Spatio-temporal composition of aquatic birds communityin Juluapan Lagoon, Colima, Mexican Central Pacific / Composición espacio-temporal de las aves acuáticas en la laguna Juluapan, Colima, en el Pacífico Central Mexicano

Abstract Introduction: Aquatic birds (AB) are usually associated with wetlands, which provide refuge, food, and/or nesting sites for resident and migratory species. Despite their ecological importance, there is little knowledge on AB in some tropical environments, such as those found on the Colima coast. Objective: To investigate the spatial and temporal composition of the AB community in Juluapan Lagoon, Colima, Central Mexican Pacific. Methods: Monthly counts were conducted between June 2017 and May 2018 during low-tide conditions to record habitat use by AB. Species richness and bird counts were obtained to compare sampling areas; mean richness and number of individuals were compared between seasons. Results: We detected 53 species and 5 750 individuals. The highest species richness and relative abundance values were obtained in winter at the lagoon area farthest from the connection with the marine system, where anthropogenic activity is lower. Diversity was greater in zones 2 and 3 in spring, summer, and fall. Muddy flats were the most used environment, and the most frequent activity was resting. Nesting activity was only recorded in the middle of the lagoon at the mangrove during spring. "Shorebirds" and "waders" were the most dominant groups in the bird community of the Juluapan lagoon. Conclusions: This coastal wetland is a site of great biological importance for aquatic birds; thus, conservation measures should be implemented, and there should be a continuous study of the effects of anthropogenic pressure.

Resumen Introducción: Las aves acuáticas (AA) son usualmente relacionadas a los humedales debido a que éstos funcionan como sitios de refugio, alimentación y anidación de diferentes especies residentes y migratorias. Sin embargo, el conocimiento sobre las aves acuáticas en algunos humedales es nulo. Objetivo: Investigar la composición espacio-temporal de la comunidad de AA en la laguna Juluapan, Colima, en el Pacífico Central Mexicano. Métodos: Entre junio de 2017 y mayo de 2018 se llevaron a cabo conteos mensuales en condiciones de marea baja para registrar el uso de hábitat de las AA. Se obtuvieron valores de riqueza de especies y número de individuos para realizar comparaciones entre zonas de muestreo, así como el promedio del número de especies y número de individuos para comparaciones entre temporadas. Resultados: Se registraron un total de 53 especies y 5 750 individuos. Los valores de riqueza de especies y densidad de individuos fueron más altos durante invierno, en la zona más alejada al ambiente marino, donde la actividad antropogénica es menor. La diversidad tuvo valores más altos en la zona 2 y 3, durante primavera, verano y otoño. El ambiente más explotado por las aves fueron las planicies lodosas; y el descanso fue la actividad más frecuente. Asimismo, la actividad de anidación sólo se registró en el manglar de la zona media durante primavera. Las "aves playeras" y "aves zancudas" fueron los grupos más predominantes en la comunidad de aves de la laguna Juluapan. Conclusiones: Este humedal costero es un sitio de gran importancia biológica para aves acuáticas, por lo que resulta necesario la implementación de medidas de conservación, así como el estudio de los efectos por la presión antropogénica.

Transparent, plasticized cellulose-glycerol bioplastics for food packaging applications.

Free-standing films have been obtained by drop-casting cellulose-glycerol mixtures (up to 50 wt% glycerol) dissolved in trifluoroacetic acid and trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFA:TFAA, 2:1, v:v). A comprehensive examination of the optical, structural, mechanical, thermal, hydrodynamic, barrier, migration, greaseproof, and biodegradation characteristics of the films was conducted. The resulting cellulose-glycerol blends exhibited an amorphous molecular structure and a reinforced H-bond network, as evidenced by X-ray diffraction analysis and infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The inclusion of glycerol exerted a plasticizing influence on the mechanical properties of the films, while keeping their transparency. Hydrodynamic and barrier properties were assessed through water uptake and water vapor/oxygen transmission rates, respectively, and obtained values were consistent with those of other cellulose-based materials. Furthermore, overall migration levels were below European regulation limits, as stated by using Tenax® as a dry food simulant. In addition, these bioplastics demonstrated good greaseproof performance, particularly at high glycerol content, and potential as packaging materials for bakery products. Biodegradability assessments were carried out by measuring the biological oxygen demand in seawater and high biodegradation rates induced by glycerol were observed.

