The branched mitochondrial respiratory chain from the jellyfish Stomolophus sp2 as a probable adaptive response to environmental changes.

During their long evolutionary history, jellyfish have faced changes in multiple environmental factors, to which they may selectively fix adaptations, allowing some species to survive and inhabit diverse environments. Previous findings have confirmed the jellyfish's ability to synthesize large ATP amounts, mainly produced by mitochondria, in response to environmental challenges. This study characterized the respiratory chain from the mitochondria of the jellyfish Stomolophus sp2 (previously misidentified as Stomolophus meleagris). The in-gel activity from isolated jellyfish mitochondria confirmed that the mitochondrial respiratory chain contains the four canonical complexes I to IV and F0F1-ATP synthase. Specific additional activity bands, immunodetection, and mass spectrometry identification confirmed the occurrence of four alternative enzymes integrated into a branched mitochondrial respiratory chain of Stomolophus sp2: an alternative oxidase and three dehydrogenases (two NADH type II enzymes and a mitochondrial glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase). The analysis of each transcript sequence, their phylogenetic relationships, and each protein's predicted models confirmed the mitochondrial alternative enzymes' identity and specific characteristics. Although no statistical differences were found among the mean values of transcript abundance of each enzyme in the transcriptomes of jellyfish exposed to three different temperatures, it was confirmed that each gene was expressed at all tested conditions. These first-time reported enzymes in cnidarians suggest the adaptative ability of jellyfish's mitochondria to display rapid metabolic responses, as previously described, to maintain energetic homeostasis and face temperature variations due to climate change.

A candidate super-Earth planet orbiting near the snow line of Barnard's star.

Barnard's star is a red dwarf, and has the largest proper motion (apparent motion across the sky) of all known stars. At a distance of 1.8 parsecs1, it is the closest single star to the Sun; only the three stars in the α Centauri system are closer. Barnard's star is also among the least magnetically active red dwarfs known2,3 and has an estimated age older than the Solar System. Its properties make it a prime target for planetary searches; various techniques with different sensitivity limits have been used previously, including radial-velocity imaging4-6, astrometry7,8 and direct imaging9, but all ultimately led to negative or null results. Here we combine numerous measurements from high-precision radial-velocity instruments, revealing the presence of a low-amplitude periodic signal with a period of 233 days. Independent photometric and spectroscopic monitoring, as well as an analysis of instrumental systematic effects, suggest that this signal is best explained as arising from a planetary companion. The candidate planet around Barnard's star is a cold super-Earth, with a minimum mass of 3.2 times that of Earth, orbiting near its snow line (the minimum distance from the star at which volatile compounds could condense). The combination of all radial-velocity datasets spanning 20 years of measurements additionally reveals a long-term modulation that could arise from a stellar magnetic-activity cycle or from a more distant planetary object. Because of its proximity to the Sun, the candidate planet has a maximum angular separation of 220 milliarcseconds from Barnard's star, making it an excellent target for direct imaging and astrometric observations in the future.

Focal cone high harmonic generation driven by a 400 TW laser.

The generation of self-focusing beams of extreme ultraviolet (XUV) radiation using the focal cone high harmonic generation (FCHHG) technique is examined for high energy lasers. The FCHHG geometry is created by passing a focusing laser beam through a gas sheet prior to reaching focus and thus creating a converging beam of high harmonic radiation. This leads to a larger interaction area that increases the total area of XUV emission while not exceeding the saturation intensity of the target atoms or increasing the density of the atoms. Such a method allows for scaling of HHG to any incident laser power. An experiment was conducted demonstrating such scaling to incident 400 TW pulses, showing both the expected spectral signature of HHG and the converging cone of XUV radiation. It was found that this technique is very sensitive to spatial non-uniformity in the driving laser, which has become more prevalent in high energy laser systems.

Onyx®, A New Tool for Intraoperative Localization of Liver Lesions.

