Efficacy and safety of antiparasitic therapy for neurocysticercosis in rural Tanzania: a prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Neurocysticercosis is common in regions endemic for Taenia solium. Active-stage neurocysticercosis can be treated with antiparasitic medication, but so far no study on efficacy and safety has been conducted in Africa. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study on treatment of neurocysticercosis in Tanzania between August 2018 and January 2022. Patients were initially treated with albendazole (15 mg/kg/d) for 10 days and followed up for 6 months. Additionally in July 2021, all participants who then still had cysts were offered a combination therapy consisting of albendazole (15 mg/kg/d) and praziquantel (50 mg/kg/d). Antiparasitic treatment was accompanied by corticosteroid medication and anti-seizure medication if the patient had experienced epileptic seizures before treatment. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients were recruited for this study, of whom 17 had a complete follow-up after albendazole monotherapy. These patients had a total of 138 cysts at baseline, of which 58 (42%) had disappeared or calcified by the end of follow-up. The median cyst reduction was 40% (interquartile range 11-63%). Frequency of epileptic seizures reduced considerably (p < 0.001). Three patients had all active cysts resolved or calcified and of the remaining 14, eight received the combination therapy which resolved 63 of 66 cysts (95%). Adverse events were infrequent and mild to moderate during both treatment cycles. CONCLUSION: Cyst resolution was unsatisfactory with albendazole monotherapy but was very high when it was followed by a combination of albendazole and praziquantel.

Interceptive use of pendulum for advance resolution of class II patient: a guided eruption plan to reduce stress on permanent teeth root.

Use of the so-called distalizing mechanics is a common treatment to correct class II malocclusion. One of the first appliances made for molar distalization was the pendulum, which resulted immediately efficient. The knowledge of pendulum efficacy, in regards to distalizing treatment in adolescence, has guided the research to analyze pendulum effect in childhood: checking the pre-eruptive, natural and distal movement of upper second premolar following first upper molar distalization in order to obtain an advance resolution on Angle's Class II patient, limited treatment time, reduced periodontal inflammation and stress on permanent teeth root. A pilot study testing the possibility of a prospective study was necessary on 6 patients treated following an accurate protocol (6 months and 1-year Rx control) and 6 patient control after one year. Statistical analysis by T-Test was done. Oral hygiene controls every month were done. Second upper bicuspid vertical (1.6mm) and sagittal (2.5mm) movement mean values allow to emphasize a distal variation of tooth axis inclination of treatment group than control group, and a second upper bicuspid distal departure from "gubernaculus dentis" of second deciduous molar in treated patients. Periodontal inflammation appears inexistent on second and first upper premolar germs after the comparison between RX exam of treatment and control groups because of exploiting deciduous teeth. Besides periodontal inflammation and teeth root stress on first upper molar of treatment group, after RX analysis, results were limited compared to control groups because of the advanced orthodontic interceptive treatment during a previous stage of first upper molar root development.

A critical evaluation of the material properties and clinical suitability of in-house printed and commercial tooth replicas for endodontic training.

AIM: To assess the suitability of several 3D-printed resins for the manufacturing of tooth replicas for endodontic training in comparison with commercially available replicas by analysing the properties of the materials and comparing them with real teeth during endodontic training. METHODOLOGY: Tooth replicas were 3D-printed using four resins (NextDent Model, NextDent C&B, V-Print ee and Vero White Plus) and compared with two commercially available products (VDW and Smile Factory) as well as extracted human teeth. Martens hardness, indentation modulus and radiopacity were investigated on these tooth replicas. Experienced dentists evaluated the suitability of the replicas for endodontic training by comparing them with real teeth in terms of appearance, anatomy, radiopacity, similarity to dentine during access opening, canal gauging and canal instrumentation. Data were analysed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: The greatest hardness values were recorded for human dentine (P < 0.001), followed by V-Print ee and the commercial tooth replica of Smile Factory. The greatest radiopacity was associated with VOC and dentine (P < 0.001) in comparison with the other materials tested. The appearance of the in-house printed tooth replicas was subjectively evaluated by the dentists as being more realistic than the commercially available products. No differences between the replicas was detected during mechanical instrumentation of root canals. CONCLUSION: None of the tooth replicas were able to simulate human dentine from the perspectives evaluated. V-Print ee had radiopacity comparable with dentine, but its hardness was not comparable with dentine.

