DNA barcoding identifies cryptic animal tool materials.

Some animals fashion tools or constructions out of plant materials to aid foraging, reproduction, self-maintenance, or protection. Their choice of raw materials can affect the structure and properties of the resulting artifacts, with considerable fitness consequences. Documenting animals' material preferences is challenging, however, as manufacture behavior is often difficult to observe directly, and materials may be processed so heavily that they lack identifying features. Here, we use DNA barcoding to identify, from just a few recovered tool specimens, the plant species New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides) use for crafting elaborate hooked stick tools in one of our long-term study populations. The method succeeded where extensive fieldwork using an array of conventional approaches-including targeted observations, camera traps, radio-tracking, bird-mounted video cameras, and behavioral experiments with wild and temporarily captive subjects-had failed. We believe that DNA barcoding will prove useful for investigating many other tool and construction behaviors, helping to unlock significant research potential across a wide range of study systems.

Automated macular segmentation can distinguish glaucomatous from compressive optic neuropathy.

PURPOSE: To compare macular damage in glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON) and compressive optic neuropathy (CON) and assess its diagnostic accuracy in distinguishing between diseases. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional, single-center study. Patients with GON, CON, and healthy controls were included according to the eligibility criteria. An automated spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) algorithm was used to segment the circumpapilary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL) and macula. The layer thickness was measured in each sector according to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study and the 6-sector Garway-Heath-based grids. Data was compared across all study groups, and the significance level was set at 0.05. RESULTS: Seventy-five eyes of 75 participants, 25 with GON, 25 with CON, and 25 healthy controls (CG), were included. Macular thickness was diminished in the ganglion cell complex of GON and CON patients compared to CG (p<0.05). The best Garway-Heath-based grid parameters for distinguishing GON and CON were the nasal-inferior (NI) and nasal-superior sectors and the NI/temporal inferior (TI) damage ratios in the macular ganglion cell (mGCL) and inner plexiform (IPL) layers. Moreover, the combination of the NI sector and NI/TI damage ratios in both layers had higher discriminative power (AUC 0.909; 95% CI 0.830-0.988; p<0.001) than combining parameters in each layer separately. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the evaluation of macular segmented layers damage by SD-OCT may be a helpful add-on tool in the differential diagnosis between GON and CON.

Thermal tolerance limits and physiological traits as indicators of Hediste diversicolor's acclimation capacity to global and local change drivers.

Global projections predict significant increases in ocean temperature and changes in ocean chemistry, including salinity variations by 2100. This has led to a substantial interest in the study of thermal ecophysiology, as temperature is a major factor shaping marine ectotherm communities. However, responses to temperature may be influenced by other factors such as salinity, highlighting the relevance of multiple stressor studies. In the present work, we experimentally evaluated the thermal tolerance of the marine ragworm Hediste diversicolor under predicted global change scenarios. Organisms were subjected to an experimental trial under control (24 °C), and two temperature treatment scenarios (ocean warming +3 °C - (27 °C) and heat wave +6 °C - (30 °C)), combined with salinity variations (20 and 30) in a full factorial design for 29 days. Environmental data from the field were collected during 2019 and 2020. At day 30 post exposure, upper thermal limits (Critical Thermal Maximum - CTMax), thermal safety margins (TSM) and acclimation capacity were measured. Higher acclimation temperatures led to higher thermal tolerance limits, confirming that H. diversicolor features some physiological plasticity, acclimation capacity and a positive thermal safety margin. This margin was greater considering in situ temperature data from 2019 than maximum temperatures for 2020 (CTMax > maximum habitat temperature-MHT). Moreover, smaller organisms displayed higher upper thermal limits suggesting that thermal tolerance is size dependent. Ragworms subjected to higher salinity also showed a higher CTMax than those acclimated to lower salinity. However, temperature and salinity showed an additive effect on CTMax, as no significant interaction was detected. We conclude that H. diversicolor can easily acclimate to increased water temperature, independently of salinity variations. Given the key role of ragworms in food webs in estuaries and coastal lagoons, substrate bioturbation and aquaculture, this information is relevant to support conservation actions, optimize culture protocols and identify thermal resistant strains.

Effects of trying to conceive using an every-other-day strategy versus fertile window monitoring on stress: a 12-month randomized controlled trial.