Decreased Hepatic and Serum Levels of IL-10 Concur with Increased Lobular Inflammation in Morbidly Obese Patients.

Background and Objectives: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with obesity and ranges from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Accumulating evidence in animal models suggests that loss of interleukin-10 (IL-10) anti-inflammatory actions might contribute to lobular inflammation, considered one of the first steps toward NASH development. However, the role of IL-10 in lobular inflammation remains poorly explored in humans. We examined mRNA and protein levels of IL-10 in liver biopsies and serum samples from morbidly obese patients, investigating the relationship between IL-10 and lobular inflammation degree. Materials and Methods: We prospectively enrolled morbidly obese patients of both sexes, assessing the lobular inflammation grade by the Brunt scoring system to categorize participants into mild (n = 7), moderate (n = 19), or severe (n = 13) lobular inflammation groups. We quantified the hepatic mRNA expression of IL-10 by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and protein IL-10 levels in liver and serum samples by Luminex Assay. We estimated statistical differences by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's multiple comparison test. Results: The hepatic expression of IL-10 significantly diminished in patients with severe lobular inflammation compared with the moderate lobular inflammation group (p = 0.01). The hepatic IL-10 protein levels decreased in patients with moderate or severe lobular inflammation compared with the mild lobular inflammation group (p = 0.008 and p = 0.0008, respectively). In circulation, IL-10 also significantly decreased in subjects with moderate or severe lobular inflammation compared with the mild lobular inflammation group (p = 0.005 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Conclusions: In liver biopsies and serum samples of morbidly obese patients, the protein levels of IL-10 progressively decrease as lobular inflammation increases, supporting the hypothesis that lobular inflammation develops because of the loss of the IL-10-mediated anti-inflammatory counterbalance.

Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 inhibits autophagy in glial cells but requires ATG5 for the success of viral replication.

Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1) 1 is a neurotropic virus that has been associated with neurodegenerative disorders. The dysregulation of autophagy by HSV-1 has been proposed as a potential cause of neurodegeneration. While studies have extensively tackled the interaction between autophagy and HSV-1 in neurons, research in glial cells is currently limited. Our studies demonstrate that HSV-1 inhibits, but not completely blocks, the formation of autophagosomes in human oligodendroglioma- and astrocytoma- derived cell lines. These findings have been confirmed in murine oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). Finally, this study investigates the impact of autophagy on HSV-1 infection in glial cells. While the lack of basal autophagy in LC3B knockout glial cells does not have a significant effect on viral infection, cells without the autophagy-related protein ATG5 exhibit reduced viral production. The absence of ATG5 leads to a decrease in the transcription and replication of viral genes, as well as a delay in the initial stages of the formation of HSV-1 replication compartments. These findings indicate that while autophagy may not play a significant role in antiviral defense in glial cells, HSV-1 may be inhibiting autophagy to exploit non-canonical functions of certain components of the autophagic machinery, such as ATG5, to benefit its lifecycle.

Behaviour Hallmarks in Alzheimer's Disease 5xFAD Mouse Model.

The 5xFAD transgenic mouse model widely used in Alzheimer's disease (AD) research recapitulates many AD-related phenotypes with a relatively early onset and aggressive age-dependent progression. Besides developing amyloid peptide deposits alongside neuroinflammation by the age of 2 months, as well as exhibiting neuronal decline by the age of 4 months that intensifies by the age of 9 months, these mice manifest a broad spectrum of behavioural impairments. In this review, we present the extensive repertoire of behavioural dysfunctions in 5xFAD mice, organised into four categories: motor skills, sensory function, learning and memory abilities, and neuropsychiatric-like symptoms. The motor problems, associated with agility and reflex movements, as well as balance and coordination, and skeletal muscle function, typically arise by the time mice reach 9 months of age. The sensory function (such as taste, smell, hearing, and vision) starts to deteriorate when amyloid peptide buildups and neuroinflammation spread into related anatomical structures. The cognitive functions, encompassing learning and memory abilities, such as visual recognition, associative, spatial working, reference learning, and memory show signs of decline from 4 to 6 months of age. Concerning neuropsychiatric-like symptoms, comprising apathy, anxiety and depression, and the willingness for exploratory behaviour, it is believed that motivational changes emerge by approximately 6 months of age. Unfortunately, numerous studies from different laboratories are often contradictory on the conclusions drawn and the identification of onset age, making preclinical studies in rodent models not easily translatable to humans. This variability is likely due to a range of factors associated with animals themselves, housing and husbandry conditions, and experimental settings. In the forthcoming studies, greater clarity in experimental details when conducting behavioural testing in 5xFAD transgenic mice could minimise the inconsistencies and could ensure the reliability and the reproducibility of the results.

