Efficacy of different 8 h time-restricted eating schedules on visceral adipose tissue and cardiometabolic health: A study protocol.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To investigate the efficacy and feasibility of three different 8 h time-restricted eating (TRE) schedules (i.e., early, late, and self-selected) compared to each other and to a usual-care (UC) intervention on visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and cardiometabolic health in men and women. METHODS AND RESULTS: Anticipated 208 adults (50% women) aged 30-60 years, with overweight/obesity (25 ≤ BMI<40 kg/m2) and with mild metabolic impairments will be recruited for this parallel-group, multicenter randomized controlled trial. Participants will be randomly allocated (1:1:1:1) to one of four groups for 12 weeks: UC, early TRE, late TRE or self-selected TRE. The UC group will maintain their habitual eating window and receive, as well as the TRE groups, healthy lifestyle education for weight management. The early TRE group will start eating not later than 10:00, and the late TRE group not before 13:00. The self-selected TRE group will select an 8 h eating window before the intervention and maintain it over the intervention. The primary outcome is changes in VAT, whereas secondary outcomes include body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors. CONCLUSION: This study will determine whether the timing of the eating window during TRE impacts its efficacy on VAT, body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors and provide insights about its feasibility.

Implications of migratory and exotic birds and the mosquito community on West Nile virus transmission.

BACKGROUND: Vector-borne diseases like West Nile virus (WNV) pose a global health challenge, with rising incidence and distribution. Culex mosquitoes are crucial WNV vectors. Avian species composition and bird community diversity, along with vector communities, influence WNV transmission patterns. However, limited knowledge exists on their impact in southwestern Spain, an area with active WNV circulation in wild birds, mosquitoes, and humans. METHODS: To address this, we conducted a comprehensive study investigating the contributions of migratory and exotic bird species to WNV transmission and the influence of mosquito community composition. RESULTS: Analysing 1194 serum samples from 44 avian species, we detected WNV antibodies in 32 samples from 11 species, four for the first time in Europe. Migratory birds had higher WNV exposure likelihood than native and exotic species, and higher phylogenetic diversity in bird communities correlated with lower exposure rates. Moreover, in 5859 female mosquitoes belonging to 12 species, we identified WNV competent vectors like Cx. pipiens s.l. and the Univittatus subgroup. Birds with WNV antibodies were positively associated with competent vector abundance, but negatively with overall mosquito species richness. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the complex interactions between bird species, their phylogenetics, and mosquito vectors in WNV transmission. Understanding these dynamics will help to implement effective disease control strategies in southwestern Spain.

The Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in an Exposed Human Population Is Biased by the Immunoassay Used: Implications in Serosurveillance.

The presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was examined over 7 months in a population of essential service workers exposed during the first epidemic wave in Madrid (Spain). Results obtained with different serological assays were compared. Firstly, serum samples obtained in April 2020 were analyzed using eleven SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection methods, including seven ELISAs, two CLIAs and two LFAs. While all of the ELISA tests and the Roche eCLIA method showed good performance, it was poorer for the Abbott CLIA and LFA tests. Sera from 115 workers with serologically positive results in April were collected 2 and 7 months after the first sampling and were analyzed using five of the tests previously assessed. The results showed that while some ELISA tests consistently detected the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies even 7 months after first detection, other methods, such as the Abbott CLIA test, showed an important reduction in sensitivity for these mature antibodies. The sensitivity increased after establishing new cut-off values, calculated taking into account both recent and old infections, suggesting that an adjustment of assay parameters may improve the detection of individuals exposed to the infection.

Descelularización y regeneración de tráquea porcina: un acercamiento a la ingeniería tisular / Decellularization and Regeneration of Porcine Trachea: an Approach to Tissue Engineering