STUDY QUESTION: Can animation videos on how to optimize the chances of pregnancy influence stress, anxiety, depression and sexual functioning of individuals trying to conceive (TTC)? SUMMARY ANSWER: There were no differences between those educated to have intercourse every other day, on the fertile window and a control group (CG), and depression and sexual dysfunction significantly increased over time for all arms. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Recent findings indicate that time to pregnancy can be significantly shortened by targeting the fertile period, but some reproductive care guidelines recommend instead the practice of intercourse every other day on the basis that it is less stressful to the couple. Evidence to support guidelines on how to preserve well-being and psychosocial adjustment and optimize pregnancy chances is lacking. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: We conducted a prospective, double-blinded, three-arm randomized controlled trial between July 2016 and November 2019. Participants were randomized to either not having any stimulus (CG) or visualizing a short animated video explaining how to improve chances of pregnancy by having intercourse every other day (EOD group), or by monitoring the fertile window (FWM group). Assessments were made before the intervention (T0), and 6 weeks (T1), 6 months (T2) and 12 months after (T3), with follow-ups censored in case of pregnancy. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Participants were childless individuals of reproductive age actively TTC and not diagnosed or unaware of a condition that could prevent spontaneous pregnancy. Individuals were excluded from recruitment if they had previous children or had a condition preventing spontaneous pregnancy. Our primary outcome was stress and secondary outcomes included anxiety, depression, sexual functioning and pregnancy. Primary analyses were performed according to intention-to-treat principle. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Of the 450 randomized participants 127 were educated to use an every-other-day strategy, 135 to monitor the fertile window, and 134 received no intervention. Groups were similar regarding demographics and months TTC. Repeated measures analysis revealed that there were no significant interaction effects of psychological and sexual well-being between groups over time (P > 0.05). Significant time effects were revealed for stress (F(3,855) = 4.94, P < 0.01), depression (F(3,855) = 14.22, P < 0.01) and sexual functioning (time effects P values <0.001 for female sexual functioning dimensions and <0.002 for male dimensions), but not for anxiety (F(2,299) = 0.51, P > 0.05). Stress levels lowered after 6 months (P < 0.001) and returned to baseline levels at the 1-year follow-up. Depressive symptomatology significantly increased at 6 weeks (P = 0.023), and again 1 year after (P = 0.001). There were also significant decreases in all female sexual functioning dimensions (desire, satisfaction, arousal, pain, orgasm and lubrication). In men, there were significant variations in orgasm, intercourse satisfaction and erectile function, but not desire and sexual satisfaction. Revealed pregnancy rates were 16% for participants in the EOD group, 30% for the FWM group and 20% for the CG. Pregnancies were not significantly different between arms: EOD vs FWM (odds ratio (OR) 2.32; 95% CI 0.92-5.83); EOD vs CG (OR 0.74; 95% CI 0.30-1.87); and FWM vs CG (OR 1.71; 95% CI 0.70-4.18). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Participants were recruited after transitioning to procreative sex. The study might be prone to bias as almost 30% of our sample fulfilled the chronological criterion for infertility, and other reproductive strategies could have been tried over time before recruitment. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our data suggest that stress does not arise from feeling pressured on the fertile period and that advice on timing of intercourse might have to be personalized. The increasing levels of depression and sexual dysfunction over a year emphasize the crucial role of preconception care and fertility counseling in promoting psychological and sexual well-being. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This work was supported by European Union Funds (FEDER/COMPETE-Operational Competitiveness Programme) and by national funds (FCT-Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology) under the projects PTDC/MHC-PSC/4195/2012 and SFRH/BPD/85789/2012. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02814006. TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE: 27 June 2016. DATE OF FIRST PATIENT'S ENROLLMENT: 19 July 2016.

MicroRNA-186-5p controls GluA2 surface expression and synaptic scaling in hippocampal neurons.

Homeostatic synaptic scaling is a negative feedback response to fluctuations in synaptic strength induced by developmental or learning-related processes, which maintains neuronal activity stable. Although several components of the synaptic scaling apparatus have been characterized, the intrinsic regulatory mechanisms promoting scaling remain largely unknown. MicroRNAs may contribute to posttranscriptional control of mRNAs implicated in different stages of synaptic scaling, but their role in these mechanisms is still undervalued. Here, we report that chronic blockade of glutamate receptors of the AMPA and NMDA types in hippocampal neurons in culture induces changes in the neuronal mRNA and miRNA transcriptomes, leading to synaptic upscaling. Specifically, we show that synaptic activity blockade persistently down-regulates miR-186-5p. Moreover, we describe a conserved miR-186-5p-binding site within the 3'UTR of the mRNA encoding the AMPA receptor GluA2 subunit, and demonstrate that GluA2 is a direct target of miR-186-5p. Overexpression of miR-186 decreased GluA2 surface levels, increased synaptic expression of GluA2-lacking AMPA receptors, and blocked synaptic scaling, whereas inhibition of miR-186-5p increased GluA2 surface levels and the amplitude and frequency of AMPA receptor-mediated currents, and mimicked excitatory synaptic scaling induced by synaptic inactivity. Our findings elucidate an activity-dependent miRNA-mediated mechanism for regulation of AMPA receptor expression.