Backup Frontal Drainage System for Urgent Tension Pneumocephalus Management After Chronic Subdural Hematoma Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a simple variation of burr hole craniostomy for the management of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) that uses a frontal drainage system to facilitate timely decompression in the event of tension pneumocephalus and spares the need for additional surgery. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 20 patients with CSDH who underwent burr hole craniostomy and 20 patients who underwent the same procedure alongside the placement of a 5 Fr neonatal feeding tube as a backup drainage for the anterior craniostomy. Depending on the situation, the secondary drain stayed for a maximum of 72 hours to be opened and used in emergency settings for drainage, aspiration, or as a 1-way valve with a water seal. RESULTS: The outcomes of 20 patients who underwent this procedure and 20 controls are described. One patient from each group presented tension pneumocephalus. One was promptly resolved by opening the backup drain under a water seal to evacuate pneumocephalus and the other patient had to undergo a reopening of the craniostomy. CONCLUSIONS: The described variation of burr hole craniostomy represents a low-cost and easy-to-implement technique that can be used for emergency decompression of tension pneumocephalus. It also has the potential to reduce reoperation rates and CSDH recurrence. Prospective controlled research is needed to validate this approach further.

Association of High-Density Lipoprotein Parameters and Risk of Heart Failure: A Multicohort Analysis.

BACKGROUND: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is commonly characterized by its cholesterol concentration (HDL-C) and inverse association with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to evaluate the association of HDL particle concentration (HDL-P), HDL particle size (HDL-size), HDL-C, and cholesterol content per particle (HDL-C/HDL-P) with risk of overall heart failure (HF) and subtypes. METHODS: Participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities Study, Dallas Heart Study, Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, and Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-stage Disease studies without HF history were included. Associations of HDL-P, HDL-size, HDL-C, and HDL-C/HDL-P with risk of overall HF, HF with reduced and preserved ejection fraction were assessed using adjusted Cox models. RESULTS: Among 16,925 participants (53.5% women; 21.8% Black), there were 612 incident HF events (3.6%) (HF with reduced ejection fraction, 309 [50.5%]; HF preserved ejection fraction, 303 [49.5%]) over median follow-up of 11.4 years. In adjusted models, higher HDL-P was significantly associated with lower HF risk (HR of highest vs lowest tertile of HDL-P: 0.76 [95% CI: 0.62-0.93]). Larger HDL-size was significantly associated with higher overall HF risk (HR of largest vs smallest tertile of HDL-size: 1.27 [95% CI: 1.03-1.58]). HF risk associated with HDL-P and HDL-size was similar for HF subtypes. In adjusted analyses, there was no significant association between HDL-C and HF risk. Higher HDL-C/HDL-P was significantly associated with higher overall HF risk (HR of highest vs lowest tertile of HDL-C/HDL-P: 1.29 [95% CI: 1.04-1.60]). CONCLUSIONS: Higher HDL-P was associated with a lower risk of HF. In contrast, larger HDL-size was associated with higher risk of HF and there was no significant association observed between HDL-C and HF risk after accounting for cardiovascular risk factors.

Epiploic Appendagitis: Systematic Review of a Distinctive Pathology.

