L’Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili i la Universitat Rovira Virgili organitzen la segona edició del PhD Day, una jornada per compartir i debatre les propostes dels estudiants de doctorat en ciències de la salut. A més, és una oportunitat per als i les investigadores per millorar la presentació d’investigacions i les habilitats de comunicació tot rebent comentaris constructius sobre el seu treball per part d’altres estudiants i investigadors establerts. També permetrà els i les investigadores construir xarxes professionals vitals. Aquesta jornada se celebrarà el 6 de juny a la facultat de Medicina de Reus, de les 9 a les 16 h.
L’esdeveniment estarà compost per diversos treballs de doctorat a l’àmbit de la salut, en forma d’exposicions orals. Algunes d’aquestes seran “flash presentation”, petites explicacions d’uns 3 minuts, i altres, presentacions més extenses. També hi haurà desenes de pòsters que mostraran altres feines.
Addicionalment a aquestes presentacions, es faran altres dinàmiques com una taula rodona entre diversos investigadors sènior, que explicaran la seva experiència i compartiran la seva feina amb els investigadors en formació, i una xerrada formativa per explicar els investigadors predoctorals com i quan planificar la seva etapa postdoctoral.
La jornada té una gran importància, ja que el fet de tenir l’IISPV els grups de recerca molt dispersos pel territori fa que una ocasió com aquesta sigui ideal per poder-se conèixer i trobar els i les investigadores predoctorals i els professionals de la salut. A més, no només hi haurà espai per a la ciència, també, un petit esmorzar, amb una pausa per al cafè, i un dinar en forma de piscolabis.
L’acte tancarà amb el lliurament de premis i inclourà un epíleg que anirà a càrrec dels coordinadors dels diferents doctorats. Per inscriure’s com a assistent, heu d’emplenar el següent formulari, en aquest enllaç, i per poder presentar el vostre treball heu d’enviar un correu a formacio@iispv.cat abans del 29 d’abril, incloent-hi les següents informacions: si pertanyeu a l’àrea clínica o bàsica, si es tracta d’un pòster o d’una presentació oral i finalment, en quin any de doctorat us trobeu.
Un estudi de l’IISPV-URV observa com aquests compostos, anomenats PFOS, s’ingereixen, sobretot, a través de peix i marisc, i ou
El sulfonat de perfluorooctà (PFOS) és un disruptor endocrí -substància que altera el sistema hormonal de l’organisme- que es pot ingerir a través dels aliments que mengem. Les persones més exposades a aquest compost, que és aportat majoritàriament pels peixos, mariscs i els ous, tenen més risc de desenvolupar alteracions en el metabolisme de la glucosa i per tant de desenvolupar una diabetis tipus 2. Aquesta és la principal conclusió d’una recerca liderada per l’Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV) i la Unitat de Nutrició Humana de la Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), que formen part del consorci CIBERObn de l’Institut de Salut Carlos III.
La investigació, realitzada dins del projecte PREDIMED-plus, un estudi multicèntric fet a l’Estat espanyol i coordinat des de la URV, va estudiar com el consum de PFOS afecta els nivells de sucre en sang i la quantitat de greix corporal en 4.600 adults de 55 a 77 anys que no tenien diabetis. Els resultats van posar de manifest que les persones que presentaven un consum més alt de PFOS a través de la dieta a l’inici de l’estudi tenien nivells més alts i, per tant, pitjors, de glucosa en comparació amb aquells participants que en consumien menys. També es va observar una associació positiva entre el consum a través de la dieta de PFOS i l’índex de massa corporal o la resistència a la insulina -comú en persones que tenen més risc de desenvolupar una diabetis de l’adult- després d’un any de seguiment.
La recerca també va determinar quins van ser els principals grups d’aliments que contribuïen al consum total de PFOS a través de la dieta: peixos i mariscs (62%), ous (25%) i fruites i verdures (8%). L’elevada presència d’aquests disruptors endocrins en aliments d’origen animal es podria explicar, segons l’equip investigador, degut a la afinitat pels lípids que tenen aquestes substàncies químiques, un fet que pot portar la seva acumulació i persistència en la cadena alimentària. La seva presència en algunes fruites i verdures es deu a la contaminació generalitzada del sòl i l’aigua superficial, que fa que es puguin acumular els disruptors endocrins en aquests aliments.