Sex-specific thermal tolerance limits in the ditch shrimp Palaemon varians: Eco-evolutionary implications under a warming ocean.

As global temperatures continue to rise due to global change, marine heatwaves are also becoming more frequent and intense, impacting marine biodiversity patterns worldwide. Organisms inhabiting shallow water environments, such as the commercially relevant ditch shrimp Palaemon varians, are expected to be the most affected by rising temperatures. Thus, addressing species' thermal ecology and climate extinction-risk is crucial to foster climate-smart conservation strategies for shallow water ecosystems. Here, we estimated sex-specific upper thermal tolerance limits for P. varians via the Critical Thermal Maximum method (CTmax), using loss of equilibrium as endpoint. We further calculated thermal safety margins for males and females and tested for correlations between upper thermal limits and shrimps' body size. To determine sex-biased variation in P. varians' traits (CTmax, weight and length), we compared trait variation between females and males through the coefficient of variation ratio (lnCVR). Females displayed an average CTmax value 1.8% lower than males (CTmaxfemales = 37.0 °C vs CTmaxmales = 37.7 °C). This finding may be related to the larger body size exhibited by females (156% heavier and 39% larger than males), as both length and weight had a significant effect on CTmax. The high energetic investment of females in offspring may also contribute to the differences recorded in thermal tolerance. Overall, organisms with a smaller body-size displayed a greater tolerance to elevated temperature, thus suggesting that smaller individuals may be positively selected in warmer environments. This selection may result in a reduction of size-at-maturity and shifts in sex ratio, given the sexual dimorphism in body size of shrimps. The thermal safety margin of P. varians was narrow (∼2.2 °C for males and ∼1.5 °C for females), revealing the vulnerability of this species to ocean warming and heatwaves.

Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Severe COVID-19 Survivors: A Prospective Cohort Study.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread worldwide, leading to increased concerns about long-term patients' neuropsychiatric consequences. This study aims to describe the presence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in severe COVID-19 survivors and to identify associated baseline, in-hospital and post-discharge factors. This study is part of the MAPA longitudinal project conducted with severe COVID-19 patients admitted in Intensive Care Medicine Department (ICMD) of a University Hospital (CHUSJ) in Porto, Portugal. Patients with ICMD length of stay ≤ 24 h, terminal illness, major auditory loss or inability to communicate at follow-up assessment were excluded. All participants were assessed by telephone post-discharge (median = 101 days), with a comprehensive protocol assessing depressive and anxiety symptoms, cognition, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) memories recall and health-related quality of life. Out of a sample of 56 survivors (median age = 65; 68% males), 29% and 23% had depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were significantly more prevalent among younger survivors and were associated with cognitive complaints, emotional and delusions ICU memories and fear of having COVID-19 sequelae, sleep problems and pain after discharge (all p < 0.05). An important proportion of these survivors suffers from depression and anxiety symptoms post-discharge, namely younger ones and those who reported more cognitive complaints, ICU memories, fear of having COVID-19 sequelae, sleep problems and pain. These findings highlight the importance of psychological consequences assessment and planning of appropriate and multidisciplinary follow-up care after hospitalization due to COVID-19.

Calcium homeostasis and stable fatty acid composition underpin heatwave tolerance of the keystone polychaete Hediste diversicolor.

Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, are becoming increasingly frequent, long-lasting and severe as global climate change continues, shaping marine biodiversity patterns worldwide. Increased risk of overheating and mortality across major taxa have been recurrently observed, jeopardizing the sustainability of ecosystem services. Molecular responses of species, which scale up to physiological and population responses, are determinant processes that modulate species sensitivity or tolerance to extreme weather events. Here, by integrating proteomic, fatty acid profiling and physiological approaches, we show that the tolerance of the intertidal ragworm Hediste diversicolor, a keystone species in estuarine ecosystems and an emergent blue bio-resource, to long-lasting heatwaves (24  vs 30 °C for 30 days) is shaped by calcium homeostasis, immune function and stability of fatty acid profiles. These features potentially enabled H. diversicolor to increase its thermal tolerance limit by 0.81 °C under the heatwave scenario and maintain survival. No growth trade-offs were detected, as wet weight remained stable across conditions. Biological variation of physiological parameters was lower when compared to molecular measures. Proteins showed an overall elevated coefficient of variation, although decreasing molecular variance under the heatwave scenario was observed for both proteins and fatty acids. This finding is consistent with the phenomenon of physiological canalization in extreme environments and contradicts the theory that novel conditions increase trait variation. Our results show that keystone highly valued marine polychaetes are tolerant to heatwaves, confirming the potential of H. diversicolor as a blue bio-resource and opening new avenues for sustainable marine aquaculture development.

Past appendectomy may be related to early cognitive dysfunction in Parkinson's disease.

INTRODUCTION: The vermiform appendix is a potential site of initiation of Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology. We hypothesized that the appendectomy earlier in life may alter the clinical expression of PD. OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of appendectomy prior to onset of PD motor symptoms on patients' symptoms, in particular on cognitive dysfunction. METHODS: Two hundred and sixty-two consecutive PD patients were asked about past history of appendectomy and underwent an evaluation, which included the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Hoehn & Yahr scale (H&Y), Schwab & England Independence Scale (S&E), Dementia Rating Scale-2 (DRS-2), Apathy Evaluation Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Brief Smell Identification Test. Motor symptoms were evaluated in OFF and ON states. Non-parametric group comparisons and logistic regressions were used for data analyses. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients (11.8%) had history of appendectomy prior to PD onset. These patients had more severe motor symptoms (UPDRS-III and H&Y) and lower functional independence (S&E) in ON and had higher frequency of cognitive dysfunction (DRS-2 Initiation/Perseveration, Conceptualization, and Memory subscales) (p < 0.05). The association between history of appendectomy and cognitive dysfunction was evident only in patients with late onset PD (≥ 55 years) and with disease duration ≤ 5 years. History of appendectomy remained statistically associated with impairment on DRS-2 Conceptualization and Memory subscales, when demographic and clinical variables were considered. CONCLUSION: History of appendectomy appears to alter the clinical expression of late onset PD, with early cognitive impairment, more severe motor symptoms in ON, and poorer functional independence under anti-parkinsonian medication.

Removal pattern of vinasse phenolics by Phlebia rufa, characterization of an induced laccase and inhibition kinetics modeling.

Vinasse from the distillation of winemaking residues is a wastewater characterized by high levels of aromatic compounds. Batch cultures of Phlebia rufa showed a significant (p < 0.05) correlation between laccase activity and initial vinasse concentration. The pattern of biodegradation of hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids, assessed by HPLC-DAD, revealed that p-hydroxybenzoic acid is the most recalcitrant compound. Vinasse-induced laccase showed electrophoretic homogeneity and molecular weight of 62 kDa after being purified 21-fold. Optimum pH for oxidation of 2,6-dimethoxyphenol (2,6-DMP) was 3.5 and optimum temperature was 50 °C, with an activation energy of 42.8 kJ mol-1. Catalytic efficiency of 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) oxidation is about two orders of magnitude higher than 2,6-DMP oxidation, being their Km values 36.2 ± 2.6 µM and 303.0 ± 44.7 µM, respectively and kcat values 486.1 s-1 and 179.6 s-1, respectively. Akaike information criterion and Akaike weights were used to discriminate inhibition models that best fitted 2,6-DMP oxidation in the presence of inhibitors. Inhibition constants of mixed-type inhibitors azide and fluoride, and competitive-type inhibitor chloride, showed the following inhibitors potency: azide > fluoride > chloride. Taken together, this study is consistent with the assumption that P. rufa could be a useful tool for aerobic degradation of phenolic-rich wastewaters.

