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  1. Álvarez L, Costa F, Lozano AI, Oller JC, Muñoz A, Blanco F, et al.
    Phys Chem Chem Phys, 2020 Jun 24;22(24):13505-13515.
    PMID: 32530024 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp02039g
    Absolute total electron scattering cross sections (TCS) for nitrobenzene molecules with impact energies from 0.4 to 1000 eV have been measured by means of two different electron-transmission experimental arrangements. For the lower energies (0.4-250 eV) a magnetically confined electron beam system has been used, while for energies above 100 eV a linear beam transmission technique with high angular resolution allowed accurate measurements up to 1000 eV impact energy. In both cases random uncertainties were maintained below 5-8%. Systematic errors arising from the angular and energy resolution limits of each apparatus are analysed in detail and quantified with the help of our theoretical calculations. Differential elastic and integral elastic, excitation and ionisation as well as momentum transfer cross sections have been calculated, for the whole energy range considered here, by using an independent atom model in combination with the screening corrected additivity rule method including interference effects (IAM-SCARI). Due to the significant permanent dipole moment of nitrobenzene, additional differential and integral rotational excitation cross sections have been calculated in the framework of the Born approximation. If we ignore the rotational excitations, our calculated total cross section agrees well with our experimental results for impact energies above 15 eV. Additionally, they overlap at 10 eV with the low energy Schwinger Multichannel method with Pseudo Potentials (SMCPP) calculation available in the literature (L. S. Maioli and M. H. F. Bettega, J. Chem. Phys., 2017, 147, 164305). We find a broad feature in the experimental TCS at around 1.0 eV, which has been related to the formation of the NO2- anion and assigned to the π*(b1) resonance, according to previous mass spectra available in the literature. Other local maxima in the TCSs are found at 4.0 ± 0.2 and 5.0 ± 0.2 eV and are assigned to core excited resonances leading to the formation of the NO2- and O2- anions, respectively. Finally, for energies below 10 eV, differences found between the present measurements, the SMCPP calculation and our previous data for non-polar benzene have revealed the importance of accurately calculating the rotational excitation contribution to the TCS before comparing theoretical and experimental data. This comparison suggests that our dipole-Born calculation for nitrobenzene overestimates the magnitude of the rotational excitation cross sections below 10 eV.
  2. Costa F, Traoré-Dubuis A, Álvarez L, Lozano AI, Ren X, Dorn A, et al.
    Int J Mol Sci, 2020 Sep 22;21(18).
    PMID: 32971806 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186947
    Electron scattering cross sections for pyridine in the energy range 0-100 eV, which we previously measured or calculated, have been critically compiled and complemented here with new measurements of electron energy loss spectra and double differential ionization cross sections. Experimental techniques employed in this study include a linear transmission apparatus and a reaction microscope system. To fulfill the transport model requirements, theoretical data have been recalculated within our independent atom model with screening corrected additivity rule and interference effects (IAM-SCAR) method for energies above 10 eV. In addition, results from the R-matrix and Schwinger multichannel with pseudopotential methods, for energies below 15 eV and 20 eV, respectively, are presented here. The reliability of this complete data set has been evaluated by comparing the simulated energy distribution of electrons transmitted through pyridine, with that observed in an electron-gas transmission experiment under magnetic confinement conditions. In addition, our representation of the angular distribution of the inelastically scattered electrons is discussed on the basis of the present double differential cross section experimental results.
  3. Álvarez-Álvarez L, Vitelli-Storelli F, Rubín-García M, García S, Bouzas C, Ruíz-Canela M, et al.
    Public Health, 2024 May;230:12-20.
    PMID: 38479163 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2024.02.010
    OBJECTIVE: This article aims to estimate the differences in environmental impact (greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions, land use, energy used, acidification and potential eutrophication) after one year of promoting a Mediterranean diet (MD).