[The Freiburg monosyllabic speech test in noise]. / Der Freiburger Einsilbertest im Störschall.

BACKGROUND: Since 2017, the Freiburg monosyllabic speech test can be used in hearing aid evaluation with background noise in Germany. The results are used to compare the aided versus the unaided condition. However, there is currently no reference speech recognition curve for a comparison to listeners with normal hearing. OBJECTIVE: The goal is to establish a reference speech recognition curve for listeners with normal hearing and to analyze the perceptual equivalence of the test lists in continuous CCITT noise (according to Comité Consultatif International Téléphonique et Télégraphique). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The measurements were conducted at two different sites with 90 participants in total. Monosyllables and CCITT noise were presented at different signal-to-noise ratios by one loudspeaker from the front (S0N0). Individual and test-list specific discrimination functions were fitted to differentiate between the sites and among test lists. RESULTS: The reference speech recognition curve and its region of tolerance were established. Three perceptively deviating test lists (1, 3, 20) were identified. CONCLUSION: The reference speech recognition curve enables quantification of hearing difficulties with Freiburg monosyllables in noise and an estimation of the rehabilitation with hearing aids. This reference curve is only valid for frontal stimulus presentation (S0N0) and continuous CCITT noise. Perceptually deviating test lists were different to those in quiet, but partly correspond to literature data.

Association between hydroxychloroquine levels and disease activity in a predominantly Hispanic systemic lupus erythematosus cohort.

OBJECTIVES: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a key therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Medication non-adherence is reported in up to 80% of lupus patients and results in increased morbidity, mortality, and health care utilization. HCQ levels are a sensitive and reliable method to assess medication adherence. Our study evaluated the role of HCQ level measurement in routine clinical care and its association with disease activity in a predominantly Hispanic population. METHODS: SLE patients from the Columbia University Lupus cohort treated with HCQ for ≥ 6 months and reporting medication adherence were included. HCQ levels were measured by whole blood high performance liquid chromatography. Non-adherence was defined as an HCQ level <500 ng/ml. The association between HCQ levels and disease activity measured by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) was evaluated. RESULTS: One hundred and eight patients were enrolled; the median age was 38 years, 91% were female, and 63% were Hispanic. The median SLEDAI-2K was 4.3 (0-20). Forty-one percent of patients had an HCQ level <500 ng/ml consistent with non-adherence, of which 19% had undetectable levels. A higher SLEDAI-2K score was associated with low HCQ levels (p = 0.003). This association remained significant after adjusting for depression (p = 0.0007). CONCLUSION: HCQ levels < 500 ng/ml were associated with higher disease activity and accounted for 32% of the SLEDAI-2K variability. HCQ blood measurement is a simple and reliable method to evaluate medication adherence in SLE. Reasons for non-adherence (levels < 500 ng/ml) should be further explored and addressed.

Integrated genetic and morphological data support eco-evolutionary divergence of Angolan and South African populations of Diplodus hottentotus.

The genus Diplodus presents multiple cases of taxonomic conjecture. Among these the D. cervinus complex was previously described as comprising three subspecies that are now regarded as separate species: Diplodus cervinus, Diplodus hottentotus and Diplodus omanensis. Diplodus hottentotus exhibits a clear break in its distribution around the Benguela Current system, prompting speculation that Angolan and South African populations flanking this area may be isolated and warrant formal taxonomic distinction. This study reports the first integrated genetic [mitochondrial (mt)DNA and nuclear microsatellite] and morphological (morphometric, meristic and colouration) study to assess patterns of divergence between populations in the two regions. High levels of cytonuclear divergence between the populations support a prolonged period of genetic isolation, with the sharing of only one mtDNA haplotype (12 haplotypes were fully sorted between regions) attributed to retention of ancestral polymorphism. Fish from the two regions were significantly differentiated at a number of morphometric (69·5%) and meristic (46%) characters. In addition, Angolan and South African fish exhibited reciprocally diagnostic colouration patterns that were more similar to Mediterranean and Indian Ocean congeners, respectively. Based on the congruent genetic and phenotypic diversity we suggest that the use of hottentotus, whether for full species or subspecies status, should be restricted to South African D. cervinus to reflect their status as a distinct species-like unit, while the relationship between Angolan and Atlantic-Mediterranean D. cervinus will require further demo-genetic analysis. This study highlights the utility of integrated genetic and morphological approaches to assess taxonomic diversity within the biogeographically dynamic Benguela Current region.