BACKGROUND: Precise preoperative localization of liver tumors facilitates successful surgical procedures, Intraoperative ultrasonography is a sensitive imaging modality. However, the presence of small non-palpable isoechoic intraparenchymal lesions may be challenging intraoperatively. METHODOLOGY AND MATERIAL DESCRIPTION: Onyx® is a non-adhesive liquid agent comprised of ethylene-vinyl alcohol usually used dissolved in dimethyl-sulfoxide and suspended micronized tantalum powder to provide contrast for visualization under fluoroscopy and ultrasonography and a macroscopic black shape. This embolization material has been increasingly used for the embolization of intracranial arteriovenous malformations. We present the novel application of Onyx® on liver surgery. CURRENT STATUS: We present the case of a female, 55 years-old, whose medical history revealed an elective sigmoidectomy (pT3N1a). After 17 months of follow up, by PET-CT scan, the patient was diagnosed of a small intraparenchymal hypo-attenuated 13 mm tumor located at segment V consistent with metachronous colorectal liver metastasis. Open metastasectomy was performed, ultrasonography-guided Onyx® infusion was delivered the day after, intraoperative ultrasonography showed a palpable hyperechoic material with a posterior acoustic shadowing artifact around the lesion. Onyx® is a promising new tool, without any previous application on liver surgery, feasible with advantages in small not palpable intraparenchymal liver lesions.

Effectiveness of intra-articular infiltration of platelet concentrates for the treatment of painful joint disorders in the temporomandibular joint: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The role of Platelet-rich Plasma injections as a complementary therapy, together with other minimally invasive procedures, has been analyzed previously, however, there are no articles that evaluate the effects of intra-articular infiltration in the Temporomandibular Joint by itself. The aim of this article is to evaluate the effectiveness of intra-articular infiltration with Platelet-rich Plasma, as a single procedure, to both reduce pain and improve clinical parameters in painful joint disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic search was performed using the terms "Temporomandibular Joint Disorders" and "Platelet-rich plasma" in May 2021. Only the Clinical Trials found in the Pubmed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library/Cochrane CENTRAL, Google Scholar, and LILACS databases were selected. RESULTS: Only four articles were selected for full-text review. Statistically significant differences were found in pain reduction Platelet-rich Plasma-based interventions with respect to preoperative measurements up to six months. Only two studies found significant intergroup differences favoring Platelet-rich Plasma over other interventions. In relation to maximum mouth opening, three studies reported an increase compared to the preoperative measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Platelet-rich Plasma might potentially be effective in reducing pain levels and improving clinical parameters such as interincisal distance. However, studies with better methodological quality, larger sample sizes, and lower risk of bias are required to assess the real value of this intervention in the management of painful joint disorders.

Chitosan for the treatment of inflammation of the oral mucosa: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Chitosan is a cheap, accessible, nontoxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable compound. Also, this polysaccharide possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Consequently, a wide range of chitosan applications in the dentistry field has been explored. This work aimed to conduct a systematic review to address the clinical efficacy of chitosan for the treatment of oral mucositis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The design of the included studies were observational studies, randomized clinical trials (RCT), and non-randomized clinical trials (non-RCT), whereas, a series of cases, in vivo, and in vitro studies were excluded. The search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source, and ClinicalTrials. Gray literature was searched at Google Scholar. Relevant data from all included studies were recorded. The risk of bias (using RoB 2) and the quality (using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation, GRADE) assessments were carried out. RESULTS: From the 8413 records screened, 5 clinical trials fully met the eligibility criteria, which comprised a total of 192 participants suffering oral lesions and pain related to oral mucositis. 100% of the included studies exhibited a high risk of bias. The quality of the studies was between low and very low. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the included studies suggest that chitosan can diminish pain and improve the healing of ulcers in oral mucositis. However, there is no conclusive evidence of chitosan as a superior treatment for oral mucositis compared with other current therapies.

Comprehensive analysis (aerobic/anaerobic, molecular recognitions, band-position and degradation-mechanism) of undoped and Co-doped anatase-brookite - An experimental/theoretical evaluation of the less-studied TiO2 mixed phase.

