Testing ultraconserved elements (UCEs) for phylogenetic inference across bivalves (Mollusca: Bivalvia).

Bivalves constitute an important resource for fisheries and as cultural objects. Bivalve phylogenetics has had a long tradition using both morphological and molecular characters, and genomic resources are available for a good number of commercially important species. However, relationships among bivalve families have been unstable and major conflicting results exist between mitogenomics and results based on Sanger-based amplicon sequencing or phylotranscriptomics. Here we design and test an ultraconserved elements probe set for the class Bivalvia with the aim to use hundreds of loci without the need to sequence full genomes or transcriptomes, which are expensive and complex to analyze, and to open bivalve phylogenetics to museum specimens. Our probe set successfully captured 1,513 UCEs for a total of 263,800 bp with an average length of 174.59 ± 3.44 per UCE (ranging from 28 to 842 bp). Phylogenetic testing of this UCE probe set across Bivalvia and within the family Donacidae using different data matrices and methods for phylogenetic inference shows promising results at multiple taxonomic levels. In addition, our probe set was able to capture large numbers of UCEs for museum specimens collected before 1900 and from DNAs properly stored, of which many museums and laboratories are well stocked. Overall, this constitutes a novel and useful resource for bivalve phylogenetics.

High taxonomic diversity and miniaturization in benthic communities under persistent natural CO2 disturbances.

Metabarcoding techniques have revolutionized ecological research in recent years, facilitating the differentiation of cryptic species and revealing previously hidden diversity. In the current scenario of climate change and ocean acidification, biodiversity loss is one of the main threats to marine ecosystems. Here, we explored the effects of ocean acidification on marine benthic communities using DNA metabarcoding to assess the diversity of algae and metazoans. Specifically, we examined the natural pH gradient generated by the Fuencaliente CO2 vent system, located near La Palma Island (Canary Islands). High-resolution COI metabarcoding analyses revealed high levels of taxonomic diversity in an acidified natural area for the first time. This high number of species arises from the detection of small and cryptic species that were previously undetectable by other techniques. Such species are apparently tolerant to the acidification levels expected in future oceans. Hence and following our results, future subtropical communities are expected to keep high biodiversity values under an acidification scenario, although they will tend toward overall miniaturization due to the dominance of small algal and invertebrate species, leading to changes in ecosystem functions.

Reproducibility and relative validity of a semi-quantitative food and beverage frequency questionnaire for Spanish children aged 3 to 11 years: the COME-Kids F&B-FQ.

A reliable food and beverage frequency questionnaire (F&B-FQ) to measure dietary intakes for children across Spain is currently unavailable. Thus, we designed and assessed the reproducibility and relative validity of a new F&B-FQ in 210 Spanish children aged 3-11 years. COME-Kids F&B-FQ contained 125 items to assess the usual diet intake in the past year among children. To explore the reproducibility, caregivers answered COME-Kids F&B-FQ twice over a 15-day period (± 1 week). To evaluate the relative validity, estimates from a third COME-Kids F&B-FQ administered at 1 year of follow-up were compared with the mean estimates from 3-day dietary records (3d-DR) collected at baseline, 6 months, and after 1 year of follow-up. Reproducibility and relative validity of the COME-Kids F&B-FQ in estimating food groups and nutrients were assessed using Pearson (r) and intra-class (ICC) correlation coefficients. We used the kappa index to evaluate the agreement in repeat administrations or with the 3d-DR. We used Bland-Altman plots to identify bias across levels of intake. A total of 195 children (105 boys, 90 girls) completed the study. The reproducibility of data estimated from COME-Kids F&B-FQ was substantial with mean r and ICC being 0.65 and 0.64 for food groups and 0.63 and 0.62 for nutrients, respectively. Validation assessments comparing the FFQ and 3d-DRs showed r = 0.36 and ICC = 0.30 for food groups and r = 0.29 and ICC = 0.24 for nutrients. The mean agreement for food group reproducibility and relative validity was 86% and 65%, respectively. These estimates were 85% for reproducibility and 64% for relative validity in the case of nutrients. For reproducibility and relative validity, the overall mean kappa index was 63% and 37% for all food groups and 52% and 27% for nutrients, respectively. Bland-Altman plots showed no specific bias relating to the level of intake of nutrients and several food groups. CONCLUSION: COME-Kids F&B-FQ showed substantial reproducibility and acceptable relative validity to assess food and beverage intake in Spanish children aged 3 to 11 years. Most children were correctly classified in relation to the intake of food groups and nutrients, and misclassification was unlikely with reference to 3d-DR. WHAT IS KNOWN: • The estimation of dietary intake in children is complex, especially in large cohorts. • The food frequency questionnaire is a well-recognized and the most frequently used method for assessing food consumption. WHAT IS NEW: • A new food and beverage frequency questionnaire including a beverage section and novel plant-based food items has been validated in Spanish children aged 3-11 years.