“Aquest és el primer estudi que explora l’associació entre el consum a través de la dieta de PFOS i els paràmetres de l’homeòstasi de la glucosa. Els resultats suggereixen que aquests disruptors poden tenir un paper important en l’augment de pes i en el desenvolupament de diabetis tipus 2”, apunten Nadine Khoury i María Ángeles Martínez, primeres autores de l’estudi.
En vista dels resultats obtinguts, l’equip investigador ressalta la importància d’examinar més estretament els possibles efectes que poden tenir els disruptors endocrins en la salut pública, i subratllen la necessitat d’establir regulacions més estrictes per reduir l’exposició a aquestes substàncies a través de l’alimentació.
Aquest estudi ha estat coordinat per María Ángeles Martínez així com Nancy Babio, professora agregada de la URV i el catedràtic de la URV Jordi Salas-Salvadó, tots tres investigadors de la Unitat de Nutrició Humana del Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia de la Universitat i adscrits també a l’IISPV i al CIBERobn, de L’Institut de Salut Carlos III. Els resultats de la recerca s’han publicat a la revista Environment International.
Diabetis tipus 2
La diabetis mellitus tipus 2 és un trastorn metabòlic crònic que representa un important repte per a la salut global, ja que s’associa a diferents malalties cròniques i a una pitjor qualitat i esperança de vida. L’any 2021, la Federació Internacional de Diabetis va estimar que 1 de cada 10 adults vivia amb aquesta malaltia i es preveu que aquesta xifra augmenti a 1 de cada 9 adults l’any 2030. Se sap que factors com la predisposició genètica, l’edat, la presència d’obesitat, tabaquisme, inactivitat física i una dieta poc saludable n’estarien implicats. Tot i això, en els darrers anys, els contaminants ambientals i antropogènics han sorgit com a possibles contribuents i progressió de la malaltia, amb especial atenció al paper que poden tenir els disruptors endocrins.
Referència bibliogràfica: Nadine Khoury, María Ángeles Martínez, Stephanie K. Nishi, Miguel Ángel Martínez-González, Dolores Corella, Olga Castañer, J. Alfredo Martínez, Ángel M. Alonso-Gómez, Julia Wärnberg, Jesús Vioque, Dora Romaguera, José López-Miranda, Ramon Estruch, Francisco J Tinahones, José Manuel Santos-Lozano, Lluís Serra-Majem, Aurora Bueno-Caunivanillas, Josep A. Tur, Sergio Cinza Sanjurjo, Xavier Pintó, José Juan Gaforio, Pilar Matía-Martín, Josep Vidal, Clotilde Vázquez, Lidia Daimiel, Emilio Ros, Carmen Sayon-Orea, Jose V Sorli, Karla-Alejandra Pérez-Vega, Antonio Garcia-Rios, Francisco Ortiz-Díaz, Enrique Gómez-Gracia, MA Zulet, Alice Chaplin, Rosa Casas, Inmaculada Salcedo-Bellido, Lucas Tojal-Sierra, Maria-Rosa Bernal-Lopez, Zenaida Vazquez, Eva M. Asensio, Albert Goday, Patricia J. Peña-Orihuela, Antonio J. Signes-Pastor, Ana Garcia-Arellano, Montse Fitó, Nancy Babio, Jordi Salas-Salvadó. Dietary intake of Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and glucose homeostasis parameters in a non-diabetic senior population. Environment International. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2024.108565.
• It is the result of a study (called Bipogent) led by the IISPV and the Institut Pere Mata University Hospital, in which patients with this disorder and people without any mental illness, from health centers throughout Catalonia, have participated
A study led by the Pere Virgili Health Research Institute (IISPV) with professionals from the Pere Mata Institut University Hospital and the Rovira i Virgili University (URV), among others, has made it possible to identify an epigenetic alteration ( in the DDR1 gene) that occurs when adverse conditions are experienced in childhood or adolescence (such as physical abuse, emotional abuse, or neglect of basic care) and the person feels constantly subjected to a state of stress. Although these epigenetic alterations (chemical modifications of the chain of our DNA) are inherent in the transformation that our organism undergoes throughout life, they occur more frequently when we experience situations such as those previously described.