The molecular recognition (MRec) effect is required in the initial phase of organic reactions. The second stage involves molecular-orientations and molecular-orbitals energy-levels (MOrbE). The components of a reaction must be compatible in terms MRec and MOrbE. Therefore, the comprehension of photocatalytic systems applied in wastewater treatment will be improved if the MRec effect is also considered as an important factor. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the less studied anatase-brookite mixed-phase (doped and undoped). Anatase/brookite photocatalytic systems were evaluated utilizing experimental/theoretical approaches in H2O (aerobic/anaerobic) environments with Vis-light and the organic pollutant (OrPo) methyl orange (MO). The compatibility of MRec and MOrbE of anatase-brookite mixed-phase (with the different reactive system components) confirmed this is the optimal combination for photocatalytic application. Using the sol-gel method, AM-TiO2NP (amorphous), TiO2NP (crystalline), and TiO2NP-Co0.1 at% (crystalline Co-doped) anatase-brookite mixed-phase photocatalysts were obtained. The morphology and surface were characterized using XRD, BET, SEM, HR-TEM, FT-IR and XPS. Employing UV-vis DRS and PL, photo-response and electron-hole recombination were studied. LVS and Mott-Schottky plot were employed to determine photo-electrochemical activity. The results of TiO2NP photocatalytic degradation in both aerobic and anaerobic environments are remarkable. The results of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and Fukui Function (FF) based on density functional theory (DFT) validate the remarkable photocatalytic MO degradation.

Comparative study of open, laparoscopic and endoscopic treatments of intermediate grade vesicoureteral reflux in children.

BACKGROUND: Low-grade vesicoureteral-reflux (VUR) are rather treated by endoscopic injection, whereas open or laparoscopic procedures are mainly performed for high-grade VURs. Management of intermediate grades is controversial and no study focused on grade III to date. This study aims to compare the results of open, laparoscopic, and endoscopic approaches in children with grade III VUR. METHODS: A multicenter comparative retrospective study included children with grade III VUR operated for febrile urinary tract infections (UTIs) from 2007 to 2016. Children without UTI, with reflux of other grades, neurological bladder, duplex system, posterior urethral valves, and bladder exstrophy were excluded. Success was defined as no recurrence of febrile UTI and was presented as event-free survival curves. RESULTS: Out of 806 children operated of VUR, 171 met the inclusion criteria (114 females). Seventy-seven children (45%) underwent an open Cohen procedure, 35 (21%) a laparoscopic Lich-Gregoir and 59 (34%) a submucosal endoscopic injection according to the centers' preference. The mean follow-up was 64 months (24-132). Groups were not different for age, sex, and circumcision status. Compared to Cohen procedure, recurrences of febrile UTI were more frequent after laparoscopic treatment (p = 0,02, 8/35) and endoscopic treatment (p = 0.001, 16/59). Redosurgery was also more frequent after laparoscopy (n = 2) and endoscopic injection (n = 14) than after open surgery (n = 0, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Recurrent febrile UTIs and redosurgery are more frequent after endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures in grade III VUR than open reimplantation. Whether the lower morbidity of laparoscopic or endoscopic approaches balances the risk of recurrent febrile UTI remains to be determined for intermediate grade reflux.

Tick-borne pathogens in ticks from urban and suburban areas of north-western Spain: Importance of Ixodes frontalis harbouring zoonotic pathogens.