Introduction: Epiploic appendagitis (EA) is an essential cause of abdominal pain that can be confused with more typical causes such as acute diverticulitis and appendicitis. Epiploic appendagitis accounts for 1% of all cases of abdominal pain in adults. The scarcity of information has limited its recognition as an essential nonsurgical cause of acute abdominal pain.Methods: We performed a systematic review of all EA cases published. We searched Scopus, Medline, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to retrieve all available studies from January 2000 to November 2023.Results: 196 case reports and case series were analyzed, with 371 patients with EA included. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 39 years. Most patients were male (59%). The primary presenting symptoms were pain (100%), tenderness (59.5%), and rebound tenderness (27.4%). The left abdomen was the most common localization of pain (53%). The most frequently identified differential diagnoses were acute appendicitis (26.4%) and acute diverticulitis (16.1%). Most patients (53%) were treated conservatively, and 98 (26.4%) underwent surgical treatment. A significant difference in the choice of treatment was found for signs and symptoms such as rebound tenderness, nausea, anorexia, and diarrhea.Conclusions: Acute EA is an essential clinical condition of rare occurrence that might present a diagnostic challenge, as it can masquerade as another acute abdominal pain etiology. The optimal management of EA is conservative, so a higher recognition by surgeons and emergency physicians is essential to avoid unnecessary surgical interventions and their associated consequences.

Case report: Unveiling a less severe congenital nephrotic syndrome in a Rapa Nui patient with a NPHS1 Maori founder variant.

Background: Congenital nephrotic syndrome (CNS) is a severe kidney disorder characterized by edema, massive proteinuria, and hypoalbuminemia that manifests in utero or within three months after birth. CNS affects 1-3 per 100,000 children, primarily associated with genetic variants and occasionally with infections. Genetic analysis is the first-line method for diagnosis. The most common founder variants have been identified in European populations, often resulting in end-stage kidney disease by 1-2 years of age. Case-diagnosis/treatment: A female full-term neonate, without prenatal signs of kidney disease, was admitted to Rapa Nui (Eastern Island) Hospital at the age of 2 months due to bronchial obstruction. She presented fever, oliguria, edema, urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) 433.33, and hypoalbuminemia (0.9 g/dL). She was transferred to a mainland Chilean hospital following CNS diagnosis. Viral screening detected cytomegalovirus (CMV) positivity in both blood and urine. A kidney biopsy revealed interstitial nephritis and diffuse podocyte damage and the tissue PCR resulted negative for CMV. Interviews with the parents revealed consanguinity, suggestive of hereditary CNS. Genetic analysis identified the Maori founder variant, NPHS1 c.2131C>A (p.R711S), in homozygosis. The patient received albumin infusions and antiviral therapy, being discharged when she was 5 months old, with improved laboratory parameters evidenced by UPCR 28.55, albumin 2.5 g/dL, and cholesterol 190 mg/dL. Subsequent clinical monitoring was conducted through virtual and in-person consultations. At her last follow-up at 4 years 2 months old, she presented UPCR 16.1, albumin 3.3 g/dl and cholesterol 220 mg/dL, maintaining normal kidney function and adequate growth. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this represents the first case of CNS in Chile carrying a NPHS1 variant associated with prolonged kidney survival. As described in the Maori population, the patient exhibited a less severe clinical course compared to classical NPHS1 patients. Genetic testing for the Maori founder variant in CNS patients related to the New Zealand population, could impact management decisions and potentially prevent the need for nephrectomies.

Assessment of Drug Activities against Giardia Using Hyperspectral Raman Microscopy.

This study demonstrates the capability of Raman microscopy for detecting structural differences in Giardia cells exposed to different drugs and incubation times. While metronidazole (MTZ) visibly affects the cells by inducing extracellular vesicle releases of toxic iron intermediates and modified triple-bond moieties, oseltamivir (OSM) alters the phenylalanine and lipid structures. Modifications in the heme protein environment and the transformation of iron from ferric to ferrous observed for both drug treatments are more notable for MTZ. Different contents and amounts of vesicle excretion are detected for 24 h or 48 h with MTZ incubation. At a shorter drug exposure, releases of altered proteins, glycogen, and phospholipids dominate. Agglomerates of transformed iron complexes from heme proteins and multiple-bond moieties prevail at 48 h of treatment. No such vesicle releases are present in the case of OSM usage. Drug incorporations into the cells and their impact on the plasma membrane and the dynamics of lipid raft confirmed by confocal fluorescence microscopy reveal a more destructive extent by OSM, corroborating the Raman results. Raman microscopy provides a broader understanding of the multifaceted factors and mechanisms responsible for giardiasis treatment or drug resistance by enabling a label-free, simultaneous monitoring of structural changes at the cellular and molecular levels.