Resumen Antecedentes: la ingeniería tisular permite obtener órganos como injertos a partir de tejidos descelularizados, regenerados con células autólogas. Objetivo: descelularizar y regenerar tráqueas porcinas. Material y métodos: se descelularizaron tráqueas porcinas colocándolas cada una en el epiplón de cuatro cerdos Yorkshire para su regeneración in vivo. Una tráquea desce-lularizada con tritón (DT), descelularizada con desoxicolato (DD), descelularizada con desoxicolato y reforzada con un polímero y células epiteliales (DDR), y una nativa crio-preservada (NC). Después de 8 días se obtuvieron la DD, NC y DDR; y al día 15, la DT. Se las evaluó mecánica e histológicamente, se realizó el análisis casuístico. Resultados: las tráqueas descelularizadas conservaron la integridad del cartílago, sin diferencias mecánicas, excepto la DDR con mayor rigidez. Las tráqueas regeneradas presentaron menor rigidez, excepto la DDR que además perdió el epitelio y la vascula-ridad. Las DT, DD mostraron epitelio no respiratorio, fibrosis y vasculogénesis con in-flamación. Conclusiones: las matrices conservaron sus características mecánicas. La regenera-ción in vivo ofrece ventajas como la esterilidad, interacción celular, nutrientes; es senci-llo, factible y económico, pero no hay control del crecimiento celular y vascularización, y los tejidos presentaron alteraciones mecánicas e histológicas. El polímero impidió la re-epitelialización y revascularización. Este estudio abre la posibilidad de mejorar las me-todologías de ingeniería tisular aplicadas al tejido traqueal.

Abstract Introduction: tissue engineering makes it possible to obtain organs as grafts from de-cellularized tissues, regenerated with autologous cells.Objective: decellularize and regenerate porcine tracheas.ARTÍCULO ORIGINAL | Respirar, 2023; 15(3): 188-199 | ISSN 2953-3414 | https://doi.org/10.55720/respirar.15.3.5RECIBIDO: 9 agosto 2023ACEP TADO: 31 agosto 2023 Elisa Barrera-Ramírezhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-2778-0882Rubén Efraín Garrido-Cardonahttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-6083-5403Alejandro Martínez-Martínezhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-3448-910XLuis Fernando Plenge-Tellecheahttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-1619-5004Edna Rico-Escobarhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-0933-0220Esta revista está bajo una licencia de Creative Commons Reconocimiento 4.0 Internacional. Respirar 2023; 15 (3): 189ARTÍCULO ORIGINAL / E. Barrera-Ramírez, R.E. Garrido-Cardona, A. Martínez-Martínez, L.F. Plenge-Tellechea, E. Rico-EscobarDescelularización y regeneración de tráqueaISSN 2953-3414Materials and Methods: Porcine tracheas were decellularized by placing each one in the omentum of four Yorkshire pigs for regeneration in vivo. A trachea decellularized with triton (DT), decellularized with deoxycholate (DD), decellularized with deoxycho-late and reinforced with a polymer, and epithelial cells (DDR), and a cryopreserved na-tive (NC). After 8 days, the DD, NC and DDR were obtained; and on day 15, the DT. The evaluation was mechanically and histologically, performing the case analysis.Results: the decellularized tracheas preserved the integrity of the cartilage, with no me-chanical differences, except for the DDR with greater rigidity. The regenerated trache-as presented less rigidity, except the DDR, which also lost the epithelium and vascular-ity. The DT, DD showed non-respiratory epithelium, fibrosis and vasculogenesis with inflammation.Conclusions: the matrices retained their mechanical characteristics, in vivo regenera-tion offers advantages such as sterility, cell interaction, nutrients; it is simple, feasible and economical, but there is no control of cell growth and vascularization, and the tis-sues presented mechanical and histological alterations. The polymer prevented re-epi-thelialization and revascularization. This study opens the possibility of improving tissue engineering methodologies applied to tracheal tissue.

Experimental infections in red-legged partridges reveal differences in host competence between West Nile and Usutu virus strains from Southern Spain.

Introduction: West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are emerging zoonotic arboviruses sharing the same life cycle with mosquitoes as vectors and wild birds as reservoir hosts. The main objective of this study was to characterize the pathogenicity and course of infection of two viral strains (WNV/08 and USUV/09) co-circulating in Southern Spain in a natural host, the red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa), and to compare the results with those obtained with the reference strain WNV/NY99. Methods: WNV inoculated birds were monitored for clinical and analytical parameters (viral load, viremia, and antibodies) for 15 days post-inoculation. Results and discussion: Partridges inoculated with WNV/NY99 and WNV/08 strains showed clinical signs such as weight loss, ruffled feathers, and lethargy, which were not observed in USUV/09-inoculated individuals. Although statistically significant differences in mortality were not observed, partridges inoculated with WNV strains developed significantly higher viremia and viral loads in blood than those inoculated with USUV. In addition, the viral genome was detected in organs and feathers of WNV-inoculated partridges, while it was almost undetectable in USUV-inoculated ones. These experimental results indicate that red-legged partridges are susceptible to the assayed Spanish WNV with pathogenicity similar to that observed for the prototype WNV/NY99 strain. By contrast, the USUV/09 strain was not pathogenic for this bird species and elicited extremely low viremia levels, demonstrating that red-legged partridges are not a competent host for the transmission of this USUV strain.