Compact SAW aerosol generator.

In this work, we discuss and demonstrate the principle features of surface acoustic wave (SAW) aerosol generation, based on the properties of the fluid supply, the acoustic wave field and the acoustowetting phenomena. Furthermore, we demonstrate a compact SAW-based aerosol generator amenable to mass production fabricated using simple techniques including photolithography, computerized numerical control (CNC) milling and printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing. Using this device, we present comprehensive experimental results exploring the complexity of the acoustic atomization process and the influence of fluid supply position and geometry, SAW power and fluid flow rate on the device functionality. These factors in turn influence the droplet size distribution, measured here, that is important for applications including liquid chromatography, pulmonary therapies, thin film deposition and olfactory displays.

Present status of laboratory diagnosis of human taeniosis/cysticercosis in Europe.

Human cysticercosis (CC) is a parasitic zoonosis caused by the larval stage (cyst) of the Taenia solium. Cysts can establish in the human central nervous system (neurocysticercosis, NCC) and other organs and tissues; they also develop in pigs, the natural intermediate host. Human taeniosis may be caused by T. solium, Taenia saginata and Taenia asiatica tapeworms; these infections are usually asymptomatic, but show a significant relevance as they perpetuate the parasites' life cycle, and, in the case of T. solium, they are the origin of (N)CC. In European Union (EU) member states and associated countries, the occurrence of autochthonous T. solium cases is debated, and imported cases have significantly increased lately; the status of T. asiatica has been never reported, whereas T. saginata is prevalent and causes an economic impact due to condemned carcasses. Based on their effects on the EU society, the specific diagnosis of these pathologies is relevant for their prevention and control. The aims of this study were to know the diagnostic tests used in European laboratories for human taeniosis/cysticercosis by means of a questionnaire, to determine potential gaps in their detection, and to obtain preliminary data on the number of diagnosed taeniosis/CC cases.

[Impact of a Senso-Motoric Intervention in COPD-Patients Participating in an Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial]. / Effektivität eines sensomotorischen Krafttrainings im Rahmen einer ambulanten pneumologischen Rehabilitation bei COPD-Patienten: eine randomisierte kontrollierte Studie.

Objective Exercise training provides a cornerstone of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in COPD-patients. However, the components of the training are not yet fully investigated. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness of a sensory-motoric training (SMT) in comparison to a conventional strength training (KT) according to the physical performance. Patients and Methods: 43 COPD patients were randomized and participated either in the intervention group (SMT = 30 minutes SMT per day) or in the control group (KT = 30 minutes KT per day). The SMT was performed as circuit training with five stations. The primary endpoint was the difference between T1 (start of the PR) and T2 (end of the PR) in 5-Times Sit-to-stand test (5-STST) in the intergroup comparison. Secondary endpoints were the intra- and intergroup comparisons of T1 and T2 in the 6-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT), COPD Assessment Test (CAT), St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), Hospital Anxiety- and Depression Scale (HADS) and in lung function. Results No significant differences were seen in the results of the 5-STST between the groups. Likewise, in the 6-MWT, SGRQ, CAT, HADS and lung function. The intragroup comparison between T1 and T2 showed significant differences in 5-STST, 6-MWT, SGRQ, CAT and HADS in both groups. The differences in lung function were not significantly, neither in the inter- nor in the intragroup comparison. Conclusion Similarly to a conventional strength training improvements in exercise capacity could be achieved with a SMT during PR in COPD patients. Further studies are necessary to define the role of the SMT in regards to postural control.

Temperature and layer thickness dependent in situ investigations on epindolidione organic thin-film transistors.