Utilization of phosphogypsum and red mud in alfalfa cultivation.

In this work, the utilization of phosphogypsum (PG), a waste coming from the manufacture of phosphate fertilizers, as fertilizer for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) crops was investigated using pot experiments. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of both phosphogypsum and red mud (RM) in two soils representative of the pasture production area in Southern Spain. The morpho-physiological parameters of biomass, plant height, number of stems and number of leaves, as well as the chemical parameters of soil content, were measured. High doses of PG inhibited seed germination in some treatments. In addition, the treatment substrate (2550 g soil + 50 g kg-1 PG + 100 g kg-1 RM) also affected seed germination, possibly due to the large amount of RM. The application of PG and RM to the soil increased the availability of important nutrients for alfalfa, such as phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+). The results demonstrate that the treatment with PG significantly improved the uptake of P in alfalfa.

ETV6::NTRK3 Fusion-Positive Wild-Type Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) with Abundant Lymphoid Infiltration (TILs and Tertiary Lymphoid Structures): A Report on a New Case with Therapeutic Implications and a Literature Review.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, with proto-oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase (c-kit), or PDGFRα mutations detected in around 85% of cases. GISTs without c-kit or platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) mutations are considered wild-type (WT), and their diverse molecular alterations and biological behaviors remain uncertain. They are usually not sensitive to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Recently, some molecular alterations, including neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) fusions, have been reported in very few cases of WT GISTs. This novel finding opens the window for the use of tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) inhibitor therapy in these subtypes of GIST. Herein, we report a new case of NTRK-fused WT high-risk GIST in a female patient with a large pelvic mass (large dimension of 20 cm). The tumor was removed, and the histopathology displayed spindle-predominant morphology with focal epithelioid areas, myxoid stromal tissue, and notable lymphoid infiltration with tertiary lymphoid structures. Ten mitoses were quantified in 50 high-power fields without nuclear pleomorphism. DOG1 showed strong and diffuse positivity, and CD117 showed moderate positivity. Succinate dehydrogenase subunit B (SDHB) was retained, Pan-TRK was focal positive (nuclear pattern), and the proliferation index Ki-67 was 7%. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) detected an ETV6::NTRK3 fusion, and this finding was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), which showed NTRK3 rearrangement. In addition, an RB1 mutation was found by NGS. The follow-up CT scan revealed peritoneal nodules suggestive of peritoneal dissemination, and Entrectinib (a TRK inhibitor) was administered. After 3 months of follow-up, a new CT scan showed a complete response. Based on our results and the cases from the literature, GISTs with NTRK fusions are very uncommon so far; hence, further screening studies, including more WT GIST cases, may increase the possibility of finding additional cases. The present case may offer new insights into the potential introduction of TRK inhibitors as treatments for GISTs with NTRK fusions. Additionally, the presence of abundant lymphoid infiltration in the present case may prompt further research into immunotherapy as a possible additional therapeutic option.

Variations in inter-specific and sex-related niche partitioning in pelagic boobies during their annual cycle.