    METHODS: Baseline and 1-year follow-up data from 5800 participants in the PREDIMED-Plus study were used. Each participant's food intake was estimated using validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires, and the adherence to MD using the Dietary Score. The influence of diet on environmental impact was assessed through the EAT-Lancet Commission tables. The influence of diet on environmental impact was assessed through the EAT-Lancet Commission tables. The association between MD adherence and its environmental impact was calculated using adjusted multivariate linear regression models.

    RESULTS: After one year of intervention, the kcal/day consumed was significantly reduced (-125,1 kcal/day), adherence to a MD pattern was improved (+0,9) and the environmental impact due to the diet was significantly reduced (GHG: -361 g/CO2-eq; Acidification:-11,5 g SO2-eq; Eutrophication:-4,7 g PO4-eq; Energy use:-842,7 kJ; and Land use:-2,2 m2). Higher adherence to MD (high vs. low) was significantly associated with lower environmental impact both at baseline and one year follow-up. Meat products had the greatest environmental impact in all the factors analysed, both at baseline and at one-year follow-up, in spite of the reduction observed in their consumption.

    CONCLUSIONS: A program promoting a MD, after one year of intervention, significantly reduced the environmental impact in all the factors analysed. Meat products had the greatest environmental impact in all the dimensions analysed.

  4. N Fountoulakis K, N Karakatsoulis G, Abraham S, Adorjan K, Ahmed HU, Alarcón RD, et al.
    Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol, 2023 Sep;58(9):1387-1410.
    PMID: 36867224 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02438-8
    INTRODUCTION: The current study aimed to investigate the rates of anxiety, clinical depression, and suicidality and their changes in health professionals during the COVID-19 outbreak.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data came from the larger COMET-G study. The study sample includes 12,792 health professionals from 40 countries (62.40% women aged 39.76 ± 11.70; 36.81% men aged 35.91 ± 11.00 and 0.78% non-binary gender aged 35.15 ± 13.03). Distress and clinical depression were identified with the use of a previously developed cut-off and algorithm, respectively.

    STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics were calculated. Chi-square tests, multiple forward stepwise linear regression analyses, and Factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tested relations among variables.

    RESULTS: Clinical depression was detected in 13.16% with male doctors and 'non-binary genders' having the lowest rates (7.89 and 5.88% respectively) and 'non-binary gender' nurses and administrative staff had the highest (37.50%); distress was present in 15.19%. A significant percentage reported a deterioration in mental state, family dynamics, and everyday lifestyle. Persons with a history of mental disorders had higher rates of current depression (24.64% vs. 9.62%; p 

  5. Fountoulakis KN, Karakatsoulis GN, Abraham S, Adorjan K, Ahmed HU, Alarcón RD, et al.
    CNS Spectr, 2024 Apr;29(2):126-149.
    PMID: 38269574 DOI: 10.1017/S1092852924000026
    BACKGROUND: The prevalence of medical illnesses is high among patients with psychiatric disorders. The current study aimed to investigate multi-comorbidity in patients with psychiatric disorders in comparison to the general population. Secondary aims were to investigate factors associated with metabolic syndrome and treatment appropriateness of mental disorders.

    METHODS: The sample included 54,826 subjects (64.73% females; 34.15% males; 1.11% nonbinary gender) from 40 countries (COMET-G study). The analysis was based on the registration of previous history that could serve as a fair approximation for the lifetime prevalence of various medical conditions.

    RESULTS: About 24.5% reported a history of somatic and 26.14% of mental disorders. Mental disorders were by far the most prevalent group of medical conditions. Comorbidity of any somatic with any mental disorder was reported by 8.21%. One-third to almost two-thirds of somatic patients were also suffering from a mental disorder depending on the severity and multicomorbidity. Bipolar and psychotic patients and to a lesser extent depressives, manifested an earlier (15-20 years) manifestation of somatic multicomorbidity, severe disability, and probably earlier death. The overwhelming majority of patients with mental disorders were not receiving treatment or were being treated in a way that was not recommended. Antipsychotics and antidepressants were not related to the development of metabolic syndrome.