Effect of a 24-Week Concurrent Exercise Intervention on Neck Adiposity and Its Distribution in Young Adults: The ACTIBATE Randomized Controlled Trial.

Neck adipose tissue (NAT) accumulation and neck circumference are independent predictors of cardiometabolic risk (CMR) and low-grade chronic inflammation in young adults. The present study examines whether a 24-week concurrent exercise intervention can reduce NAT volume and neck circumference in young adults, and whether any changes in these variables are related to changes in body composition, CMR, and the inflammatory profile. Seventy-four participants (51 women, age 22 ± 2 years) were included in the main analyses, after being randomly assigned to either a (a) control (n = 34), (b) moderate-intensity exercise (n = 19), or (c) vigorous-intensity exercise (n = 21) group. Participants in the exercise groups trained 3-4 days/week (endurance + resistance exercise training). NAT volume and NAT distribution across different depots were estimated using computed tomography before and after the intervention. Anthropometric variables, body composition (determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), and CMR/inflammatory markers were also recorded. The exercise intervention did not reduce the total NAT volume, nor was NAT distribution affected (p > .05). However, it did reduce neck circumference in the vigorous-intensity exercise group compared with the moderate-intensity exercise and control groups (by 0.8 and 1 cm, respectively, p ≤ .05). Changes in total NAT and neck circumference were positively, albeit weakly, related (adj. R2: .05-.21, all p ≤ .05) to changes in body weight and adiposity, leptin (only total NAT), and CMR (only neck circumference). Altogether 24 weeks of concurrent exercise does not appear to reduce NAT accumulation in young adults, but may slightly reduce neck circumference in those who partake in vigorous exercise.

Association of meal timing with body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors in young adults.

PURPOSE: To investigate the association of meal timing with body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors in young adults. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study participated 118 young adults (82 women; 22 ± 2 years old; BMI: 25.1 ± 4.6 kg/m2). Meal timing was determined via three non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls. Sleep outcomes were objectively assessed using accelerometry. The eating window (time between first and last caloric intake), caloric midpoint (local time at which ≥ 50% of daily calories are consumed), eating jetlag (variability of the eating midpoint between non-working and working days), time from the midsleep point to first food intake, and time from last food intake to midsleep point were calculated. Body composition was determined by DXA. Blood pressure and fasting cardiometabolic risk factors (i.e., triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and insulin resistance) were measured. RESULTS: Meal timing was not associated with body composition (p > 0.05). The eating window was negatively related to HOMA-IR and cardiometabolic risk score in men (R2 = 0.348, ß = - 0.605; R2 = 0.234, ß = - 0.508; all p ≤ 0.003). The time from midsleep point to first food intake was positively related to HOMA-IR and cardiometabolic risk score in men (R2 = 0.212, ß = 0.485; R2 = 0.228, ß = 0.502; all p = 0.003). These associations remained after adjusting for confounders and multiplicity (all p ≤ 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Meal timing seems unrelated to body composition in young adults. However, a longer daily eating window and a shorter time from midsleep point to first food intake (i.e., earlier first food intake in a 24 h cycle) are associated with better cardiometabolic health in young men. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02365129 ( https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov/ct2/show/NCT02365129?term=ACTIBATE&draw=2&rank=1 ).

Risk Factors for Exposure of Wild Birds to West Nile Virus in A Gradient of Wildlife-Livestock Interaction.