We report on in situ performance evaluations as a function of layer thickness and substrate temperature for bottom-gate, bottom-gold contact epindolidione organic thin-film transistors on various gate dielectrics. Experiments were carried out under ultra-high vacuum conditions, enabling quasi-simultaneous electrical and surface analysis. Auger electron spectroscopy and thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS) were applied to characterize the quality of the substrate surface and the thermal stability of the organic films. Ex situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to gain additional information on the layer formation and surface morphology of the hydrogen-bonded organic pigment. The examined gate dielectrics included SiO2, in its untreated and sputtered forms, as well as the spin-coated organic capping layers poly(vinyl-cinnamate) (PVCi) and poly((±)endo,exo-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboxylic acid, diphenylester) (PNDPE, from the class of polynorbornenes). TDS and AFM revealed Volmer-Weber island growth dominated film formation with no evidence of a subjacent wetting layer. This growth mode is responsible for the comparably high coverage required for transistor behavior at 90-95% of a monolayer composed of standing molecules. Surface sputtering and an increased sample temperature during epindolidione deposition augmented the surface diffusion of adsorbing molecules and therefore led to a lower number of better-ordered islands. Consequently, while the onset of charge transport was delayed, higher saturation mobility was obtained. The highest, bottom-contact configuration, mobilities of approximately 2.5 × 10-3cm2/Vs were found for high coverages (50 nm) on sputtered samples. The coverage dependence of the mobility showed very different characteristics for the different gate dielectrics, while the change of the threshold voltage with coverage was approximately the same for all systems. An apparent decrease of the mobility with increasing coverage on the less polar PNDPE was attributed to a change in molecular orientation from upright standing in the thin-film phase to tilted in the bulk phase. From temperature-dependent mobility measurements we calculated activation barriers for the charge transport between 110 meV and 160 meV, depending on the dielectric configuration.

[Test-retest reliability of the Freiburg monosyllabic speech test]. / Test-Retest-Reliabilität des Freiburger Einsilbertests.

BACKGROUND: ISO 8253-3 describes the requirements for speech tests used in audiology. One aspect is the test-retest reliability, which was here examined for the Freiburg monosyllabic speech test. METHODS: Speech recognition scores were examined for 30 listeners with normal hearing ability. All 20 lists of the Freiburg monosyllabic speech test were tested at four different presentation levels. The retest was carried out 7-9 months later. RESULTS: The test-retest reliability of the Freiburg monosyllabic speech test in this study is between 13 percentage points for a speech recognition score of 95 %, and 24 percentage points for a speech recognition score of 39 %. The measurement accuracy can be estimated using binomial distribution. CONCLUSION: The reproducibility of the results is limited by the small number of test items (20 words) in each list. This does not fulfill the requirements for speech tests in diagnostics and rehabilitation. An improvement of the test-retest reliability can be achieved using several test lists.

[Phonemic balance of the Freiburg monosyllabic speech test]. / Phonemische Ausgewogenheit des Freiburger Einsilbertests.

BACKGROUND: ISO 8253-3 [4] describes the requirements for speech tests with respect to their phonemic balance. The fulfillment of these requirements by the Freiburg monosyllabic speech test were examined. METHODS: The Freiburg monosyllables were phonologically transcribed and analyzed with respect to their structural types, vowels and consonants, as well as phonological classes, and compared to reference values. RESULTS: The phonemic distribution of the Freiburg monosyllables differs slightly from the reference values for the German language. The differences are presumably related to the restriction to monosyllabic substantives. Most test lists (except for 12) contain similar proportions of different phonem classes for vowel and consonants according to Hahlbrock and ISO 8253-3 [4]. CONCLUSION: The deviations of test lists 5, 11, and 15 in a study for perceptual equivalence cannot be explained by phonemic imbalance in comparison to other test lists. Only the lower recognition rates for test list 12 might be explained by its deviant phonemic distribution.

[Evaluation of the perceptual equivalence of test lists in the Freiburg monosyllabic speech test]. / Untersuchungen zur perzeptiven Äquivalenz der Testlisten im Freiburger Einsilbertest.

BACKGROUND: In the past, the perceptual balance of test lists for the Freiburg monosyllabic speech test (FBE) was frequently evaluated without producing consistent results. Until now, the studies used very diverse methods and did not accurately follow the standardized specifications. In this study, therefore, the perceptual equivalence of test lists was verified with a large group of participants according to the standard ISO EN 8253-3. METHODS: A total of 160  suitable otologically normal subjects were recruited at two institutions, each of whom listened to all test lists of the FBE using predefined measurement conditions. The subjects were divided in three groups depending on the transducer used for test list presentation (headphones "HDA 200" and "TDH 39", as well as free-field loudspeaker, "FF"). Lists that deviated were identified using the approaches specified in the standard. RESULTS: The reference curve for FBE was not met by any group. While the "HDA 200" group indicated 4.6 dB lower thresholds, results for the "TDH 39" and "FF" groups showed 1.2 and 2.5 dB higher thresholds, respectively. For an average speech recognition score of 44.3 %, test lists 5, 11, 12, and 15 lay outside the calculated tolerance range of 4.5 to -4.4 percent points. The same lists also deviated when calculating discrimination functions and therefore do not fulfill the criteria for perceptual equivalence. DISCUSSION: In the future, lists identified as deviating from the norm should not be used. The results of this study only partly agree with results from former studies.