To identify the questing tick populations in urban and suburban areas from the city of Lugo (NW Spain), ticks were collected monthly by flagging. The presence of Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum also was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequence analysis. Overall, 342 questing ticks were collected; the tick abundance was higher in suburban (95.9%) than in urban areas (4.1%). Ixodes frontalis was the most abundant (86.5%); 88.5% were larvae, 11.1% nymphs and 0.3% adults. All development stages of I. ricinus (7.3%) and adults of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (5.8%) and Dermacentor reticulatus (0.3%) were found. Rickettsia spp. (31.9%) was more prevalent than Borrelia spp. (2.7%); no ticks were positive to A. phagocytophilum. Six Rickettsia species were identified (R. slovaca, R. monacensis, R. massiliae, R. raoultii, R. sibirica subsp. mongolitimonae and R. aeschielmanii); Candidatus Rickettsia rioja and two novel Rickettsia species also were detected. In addition, Borrelia turdi (1.8%) and B. valaisiana (0.9%) were identified in Ixodes ticks. This is the first report of R. slovaca in R. sanguineus s.l. and of R. monacensis, R. raoultii, R. slovaca, R. sibirica subsp. mongolitimonae and Ca. R. rioja in I. frontalis. Since most of the pathogens detected are zoonotic, their presence in these areas may have implications for public health.

Textbook outcome in colon carcinoma: implications for overall survival and disease-free survival.

BACKGROUND: Textbook outcome (TO) is a multidimensional quality management tool that uses a set of traditional surgical measures to reflect an "ideal" surgical result for a particular pathology. The aim of the present study is to record the rate of TO in patients undergoing elective surgery for colon cancer (CC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of all patients undergoing scheduled CC surgery at a Spanish university hospital from September 2012 to August 2016. Patients with rectal cancer were excluded. The variables included in the definition of TO were: R0 resection, number of isolated nodes ≥ 12, no Clavien-Dindo ≥ IIIa complications, no prolonged stay, no readmissions, and no mortality in the first 30 days. The main objective of this study is to analyse the achievement of TO in these patients and to assess the relationship between TO and overall and disease-free survival. RESULTS: Five hundred and sixty-four patients were included in the study. TO was achieved in 49.8%. The sample had a mean age of 69 ± 11 years, and 60% were male. Female sex (OR 1.61; 95% CI 2.30-1.13), T3 and T4 classification (OR 2.50, 95% CI 4.59-1.36, and OR 2.55, 95% CI 5.21-1.24 respectively) and laparoscopic approach (OR 1.53, 95% CI 2.33-1.00) were independent factors that were significantly associated with achieving a TO. Patients who achieved TO had higher overall survival (p = 0.008) than those who did not. However, with regard to disease-free survival, no statistically significant differences were found (p = 0.303). CONCLUSION: TO is a useful, easy-to-interpret management tool for measuring oncological results and for predicting patient survival.

[Factors associated with prolonged hospital-stay after appendectomy during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic]. / Faktory, svyazannye s dlitel'nym prebyvaniem v statsionare posle appendektomii vo vremya pandemii SARS-CoV-2.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors associated with prolonged hospital-stay after appendectomy in SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort study included 420 patients after surgery for acute appendicitis between March 2019 and March 2020, April 2020 and April 2021. There were 336 patients before the SARS-COV-2 pandemic, and 84 ones underwent surgery during the pandemic. RESULTS: Incidence of prolonged hospital stay was 15% and 26%, respectively (RR 1.76). RR is more than 1 and assumes SARS-CoV-2 infection as a risk factor. CONCLUSION: There is an association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and prolonged hospital-stay after surgery for acute appendicitis (RR 1.76).

Diabetic mitochondria are resistant to palmitoyl CoA inhibition of respiration, which is detrimental during ischemia.

The bioactive lipid intermediate palmitoyl CoA (PCoA) can inhibit mitochondrial ADP/ATP transport, though the physiological relevance of this regulation remains unclear. We questioned whether myocardial ischemia provides a pathological setting in which PCoA regulation of ADP/ATP transport would be beneficial, and secondly, whether the chronically elevated lipid content within the diabetic heart could make mitochondria less sensitive to the effects of PCoA. PCoA acutely decreased ADP-stimulated state 3 respiration and increased the apparent Km for ADP twofold. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) of PCoA in control mitochondria was 22 µM. This inhibitory effect of PCoA on respiration was blunted in diabetic mitochondria, with no significant difference in the Km for ADP in the presence of PCoA, and an increase in the IC50 to 32 µM PCoA. The competitive inhibition by PCoA was localised to the phosphorylation apparatus, particularly the ADP/ATP carrier (AAC). During ischemia, the AAC imports ATP into the mitochondria, where it is hydrolysed by reversal of the ATP synthase, regenerating the membrane potential. Addition of PCoA dose-dependently prevented this wasteful ATP hydrolysis for membrane repolarisation during ischemia, however, this beneficial effect was blunted in diabetic mitochondria. Finally, using 31 P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy we demonstrated that diabetic hearts lose ATP more rapidly during ischemia, with a threefold higher ATP decay rate compared with control hearts. In conclusion, PCoA plays a role in protecting mitochondrial energetics during ischemia, by preventing wasteful ATP hydrolysis. However, this beneficial effect is blunted in diabetes, contributing to the impaired energy metabolism seen during myocardial ischemia in the diabetic heart.