Metabolic syndrome criteria and severity and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in an adult population.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has become a growing risk factor of some non-communicable diseases. Increase of greenhouse gas emissions affects the planet. AIMS: To assess the association between MetS severity and amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted in an adult population. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study (n = 6646; 55-76-year-old-men; 60-75-year-old-women with MetS). METHODS: Dietary habits were assessed using a pre-validated semi quantitative 143-item food frequency questionnaire. The amount of CO2 emitted due to the production of food consumed by person and day was calculated using a European database, and the severity of the MetS was calculated with the MetS Severity Score. RESULTS: Higher glycaemia levels were found in people with higher CO2 emissions. The risk of having high severe MetS was related to high CO2 emissions. CONCLUSIONS: Low CO2 emissions diet would help to reduce MetS severity. Advantages for both health and the environment were found following a more sustainable diet. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN, ISRCTN89898870 . Registered 05 September 2013.

Liver Brain Interactions: Focus on FGF21 a Systematic Review.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 is a pleiotropic hormone secreted mainly by the liver in response to metabolic and nutritional challenges. Physiologically, fibroblast growth factor 21 plays a key role in mediating the metabolic responses to fasting or starvation and acts as an important regulator of energy homeostasis, glucose and lipid metabolism, and insulin sensitivity, in part by its direct action on the central nervous system. Accordingly, pharmacological recombinant fibroblast growth factor 21 therapies have been shown to counteract obesity and its related metabolic disorders in both rodents and nonhuman primates. In this systematic review, we discuss how fibroblast growth factor 21 regulates metabolism and its interactions with the central nervous system. In addition, we also state our vision for possible therapeutic uses of this hepatic-brain axis.

Ertapenem neurotoxicity in liver transplantation.

Carbapenems are antibiotics of the cephalosporin family with a good penetrance into the central nervous system. Neurotoxicity is a rare adverse effect, most often associated with imipenem (0.4-10 %) and unusual with ertapenem. It usually presents as seizures, although encephalopathy or hallucinations may develop. However, a recent large study (n = 544) found neurotoxicity associated to the use of ertapenem with an incidence of 4.6 %. There were associated factors such as advanced age or renal dysfunction (ertapenem has a renal metabolism level of 80 %).

Characteristics and impact of sex in a cohort of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis: Experience of a transplant center in the Mediterranean basin. / Características e impacto del sexo en una cohorte de pacientes con colangitis esclerosante primaria: experiencia de un centro trasplantador de la cuenca mediterránea.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare cholestatic liver disease that typically affects middle-aged men with ulcerative colitis (UC). However, recent studies point out to epidemiological changes. Our aim was to determine if the epidemiology, clinical course and outcome of patients with PSC followed at a reference hepatology center resemble what is described in the literature. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective search of patients with a diagnosis of PSC treated in our center between 2000 and 2019. RESULTS: Cohort of 55 patients (mean age: 37 years), 44% women. Most were large duct type (79%). Most diagnoses were made after 2011. At time of diagnosis, 63% of patients were asymptomatic. The median time from suspicion to diagnosis was 2 years. After a mean follow-up time of 7 years, one third developed cirrhosis, and 25% required liver transplantation (LT); among these, the disease recurred in almost half. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was present in 45%, especially UC. Although statistical significance was not reached, PSC in women was characterized by higher rate of asymptomatic presentation and more frequent association with UC versus other forms of IBD. Women also had more frequently cirrhosis at diagnosis and required LT more often than men. CONCLUSION: The epidemiology of PSC is changing. The number of women affected is greater than what was expected from the literature, with a recent increase in incidence. There seems to be differences between sexes in the form of presentation and disease course that should be confirmed in subsequent studies.