Studies like these are crucial since it had previously been established that one of the triggers of mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder is the wear and tear that involves going through experiences of this type. The identification of this epigenetic alteration adds to similar findings made by researchers around the world, which may represent a turning point in understanding the triggers of the disease and the approach that is taken.
The progress achieved with this study lies in the fact that it can contribute to the fact that in the future (if the results end up being contrasted with other research and more diverse samples), thanks to a simple blood test in the patient with bipolar disorder, can determine the severity of this alteration (analyzing the DDR1 gene) and that, therefore, treatments can be improved considerably, being more personalized and effective.
This study (known as Bipogent) has been made possible by a team of researchers and researchers from the IISPV and the Pere Mata University Hospital (part of the CERCA network of research centers in Catalonia) led by Dr. Elisabet Vilella (she is responsible for the Research Group on Genetics and Environment in Psychiatry, known as GAP, for its acronym) with the collaboration of two research groups from the Centro de
Biomedical Research in Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM): the group led by Dra. Edith Pomarol-Clotet (FIDMAG-Germanes Hospitalárias) and another led by Dr. Eduard Vieta (Hospital Clínic de Barcelona). To carry it out, 128 adults with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and 141 people without any mental illness participated. They were followed up with clinical and psychological assessments and with the analysis of blood samples: “Without the good disposition and generosity of these participants, the study would not have been possible”, says Dra. Villa.
What is the DDR1 gene and its relationship to bipolar disorder
DDR1 is a gene that performs its function in one of the most important cells in the brain: oligodendrocytes. They are the cells responsible for covering neurons with myelin, a layer composed of lipids that helps information be transmitted more quickly and effectively.
Genes, a key role in bipolar disorder
Previous studies have shown that in 60-85% of cases, the appearance of this disorder (which is estimated to affect 2% of the population) is due to genetic factors, making it a disease with a high risk of being inherited. However, other variables, such as those related to the environment, also play an important role.
The results of this study have been published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, one of the most prestigious in the field of psychiatry.
Bibliographic reference: Garcia-Ruiz, B., Jiménez, E., Aranda, S. et al. Associations of altered leukocyte DDR1 promoter methylation and childhood trauma with bipolar disorder and suicidal behavior in euthymic patients. Mol Psychiatry (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-024-02522-8
Anima el teu fill o filla a participar en el concurs de dibuix infantil “Viu la ciència amb l’IISPV – Dibuixa un o una científica”. Per a fer-ho us heu d’adreçar a la cafeteria de l’Hospital Universitari Joan XXIII, a Tarragona: els hules o bases de paper per posar a sobre de les safates que aquest mes d’abril hi trobareu (del 8 al 19), tenen un espai habilitat perquè la canalla pugui fer-hi aquest dibuix. Només els cal la seva imaginació! Aquesta iniciativa pretén donar a conèixer l’IISPV alhora que promou la participació de la ciutadania.
A aquest concurs de dibuix poden presentar-s’hi nens i nenes d’entre els 5 i els 8 anys (categoria I) i entre els 9 i els 12 anys (categoria II). Els animem a dibuixar un o una científica, segons el seu imaginari i usant qualsevol tècnica (llapis, aquarel·la, etc.).
Una vegada fet el dibuix ens l’haureu de fer arribar tot adjuntant-lo a aquest formulari. A través d’aquest formulari tant el pare com la mare (o tutor/a) ens hauran de facilitar les seves dades, a més de les del fill o filla.
Els dibuixos guanyadors de cada categoria es publicaran en futures edicions dels hules de la cafeteria de l’Hospital Joan XXIII. Els dibuixos premiats també apareixeran a la web i a les xarxes de l’IISPV.
El jurat encarregat d’escollir els dibuixos guanyadors el formen: les Sres. M. Mar Albújar Font i Elisabet Galve Aixa, representants del Servei de Pediatria de l’Hospital Joan XXIII de Tarragona i de l’Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, respectivament, i la Sra. Elena Cerón Cátedra, en representació del servei de cafeteria de l’Hospital Joan XXIII de Tarragona.