Preclinical safety and tolerability of a repeatedly administered human leishmaniasis DNA vaccine.

The leishmaniases are a complex of vector-borne diseases caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. LEISHDNAVAX is a multi-antigen, T-cell epitope-enriched DNA vaccine candidate against human leishmaniasis. The vaccine candidate has been proven immunogenic and showed prophylactic efficacy in preclinical studies. Here, we describe the safety testing of LEISHDNAVAX in naive mice and rats, complemented by the demonstration of tolerability in Leishmania-infected mice. Biodistribution and persistence were examined following single and repeated intradermal (i.d.) administration to rats. DNA vectors were distributed systemically but did not accumulate upon repeated injections. Although vector DNA was cleared from most other tissues within 60 days after the last injection, it persisted in skin at the site of injection and in draining lymph nodes. Evaluation of single-dose and repeated-dose toxicity of the vaccine candidate after i.d. administration to naive, non-infected mice did not reveal any safety concerns. LEISHDNAVAX was also well tolerated in Leishmania-infected mice. Taken together, our results substantiate a favorable safety profile of LEISHDNAVAX in both naive and infected animals and thus, support the initiation of clinical trials for both preventive and therapeutic applications of the vaccine.

Optimizing pentacene thin-film transistor performance: Temperature and surface condition induced layer growth modification.

In this work we present in situ electrical and surface analytical, as well as ex situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies on temperature and surface condition induced pentacene layer growth modifications, leading to the selection of optimized deposition conditions and entailing performance improvements. We prepared p++-silicon/silicon dioxide bottom-gate, gold bottom-contact transistor samples and evaluated the pentacene layer growth for three different surface conditions (sputtered, sputtered + carbon and unsputtered + carbon) at sample temperatures during deposition of 200 K, 300 K and 350 K. The AFM investigations focused on the gold contacts, the silicon dioxide channel region and the highly critical transition area. Evaluations of coverage dependent saturation mobilities, threshold voltages and corresponding AFM analysis were able to confirm that the first 3-4 full monolayers contribute to the majority of charge transport within the channel region. At high temperatures and on sputtered surfaces uniform layer formation in the contact-channel transition area is limited by dewetting, leading to the formation of trenches and the partial development of double layer islands within the channel region instead of full wetting layers. By combining the advantages of an initial high temperature deposition (well-ordered islands in the channel) and a subsequent low temperature deposition (continuous film formation for low contact resistance) we were able to prepare very thin (8 ML) pentacene transistors of comparably high mobility.

The effect of grape seed and grape marc meal extract on milk performance and the expression of genes of endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammation in the liver of dairy cows in early lactation.

During the periparturient phase, cows are typically in an inflammation-like condition, and it has been suggested that inflammation associated with the development of stress of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in the liver contributes to the development of fatty liver syndrome and ketosis. In the present study, we investigated the hypothesis that feeding grape seed and grape marc meal extract (GSGME) as a plant extract rich in flavonoids attenuates inflammation and ER stress in the liver of dairy cows. Two groups of cows received either a total mixed ration as a control diet or the same total mixed ration supplemented with 1% of GSGME over the period from wk 3 prepartum to wk 9 postpartum. Dry matter intake during wk 3 to 9 postpartum was not different between the 2 groups. However, the cows fed the diet supplemented with GSGME had an increased milk yield and an increased daily milk protein yield. Cows supplemented with GSGME moreover had a significantly reduced mRNA abundancy of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21, a stress hormone induced by various stress conditions, in the liver in wk 1 and 3 postpartum. In contrast, mRNA abundances of a total of 3 genes involved in inflammation and 14 genes involved in ER stress response, as well as concentrations of triacylglycerols and cholesterol, in liver samples of wk 1 and 3 postpartum did not differ between the 2 groups. Overall, this study shows that supplementation of GSGME did not influence inflammation or ER stress in the liver but increased milk yield, an effect that could be due to effects on ruminal metabolism.

[Preliminary Short-term Results of an All-day Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program in an Acute Hospital on Patients with Mild to Very Severe COPD]. / Erste Kurzzeitergebnisse eines ganztägigen ambulanten pneumologischen Rehabilitationsprogramms an einer Akutklinik bei Patienten mit leicht- bis schwerstgradiger COPD.

