; Fernández-Rueda, José L.; Navarro, Arcadi; Peña-Chilet, María; Pasalodos-Sanchez, S.; Aquino, V.; Perez-Florido, J.; Bostelmann, G.; Ayuso, C.; Minguez, P.; Avila-Fernandez, A.; Corton, M.; Artuch, R.; Borrego, S.; Antiñolo, G.; Carracedo, A.; Amigo, J.; Castaño, L. A.; Tejada, I.; Delmiro, A.; Espinos, C.; Grinberg, D.; Guillén, E.; Lapunzina, P.; Lopez-Escámez, J. A.; Gallego-Martinez, A.; Martí, R.; Rovira, E.; Millán, J. M.; Moreno, M. A.; Morin, M.; Moreno-Galdó, A.; Fernández-Cancio, M.; Morte, B.; Mulero, V.; García, D.; Nunes, V.; Palau, F.; Perez, B; Perona, R.; Pujol, A.; Ramos, F.; Lopez, E.; Ribes, A.; Rosell, J.; Surrallés, J.; Dopazo, Joaquín; López López, Daniel; Alonso Sánchez, Ángel Miguel; Salgado Garrido, Josefa; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Here we present the Polygenic Score (PGS) distributions for 3124 common diseases and quantitative traits observed in the Spanish population. To achieve so, the genomes and exomes of 2190 unrelated individuals of Spanish ancestry were used. The analysis covered a wide range of diseases and traits, including both complex disorders, such as various types of cancer, and disorders associated with the digestive, cardiovascular, neuronal, and immune systems, as well as quantitative traits like hematological and anthropometric measurements. The resulting PGS distributions provide valuable insights into the genetic architecture of the Spanish population, offering a comprehensive framework for investigating disease susceptibility and potential risk factors in this specific population. The study has also explored potential relationships between diseases and traits based on PGS pairwise correlations, revealing significant correlations that warrant further investigation. These findings have contributed to increase our understanding of the genetic basis of human traits and have implications for personalized medicine and public health interventions in the Spanish population. In addition, for the sake of reproducibility, we provide a data processing pipeline, enabling the computation of PGS for external genomes and exomes. The pipeline, accessible on GitHub, supports parallel tasks on various computing platforms and contributes to the standardization of PGS comparisons globally. Lastly, a user-friendly web interface facilitates the exploration of PGS reference distributions, featuring a detailed table, distribution plots, and filtering options. This interface enhances accessibility for researchers and clinicians, fostering informed decision-making based on population-specific PGS distributions. The PGS reference distributions can be explored at the SpPGS Atlas repository through the web interface: https://csvs.clinbioinfosspa.es/?tab=pgs.
Open Access
Validity and utility of a set of clinical criteria for cognitive impairment associated with psychosis (CIAPs)
(Elsevier, 2020-11-01) Cuesta, Manuel J.; Sánchez Torres, Ana María; Lorente Omeñaca, Ruth; Zandio, María; Moreno-Izco, Lucía; Peralta Martín, Víctor; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
Schizophrenia and other psychoses display a common profile of mild to moderate cognitive deficits that are associated with poor functional outcomes. Cognitive impairment is usually evaluated by neuropsychological assessment, and interview-based measures with good psychometric properties and high utility for clinical practice are now available. However, the extent to which a set of clinical criteria can be used as proxy measures of cognitive deficits in this population has not been tested. This study aimed to examine the empirical validity of a set of clinical criteria for cognitive impairment associated with psychosis (CIAPs). Ninety-eight patients with non-pure affective psychosis and 50 healthy-matched controls were included. The CIAPs criteria were empirically tested against antecedent, concurrent and outcome validators and by means of a neuropsychological evaluation based on MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). The CIAPs criteria showed strong associations with outcomes and certain antecedent validators and moderate associations with concurrent validators. The CIAPs criteria achieved superior neuropsychological validity compared to current DSM 5 criteria for schizophrenia, the B-criterion of DSM 5 schizophrenia or a combination of both criteria. Cognitive impairment associated with psychosis can be clinically assessed and is a useful tool for clinical practice and predicting outcomes of schizophrenia and related psychosis.
Open Access
The longitudinal effect of antipsychotic burden on psychosocial functioning in first-episode psychosis patients: the role of verbal memory
(Cambridge University Press, 2020-04-24) Ballesteros, Alejandro; Sánchez Torres, Ana María; López-Ilundain, José M.; Mezquida, Gisela; Lobo, Antonio; González Pinto, Ana; Pina-Camacho, Laura ; Corripio, Iluminada; Vieta, Eduard; Serna, Elena de la; Mané, Anna; Bioque, Miquel; Moreno-Izco, Lucía; Espliego, Ana; Lorente Omeñaca, Ruth; Amoretti, Silvia; Bernardo, Miguel; Cuesta, Manuel J.; PEPs Group; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background. Previous literature supports antipsychotics¿ (AP) efficacy in acute first-episode psychosis (FEP) in terms of symptomatology and functioning but also a cognitive detrimental effect. However, regarding functional recovery in stabilised patients, these effects are not clear. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to investigate dopaminergic/anticholinergic burden of (AP) on psychosocial functioning in FEP. We also examined whether cognitive impairment may mediate these effects on functioning. Methods. A total of 157 FEP participants were assessed at study entry, and at 2 months and 2 years after remission of the acute episode. The primary outcomes were social functioning as measured by the functioning assessment short test (FAST). Cognitive domains were assessed as potential mediators. Dopaminergic and anticholinergic AP burden on 2-year psychosocial functioning [measured with chlorpromazine (CPZ) and drug burden index] were independent variables. Secondary outcomes were clinical and socio-demographic variables. Results. Mediation analysis found a statistical but not meaningful contribution of dopaminergic receptor blockade burden to worse functioning mediated by cognition (for every 600 CPZ equivalent points, 2-year FAST score increased 1.38 points). Regarding verbal memory and attention, there was an indirect effect of CPZ burden on FAST (b = 0.0045, 95% CI 0.0011¿0.0091) and (b = 0.0026, 95% CI 0.0001¿0.0006) respectively. However, only verbal memory post hoc analyses showed a significant indirect effect (b = 0.009, 95% CI 0.033¿0.0151) adding premorbid IQ as covariate. We did not find significant results for anticholinergic burden. Conclusion. CPZ dose effect over functioning is mediated by verbal memory but this association appears barely relevant.