A study led by the Pere Virgili Institute of Health Research (IISPV), the Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata and the Center for Biomedical Research in Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM) shows that patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have altered oligodendroglial cells (specifically, the expression levels of the discoidin domain receptor 1 or DDR1 gene, for its acronym in English). Until now, research into these diseases has focused on the study of neurons, which are the most abundant cells in our brain and about which we now have more information. Therefore, this finding opens a new scientific avenue, which could contribute to a greater understanding of the development of these mental illnesses, their cause and treatments.
Oligodendroglial cells are the third most abundant type of cell in the brain. They can be found in 3 distinct stages of maturation: precursor oligodendrocytes (most immature stage), pre-echelinizing oligodendocytes (intermediate stage), and myelinating oligodendocytes (most mature stage). The latter are responsible for coating neurons with myelin, a layer composed of lipids that acts in the same way that plastic covers electrical wires. Myelin allows information to be transmitted more quickly and efficiently in our brain. This process is vital for the proper functioning of this organ.
The results of this study were based on the analysis of 1721 postmortem brain tissue samples from patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and from people without any psychiatric illness. These samples have been provided by psychENCODE, a repository of postmortem brain tissues, from donors in the United States. They have demonstrated alterations in DDR1 expression levels. Specifically, (compared to people without psychiatric disorders), patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have lower levels of DDR1 expression in precursor oligodendrocytes and higher levels of DDR1 expression in pre-echelinizing oligodendrocytes.
If these results are corroborated, oligodendroglial cells could be considered a new therapeutic target for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, these findings should continue to be contrasted in future research aimed at understanding how alterations in DDR1 expression levels in oligodendroglial cells affect patients’ symptoms. In addition, studies in animal models and people will be necessary for treatments to finally be developed to restore the proper functioning of DDR1 and oligodendroglial cells, which will take years of study. “Our goal is to continue investigating the role of DDR1 in the different stages of maturation of oligodendroglial cells and its impact on patients’ symptoms, in order to be able to develop personalized treatments in the future,” explains Dr. Selena Aranda, a researcher in the Genetics and Environment in Psychiatry Group (GAP), which carried out this study. led by Dr. Elisabet Vilella.
Study That Would Revolutionize Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder
Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are two of the most common serious psychiatric disorders. Most of the drug treatments currently available are aimed at improving neuronal functioning. However, these treatments are not effective for all patients and in most cases cause adverse effects. Finding new therapeutic targets and improving current treatments is key to improving the quality of life of patients and reducing the costs that this type of disease entails for the public health system.
The results of this study have recently been published in Translational Psychiatry, a prestigious journal in the field of psychiatry.
Bibliographic reference. Aranda, S., Muntané, G. & Vilella, E. Coexpression network analysis of the adult brain sheds light on the pathogenic mechanism of DDR1 in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Transl Psychiatry 14, 112 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-024-02823-0
Over 11 European health and research partners, among which is the IISPV, are collaborating to promote breast cancer prevention in the ELISAH project (European Linkage of Initiative from Science to Action in Health). The international consortium has received funding from the European Commission to decrease the impact of breast cancer by addressing modifiable risk factors of the disease.
Breast cancer remains a significant global health challenge. In 2020, regardless of gender, breast cancer ranked as the first most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide, accounting for 11.9% of cases. During that year, there were over 2,2 million new cases reported worldwide in 2020, and more than half a million cases in Europe alone, resulting in 684,996 deaths. Only 5– 10% of all breast cancer cases are caused by genetic disorders, while the remaining 90–95% are linked to environmental and lifestyle factors.
For this reason, the ELISAH European project focuses on collectively studying environmental pollution, the built environment, unhealthy nutrition, lack of physical activity, and alcohol and tobacco use.
The consortium brings together a diverse group of experts, including epidemiologists, clinicians, statisticians, public health professionals, psychologists, physicians, and engineers. This collaboration is tailored to address the multifaceted nature of breast cancer, recognizing the strong interrelationships between risk factors.
The 3-year project aims to deliver well-informed policies and medical interventions in line with the principles outlined in Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. Structured into two distinct phases, ELISAH begins with a thorough analysis of national cancer plans, breast cancer rates, and the distribution of risk factors.