Cardiac Tamponade Complicating Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Single-Centre Experience.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac tamponade is a potential complication during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). METHOD: This study assessed the incidence, clinical presentation, therapeutic approach, and outcome of cardiac tamponade at a single ECMO centre during a 10-year period. RESULTS: Cardiac tamponade occurred in 11 adults (seven men; age 53 years [range, 48-60]) of 566 patients (1.9%), after 10 days (range, 3-16) of ECMO support: eight veno-venous (VV) and three veno-arterial (VA). Cardiac tamponade was suspected due to haemodynamic deterioration or collapse, and was confirmed by bedside echocardiography. In five of eight VV-ECMO (62%) patients, circulatory arrest ensued and immediate VA-ECMO conversion was performed. Definitive treatment of cardiac tamponade consisted of surgical pericardiotomy in 10 cases: sternotomy (n=8), left minithoracotomy (n=1) and subxiphoid approach (n=1); and pericardiocentesis in one patient. Cardiovascular perforation repair was performed in five patients: two right atrium, two superior vena cava and one pulmonary artery. In the remaining six patients, cardiac tamponade was associated with recent cardiac surgery (n=2), prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation (n=1), thoracic trauma (n=1), myopericarditis (n=1), and acute myocardial infarction (n=1). Nine (9) patients (82%) were weaned from ECMO (20 days [range, 11-25]) and eight patients (73%) survived intensive care unit (ICU) (29 days [range, 26-61]) and hospital (34 days [range, 29-81]). CONCLUSION: Cardiac tamponade is a rare but life-threatening complication during both VV-ECMO and VA-ECMO. Echocardiography plays a major role in timely diagnosis and treatment. Immediate conversion to VA-ECMO when circulatory collapse ensued and emergency sternotomy for cardiovascular perforation repair gave favourable outcomes in a high proportion of patients.

Perceived Threat of Infertility and Women's Intention to Anticipate Childbearing: The Mediating Role of Personally Perceived Barriers and Facilitators.

To study the role of perceived threat of infertility, barriers, and facilitators in intention to anticipate childbearing, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 240 women desiring to have children and committed in a heterosexual relationship. Participants answered an online survey between July 2016 and February 2018. Results showed that perceiving infertility as a strong barrier and being willing to use fertility treatment as a facilitator fully mediated the effect of perceived threat on intention to anticipate childbearing. In conclusion, women who perceive themselves at risk of being infertile will consider, to a higher degree, infertility as a strong barrier to achieve their reproductive life plan or will report higher willingness to use fertility treatments, which in turn would increase intentions to anticipate childbearing. Since evidence showed lack of fertility awareness, intervention initiatives should target these mediators.

Current genetic engineering strategies for the production of antihypertensive ACEI peptides.

Hypertension is a major and highly prevalent risk factor for various diseases. Among the most frequently prescribed antihypertensive first-line drugs are synthetic angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI). However, since  their use in hypertension therapy has been linked to various side effects, interest in the application of food-derived ACEI peptides (ACEIp) as antihypertensive agents is rapidly growing. Although promising, the industrial production of ACEIp through conventional methods such as chemical synthesis or enzymatic hydrolysis of food proteins has been proven troublesome. We here provide an overview of current antihypertensive therapeutics, focusing on ACEI, and illustrate how biotechnology and bioengineering can overcome the limitations of ACEIp large-scale production. Latest advances in ACEIp research and current genetic engineering-based strategies for heterologous production of ACEIp (and precursors) are also presented. Cloning approaches include tandem repeats of single ACEIp, ACEIp fusion to proteins/polypeptides, joining multivariate ACEIp into bioactive polypeptides, and producing ACEIp-containing modified plant storage proteins. Although bacteria have been privileged ACEIp heterologous hosts, particularly when testing for new genetic engineering strategies, plants and microalgae-based platforms are now emerging. Besides being generally safer, cost-effective and scalable, these "pharming" platforms can perform therelevant posttranslational modifications and produce (and eventually deliver) biologically active protein/peptide-based antihypertensive medicines.

Hazardous impact of vinasse from distilled winemaking by-products in terrestrial plants and aquatic organisms.