Animals that co-occur in a region (sympatry) may share the same environment (syntopy), and niche differentiation is expected among closely related species competing for resources. The masked booby (Sula dactylatra) and smaller congeneric red-footed booby (Sula sula) share breeding grounds. In addition to the inter-specific size difference, females of both species are also larger than the respective males (reversed sexual size dimorphism). Although both boobies consume similar prey, sometimes in mixed-species flocks, each species and sex may specialize in terms of their diet or foraging habitats. We examined inter- and intra-specific differences in isotopic values (δ13C and δ15N) in these pelagically feeding booby species during the incubation period at Clarion Island, Mexico, to quantify the degrees of inter- and intra-specific niche partitioning throughout the annual cycle. During incubation, both species preyed mainly on flyingfish and squid, but masked boobies had heavier food loads than red-footed boobies. There was no overlap in isotopic niches between masked and red-footed boobies during breeding (determined from whole blood), but there was slight overlap during the non-breeding period (determined from body feathers). Female masked boobies had a higher trophic position than conspecific males during breeding; however, no such pattern was detected in red-footed boobies. These results provide evidence of inter- and intra-specific niche partitioning in these tropical seabird species, particularly during the breeding period and in the more-dimorphic species. Our results suggest that these closely related species use different strategies to cope with the same tropical marine environment.

Investigating the fluctuating nature of post-COVID pain symptoms in previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors: the LONG-COVID-EXP multicenter study.

Objective: This cohort study used Sankey plots and exponential bar plots for visualizing the fluctuating nature and trajectory of post-COVID pain in previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors. Methods: A cohort of 1266 subjects hospitalised because of COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic were scheduled for a telephone interview at 8.4 (T1), 13.2 (T2), and 18.3 (T3) months in average after hospitalization for collecting data about post-COVID pain. Patients were asked for about pain symptomatology that was attributed to the infection. Hospitalization and clinical data were collected from medical records. Results: The prevalence of myalgia as COVID-19-associated symptom was 29.82% (n = 389) at hospitalization (T0). The prevalence of post-COVID pain was 41.07% (n = 520) at T1, 34.29% (n = 434) at T2, and 28.47% (n = 360) at T3. The recovery exponential curve revealed a decrease trend visualizing that post-COVID pain improved over the time span investigated. Pain in the lower extremity and widespread pain were the most prevalent locations. Female sex (OR 1.507, 95% CI 1.047-2.169), pre-existing pain symptoms (OR 1.724, 95% CI 1.237-2.403), headache as onset-symptom (OR 2.374, 95% CI 1.550-3.639), days at hospital (OR 1.012, 95% CI 1.000-1.025), and presence of post-COVID pain at T1 (OR 13.243, 95% CI 9.428-18.601) were associated with post-COVID pain at T2. Only the presence of post-COVID pain at T1 (OR 5.383, 95% CI 3.896-7.439) was associated with post-COVID pain at T3. Conclusion: Current results show a fluctuating evolution with a decreasing tendency of post-COVID pain during the first years after hospitalization. The development of post-COVID pain soon after SARS-CoV-2 infection predispose for long-lasting chronic pain.

Trajectory of anxiety/depressive symptoms and sleep quality in individuals who had been hospitalized by COVID-19: The LONG-COVID-EXP multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: To apply Sankey plots and exponential bar plots for visualizing the evolution of anxiety/depressive symptoms and poor sleep in previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors. METHODS: A sample of 1266 subjects who were hospitalized due to a SARS-CoV-2 from March-May 2020 were assessed at 8.4 (T1), 13.2 (T2) and 18.3 (T3) months after hospitalization. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to determine anxiety (HADS-A) and depressive (HADS-D) symptoms. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) evaluated sleep quality. Clinical features, onset symptoms and hospital data were collected from medical records. RESULTS: Sankey plots revealed that the prevalence of anxiety symptomatology (HADS-A ≥ 8 points) was 22.5% (n = 285) at T1, 17.6% (n = 223) at T2, and 7.9% (n = 100) at T3, whereas the prevalence of depressive symptoms (HADS-D ≥ 8 points) was 14.6% (n = 185) at T1, 10.9% (n = 138) at T2, and 6.1% (n = 78) at T3. Finally, the prevalence of poor sleep (PSQI≥8 points) decreased from 32.8% (n = 415) at T1, to 28.8% (n = 365) at T2, and to 24.8% (n = 314) at T3. The recovery curves show a decrease trend visualizing that these symptoms recovered the following years after discharge. The regression models did not reveal medical records associated with anxiety/depressive symptoms or poor sleep. CONCLUSION: The use of Sankey plots shows a fluctuating evolution of anxiety/depressive symptoms and poor sleep during the first years after the infection. In addition, exponential bar plots revealed a decrease prevalence of these symptoms during the first years after hospital discharge. No risk factors were identified in this cohort.