The second phase involves designing innovative interventions and actions to overcome current limitations in breast cancer prevention. This includes a web-based platform for lifestyle changes, targeted initiatives to raise awareness of risk factors, and screenings in specified regions.
A multidisciplinary consortium
The ELISAH project is funded by the European Commission (Call EU4H-2022-PJ-3), and has a budget of almost 1 million euros. Coordinated by the Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori (Italy), the consortium is also composed by the Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili – IISPV; Institut Català d’Oncologia Girona Biomedical Research Institute-IDIBGI; Ethniko Kai Kapodistriako Panepistimio Athinon (Greece); Utility Non-Profit Enterprise Ivano-Frankivsk Central City Clinical Hospital (Ukraine); Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico Paolo Giaccone Di Palermo (Italy); Salute Donna Onlus (Italy); Cittadini Per L’Aria Onlus (Italy); Carpathian Institute Of Analytics – FrankoLytics (Ukraine); Universita Degli Studi Di Brescia (Italy); and the Universita Degli Studi Di Perugia (Italy). Last week, representatives of all institutions held the first consortium meeting in Milan, Italy.
Membre del Institut Pere Virgili i de la Unitat de Nutrició Humana de la URV, ha estat triada com a fellow per part d’aquesta societat científica per la seva contribució a la recerca sobre nutrició
Sangeetha Shyam, doctora del l’Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili i investigadora postdoctoral senior María Zambrano a la Unitat de Nutrició Humana de la URV (https://www.nutricio.urv.cat/ca/), ha estat seleccionada com a fellow per la Societat de Nutrició de Malàsia. Aquest reconeixement es concedeix cada any a persones distingides en el món de la recerca que han fet una contribució destacada a aquesta societat científica i amb motiu del seu compromís a llarg termini amb les ciències de la nutrició.
Sangeetha Shyam, que també forma part del Centre de Recerca en Xarxa d’Obesitat i Nutrició (CIBERobn) de L’Institut Carlos III, ha centrat la seva recerca en avaluar la importància que ha tingut la dieta mediterrània i l’obesitat en la infecció per COVID-19. Actualment està participant d’un estudi epidemiològic a gran escala amb dades de tot el món per avaluar el consum de fruita seca sobre la salut.
El reconeixement que li ha atorgat la Societat de Nutrició de Malàsia és guardó vitalici molt prestigiós al país, on es valora la participació en projectes o programes de recerca o de salut pública, publicacions, pertinença a grups de treball o comitès tècnics, innovació i patents, així com el servei a la comunitat.
The most innovative projects of the IISPV have been present these days at the Mobile World Congress, in Barcelona. Specifically, we have brought RetinaReadRisk, Emma Molds, Biosfer Teslab and RecurDetect
RetinaReadRisk integrates software and a mobile system based on artificial intelligence to detect and treat diabetic retinopathy in time. In Catalonia, the test to detect it (consists of examining the fundus of the eye with a non-mydriatic camera) is carried out in certain primary care centers (CAP), located mainly in cities. The spin-off that bears the same name as the project has been created to integrate this technology throughout the Catalan public health system, so that people could be examined by their family doctor without having to travel. More information here
The Emma Molds project has also been presented at this congress, which was born from the joint work of researchers from the Oncological Pathology and Bioinformatics Research Group of the IISPV (based at the Tortosa Verge de la Cinta Hospital) and professors from the Institut de l ‘Ebre (IE). Emma Molds was born with the vocation of devising and manufacturing paraffin molds known as tissue microarrays or TMAs (for its acronym in English), achieving an improved version of the one that currently exists on the market, so that each one of them can be more easily manipulated by the researcher. These molds are some of the most used in the field of research for the analysis of stains from patient biopsies. Its design allows a greater number of samples to be analyzed, while helping to quickly identify markers that indicate the prognosis of a disease. More information about the Emma Molds project here
On the other hand, Biosfer Teaslab, a spin-off of the Institute of Health Research Pere Virgili (IISPV) and the University Rovira i Virgili (URV) that operates in the field of in vitro diagnosis, was also present at this year’s Mobile Congress to offer analytical services to study and control alterations in lipid metabolism and their associated cardiovascular risk. Biosfer aims to reduce the time between basic scientific results and their future application in patients. It wants to become a European reference company in the analysis of biofluids using high-performance Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). More information