West Nile virus (WNV) transmission rate is shaped by the interaction between virus reservoirs and vectors, which may be maximized in farm environments. Based on this hypothesis, we screened for WNV in wild birds in three scenarios with decreasing gradient of interaction with horses: (i) the farm (A1); (ii) the neighborhood (A2); and (iii) a wild area (A3). We captured wild birds and analyzed their sera for WNV antibodies by blocking ELISA and micro-virus neutralization test. Flavivirus infections were tested with generic and specific PCR protocols. We parameterized linear mixed models with predictors (bird abundance and diversity, vector abundance, vector host abundance, and weather quantities) to identify Flavivirus spp. and WNV exposure risk factors. We detected a low rate of Flavivirus infections by PCR (0.8%) and 6.9% of the birds were seropositive by ELISA. Exposure to Flavivirus spp. was higher in A1 (9%) than in A2 and A3 (5.6% and 5.8%, respectively). Bird diversity was the most relevant predictor of exposure risk and passerines dominated the on-farm bird community. Our results suggest that measures deterring the use of the farm by passerines should be implemented because the environmental favorability of continental Mediterranean environments for WNV is increasing and more outbreaks are expected.

No evidence of brown adipose tissue activation after 24 weeks of supervised exercise training in young sedentary adults in the ACTIBATE randomized controlled trial.

Exercise modulates both brown adipose tissue (BAT) metabolism and white adipose tissue (WAT) browning in murine models. Whether this is true in humans, however, has remained unknown. An unblinded randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02365129) was therefore conducted to study the effects of a 24-week supervised exercise intervention, combining endurance and resistance training, on BAT volume and activity (primary outcome). The study was carried out in the Sport and Health University Research Institute and the Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital of the University of Granada (Spain). One hundred and forty-five young sedentary adults were assigned to either (i) a control group (no exercise, n = 54), (ii) a moderate intensity exercise group (MOD-EX, n = 48), or (iii) a vigorous intensity exercise group (VIG-EX n = 43) by unrestricted randomization. No relevant adverse events were recorded. 97 participants (34 men, 63 women) were included in the final analysis (Control; n = 35, MOD-EX; n = 31, and VIG-EX; n = 31). We observed no changes in BAT volume (Δ Control: -22.2 ± 52.6 ml; Δ MOD-EX: -15.5 ± 62.1 ml, Δ VIG-EX: -6.8 ± 66.4 ml; P = 0.771) or 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake (SUVpeak Δ Control: -2.6 ± 3.1 ml; Δ MOD-EX: -1.2 ± 4.8, Δ VIG-EX: -2.2 ± 5.1; p = 0.476) in either the control or the exercise groups. Thus, we did not find any evidence of an exercise-induced change on BAT volume or activity in young sedentary adults.

Circulating concentrations of free triiodothyronine are associated with central adiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors in young euthyroid adults

Thyroid dysfunction is associated with classic cardiometabolic risk factors in humans. However, this relationship remains unclear in young euthyroid adults. The present work examines the associations of circulating thyroid hormones (THs) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations with body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors in young euthyroid adults. A total of 106 sedentary, euthyroid adults (72 women; 22 ± 2 years old) participated in this cross-sectional study. THs and TSH serum concentrations were determined in fasting conditions (6 h). Body composition (fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT)) was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, anthropometric parameters (weight, height, and waist circumference) were measured, and neck adipose tissue mass was quantified through computed tomography (CT) scanning. Cardiometabolic risk factors including fasting glucose and lipid metabolism markers, hepatic phosphatase and transaminases, and blood pressure were also assessed. Free triiodothyronine (FT3) concentration was positively associated with body mass index, LM, VAT, and waist circumference (all P ≤ 0.038). FT3 was also associated with glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, fatty liver index, and blood pressure (all P < 0.024). All the associations were attenuated when adjusting for sex. In contrast, we found no associations of TSH or free thyroxine with any body composition parameter or cardiometabolic risk factors. In conclusion, FT3 is associated with central adiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors including insulin resistance, fatty liver index, and mean, systolic and diastolic blood pressure in young euthyroid adults. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02365129. (AU)

Dihydrocapsiate does not increase energy expenditure nor fat oxidation during aerobic exercise in men with overweight/obesity: a randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.