Development and implementation of an advance care planning program in Catalonia, Spain.

OBJECTIVE: Implementation of an advance care planning (ACP) program for people with advanced chronic conditions is a complex process. The aims of this paper are to describe (1) the development of the ACP program in Catalonia, Spain, for patients with advanced chronic conditions and complex needs and (2) the preliminary results of the implementation of this program in health and social services. METHOD: The ACP program was developed and implemented in a four-stage process as follows: (1) design and organization of the project; (2) selection of the professionals to carry out the project; (3) creation of four working groups to develop the conceptual model, guidelines, training program, and perform a qualitative evaluation; and (4) project implementation. RESULT: The following deliverables were completed: (1) conceptual framework document; (2) practical guidelines for the application of the ACP; (3) online training course (3,763 healthcare professionals completed the online course, with an overall satisfaction rating of 8.4 on a 10-point scale); and (4) additional training activities (conferences, short courses, and seminars) in between 2015 and 2017. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: This project was led by the Catalan Ministry of Health. The strengths of the project development include the contribution of a wide range of professionals from the entire region, approval by the Catalan Bioethics Committee and the Social Services Ethics Committee, and the ongoing validation by members of the community. A standardized online training course was offered to all primary care professionals and included as a quality indicator for continuing education for those professionals in the period 2016-2020. The main outcome of this project is the establishment of a pragmatic ACP throughout the region and training of the health and social care professionals involved in the care of advanced chronic patients.

The Importance of Natural Acidified Systems in the Study of Ocean Acidification: What Have We Learned?

Human activity is generating an excess of atmospheric CO2, resulting in what we know as ocean acidification, which produces changes in marine ecosystems. Until recently, most of the research in this area had been done under small-scale, laboratory conditions, using few variables, few species and few life cycle stages. These limitations raise questions about the reproducibility of the environment and about the importance of indirect effects and synergies in the final results of these experiments. One way to address these experimental problems is by conducting studies in situ, in natural areas where expected future pH conditions already occur, such as CO2 vent systems. In the present work, we compile and discuss the latest research carried out in these natural laboratories, with the objective to summarize their advantages and disadvantages for research to improve these investigations so they can better help us understand how the oceans of the future will change.

Metal concentrations in echinoderms: Assessing bioindicator potential and ecological implications.

This study investigates the concentrations of heavy metals and trace elements in five echinoderm species: Holothuria (Platyperona) sanctori, Arbacia lixula, Coscinasterias tenuispina, Ophioderma longicaudum, and Antedon bifida. Given their ecological significance and potential as a food source, understanding the presence and transfer of heavy metals in these species is crucial. Sampling was conducted in 2022 in Canary Islands. Analysis using ICP-OES revealed concentrations of Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, Cr, and Fe in mg/kg. The results showed a consistent sequence of metals across all species, with Fe > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > Pb > Cd. Holothurians exhibiting the highest levels, followed by sea urchins. Starfish and brittle stars showed similar, lower concentrations, while crinoids exhibited the lowest levels, consistent with their filter-feeding behavior. The findings highlight the potential of holothurians as bioindicators for environmental pollutants. Understanding the role of these echinoderms as bioindicators is essential for assessing ecosystem health and informing conservation efforts in subtropical marine environments.