The researcher Maria Llambrich (Oncological, Translational, Epidemiological and Clinical Research Group -GIOTEC) of the IISPV and the Hospital Sant Joan de Reus presented the RecurDetect project (www.recurdetect.com), a non-invasive urine test for the diagnosis of recurrence/metastasis of colorectal cancer. This presentation (led by Xartec Salut) took place within the framework of the event called 4YFN, which brings together startups and different innovative projects of the Mobile World Congress, and which acts as a platform for digital business in this area, with 800 exhibitors and 350 speakers. More information on the GIOTEC group
It is the result of a study led by the IISPV, the Hospital Institut Pere Mata and CIBERSAM, which has made it possible to identify genetic variants involved in the cognitive impairment experienced by these people and that also significantly affect their personal and social relationships
A study led by the Pere Virgili Institute of Health Research (IISPV), the Hospital Institut Pere Mata and the Center for Biomedical Research in Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM) will contribute to improving the quality of life of people with bipolar disorder as it has made it possible to identify genetic variants of the discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) gene related to their cognitive abilities and psychosocial function patients. Cognitive abilities are the mental processes that have to do with memory, concentration, and information processing. A deterioration of these in turn implies that the psychosocial function of patients is affected, understood as the set of skills of the person to carry out routine tasks and relate at a social level.
The results of this study could contribute to the detection of patients who are more likely to suffer from cognitive and psychosocial impairment. This would help to intervene from the beginning, avoid severe complications, allow more personalized and effective treatments to be administered (thus reducing the costs that this type of disease entails for the public health system) and ultimately improve the quality of life of patients. To do this, it is necessary that genetic diagnosis is used as a support tool in the mental health environment (it currently happens very rarely).
Before implementing this type of clinical trial in health centers, however, the results of this study must continue to be contrasted in future research involving more patients and with more varied profiles. To carry out this study, 3,035 samples were analysed, provided by CIBERSAM. “The team’s goal is that the genetic variants identified in the DDR1 gene, along with genetic variants identified in other studies, are used as an early detection tool in our health systems so that people with bipolar disorder have a better quality of life,” explains Dr. Selena Aranda Castel, researcher at the Genetics and Environment in Psychiatry Group (GAP) at IISPV, in charge of the research (led by Dr. Elisabet Vilella).
The DDR1 Gene and Its Relationship to Bipolar Disorder
DDR1 is a gene that works in one of the most important cells in the brain: oligodendrocytes. They are the cells responsible for coating neurons with myelin, a layer composed of lipids that helps information be transmitted more quickly and efficiently.
Bipolar disorder is one of the leading causes of disability in the world, affecting 2% of the population; However, most of the treatments available to treat some of the difficulties that patients encounter (such as cognitive decline) are few or ineffective. One of the factors that contributes to the low efficacy of treatments is that, in most cases, patients do not receive them on time, a fact that ends up affecting their quality of life.
The results of this study were recently published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, one of the best in the field of psychiatry.
In this research are involved 9 research groups from CIBERSAM (in parentheses the researchers who lead them): Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV) (Dra. Elisabet Vilella); Hospital Universitario de Álava (Dra. Ana González-Pinto); Fundación para la Investigación y Docencia Maria Angustias Jiménez (FIDMAG) (Dra. Edith Pomarol); Universidad de Oviedo (Dra. Pilar Alejandra Sáiz); Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge (Dr. José Manuel Menchón); Consorcio Mar Parc de Salut de Barcelona (Dr. Víctor Pérez); Hospital Gregorio Marañón (Dr. Celso Arango); Universidad de Valencia (Dr. Juan Salvador Nacher) and Hospital Clínic de Barcelona (Dr. Eduard Vieta)
Bibliografic reference: Aranda S, Jiménez E, Canales-Rodríguez EJ, Verdolini N, Alonso S, Sepúlveda E, Julià A, Marsal S, Bobes J, Sáiz PA, García-Portilla P, Menchón JM, Crespo JM, González-Pinto A, Pérez V, Arango C, Sierra P, Sanjuán J, Pomarol-Clotet E, Vieta E, Vilella E. Processing speed mediates the relationship between DDR1 and psychosocial functioning in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder presenting psychotic symptoms. Mol Psychiatry. 2024 Feb 19. doi: 10.1038/s41380-024-02480-1. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38374360
The World Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated every February 11, since it was proclaimed in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly. This day calls for a real change in the situation of women in the world of science, in all aspects.