Background: Prior evidence suggests that capsinoids ingestion may increase resting energy expenditure (EE) and fat oxidation (FATox), yet whether they can modulate those parameters during exercise conditions remains poorly understood. We hypothesized that dihydrocapsiate (DHC) ingestion would increase EE and specifically FATox during an acute bout of aerobic exercise at FATmax intensity (the intensity that elicits maximal fat oxidation during exercise [MFO]) in men with overweight/obesity. Since FATmax and MFO during aerobic exercise appear to be indicators of metabolic flexibility, whether DHC has an impact on FATox in this type of population is of clinical interest. Methods: A total of 24 sedentary men (age = 40.2 ± 9.2 years-old; body mass index = 31.6 ± 4.5 kg/m2 [n = 11 overweight, n = 13 obese]) participated in this randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial (registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier no. NCT05156697). On the first day, participants underwent a submaximal exercise test on a cycle ergometer to determine their MFO and FATmax intensity during exercise. After 72 hours had elapsed, the participants returned on 2 further days (≥ 72 hours apart) and performed a 60 min steady-state exercise bout (i.e. cycling at their FATmax, constant intensity) after ingesting either 12 mg of DHC or placebo; these conditions were randomized. Respiratory gas exchange was monitored by indirect calorimetry. Serum marker concentrations (i.e. glucose, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), skin temperature, thermal perception, heart rate, and perceived fatigue) were assessed. Results: There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between DHC and placebo conditions in the EE and FATox during exercise. Similarly, no significant changes were observed in glucose, triglycerides, or NEFAs serum levels, neither in the skin temperature nor thermal perception across conditions. Heart rate and perceived fatigue did not differ between conditions. Conclusions: DHC supplementation does not affect energy metabolism during exercise in men with overweight/obesity.

Oral saliva swab reverse transcription PCR for Covid-19 in the paediatric population.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the performance of oral saliva swab (OSS) reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) compared with RT-PCR and antigen rapid diagnostic test (Ag-RDT) on nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) for SARS-CoV-2 in children. DESIGN: Cross-sectional multicentre diagnostic study. SETTING: Study nested in a prospective, observational cohort (EPICO-AEP) performed between February and March 2021 including 10 hospitals in Spain. PATIENTS: Children from 0 to 18 years with symptoms compatible with Covid-19 of ≤5 days of duration were included. Two NPS samples (Ag-RDT and RT-PCR) and one OSS sample for RT-PCR were collected. MAIN OUTCOME: Performance of Ag-RDT and RT-PCR on NPS and RT-PCR on OSS sample for SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS: 1174 children were included, aged 3.8 years (IQR 1.7-9.0); 73/1174 (6.2%) patients tested positive by at least one of the techniques. Sensitivity and specificity of OSS RT-PCR were 72.1% (95% CI 59.7 to 81.9) and 99.6% (95% CI 99 to 99.9), respectively, versus 61.8% (95% CI 49.1 to 73) and 99.9% (95% CI 99.4 to 100) for the Ag-RDT. Kappa index was 0.79 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.88) for OSS RT-PCR and 0.74 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.84) for Ag-RDT versus NPS RT-PCR. CONCLUSIONS: RT-PCR on the OSS sample is an accurate option for SARS-CoV-2 testing in children. A less intrusive technique for younger patients, who usually are tested frequently, might increase the number of patients tested.

Circulating concentrations of free triiodothyronine are associated with central adiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors in young euthyroid adults.

Thyroid dysfunction is associated with classic cardiometabolic risk factors in humans. However, this relationship remains unclear in young euthyroid adults. The present work examines the associations of circulating thyroid hormones (THs) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations with body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors in young euthyroid adults. A total of 106 sedentary, euthyroid adults (72 women; 22 ± 2 years old) participated in this cross-sectional study. THs and TSH serum concentrations were determined in fasting conditions (6 h). Body composition (fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT)) was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, anthropometric parameters (weight, height, and waist circumference) were measured, and neck adipose tissue mass was quantified through computed tomography (CT) scanning. Cardiometabolic risk factors including fasting glucose and lipid metabolism markers, hepatic phosphatase and transaminases, and blood pressure were also assessed. Free triiodothyronine (FT3) concentration was positively associated with body mass index, LM, VAT, and waist circumference (all P ≤ 0.038). FT3 was also associated with glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, fatty liver index, and blood pressure (all P < 0.024). All the associations were attenuated when adjusting for sex. In contrast, we found no associations of TSH or free thyroxine with any body composition parameter or cardiometabolic risk factors. In conclusion, FT3 is associated with central adiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors including insulin resistance, fatty liver index, and mean, systolic and diastolic blood pressure in young euthyroid adults. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02365129.