    CONCLUSIONS: The finding that one-third to almost two-thirds of somatic patients also suffered from a mental disorder strongly suggests that psychiatry is the field with the most trans-specialty and interdisciplinary value and application points to the importance of teaching psychiatry and mental health in medical schools and also to the need for more technocratically oriented training of psychiatric residents.

  6. Fountoulakis KN, Vrublevska J, Abraham S, Adorjan K, Ahmed HU, Alarcón RD, et al.
    J Affect Disord, 2024 May 01;352:536-551.
    PMID: 38382816 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.02.050
    BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant mental health challenges, particularly for vulnerable populations, including non-binary gender individuals. The COMET international study aimed to investigate specific risk factors for clinical depression or distress during the pandemic, also in these special populations.

    METHODS: Chi-square tests were used for initial screening to select only those variables which would show an initial significance. Risk Ratios (RR) were calculated, and a Multiple Backward Stepwise Linear Regression Analysis (MBSLRA) was followed with those variables given significant results at screening and with the presence of distress or depression or the lack of both of them.

    RESULTS: The most important risk factors for depression were female (RR = 1.59-5.49) and non-binary gender (RR = 1.56-7.41), unemployment (RR = 1.41-6.57), not working during lockdowns (RR = 1.43-5.79), bad general health (RR = 2.74-9.98), chronic somatic disorder (RR = 1.22-5.57), history of mental disorders (depression RR = 2.31-9.47; suicide attempt RR = 2.33-9.75; psychosis RR = 2.14-10.08; Bipolar disorder RR = 2.75-12.86), smoking status (RR = 1.15-5.31) and substance use (RR = 1.77-8.01). The risk factors for distress or depression that survived MBSLRA were younger age, being widowed, living alone, bad general health, being a carer, chronic somatic disorder, not working during lockdowns, being single, self-reported history of depression, bipolar disorder, self-harm, suicide attempts and of other mental disorders, smoking, alcohol, and substance use.

    CONCLUSIONS: Targeted preventive interventions are crucial to safeguard the mental health of vulnerable groups, emphasizing the importance of diverse samples in future research.

    LIMITATIONS: Online data collection may have resulted in the underrepresentation of certain population groups.

  7. Fountoulakis KN, Karakatsoulis G, Abraham S, Adorjan K, Ahmed HU, Alarcón RD, et al.
    Eur Neuropsychopharmacol, 2022 Jan;54:21-40.
    PMID: 34758422 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.10.004
    INTRODUCTION: There are few published empirical data on the effects of COVID-19 on mental health, and until now, there is no large international study.

    MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, an online questionnaire gathered data from 55,589 participants from 40 countries (64.85% females aged 35.80 ± 13.61; 34.05% males aged 34.90±13.29 and 1.10% other aged 31.64±13.15). Distress and probable depression were identified with the use of a previously developed cut-off and algorithm respectively.

    STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics were calculated. Chi-square tests, multiple forward stepwise linear regression analyses and Factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tested relations among variables.

    RESULTS: Probable depression was detected in 17.80% and distress in 16.71%. A significant percentage reported a deterioration in mental state, family dynamics and everyday lifestyle. Persons with a history of mental disorders had higher rates of current depression (31.82% vs. 13.07%). At least half of participants were accepting (at least to a moderate degree) a non-bizarre conspiracy. The highest Relative Risk (RR) to develop depression was associated with history of Bipolar disorder and self-harm/attempts (RR = 5.88). Suicidality was not increased in persons without a history of any mental disorder. Based on these results a model was developed.

    CONCLUSIONS: The final model revealed multiple vulnerabilities and an interplay leading from simple anxiety to probable depression and suicidality through distress. This could be of practical utility since many of these factors are modifiable. Future research and interventions should specifically focus on them.

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