Sucralose: From Sweet Success to Metabolic Controversies-Unraveling the Global Health Implications of a Pervasive Non-Caloric Artificial Sweetener.

Sucralose is a food additive initially used to mitigate glycemic peaks and calorie intake in patients with diabetes and obesity. Although sucralose has been considered safe for human consumption, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a global alert in 2023 concerning the potential health implications of this artificial sweetener. This review aims to comprehensively explore the effects of sucralose intake on human health by understanding sucralose absorption, metabolism, and excretion. We also outline the role of the sweet taste 1 receptor 3 (T1R3) in mediating sucralose-dependent signaling pathways that regulate satiety, incretin release, and insulin response. Finally, we discuss the impact of sucralose on microbiome dysbiosis, inflammatory response origin, liver damage, and toxicity. Gaining a deeper understanding of the manifold effects of sucralose on human physiology will help promote further studies to ensure its consumption is deemed safe for a broader population, including children, adolescents, and pregnant women.

Major alteration of Lung Microbiome and the Host Reaction in critically ill COVID-19 Patients with high viral load.

Background: Patients with COVID-19 under invasive mechanical ventilation are at higher risk of developing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), associated with increased healthcare costs, and unfavorable prognosis. The underlying mechanisms of this phenomenon have not been thoroughly dissected. Therefore, this study attempted to bridge this gap by performing a lung microbiota analysis and evaluating the host immune responses that could drive the development of VAP. Materials and methods: In this prospective cohort study, mechanically ventilated patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled. Nasal swabs (NS), endotracheal aspirates (ETA), and blood samples were collected initially within 12 hours of intubation and again at 72 hours post-intubation. Plasma samples underwent cytokine and metabolomic analyses, while NS and ETA samples were sequenced for lung microbiome examination. The cohort was categorized based on the development of VAP. Data analysis was conducted using RStudio version 4.3.1. Results: In a study of 36 COVID-19 patients on mechanical ventilation, significant differences were found in the nasal and pulmonary microbiome, notably in Staphylococcus and Enterobacteriaceae, linked to VAP. Patients with VAP showed a higher SARS-CoV-2 viral load, elevated neutralizing antibodies, and reduced inflammatory cytokines, including IFN-δ, IL-1ß, IL-12p70, IL-18, IL-6, TNF-α, and CCL4. Metabolomic analysis revealed changes in 22 metabolites in non-VAP patients and 27 in VAP patients, highlighting D-Maltose-Lactose, Histidinyl-Glycine, and various phosphatidylcholines, indicating a metabolic predisposition to VAP. Conclusions: This study reveals a critical link between respiratory microbiome alterations and ventilator-associated pneumonia in COVID-19 patients, with elevated SARS-CoV-2 levels and metabolic changes, providing novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of VAP with potential management and prevention implications.

Insights on the Use of Transgenic Mice Models in Alzheimer's Disease Research.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia, presents a significant global health challenge with no known cure to date. Central to our understanding of AD pathogenesis is the ß-amyloid cascade hypothesis, which underlies drug research and discovery efforts. Despite extensive studies, no animal models of AD have completely validated this hypothesis. Effective AD models are essential for accurately replicating key pathological features of the disease, notably the formation of ß-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. These pathological markers are primarily driven by mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and presenilin 1 (PS1) genes in familial AD (FAD) and by tau protein mutations for the tangle pathology. Transgenic mice models have been instrumental in AD research, heavily relying on the overexpression of mutated APP genes to simulate disease conditions. However, these models do not entirely replicate the human condition of AD. This review aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the historical and ongoing research efforts in AD, particularly through the use of transgenic mice models. It is focused on the benefits gathered from these transgenic mice models in understanding ß-amyloid toxicity and the broader biological underpinnings of AD. Additionally, the review critically assesses the application of these models in the preclinical testing of new therapeutic interventions, highlighting the gap between animal models and human clinical realities. This analysis underscores the need for refinement in AD research methodologies to bridge this gap and enhance the translational value of preclinical studies.