Traumatic myiasis by Wohlfahrtia magnifica in sheep flocks from southeastern Spain: prevalence and risk factors.

Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) is an obligate myiasis-causing fly of livestock that is widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean basin. A total of 73 683 sheep from 122 flocks in Albacete Province (southeastern [SE] Spain) were examined to detect active traumatic myiasis. The influence of several individual and flock factors on the prevalence was also assessed. The overall flock prevalence of traumatic myiasis was 95.9%, with an individual prevalence of 7.1%. Wohlfahrtia magnifica was identified in all of the positive animals except one that was infested by Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Adults of both genders showed a higher risk of infestation than juveniles, whereas males of all ages displayed an increased risk of infestation than females of all ages; the existence of a lambing building on the farm, poor husbandry facilities and the location area were also identified as risk factors. Prevalence was highest in the summer, and the fly season lasted from March to November. Genitalia were the main location of infestation in males (94.4%) and females (76.3%). Our results reveal that traumatic myiasis by W. magnifica is widespread in southeastern Spain, hence preventive measures minimizing the attractiveness of sheep to gravid flies are necessary to avoid health and welfare problems and significant production losses in sheep flocks.

Strain- and serotype-dependent affinity of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli for bovine milk fat globules.

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are widely detected in raw milk products intended for human consumption. Although STEC are a worldwide public health problem, the pathogenicity of STEC in cheese remains unclear. In fact, bacterial association with compounds in raw milk cheeses could reduce their pathogenicity. A previous study showed the association of 2 STEC strains with raw milk cream in a natural creaming assay. Different concentrations of each strain were required to saturate the cream. In this study, we hypothesized that all STEC strains could be associated with milk fat globules (MFG) in raw milk and that the bacterial load required for saturation of the cream is serotype dependent. We evaluated the affinity of STEC strains belonging to the O157:H7, O26:H11, and O103:H2 serotypes for bovine raw milk cream and analyzed saturation of the cream layer by natural creaming assay. We used 12 STEC strains and 3 strains belonging to another pathotype to assess the effects of serotypes on this phenomenon. We performed sucrose density gradient centrifugation assays with 2 STEC model strains to confirm the results obtained by natural creaming. The localization of STEC within MFG-enriched creams was observed by confocal and electron microscopy. We recovered approximately 10 times more STEC from the cream layer after natural creaming than from raw bovine milk. The concentration of STEC required to saturate the cream layer (the saturation concentration) was estimated for each strain by nonlinear regression, highlighting a strain and serotype effect. Moreover, the concentration of STEC in the cream was milk fat level dependent. However, even in nonsaturating conditions, a high level of STEC was still present in the aqueous phase, after fat separation. Thus, natural creaming should not be used as the sole preventive measure to remove STEC from naturally contaminated raw milk. The results of our study suggest that cream saturation is a complex mechanism, most likely involving specific interactions between STEC and raw MFG.

The accessory heads of the muscles flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum profundus (Gantzer muscle) - An anatomical study in Brazilian cadavers.