First evidence of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus circulation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

BACKGROUND: Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a widespread tick-borne zoonosis with reported detection of virus and/or virus-specific antibodies from over 57 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East and is endemic in the Balkans. Detection of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) antibodies in domestic ruminants has been important in providing initial evidence of virus circulation and in localising CCHFV high-risk spots for human infection. OBJECTIVES: The present study investigated the possible exposure of sheep to CCHFV in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). METHODS: To investigate the presence of anti-CCHFV antibodies in sheep, all sera (n = 176) were tested using multi-species double antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Reactive sera were further complementary tested by adapted commercial indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using FITC-conjugated protein G instead of anti-human immunoglobulins. RESULTS: CCHFV specific antibodies were detected in 17 (9.66%) animals using ELISA test. All negative sera were determined as negative by both tests, while 13 out of 17 ELISA-positive reactors were also determined as unambiguously positive by IFA test. The age group with the highest proportion of seropositive rectors were the oldest animals. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of anti-CCHFV antibodies in sheep from B&H providing the evidence of CCHFV circulation in the country's sheep population. So far, these findings indicate the circulation of the virus in the westernmost region of the Balkans and point to the potential CCHFV spread further out of this endemic area.

Pathogenesis of Two Western Mediterranean West Nile Virus Lineage 1 Isolates in Experimentally Infected Red-Legged Partridges (Alectoris rufa).

West Nile virus (WNV) is the most widespread flavivirus in the world with a wide vertebrate host range. Its geographic expansion and activity continue to increase with important human and equine outbreaks and local bird mortality. In a previous experiment, we demonstrated the susceptibility of 7-week-old red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) to Mediterranean WNV isolates Morocco/2003 and Spain/2007, which varied in virulence for this gallinaceous species. Here we study the pathogenesis of the infection with these two strains to explain the different course of infection and mortality. Day six post-inoculation was critical in the course of infection, with the highest viral load in tissues, the most widespread virus antigen, and more severe lesions. The most affected organs were the heart, liver, and spleen. Comparing infections with Morocco/2003 and Spain/2007, differences were observed in the viral load, virus antigen distribution, and lesion nature and severity. A more acute and marked inflammatory reaction (characterized by participation of microglia and CD3+ T cells) as well as neuronal necrosis in the brain were observed in partridges infected with Morocco/2003 as compared to those infected with Spain/2007. This suggests a higher neurovirulence of Morocco/2003, probably related to one or more specific molecular determinants of virulence different from Spain/2007.

Thyroid function is not associated with brown adipose tissue volume and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in young euthyroid adults.

PURPOSE: Thyroid hormones (THs) are important mediators of brown adipose tissue (BAT) differentiation. However, the association of TH concentrations with human BAT is unclear. The present work examines the associations between circulating thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and THs concentrations (i.e. free triiodothyronine, FT3, and free thyroxine, FT4), under thermoneutral (22-23°C) and cold-induced conditions, and BAT volume, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) uptake and mean radiodensity. METHODS: A total of 106 young healthy, euthyroid adults (34 men/72 women; 22.0 ± 2.1 years old; 24.9 ± 4.6 kg/m2) participated in this cross-sectional study. BAT volume, 18F-FDG uptake and mean radiodensity were assessed after 2 h of personalized (i.e. contemplating each individual's shivering threshold) cold exposure via positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) static scanning. TSH and THs levels were determined before (thermoneutral) and 1 h after the cold exposure. RESULTS: Cold exposure increased circulating FT4 (P = 0.038) and reduced TSH levels (P ≤ 0.001). Conversely, the FT3 serum concentration was not modified by cold exposure (P = 0.435). No associations were found between the TSH and THs thermoneutral (all P > 0.111) or cold-induced levels (all P > 0.067) and BAT volume, 18F-FDG uptake and mean radiodensity. These findings were independent of sex and BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Thyroid function is modulated by cold exposure, yet it is not associated with BAT volume or glucose metabolism assessed after 2 h of cold exposure in young healthy, euthyroid adults.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Cuba.

