Research areas

The research area of Mental Health and Neuroscience is formed by a multidisciplinary group and they actively collaborate in national and international research networks, highlighting the leadership of a CIBERSAM group and the consolidation of the Mixed Unit with the UAB Neuroscience Institute since 2018.

Strategic lines

• Application of new digital technologies in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health pathologies.
• Prevention and promotion of mental health in the young and adult population.
• Translational research for the development of markers and specific biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of mental health pathologies.

Objectives of the area

1. Increase the number of research staff dedicated to research through new additions and loyalty of the research team through competitive contracts and structural funding.
2. Start new projects in AI applied to the lines of research in the area.
3. Promote digital innovation projects to implement them in the SNS.
4. Maintain and expand the number of groups consolidated by the AGAUR within the area.
5. Attract new collaborations through the TECSAM network.
6. Improving the gender balance in the scientific leadership of the groups.

Scientific production

Outstanding scientific publications

1. Door D [...] Palau D et al. Disrupted network switching in euthymic bipolar disorder: Working memory and self-referential paradigms. J. Affective Disord. 2023. 320. p. 552-560. IF: 6,600. (Q1). DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.09.152.
2. Álvarez A […]Palau D,Montreal JA,Soria V,Labad J. A systematic review and meta-analysis of suicidality in psychotic disorders: Stratified analyzes by psychotic subtypes, clinical setting and geographical region. Neurosci. Biobehav. rev. 2022. 143. p. 104964-104964. IF: 8,200. (Q1). DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104964.
3. Zugman A […] Cardoner N, Porta D, et al. Mega-analysis methods in ENIGMA: The experience of the generalized anxiety disorder working group. Hum. Brain Mapping. 2022. 43. (1):p. 255-277. IF: 4,800. (Q1). DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25096.
4. Llorens M, Barba M, Torralbas J, Nadal R, Armario A,Gagliano H, Betriu M, Urraca L, Pujol S,Montalvo I, Gracia R, Giménez-Palop O, Palao D, Pàmias M, Labad J. Stress-related biomarkers and cognitive functioning in adolescents with ADHD: Effect of childhood maltreatment. J. Psychiatr. Nothing. 2022. 149. p. 217-225. IF: 4,800. (Q2). DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.02.041
5. Aragones E, Lopez G,carder N,Volume C,Door D, Palao D,INDI Res Team I. Barriers, facilitators, and proposals for improvement in the implementation of a collaborative care program for depression: a qualitative study of primary care physicians and nurses. BMC Health Serv. Nothing. 2022. 22. (1):p. 446-446. IF: 2,800. (Q3). DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07872-z.

Research staff

Highlights of the area

The research area of Metabolism and Digestive includes leading professionals in metabolic and digestive pathologies, highlighting their participation in national and international projects and the leadership of a CIBERDEM group.

Strategic lines

• Obesity, Prader-Willi Syndrome and hyperphagia.
• Diabetes: cardiovascular risk and new technologies.
• Inflammatory bowel disease.
• Application of new digital and biotechnological technologies in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive metabolic diseases.

Objectives of the area

1. Consolidation of collaborations with basic research groups to promote studies in omics and gene therapy.
2. Increase the impact factor of the area.
3. Reduce the number of publications in journals not indexed in the JCR.
4. Participate in the Horizon Europe program.

Scientific production

Outstanding scientific publications

1. Azhari H, [...] Calvet X et al. The Global Incidence of Peptic Ulcer Disease Is Decreasing Since the Turn of the 21st Century: A Study of the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD). Am. J. Gastroenterol. 2022. 117. (9): p. 1419-1427. IF: 9,800. (Q1). DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000001843
2. Loras C, Andujar X, Gornals JB, Sanchez V,Brullet E,[…] et al. Self-expandable metal stents versus endoscopic balloon dilation for the treatment of strictures in Crohn's disease (ProtDilat study): an open-label, multicentre, randomized trial. Lancet Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2022. 7. (4):p. 332-341. IF: 35,700. (Q1). DOI: 10.1016/S2468-1253(21)00386-1.
3. Marasco G […] Melcarne L et al. Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection: Results of the Prospective Controlled Multinational GI-COVID-19 Study. Am. J. Gastroenterol. 2022. 117. (1):p. 147-157. IF: 9,800. (Q1). DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000001541
4. Gonzalez JM, et al. Beyond the Glycemic Control of Dapagliflozin: Impact on Arterial Stiffness and Macroangiopathy. Diabetes Ther. 2022. 13. (7):p. 1281-1298. IF: 3,800. (Q2). DOI: 10.1007/s13300-022-01280-6
5. Ayet A, Joga L, Caixas A, Corripio R. Cognitive and Adaptive Effects of Early Growth Hormone Treatment in Prader-Willi Syndrome Patients: A Cohort Study. J. Clin. Med. 2022. 11. (6):1592. IF: 3,900. (Q2). DOI: 10.3390/jcm11061592

Research staff

Highlights of the area

The research area of Rare Diseases it focuses on the research of diseases in which the Parc Taulí University Hospital is a center of reference for the diagnosis and treatment of the same.

