Fundación Teknon

Schizophrenia and autism share neurobiological mechanisms and overlapping clinical features, often resulting in the emergence of autistic traits in early stages of psychosis. The PANSS Autism Severity Score (PAUSS) provides a rapid measure of autistic features within the standard PANSS assessment. We aimed to determine the prevalence of autistic features in first-episode psychosis (FEP), characterise their clinical, cognitive, and functional profile, and examine their impact on 2-year outcomes. A total of 328 FEP patients were included from the PEPs multicentre cohort, followed for 2 years. Autistic features were rated using PAUSS (cut-off ≥ 30), yielding autistic (n = 38) and non-autistic (n = 290) groups. Sociodemographic, clinical, cognitive, and functional variables were analysed. Longitudinal analyses examined symptomatic remission rates and trajectories of psychopathology and functioning using logistic regression and mixed-model ANOVA. The autistic group represented 11.6% of the sample. At baseline, they exhibited lower birth weight, greater medication side effects, higher general psychopathology and depressive severity, and poorer global functioning. Cognitively, they showed significant deficits in working memory, social cognition, and cognitive reserve compared to the non-autistic group. Over 2 years, this group was 3.6 times less likely to achieve symptomatic remission and consistently exhibited higher symptom severity and lower functioning across all follow-ups. Autistic features in FEP identify a subgroup with a possible distinct profile of neurodevelopmental markers, greater cognitive and functional impairments, and poorer clinical outcomes. Early identification may guide more personalised interventions, although further research is needed to refine PAUSS specificity and develop targeted, tailored treatments.

This study investigates the microstructural evolution and wear behaviour of aluminium 7075-based metal matrix composites (MMCs) reinforced with high-entropy alloy (HEA) particles and fabricated via friction stir processing (FSP). A detailed characterisation of the grain refinement in the 7075 matrix was conducted, revealing significant dynamic recrystallization and grain size reduction induced by the severe plastic deformation inherent to FSP. The interaction between the matrix and HEA particles was analysed, showing strong interfacial bonding, which was further influenced by post-processing heat treatments. These microstructural modifications were correlated with the wear performance of the composites, demonstrating enhanced resistance due to the synergistic effect of precipitates and particle reinforcement. The findings highlight the potential of FSP as a viable route for tailoring surface properties in advanced MMCs for demanding tribological applications.

The escalating global crisis of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacterial infections, along with the continuous threat of viral outbreaks, poses a serious risk to public health worldwide and underscores the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies. In this study, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were successfully synthesized and subsequently functionalized with copper to impart broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. The oxidation state of copper on the MSN surface was modulated through thermal treatments, allowing the evaluation of its influence on antimicrobial efficacy. The modified MSNs were tested against key bacterial pathogens, including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, achieving complete bactericidal activity after 2 h of exposure to E. coli. Moreover, as well as influenza A (H1N1) pdm09, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and MS2 bacteriophage (MS2) were evaluated, reaching an efficiency higher than 80%, 90%, and 97%, respectively. The results indicated that copper-modified MSNs exhibit potent antibacterial and antiviral activity, highlighting their potential as an antibiotic-free alternative for preventing microbial infections while mitigating the development of AMR bacteria.

Chronic knee joint pain affects millions worldwide, with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of genicular nerves emerging as a potential treatment in the last 15 years. Despite its growing popularity, with studies demonstrating its efficacy in pain reduction for up to 12 months, recent randomized controlled trials have questioned the efficacy of RFA. Discrepancies in study results may partially be explained by the heterogeneity of patient selection and technical protocols. This daring discourse aims to explore and critically analyze the ongoing debates surrounding RFA of the genicular nerves, addressing key controversies, namely: (1) Is there a role for performing prognostic blocks prior to RFA?; (2) What are the optimal target sites for final cannulae placement for the classical targets?; (3) Which and how many nerves should be targeted in RFA procedures?; (4) What are the comparative benefits of using ultrasound versus fluoroscopy guidance, and whether a combined technique may be advantageous?; (5) Is there a potential role for pulsed radiofrequency of the genicular nerves?; (6) Should genicular nerve RFA be performed after total knee arthroplasty? Through this in-depth discussion, we aim to guide pain medicine clinicians in informed decision-making and encourage further research in this field.

The automotive sector is demanding higher specifications to achieve maximum efficiency; in this sense a new generation of lubricants with higher thermo-oxidative stability and superior tribological properties is being explored. The formulation of nanolubricants based on the nature of different nanomaterials is one of the most recent approaches, with several gaps to cover, such as dispersion stability, related to the compatibility of proposed nanomaterials with conventional additives and baseoils used in lubricant formulation. This study evaluated the effect of ZnO nanomaterial dispersed in a commercial engine oil using two different approaches; the use of surfactant and nanomaterial surface functionalization to promote higher stability and lower cluster size. Experimental evidence shows a synergetic effect between the tribological protection mechanism and the antioxidant properties in the lubricant. The effect of nanoparticle cluster size, functionalization level, and nanomaterial content are presented.

This study aimed to evaluate in vitro performance refractive segmented EDOF intraocular lenses under polychromatic light using an optical bench that complies with the ISO 11979-2 Norm. The through focus modulation transfer function (TF-MTF) of the Femtis Comfort LS-313 MF15 (Oculentis GmbH, Berlin, Germany) IOL was evaluated for IOLs with three different base powers. The effect of the asymmetry of the segmented designs was evaluated with 3 different wavelengths and with polychromatic light at a 3.0 mm and 5.0 mm pupil diameter. It was demonstrated that the TF-MTF curves exhibit a bifocal profile that, in practice, results in an EDOF design. As a consequence of the LCA, the TF-MTF values in white light were lower than in monochromatic light. Images of the USAF test chart were obtained to confirm the prediction of the TF-MTFs. We found that Femtis Comfort is a bifocal low-addition IOL and this fact can result in an EDOF effect which was obtained previously in clinical trials. Moreover, we showed that the base power influences the IOL optical quality, which results as more effective for high powers (hyperopic eyes) than for low powers (myopic eyes). The LCA of the segmented refractive design was very low and presumably not clinically relevant.

Medical implants manufactured using biomaterial Ti-6Al-4V exhibit some disadvantages. Its higher elastic modulus than that of natural bone can cause stress shielding problems. This can be avoided using Ti-6Al-4V with pores in the implant structure. However, poor corrosion and tribocorrosion behaviors are yielded because of the large area exposed to the medium. To mitigate both issues, coating technologies can be applied. The plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) process is a cost-effective process that has been used successfully in nonporous Ti alloys. In this study, two PEO coatings with different amounts of Ca/P are used. However, reports regarding their application in porous materials are scarce. The effects of PEO treatments on corrosion and tribocorrosion in Ti-6Al-4V powder metallurgy are analyzed herein. The porous materials provide an efficient surface for PEO coatings, as demonstrated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the porosity of the substrates improved the adherence of the coatings. The corrosion resistance measured via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed the beneficial effect of the coatings, particularly for long exposure time. The lower roughness, small pore size, and more compact film observed in the PEO-Ca/P sample resulted in favorable tribological and corrosion properties.