Vinasses obtained from the distillation of winemaking by-products (WDV) are complex effluents with variable physicochemical properties. Frequently, WDVs are used to irrigate agricultural soil, and/or discharged into aquatic bodies, which may result in serious environmental pollution, due to the presence of organic acids and recalcitrant compounds (polyphenols, tannins and metals). The present study aimed to evaluate the toxicity impact of an untreated WDV on terrestrial and aquatic organisms, at different levels of biological organization. The effluent was collected at the distillation column exit and characterized according to several physicochemical properties. The WDV potential phytotoxicity was assessed by germination inhibition assays on six agricultural crops, and its acute toxicity was assessed on Aliivibrio fisheri (microtox assay), Daphnia magna neonates (freshwater crustacean), and zebrafish Danio rerio (fish embryo toxicity test, FET). The WDV presented a low pH (3.88), high levels of electrical conductivity, ECond (6.36 dS m-1) and salinity (3.3 ppt), besides high level of potassium (2.1 g L-1) and organic compounds (TOC = 17.7 g L-1), namely polyphenols (1.7 g L-1). The diluted WDV displayed variable inhibitory effects on the plant endpoints (percentage of inhibition of germination and radicle elongation and germination index). Overall, plants' susceptibility to increasing concentrations of WDV were differential (onion ≈ garden cress ≥ tomato > lettuce > maize > green beans) and the germination index EC50 varied from 10.9 to 64.4% v/v. Also, the acute negative effects toward aquatic organisms were determined, decreasing from the more complex organism to the simpler one: zebrafish embryos (96 h-LC50 = 0.34% v/v)>D. magna (48 h-LC50 = 4.8% v/v)>A. fisheri (30min-EC50 = 7.0% v/v). In conclusion, the findings suggest that WDVs might have a high toxicological impact on both terrestrial plants and aquatic organisms, even at high dilution levels, reinforcing the need for appropriate treatments before considering its discharge or reuse.

Appendectomy may delay Parkinson's disease Onset.

BACKGROUND: Alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) is particularly abundant in the vermiform appendix, which makes this structure an anatomical candidate for the initiation of Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology. We hypothesized that history of appendectomy might affect PD clinical onset. METHODS: A total of 295 PD patients enrolled in a comprehensive observational study were asked about past history of appendectomy. Cox's regression, with a time-dependent covariate, explored the effects of appendectomy on age at PD onset. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients (11.5%) had appendectomy before PD onset. There was no significant effect of appendectomy on age at PD onset for the entire cohort (P = 0.153). However, among patients with late onset (≥55 years), we found evidence that those with past appendectomy had more years of life without PD symptoms than patients without appendectomy (P = 0.040). No association was found for the young-onset group (P = 0.663). CONCLUSIONS: An apparent relationship was observed between appendectomy and PD onset in the late PD cohort.

Novel method for chlorine determination in biofuel lipid feedstock by coupling a total sample introduction system (hTISIS) to an inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS).

BACKGROUND: Chlorine concentrations above 1 mg kg-1 in lipid feedstocks for biofuel production can generate corrosion issues in the different refining units as well as catalyst deactivation by clogging or fouling. To reach accurate analyses by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) techniques at low concentration levels, dilution in organic solvents rises as a simpler and more straightforward sample preparation methodology than conventional sample decomposition procedures (e.g., microwave-assisted acid digestion). However, matrix effects and the impact of the Cl chemical form on the signal must be overcome to obtain accurate results. RESULTS: In this work, the high temperature torch integrated sample introduction system (hTISIS) operated at 350 °C is coupled to an inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS) for the determination of Cl in lipid biofuel feedstock samples diluted in xylene and these results are compared with those reported by a conventional sample introduction system. Under optimal conditions of the hTISIS-ICP-MS/MS configuration, matrix effects are efficiently overcome (recovery values ranged from 101 to 104%) as well as the effect of the Cl chemical form on the signal for 6 organochloride compounds. Thus, an external calibration approach can be set to carry out the quantification of this element in real samples. The method is successfully validated, obtaining a good agreement in the Cl concentration reported in a standard reference material (SRM NIST 1634c) and also by comparing the concentration results obtained by external calibration and standard addition approaches in two biofuel feedstock samples. SIGNIFICANCE AND NOVELTY: The hTISIS coupled to an ICP-MS/MS system is used for the first time to overcome not only matrix effects but also the impact of the Cl chemical form in biofuel feedstock samples. This novel method, with a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 7.1 µg kg-1, give access to an accurate Cl determination in all kind of lipid feedstocks for clean fuel production.

Treatment strategies and treatment-related adverse events in MG according to the age of onset.