Open Access
The network and dimensionality structure of affective psychoses: an exploratory graph analysis approach
(Elsevier, 2020-12-01) Peralta Martín, Víctor; Gil Berrozpe, Gustavo José; Sánchez Torres, Ana María; Cuesta, Manuel J.; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
Background: The dimensional symptom structure of classes of affective psychoses, and more specifically the relationships between affective and mood symptoms, has been poorly researched. Here, we examined these questions from a network analysis perspective. Methods: Using Exploratory Graph Analysis (EGA) and network centrality parameters, we examined the dimensionality and network structure of 28 mood and psychotic symptoms in subjects diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder (n=124), psychotic bipolar disorder (n=345) or psychotic depression (n=245), such as in the global sample of affective psychoses. Results: EGA identified four dimensions in subjects with schizoaffective or bipolar disorders (depression, mania, positive and negative) and three dimensions in subjects with psychotic depression (depression, psychosis and activation). The item composition of dimensions and the most central symptoms varied substantially across diagnoses. The most central (i.e., interconnected) symptoms in schizoaffective disorder, psychotic bipolar disorder and psychotic depression were hallucinations, delusions and depressive mood, respectively. Classes of affective psychoses significantly differed in terms of network structure but not in network global strength. Limitations: The cross-sectional nature of this study precludes conclusions about the causal dynamics between affective and psychotic symptoms. Conclusion: EGA is a powerful tool for examining the dimensionality and network structure of symptoms in affective psychoses showing that both the interconnectivity pattern between affective and psychotic symptoms and the most central symptoms vary across classes of affective psychoses. The findings outline the value of specific diagnoses in explaining the relationships between mood and affective symptoms.
Open Access
Literature review on the recycling postconsumer plastic waste from pyrolysis
(American Chemical Society, 2025-06-12) Aznárez Salvatierra, María Aránzazu; Korili, Sophia A.; Gil Bravo, Antonio; Ciencias; Zientziak; Institute for Advanced Materials and Mathematics - INAMAT2; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Environmental problems associated with postconsumer plastic waste are numerous and are expected to worsen due to the increasing volume of waste generated. Currently, in the European Union, only 35% of plastic waste is recycled, which implies that plastic waste treatment is mostly focused on incineration and landfilling, which are less priority options than recycling according to the waste hierarchy. In order to increase the recycled plastic rate, chemical recycling technologies for plastic waste have been considered as a complement to mechanical recycling, which is currently the most widely used technology. The chemical recycling idea presented in this work is based on the pyrolysis of plastic waste, which is one of the most interesting chemical recycling processes. This paper presents a chemical recycling technology for postconsumer plastic waste (polyolefins and polystyrene with an approximate ratio of 2,6) based on the pyrolysis process and subsequent cascade processes, such as the catalytic reforming of the naphtha obtained through pyrolysis. The objective of the presented technology is to maximize the production of aromatic compounds, benzene, toluene, and xylene, which will close the circle of materials by being precursors of recycled plastics of comparable quality to virgin. This work also considers the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of plastic waste pyrolysis and the advantages and challenges of the described technology.
Open Access
Cognitive, community functioning and clinical correlates of the Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS) in psychotic disorders
(Springer, 2021-12-01) Cuesta, Manuel J.; Sánchez Torres, Ana María; Lorente Omeñaca, Ruth; Moreno-Izco, Lucía; Peralta Martín, Víctor; SEGPEPs Group; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
Negative symptoms are a core dimension of schizophrenia and other psychoses that account for a large degree of the poor functional outcomes related to these disorders. Newer assessment scales for negative symptoms, such as the Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS), provide evidence for separate dimensions of motivational and pleasure (MAP) and expression (EXP) dimensions. This study was aimed at extending the analysis of the clinical, functional and cognitive correlates of CAINS dimensions in a sample of patients with psychotic disorders (n=98) and 50 healthy controls. A psychopathological evaluation was conducted by using the Comprehensive Assessment of Symptoms and History (CASH). To assess the extrapyramidal signs, the UKU scale was used. Community functioning was evaluated by means of real-world and functional attainment measures. Additionally, a full neuropsychological test battery was administered. Pearson correlation and hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify the infuencing and predictive factors associated with the CAINS dimensions. The MAP and EXP dimensions showed strong associations with the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) items and were not signifcantly associated with extra-pyramidal or cognitive defcits. The MAP and EXP CAINS dimensions revealed good predictive validity for real-world functioning and functional attainment measures. These fndings suggest that the CAINS scale endorses good convergent validity for the assessment of negative symptoms and is very useful in the prediction of psychosocial functioning. In addition, the CAINS dimensions might provide advantages over old assessment scales on disentangling the complex associations between negative symptoms and cognitive impairment.