Areas such as research are not exempt from gender inequality: only 19% of research projects with Catalan participation and funding from the European Research Council are led by women researchers integrated into the Catalan knowledge system, according to the latest report prepared by the Agency for the Management of University and Research Grants (AGAUR). with data from November 2020.
It is not a unique situation in our territory, the European average is only slightly higher than the Catalan average, with 23% of women leading research projects. These facts make it essential to continue moving forward with the implementation of equality policies and with the idea of showing younger girls that science and research can also be a space for them.
Another fact to highlight is the famous glass ceiling that the world of health suffers. And the fact is that, although globally 80% of professionals in this field are women, they only occupy 20% of the positions where decisions are made.
Women make up less than 50% of enrolments in so-called STEM or scientific careers. That is why it is very important to revendicate female talent and motivate future generations to train in specializations of this type.
What is the discovery that a professional in this field dreams of making? We have asked some of the women scientists who are part of the IISPV team these questions, and we have collected them in different posts published on social networks. It is a tribute to their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to science, following the celebration, on February 11, of the World Day of Women and Girls in Science. Here are some of the statements made by the women scientists of the IISPV:
Margarita Torrente Torné (Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health -TECNATOX-): “I would like to find a cure for dementia and put an end to the suffering of so many patients and their families.”
Mayte Fernández García: (Genetics and Environment in Psychiatry -GAP-): “I would like to improve the applicability of genetic tests to psychiatry.”
Indira Paz Graniel (Food, Nutrition, Development and Mental Health -ANUT-DSM-): “I would like to discover how lifestyle factors can modulate the risk of glaucoma, using omics sciences and epigenetics.”
Raquel Cumeras (Oncological, Translational, Epidemiological and Clinical Research Group -GIOTEC-): “I would like to discover biomarkers for colorectal, breast and lymphoma cancer, which can be assimilated in clinical practice, thus revolutionizing their diagnosis and treatment.”
Mahsa Naghavi Sheikholeslami (Environmental Toxicology and Metabolomics -PEDINUR-): “As a data scientist in the age of artificial intelligence, I aspire to discover innovative algorithms that will revolutionize omics studies, unlocking the mysteries of life at the molecular level.”
Camilla Guerrini (Environmental Toxicology and Metabolomics -PEDINUR-): “I would like to discover the biochemical mechanisms of epigenetic and metabolic changes in children caused by the chemical exosome and possible future health outcomes.”
Maria Repollés de Dalmau (Research Group in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases -DIAMET-): “I would like to discover biomarkers that can help improve the knowledge and treatment of metabolic diseases”.
Gisel Montoya Aguirre (Clinical and Epidemiological Neuroscience -NeuroÈpia-): “As a physician in the area of neuroscience, I would like to investigate possible early interventions to optimize and improve the neurological health of the neonatal.”
Elena González Fernández (Clinical and Epidemiological Neuroscience -NeuroÈpia-): “Science is curiosity, knowledge, a desire to improve… You start from a formula to evolve, to give the highest quality in what we do”.
Vanesa Rius Costa (Clinical and Epidemiological Neuroscience -NeuroÈpia-): “As a nurse scientist I would like to discover a mechanism that nullifies artifacts in neurophysiological tests.”
Susana Larrosa Capaces (Clinical and Epidemiological Neuroscience -NeuroÈpia-): “As a neonatologist, I would like aEEG to be integrated into the usual motorization of sick babies.”
Montse Rosselló Foguet (Clinical and Epidemiological Neuroscience -NeuroÈpia-): “I would like to discover new indicators through neurophysiological techniques that allow the premature identification of neurodegenerative disorders, thus giving the option of early treatment to improve the quality of life of patients”.