Ultraprocessed Food Consumption and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children.

Importance: High intake of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) has been associated with higher cardiometabolic risk in adults; however, the evidence in children is limited. Objective: To investigate the association between UPF consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors in the Childhood Obesity Risk Assessment Longitudinal Study (CORALS). Design, Setting, and Participants: This baseline cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the data of CORALS participants recruited between March 22, 2019, and June 30, 2022. Preschool children (aged 3-6 years) were recruited from schools and centers in 7 cities in Spain. Inclusion criteria included informed consent signed by parents or caregivers and having a completed a set of questionnaires about the child's prenatal history at home. Exclusion criteria included low command of Spanish or unstable residence. Exposure: Energy-adjusted UPF consumption (in grams per day) from food frequency questionnaires and based on the NOVA food classification system. Main Outcomes and Measures: Age- and sex-specific z scores of adiposity parameters (body mass index [BMI], fat mass index, waist-to-height ratio, and waist circumference) and cardiometabolic parameters (diastolic and systolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides) were estimated using linear regression models. Results: Of 1509 enrolled CORALS participants, 1426 (mean [SD] age, 5.8 [1.1] years; 698 boys [49.0%]) were included in this study. Mothers of children with high UPF consumption were younger, had a higher BMI, were more likely to have overweight or obesity, and had lower education levels and employment rates. Compared with participants in the lowest tertile of energy-adjusted UPF consumption, those in the highest tertile showed higher z scores of BMI (ß coefficient, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.05-0.35), waist circumference (ß coefficient, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.05-0.35), fat mass index (ß coefficient, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.00-0.32), and fasting plasma glucose (ß coefficient, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.06-0.37) and lower z scores for HDL cholesterol (ß coefficient, -0.19; 95% CI, -0.36 to -0.02). One-SD increments in energy-adjusted UPF consumption were associated with higher z scores for BMI (ß coefficient, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.05-0.17), waist circumference (ß coefficient, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.02-0.15), fat mass index (ß coefficient, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.04-1.18), and fasting plasma glucose (ß coefficient, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.03-0.17) and lower HDL cholesterol (ß coefficient, -0.07; 95% CI, -0.15 to -0.00). Substituting 100 g of UPFs with 100 g of unprocessed or minimally processed foods was associated with lower z scores of BMI (ß coefficient, -0.03; 95% CI, -0.06 to -0.01), fat mass index (ß coefficient, -0.03; 95% CI, -0.06 to 0.00), and fasting plasma glucose (ß coefficient, -0.04; 95% CI, -0.07 to -0.01). Conclusions and Relevance: These findings suggest that high UPF consumption in young children is associated with adiposity and other cardiometabolic risk factors, highlighting the need for public health initiatives to promote the replacement of UPFs with unprocessed or minimally processed foods.

Exceptional population genomic homogeneity in the black brittle star Ophiocomina nigra (Ophiuroidea, Echinodermata) along the Atlantic-Mediterranean coast.

The Atlantic-Mediterranean marine transition is characterised by strong oceanographic barriers and steep environmental gradients that generally result in connectivity breaks between populations from both basins and may lead to local adaptation. Here, we performed a population genomic study of the black brittle star, Ophiocomina nigra, covering most of its distribution range along the Atlantic-Mediterranean region. Interestingly, O. nigra is extremely variable in its coloration, with individuals ranging from black to yellow-orange, and different colour morphs inhabiting different depths and habitats. In this work, we used a fragment of the mitochondrial COI gene and 2,374 genome-wide ddRADseq-derived SNPs to explore: (a) whether the different colour morphs of O. nigra represent different evolutionary units; (b) the disruptive effects of major oceanographic fronts on its population structure; and (c) genomic signals of local adaptation to divergent environments. Our results revealed exceptional population homogeneity, barely affected by oceanographic fronts, with no signals of local adaptation nor genetic differentiation between colour morphs. This remarkable panmixia likely results from a long pelagic larval duration, a large effective population size and recent demographic expansions. Our study unveils an extraordinary phenotypic plasticity in O. nigra, opening further research questions on the ecological and molecular mechanisms underpinning coloration in Ophiuroidea.