An important accessory anatomical variation, exclusively human, and related to the muscular ventres of the flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum profundus is frequently denominated Gantzer. These variations have close relations with the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN), which provides, for many authors, by direct compression, one of the rare neuropathic syndromes. In this work, thirty-four forearms were dissected from the collections of the Medical School of the Federal University of Minas Gerais and the Department of Basic Sciences of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, with a prevalence of 50% of the 34 forearms studied for the Gantzer muscle. The muscle relationship was mainly with the flexor pollicis longus muscle and only one occurrence related to the flexor digitorum profundus muscle, described as a rare occurrence of unilateral double formation of Gantzer muscle. Bilaterality was observed in 88.23% of the findings and the dominant innervation for this muscle variation occurred in 82.35% by the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN). The type morphological in all forms found was the fusiform, with 10.5cm of total length and an average of 0.3cm in diameter and all related, as origin, in the medial aspect of the coronoid process of the ulna, next to the origin of the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle. Our work largely reflected the findings of most publications and, considering the controversy of the occurrence of a compressive neuropathy, the data were not sufficient, from a strictly anatomical point of view, to confirm or refute the hypothesis.

Heterozygous CAPN3 missense variants causing autosomal-dominant calpainopathy in seven unrelated families.

AIMS: Recessive variants in CAPN3 gene are the cause of the commonest form of autosomal recessive limb girdle muscle dystrophy. However, two distinct in-frame deletions in CAPN3 (NM_000070.3:c.643_663del21 and c.598_621del15) and more recently, Gly445Arg and Arg572Pro substitutions have been linked to autosomal dominant (AD) forms of calpainopathy. We report 21 affected individuals from seven unrelated families presenting with an autosomal dominant form of muscular dystrophy associated with five different heterozygous missense variants in CAPN. METHODS: We have used massively parallel gene sequencing (MPS) to determine the genetic basis of a dominant form of limb girdle muscular dystrophy in affected individuals from seven unrelated families. RESULTS: The c.700G> A, [p.(Gly234Arg)], c.1327T> C [p.(Ser443Pro], c.1333G> A [p.(Gly445Arg)], c.1661A> C [p.(Tyr554Ser)] and c.1706T> C [p.(Phe569Ser)] CAPN3 variants were identified. Affected individuals presented in young adulthood with progressive proximal and axial weakness, waddling walking and scapular winging or with isolated hyperCKaemia. Muscle imaging showed fatty replacement of paraspinal muscles, variable degrees of involvement of the gluteal muscles, and the posterior compartment of the thigh and minor changes at the mid-leg level. Muscle biopsies revealed mild myopathic changes. Western blot analysis revealed a clear reduction in calpain 3 in skeletal muscle relative to controls. Protein modelling of these variants on the predicted structure of calpain 3 revealed that all variants are located in proximity to the calmodulin-binding site and are predicted to interfere with proteolytic activation. CONCLUSIONS: We expand the genotypic spectrum of CAPN3-associated muscular dystrophy due to autosomal dominant missense variants.

Simulations of micro-sphere/shell 2D silica photonic crystals for radiative cooling.

Passive daytime radiative cooling has recently become an attractive approach to address the global energy demand associated with modern refrigeration technologies. One technique to increase the radiative cooling performance is to engineer the surface of a polar dielectric material to enhance its emittance at wavelengths in the atmospheric infrared transparency window (8-13 µm) by outcoupling surface-phonon polaritons (SPhPs) into free-space. Here we present a theoretical investigation of new surface morphologies based upon self-assembled silica photonic crystals (PCs) using an in-house built rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA) code. Simulations predict that silica micro-sphere PCs can reach up to 73 K below ambient temperature, when solar absorption and conductive/convective losses can be neglected. Micro-shell structures are studied to explore the direct outcoupling of the SPhP, resulting in near-unity emittance between 8 and 10 µm. Additionally, the effect of material composition is explored by simulating soda-lime glass micro-shells, which, in turn, exhibit a temperature reduction of 61 K below ambient temperature. The RCWA code was compared to FTIR measurements of silica micro-spheres, self-assembled on microscope slides.

Recruitment of neurons in basolateral amygdala after intense training produces a stronger memory trace.