Strategic lines

• Study of minority diseases prevalent in our population: childhood obesity, genetic intellectual disability, Prader-Willi syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis.
• Application of bioinformatics to improve diagnosis and treatment.
• Study of disorders during puberty.
• Childhood and juvenile diabetes.

Objectives of the area

1. Promote the visibility of the scientific activity carried out by the research groups in the area.
2. Increase leadership in competitive projects.
3. Develop projects in collaboration with other groups and research centers that make it possible to generate impact.
4. Promote training and the completion of doctoral theses in groups.
5. Promote publication in journals with an impact factor and Open Access.

Scientific production

Outstanding scientific publications

1. Olive G, Martinez MJ, Armangue T. Pearls & Oy-sters: Tumefactive Demyelinating Lesions With MOG Antibodies Preceding Late Infantile Metachromatic Leukodystrophy. Neurology. 2022. 99. (19):p. 858-861. IF: 9,900. (Q1). DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000201230
2. Escartín R, Font M, González JM,Vendrell J, Caixàs A, Corripio R. New Insights in Cytokines in Childhood Obesity: Changes in TWEAK and CD163 After a 2-Year Intervention Program in Prepubertal Children With Obesity. front Endocrinol. 2022. 13. p. 909201-909201. IF: 5,200. (Q1). DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.909201
3. Lario S, Ramirez MJ, Brunet A, Vila M, Aransay AM, Lozano JJ,Calvet X. Coding and non-coding co-expression network analysis identifies key modules and driver genes associated with precursor lesions of gastric cancer. Genomics. 2022. 114. (3):p. 110370-110370. IF: 4,400. (Q1). DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2022.110370
4. Ayet A, Joga L, Caixas A, Corripio R. Cognitive and Adaptive Effects of Early Growth Hormone Treatment in Prader-Willi Syndrome Patients: A Cohort Study. J. Clin. Med. 2022. 11. (6):1592. IF: 3,900. (Q2). A4G1. DOI: 10.3390/jcm11061592.
5. Valdesoiro L, Leon ME, Rodriguez M,Indiveri M, Ayats R, Larramona H, Gonzalez MG, de la Cruz OA, Garcia MB. Combination therapy of specific aeroallergens immunotherapy and omalizumab, in children with severe asthma. allergy Immunopathol. 2022. 50. (2):p. 1-6 IF: 1,800. (Q4). DOI: 10.15586/aei.v50i2.469.

Research staff

Highlights of the area

The research area ofEpidemiology, care improvement and chronicity it is formed by a multidisciplinary group of professionals from the hospital, primary care and socio-health center.

Strategic lines

• Study of the impact of infections by COVID-19 and other pandemics.
• Improving chronic patient care.
• Nursing assessment and care.
• Quality, safety and traceability of patients treated by health services.

Objectives of the area

1.  Consolidate the collaborations currently active in the area.
2. Increase the visibility of the activity of the groups in the area.
3. Increase collaboration between the groups in the area.
4. Strengthen R+D+i relations with primary care.
5. Promote the incorporation of groups into research networks.

Scientific production

Outstanding scientific publications

1. Lleal M, Bare M, Ortonobes S,Seville D,Jordana R,Herranz S,Gorgas MQ et al. Comprehensive Multimorbidity Patterns in Older Patients Are Associated with Quality Indicators of Medication-MoPIM Cohort Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022. 19. (23):15902. IF: 4,614. (Q1). DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315902.
2. Ortonobes S, Mujal A, Julve MD, Gonzalez A, Jimenez R, Hernandez M, De Alfonso N, Maye I, Valle T, Rodriguez A, Pino J, Gómez M. Successful Integration of Clinical Pharmacists in an OPAT Program: A Real-Life Multidisciplinary Circuit. Antibiotics (Basel). 2022. 11. (8):1124. IF: 4,800. (Q1). DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11081124.
3. Garcia E, Lleberia J, Costa L, Guitart M,Yeste M, Benet J,Amengual MJRibas J. Decline of Sperm Quality over the Last Two Decades in the South of Europe: A Retrospective Study in Infertile Patients. Biology. 2022. 12. (1):70. IF: 4,200. (Q2). DOI: 10.3390/biology12010070.
4. Selva A, Lopez P[...] Machlab ST, Pericay C […] Bare M. Patient experience, satisfaction and shared decision-making in colorectal cancer screening: protocol of the mixed-methods study CyDESA. BMJ Open. 2022. 12. (5):e057687. IF: 2,900. (Q2). DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057687.
5. López M,Zamora F, Sianes M, Lopez E, Gil D, Costa H,You delete M, Rayo G, Arizu M,Vives R. Patient Information and Informed Consent for Research in the Elderly: Lessons Learned from a Randomized Controlled Trial. Healthcare (Basel). 2022. 10. (6):1036. IF: 2,800. (Q3). DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10061036.

Research staff

Highlights of the area

The research area d'Infections and Immunology promotes translational research in inflammatory and infectious diseases, clinical microbiology and immunology in order to optimize the diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention of infectious diseases.