Are plant-based alternatives healthier? A two-dimensional evaluation from nutritional and processing standpoints.

BACKGROUND: Plant-Based Alternative Products (PBAPs) to meat and dairy are increasingly available. Their relative nutritional quality in comparison to animal-based homologs is poorly documented. OBJECTIVE: To characterize and evaluate the plant-based alternatives available on the market in Spain in comparison to animal products in terms of their nutritional composition and profile, and degree of processing. METHODS: Nutritional information for PBAPs and homologs were obtained from the Spanish 'Veggie base', branded food composition database. Five PBAPs categories (cheese, dairy products, eggs, meat, and fish, n = 922) were compared to animal-based processed (n = 922) and unprocessed (n = 381) homologs, using the modified version of the Food Standard Agency Nutrient Profiling System (FSAm-NPS score) and NOVA classification criteria. RESULTS: Compared to processed or unprocessed animal food, PBAPs contain significantly higher sugar, salt, and fiber. PBAPs for fish, seafood, and meat were lower in protein and saturated fatty acids. Overall, 68% of PBAPs, 43% of processed and 75% of unprocessed animal-homologs had Nutri-Score ratings of A or B (most healthy). About 17% of PBAPs, 35% of processed and 13% of unprocessed animal-based food were in Nutri-Score categories D or E (least healthy). Dairy, fish, and meat alternatives had lower FSAm-NPS scores (most healthy), while cheese alternatives scored higher (least healthy) than animal-based homologs. Unprocessed fish and meat were healthier than similar PBAPs based on FSAm-NPS criteria. Approximately 37% of PBAPs and 72% of processed animal-based products were ultra-processed food (NOVA group 4). Within the ultra-processed food group, Nutri-Score varied widely. CONCLUSIONS: Most PBAPs had better nutrient profile than animal-based homologs. However, cheese, fish and meats PBAPs had poorer nutrient profile and were more processed. Given the high degree of processing and variable nutritional profile, PBAPs require a multi-dimensional evaluation of their health impact.

Enhanced legume growth and adaptation to degraded estuarine soils using Pseudomonas sp. nodule endophytes.

The joint estuary of Tinto and Odiel rivers (SW Spain) is one of the most degraded and polluted areas in the world and its recovery is mandatory. Legumes and their associated bacteria are recommended sustainable tools to fight against soils degradation and loss of fertility due to their known positive impacts on soils. The aim of this work was to isolate and characterize plant growth promoting nodule endophytes (PGPNE) from inside nodules of Medicago spp. naturally growing in the estuary of the Tinto and Odiel Rivers and evaluate their ability to promote legume adaptation in degraded soils. The best rhizobia and non-rhizobia among 33 endophytes were selected based on their plant growth promoting properties and bacterial enzymatic activities. These strains, identified as Pseudomonas sp. N4, Pseudomonas sp. N8, Ensifer sp. N10 and Ensifer sp. N12, were used for in vitro studies using Medicago sativa plants. The effects of individual or combined inoculation on seed germination, plant growth and nodulation were studied, both on plates and pots containing nutrient-poor soils and moderately contaminated with metals/loids from the estuary. In general, inoculation with combinations of rhizobia and Pseudomonas increased plant biomass (up to 1.5-fold) and nodules number (up to 2-fold) compared to single inoculation with rhizobia, ameliorating the physiological state of the plants and helping to regulate plant stress mechanisms. The greatest benefits were observed in plants inoculated with the consortium containing the four strains. In addition, combined inoculation with Ensifer and Pseudomonas increased As and metals accumulation in plant roots, without significant differences in shoot metal accumulation. These results suggest that PGPNE are useful biotools to promote legume growth and phytostabilization potential in nutrient-poor and/or metals contaminated estuarine soils.