INTRODUCTION: With a global adult prevalence of 24%, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a global health problem that parallels the worldwide increase of obesity. Its frequency, clinical characteristics and related diseases in Cuba remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: Describe the clinical characteristics, comorbidities and personal habits of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease who are being treated in secondary and tertiary health facilities in seven Cuban provinces. METHODS: A cross-sectional, multicenter study was carried out in 6601 adults seen at gastroenterology outpatient clinics of nine hospitals in seven Cuban provinces from September 2018 through May 2019. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound. The study included 1070 patients who met the diagnostic and study criteria and agreed to participate. Their personal habits and anthropometric and clinical characteristics, comorbidities and other aspects of their medical histories were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 1070 participants, 60.7% (649) were women. Participants' average age was 54.5 years and average body mass index was 30.5 kg/m2. A total of 397 (37.1%) were overweight and 574 (53.6%) were obese, 945 (88.3%) led a sedentary lifestyle, 564 (52.7%) had high blood pressure, 406 (37.9%) had lipid disorders and 301 (28.1%) were diabetic. While 484 (45.2%) of patients were asymptomatic, the most frequent clinical signs and symptoms were fatigue (262; 24.5%), dyspepsia (209; 19.5%), abdominal pain (306; 28.5%) and hepatomegaly (189; 17.7%). Liver cirrhosis was present in 37 (3.5%) patients at the time of diagnosis. Family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity were identified in 391 (36.5%) and 279 (26.1%) of participants, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in these Cuban patients coincides with that reported in the Caribbean region, which has high levels of obesity, overweight and sedentary lifestyles. Most were asymptomatic, female or had metabolism-related comorbidities such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia.

Higher Physical Activity Is Related to Lower Neck Adiposity in Young Men, but to Higher Neck Adiposity in Young Women: An Exploratory Study.

The role of lifestyle behaviors on neck adipose tissue (NAT), a fat depot that appears to be involved in the pathogenesis of different cardiometabolic diseases and in inflammatory status, is unknown. In this cross-sectional and exploratory study, the authors examined the relationship between sedentary time and physical activity (PA) with neck adiposity in young adults. A total of 134 subjects (69% women, 23 ± 2 years) were enrolled. The time spent in sedentary behavior and PA of different intensity were objectively measured for 7 consecutive days (24 hr/day), using a wrist (nondominant)-worn accelerometer. The NAT volume was assessed using computed tomography, and the compartmental (subcutaneous, intermuscular, and perivertebral) and total NAT volumes were determined at the level of vertebra C5. Anthropometric indicators and body composition (by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) were determined. The time spent in light physical activity and moderate physical activity (MPA) and the overall PA were inversely associated with the intermuscular NAT volume in men, as were the MPA and overall PA with total NAT volume (all ps ≤ .04). Sedentary time was directly related to the total NAT volume (p = .04). An opposite trend was observed in women, finding a direct relationship of MPA with the subcutaneous NAT; of light physical activity, MPA, and overall PA with the perivertebral NAT; and of light physical activity with total NAT volumes (all ps ≤ .05). The observed associations were weak, and after adjusting for multiplicity, the results became nonsignificant (p > .05). These findings suggest that the specific characteristics of PA (time and intensity) might have sex-dependent implications in the accumulation of NAT.

Relationships between diet and basal fat oxidation and maximal fat oxidation during exercise in sedentary adults.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To study the relationships between different dietary factors (i.e., energy, macronutrient and fatty acid intake, food group consumption, and dietary pattern) and basal fat oxidation (BFox) and maximal fat oxidation during exercise (MFO) in sedentary adults. METHOD AND RESULTS: A total of 212 (n = 130 women; 32.4 ± 15.1 years) sedentary healthy adults took part in the present study. Information on the different dietary factors examined was gathered through a food frequency questionnaire and three nonconsecutive 24 h recalls. Energy and macronutrient intakes and food consumption were then estimated and dietary patterns calculated. BFox and MFO were measured by indirect calorimetry following standard procedures. Our study shows that dietary fiber intake was positively associated with BFox after taking into consideration the age, sex, and energy intake. A significant positive association between nut consumption and BFox was observed, which became nonsignificant after taking into consideration the age and energy intake. Fat intake and the dietary quality index (DQI), and the DQI for the Mediterranean diet were positively associated with MFO, which was attenuated after taking sex, age, and energy intake into consideration. CONCLUSION: A higher dietary fiber intake and fat intake are associated with higher BFox and MFO, respectively, in sedentary adults. CLINICAL TRIALS: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02365129 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT02365129) & ID: NCT03334357 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03334357).