Strategic lines

• Application of genomics, microbiology and proteomics in clinical research.
• Application of new technologies such as artificial intelligence or Big Data analysis to develop techniques for early diagnosis and clinical decision support.
• New research work methodologies in the network at different care levels.
• Search for new biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of infectious, immune and inflammatory diseases.

Objectives of the area

1. Encourage the realization of projects that include the study of omics.
2. Increase collaboration between area groups.
3. Implement in the SNS the results of the innovation projects currently active in the groups.
4. Participate in new research networks and strengthen collaborative relationships that allow the groups' research to be consolidated.
5. Incorporation of main researchers in the groups of the area.

Scientific production

Outstanding scientific publications

1. Hernandez G[…] Blanch L, Roca O. Effect of postextubation noninvasive ventilation with active humidification vs high-flow nasal cannula on reintubation in patients at very high risk for extubation failure: a randomized trial. Intensive Care Med. 2022. 48. (12):p. 1751-1759. IF: 38,900. (Q1). DOI: 10.1007/s00134-022-06919-3.
2. Gasch O,Bay L [...] Brown A et al. Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Incidence and Epidemiology of Catheter-Related Bacteremia, Spain. emerge infected Dis. 2022. 28. (11):p. 2181-2189. IF: 11,800. (Q1). DOI: 10.3201/eid2811.220547.
3. Areny A, Mekseriwattana W,Camprubi M,Stephany A,Roldan A,Sole A,Artigas A et al. Fluorescent PLGA Nanocarriers for Pulmonary Administration: Influence of the Surface Charge. Pharmaceuticals. 2022. 14. (7):1447. IF: 5,400. (Q1). DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceuticals14071447
4. Llop M, Moreno M, [...] Calvet J, Berenguer A, Gratacos J. Sustained low disease activity measured by ASDAS slow radiographic spinal progression in axial spondyloarthritis patients treated with TNF-inhibitors: data from REGISPONSERBIO. Arthritis Res. Ther. 2022. 24. (1):p. 30-30 IF: 4,900. (Q2). DOI: 10.1186/s13075-021-02695-5
5. Lalmolda C, Florez P,Corral M, Voth AH,Grimau CSayas J.Lujan M. Does the Efficacy of High Intensity Ventilation in Stable COPD Depend on the Ventilator Model? A Bench-to-Bedside Study. International J. Chronic Obstr. lung Dis. 2022. 17. p. 155-164. IF: 2,800. (Q3). DOI: 10.2147/COPD.S327994.

Research staff

Highlights of the area

The research area of Surgery and interventional procedures brings together professionals from different fields and disciplines with the aim of generating clinical application knowledge and generating technological innovations that improve healthcare practice.

Strategic lines

• Application of new technologies for the reduction of invasive procedures.
• Application of Artificial Intelligence in Big Data and image analysis to generate prediction and diagnostic algorithms.
• Application of 3D printing technology to improve efficiency and quality in surgical procedures and interventions.

Objectives of the area

1. Increase the implementation of the results in the health system, generating an impact on patients.
2. Increase the scientific impact of the results: improve the level of publications and communications at national and international level.
3. Explore new lines of research for the application of 3D technologies and artificial intelligence.
4. Promote the generation of results that allow the consolidation of research groups in the area.

Scientific production

Outstanding scientific publications

1. Sierra X,Zarate A,Bargallo J,Gonzalez A,Serracant A, Roura J, Delgado S,Mora L,Ta GRP. Transanal versus laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for mid and low rectal cancer (Ta-LaTME study): multicenter, randomized, open-label trial. Bro. J. Surg. 2023. 110. (2):p. 150-158. IF: 9,600. (Q1). DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znac324.
2. Serra X, Pericay C, Badia J,[...] Mora L. Short-term outcomes of chemoradiotherapy and local excision versus total mesorectal excision in T2-T3ab,N0,M0 rectal cancer: a multicentre randomized, controlled, phase III trial (the TAU-TEM study). Ann. Oncol. 2023. 34. (1):p. 78-90. IF: 50,500. (Q1). DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2022.09.160.
3. Lopez LM,Lloveras AP, Barrera AS, Garcia A, Angeli MC, Perez OP, Soto SN,Aracil XS. Robotic left hemicolectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis: Description of the technique and initial results. Colorectal Dis. 2022. 24. (9):p. 1080-1083. IF: 3,400. (Q1). DOI: 10.1111/code.16146.
4. Casamitjana L,White L,Gimenez O,Pujol J, Martinez G, Esteba S,Couple R,Freijo V,Vigil L,Gods J,Boxes A. One Year of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone Treatment in Adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome Improves Body Composition, Motor Skills and Brain Functional Activity in the Cerebellum. J. Clin. Med. 2022. 11. (7):1831. IF: 3,900. (Q2). DOI: 10.3390/jcm11071831
5. Yela C et al. Previous Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Autologous Hamstring Single- versus Double-Bundle Graft: A Prospective Study with 10-Year Follow-up. J Knee Surg. 2022. IF: 1,700. (Q3). DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1748898.

Research staff

Outstanding projects