Typical amnestic treatments are ineffective when administered to subjects trained in aversively-motivated tasks using relatively high foot-shock intensities. This effect has been found when treatments that disrupt neuronal activity are administered to different regions of the brain, including the amygdala. However, the molecular mechanisms induced by this intense training are unknown. We made a detailed mapping of c-Fos-expressing neurons in four regions of the amygdala after moderate and intense one-trial inhibitory avoidance training. Rats were sacrificed 90 min after training or after appropriate control procedures, and their brains were prepared for immunohistochemical c-Fos protein detection in the central, lateral, and in the anterior and posterior parts of the basolateral amygdaloid nucleus. We found a high percentage of neurons expressing c-Fos in the anterior part of the basolateral nucleus after moderate training, and this percentage increased further after intense training. Moderate and intense training did not induce changes in c-Fos expression in the other explored amygdaloid regions. These results show that inhibitory avoidance training produces a localized expression of c-Fos in the basolateral anterior nucleus of the amygdala, which is dependent upon the intensity of training, and indicate that synaptic plastic changes in this region may be required for the formation of memory of moderate and intense aversive learning.

Molecular detection and identification of piroplasms (Babesia spp. and Theileria spp.) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in questing ticks from northwest Spain.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum and some piroplasm species are pathogens mainly transmitted by Ixodes ricinus. Considering that this tick species is predominant in north-western Spain, individual specimens (652 nymphs, 202 females and 202 males) and 23 larval pools were processed to determine the prevalence of these pathogens in questing I. ricinus from that region. Additionally, Dermacentor marginatus, Dermacentor reticulatus, Ixodes frontalis and Ixodes acuminatus were individually analysed. The groESL operon as well as the 16S rRNA and msp2 genes of Anaplasma were analysed. Similarly, piroplasms were identified at the 18S rRNA gene and the ITS1 of Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. Babesia venatorum (1.5%), A. phagocytophilum (0.7%), Babesia microti (0.3%) and Theileria sp. OT3 (0.2%) were detected in I. ricinus. A single I. frontalis (8.3%) tested positive to A. phagocytophilum. Although a low percentage of I. ricinus were infected with A. phagocytophilum and piroplasms, a potentially human pathogenic variant of A. phagocytophilum was detected, and both Babesia species found were zoonotic. Since the vector of Theileria sp. OT3 remains unknown, further investigations are needed to unravel the role of I. ricinus in the transmission of this piroplasm.

Performance of a deep neural network in teledermatology: a single-centre prospective diagnostic study.

BACKGROUND: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for the diagnosis of skin diseases has shown promise in experimental settings but has not been yet tested in real-life conditions. OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic performance and potential clinical utility of a 174-multiclass AI algorithm in a real-life telemedicine setting. METHODS: Prospective, diagnostic accuracy study including consecutive patients who submitted images for teledermatology evaluation. The treating dermatologist chose a single image to upload to a web application during teleconsultation. A follow-up reader study including nine healthcare providers (3 dermatologists, 3 dermatology residents and 3 general practitioners) was performed. RESULTS: A total of 340 cases from 281 patients met study inclusion criteria. The mean (SD) age of patients was 33.7 (17.5) years; 63% (n = 177) were female. Exposure to the AI algorithm results was considered useful in 11.8% of visits (n = 40) and the teledermatologist correctly modified the real-time diagnosis in 0.6% (n = 2) of cases. The overall top-1 accuracy of the algorithm (41.2%) was lower than that of the dermatologists (60.1%), residents (57.8%) and general practitioners (49.3%) (all comparisons P < 0.05, in the reader study). When the analysis was limited to the diagnoses on which the algorithm had been explicitly trained, the balanced top-1 accuracy of the algorithm (47.6%) was comparable to the dermatologists (49.7%) and residents (47.7%) but superior to the general practitioners (39.7%; P = 0.049). Algorithm performance was associated with patient skin type and image quality. CONCLUSIONS: A 174-disease class AI algorithm appears to be a promising tool in the triage and evaluation of lesions with patient-taken photographs via telemedicine.