Introduction: Early-onset (EOMG) and late-onset (LOMG) are distinct groups of MG patients. It is unclear if treatment strategies and treatment-related adverse events may differ according to the age of MG onset. Methods: This single-center retrospective study includes all MG patients followed at a tertiary center since 2007. We reviewed the electronic clinical records. Results: In total, 212 patients were identified, 142 (67.0%) females, with a median disease duration of 10 years. The median age of symptom onset was 42.0 (26.0-64.5) years, with 130 (61.3%) EOMG cases and 82 (38.7%) LOMG. EOMG were more frequently female, had longer disease duration and often more generalized MG (p < 0.001). Comorbidities were significantly more frequent in LOMG (67.1%) compared to EOMG (53.1%) (p = 0.002). Steroid-related adverse effects motivating the switch to steroid-sparing agents (82.0%) were different between groups, with hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus and malignancies being more common in LOMG. At the same time, osteoporosis and dyspepsia were more frequent in EOMG (p < 0.001). The most common first-line choice was azathioprine (45.8%), and rituximab was used in 4 patients (1.9%). Conclusion: Our study shows that treatment modalities are similar between EOMG and LOMG, while steroid-related adverse events appear to be distinct.

Heterogeneity in families with ATTRV30M amyloidosis: a historical and longitudinal Portuguese case study impact for genetic counselling.

BACKGROUND: Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv amyloidosis) is an inherited disease, where the study of family history holds importance. This study evaluates the changes of age-of-onset (AOO) and other age-related clinical factors within and among families affected by ATTRv amyloidosis. METHODS: We analysed information from 934 trees, focusing on family, parents, probands and siblings relationships. We focused on 1494 female and 1712 male symptomatic ATTRV30M patients. Results are presented alongside a comparison of current with historical records. Clinical and genealogical indicators identify major changes. RESULTS: Overall, analysis of familial data shows the existence of families with both early and late patients (1/6). It identifies long familial follow-up times since patient families tend to be diagnosed over several years. Finally, results show a large difference between parent-child and proband-patient relationships (20-30 years). CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that there has been a shift in patient profile, with a recent increase in male elderly cases, especially regarding probands. It shows that symptomatic patients exhibit less variability towards siblings, when compared to other family members, namely the transmitting ancestors' age of onset. This can influence genetic counselling guidelines.

Measurement Invariance of the Multidimensional Jealousy Scale and Quality of Relationships Inventory (Friend).

The aim of this study is to measure the invariance of the Multidimensional Jealousy Scale (MJS) and of the Quality of Relationships Inventory (Friend) (QRI-F) across gender, age, education, and being in a romantic relationship in a Portuguese sample (N = 662). A confirmatory factor analysis was performed to test the fit of different potential factor structures. The results pointed out that both MJS and QRI-F were most suitable if represented by three first-order factors correlated between them. Results from multi-group analyses suggested there was factorial invariance for these structures across groups, suggesting that the MJS and the QRI-F provide, respectively, an assessment of romantic jealousy and quality of relationship that are equivalent across gender, age, education, and being in a romantic relationship. The study established the strong psychometric properties of its instruments, validating reliability and convergent and discriminant validity, thereby bolstering the research's overall credibility. Additionally, cognitive jealousy is primarily influenced by heightened conflict values, with education, relationship status, and gender moderating the associations between QRI-F dimensions and MJS behavioral and cognitive jealousy. The research offered in-depth perspectives on jealousy, underscoring its diverse manifestations across demographic variables and illuminating the complexities within the dynamics of friendships.

Artificial Intelligence and Colposcopy: Automatic Identification of Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma Precursors.

Background/Objectives: Proficient colposcopy is crucial for the adequate management of cervical cancer precursor lesions; nonetheless its limitations may impact its cost-effectiveness. The development of artificial intelligence models is experiencing an exponential growth, particularly in image-based specialties. The aim of this study is to develop and validate a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for the automatic differentiation of high-grade (HSIL) from low-grade dysplasia (LSIL) in colposcopy. Methods: A unicentric retrospective study was conducted based on 70 colposcopy exams, comprising a total of 22,693 frames. Among these, 8729 were categorized as HSIL based on histopathology. The total dataset was divided into a training (90%, n = 20,423) and a testing set (10%, n = 2270), the latter being used to evaluate the model's performance. The main outcome measures included sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and the area under the receiving operating curve (AUC-ROC). Results: The sensitivity was 99.7% and the specificity was 98.6%. The PPV and NPV were 97.8% and 99.8%, respectively. The overall accuracy was 99.0%. The AUC-ROC was 0.98. The CNN processed 112 frames per second. Conclusions: We developed a CNN capable of differentiating cervical cancer precursors in colposcopy frames. The high levels of accuracy for the differentiation of HSIL from LSIL may improve the diagnostic yield of this exam.