INTRODUCTION: Positive effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are well known, and inpatient rehabilitation programs are the preferred modality in Germany. In this paper, we report on the recent results of a daily outpatient rehabilitation program offered at an acute hospital, the first of this kind in Germany. It is not known whether this kind of rehabilitation is an effective approach. METHODS: 32 consecutive COPD patients GOLD-stage II-IV, phenotype B-D (mean 64.5±21.9 years; 18 male, 14 female) completed a rehabilitation program of 19 (15-21) days conducted according to the recommendations of the National Accociation for Rehabilitation. In this prospective observational study, data (walking distance in the 6-MWD, BODE-Index, HADS-, BDI/TDI-, CAT-questionnaire) were collected at the beginning (T1) and at the end (T2) of the program and the results are presented in a pre- vs. post-analysis. RESULTS: We found significant positive effects for most of the measured parameters, except for body plethysmography, diffusion capacity and blood gas. Especially the increase in the 6 min walking distance (6-MWD) was remarkable (T1: 485.78±158.24, T2: 527.97±146.75 m, p=0.0212). There were no adverse events or complications. All participants were able to complete the program properly. CONCLUSION: Most of the measured parameters in COPD patients with stage II or worse disease improved significantly during the comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation program. A limitation of this study is the small number of cases, and further conclusions can only be made after examining a larger sample. The setting of this rehabilitation program in an acute hospital seems to be meaningful in an organisational and structural sense.

Multidisciplinary estimates of connectivity and population structure suggest the use of multiple units for the conservation and management of meagre, Argyrosomus regius.

Information on population structure and connectivity of targeted species is key for proper implementation of spatial conservation measures. We used a combination of genomics, biophysical modelling, and biotelemetry to infer the population structure and connectivity of Atlantic meagre, an important fisheries resource throughout its distribution. Genetic samples from previously identified Atlantic spawning locations (Gironde, Tejo, Guadalquivir, Banc d'Arguin) and two additional regions (Algarve and Senegal) were analysed using genome-wide SNP-genotyping and mitochondrial DNA analyses. Biophysical models were conducted to investigate larval dispersal and connectivity from the known Atlantic spawning locations. Additionally, thirteen fish were double-tagged with biotelemetry transmitters off the Algarve (Portugal) to assess movement patterns and connectivity of adult individuals. This multidisciplinary approach provided a robust overview of meagre population structure and connectivity in the Atlantic. Nuclear SNP-genotyping showed a clear differentiation between the European and African populations, with significant isolation of the few known Atlantic spawning sites. The limited level of connectivity between these subpopulations is potentially driven by adults, capable of wide-ranging movements and connecting sites 500 km apart, as evidenced by tagging studies, whilst larval dispersal inferred by modelling is much more limited (average of 52 km; 95% of connectivity events up to 174 km). Our results show sufficient evidence of population structure, particularly between Africa and Europe but also within Europe, for the meagre to be managed as separate stocks. Additionally, considering the low degree of larvae connectivity, the implementation of marine protected areas in key spawning sites could be crucial towards species sustainability.

Partial least squares correlation of multivariate cognitive abilities and local brain structure in children and adolescents.

Intelligent behavior is not a one-dimensional phenomenon. Individual differences in human cognitive abilities might be therefore described by a 'cognitive manifold' of intercorrelated tests from partially independent domains of general intelligence and executive functions. However, the relationship between these individual differences and brain morphology is not yet fully understood. Here we take a multivariate approach to analyzing covariations across individuals in two feature spaces: the low-dimensional space of cognitive ability subtests and the high-dimensional space of local gray matter volume obtained from voxel-based morphometry. By exploiting a partial least squares correlation framework in a large sample of 286 healthy children and adolescents, we identify directions of maximum covariance between both spaces in terms of latent variable modeling. We obtain an orthogonal set of latent variables representing commonalities in the brain-behavior system, which emphasize specific neuronal networks involved in cognitive ability differences. We further explore the early lifespan maturation of the covariance between cognitive abilities and local gray matter volume. The dominant latent variable revealed positive weights across widespread gray matter regions (in the brain domain) and the strongest weights for parents' ratings of children's executive function (in the cognitive domain). The obtained latent variables for brain and cognitive abilities exhibited moderate correlations of 0.46-0.6. Moreover, the multivariate modeling revealed indications for a heterochronic formation of the association as a process of brain maturation across different age groups.