RESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: "Brain fog" is a frequent and disabling symptom that can occur after SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, its clinical characteristics and the relationships among brain fog and objective cognitive function, fatigue, and neuropsychiatric symptoms (depression, anxiety) are still unclear. In this study, we aimed to examine the characteristics of brain fog and to understand how fatigue, cognitive performance, and neuropsychiatric symptoms and the mutual relationships among these variables influence subjective cognitive complaints. METHODS: A total of 170 patients with cognitive complaints in the context of post-COVID syndrome were evaluated using a comprehensive neuropsychological protocol. The FLEI scale was used to characterize subjective cognitive complaints. Correlation analysis, regression machine-learning algorithms, and mediation analysis were calculated. RESULTS: Cognitive complaints were mainly attention and episodic memory symptoms, while executive functions (planning) issues were less often reported. The FLEI scale, a mental ability questionnaire, showed high correlations with a fatigue scale and moderate correlations with the Stroop test, and anxiety and depressive symptoms. Random forest algorithms showed an R2 value of 0.409 for the prediction of FLEI score, with several cognitive tests, fatigue and depression being the best variables used in the prediction. Mediation analysis showed that fatigue was the main mediator between objective and subjective cognition, while the effect of depression was indirect and mediated through fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: Brain fog associated with COVID-19 is mainly characterized by attention and episodic memory, and fatigue, which is the main mediator between objective and subjective cognition. Our findings contribute to understanding the pathophysiology of brain fog and emphasize the need to unravel the main mechanisms underlying brain fog, considering several aspects.
RESUMEN
Cistus ladanifer L. (rockrose) is a widespread shrub species of the Mediterranean region with products highly valued by the perfume and cosmetics industry. In this research, the variability in yield, chemical composition and phytotoxic activity of C.â ladanifer essential oils collected from 12 plots belonging to four natural populations and settled on two different types of edaphic substrates were evaluated. The essential oils were analyzed by GC-MS. The essential oil content ranged from 0.19 to 0.42â mL/100â g. The volatile profiles were found to be rich in oxygenated sesquiterpenes and oxygenated monoterpenes. PCA analysis clustered the samples into two groups that were mainly attributed to the type of substrate on which the plants grow. Furthermore, CCA and correlation analysis revealed that soil organic matter was the most effective edaphoclimatic driver accounting for these high levels of variation in essential oil yield and composition. Finally, C.â ladanifer essential oils showed strong phytotoxic activity on R.â sativus seedlings, indicating its potential use as a natural bio-herbicide in agriculture. The results showed that the effect associated to local edaphoclimatic conditions not only impacted on the quality and quantity of the essential oil, but also on the industrial uses derived from its biological activities.
Asunto(s)
Alcaloides , Cistus , Aceites Volátiles , Aceites Volátiles/toxicidad , Aceites Volátiles/química , Cistus/química , Monoterpenos , Cromatografía de Gases y Espectrometría de MasasRESUMEN
Las contenciones fijas en ortodoncia han demostrado tener excelentes resultados para la estabilidad y durabilidad del tratamiento. A pesar de esto, se ha observado que existen ciertos movimientos dentarios indeseados totalmente diferentes a una recidiva a su posición inicial previa al tratamiento de ortodoncia. El llamado "efecto giro" es uno de ellos, y se caracteriza por ser una inclinación en sentidos opuestos de los caninos contralaterales, en donde uno presenta una inclinación hacia vestibular y el otro hacia lingual o palatino. Se presenta principalmente en la mandíbula, a pesar de que la contención permanece perfectamente adherida a los dientes. El objetivo de esta revisión bibliográfica es evaluar los distintos factores reportados en la literatura que puedan estar relacionados con la aparición del "efecto giro" y qué tan relevantes pueden ser en su desarrollo. Como conclusión es importante considerar el carácter multifactorial de este tipo de complicaciones, en donde el tipo y calidad del alambre que se utilice para la contención, junto con las características periodontales del paciente demostraron tener cierta participación en la génesis de este, por lo tanto, resulta fundamental concientizar a los pacientes de la importancia de los controles ortodóncicos periódicos posteriores al retiro de los aparatos fijos para monitorear y controlar los resultados oclusales logrados y el estado de los dispositivos de contención instalados.
As contenções fixas em ortodontia têm demonstrado excelentes resultados para a estabilidade e durabilidade do tratamento. Apesar disso, observou-se que existem certos movimentos dentários indesejados totalmente diferentes de uma recorrência à sua posição inicial anterior ao tratamento ortodôntico. O chamado "efeito de torção" é um deles, e se caracteriza por uma inclinação em sentidos opostos dos caninos contralaterais, onde um apresenta uma inclinação para vestibular e outro para lingual ou palatino. Ocorre principalmente na mandíbula, apesar do retentor permanecer perfeitamente preso aos dentes. O objetivo desta revisão bibliográfica é avaliar os diferentes fatores relatados na literatura que podem estar relacionados ao aparecimento do "efeito turn" e quão relevantes podem ser no seu desenvolvimento. Em conclusão, é importante considerar a natureza multifatorial deste tipo de complicações, onde o tipo e a qualidade do fio utilizado para contenção, juntamente com as características periodontais do paciente, mostraram algum envolvimento na sua génese, pelo que é essencial conscientizar os pacientes sobre a importância de check-ups ortodônticos periódicos após a remoção dos aparelhos fixos para monitorar e controlar os resultados oclusais alcançados e o estado dos dispositivos de contenção instalados.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate personality traits in patients with post-COVID syndrome, as well as the association with neuropsychiatric symptoms present in this disorder. METHODS: The Big Five Structure Inventory was administered to 93 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of post-COVID syndrome as defined by the WHO and to demographically matched controls. We also performed a comprehensive evaluation of depression, anxiety, fatigue, sleep quality, cognitive function, and olfactory function. RESULTS: Patients with post-COVID syndrome scored lower for emotional stability, equanimity, positive mood, and self-control. Extraversion, emotional stability, and openness correlated negatively with anxiety and depression levels. Conscientiousness correlated negatively with anxiety. No statistically significant correlations were observed between personality traits and cognitive function, sleep quality, olfactory function, or fatigue. Personality scores explained 36.3% and 41% of the variance in scores on the anxiety and depression scales, respectively. Two personality profiles with lower levels of emotional stability were associated with depression and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows higher levels of neuroticism in patients with post-COVID syndrome. Personality traits were predictive of the presence of depression and anxiety, but not cognitive function, sleep quality, or fatigue, in the context of post-COVID syndrome. These findings may have implications for the detection of patients at risk of depression and anxiety in post-COVID syndrome, and for the development of preventive and therapeutic interventions.
RESUMEN
Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) are significant contributors to the global public health threat of antimicrobial resistance. OXA-48-like enzymes and their variants are unique carbapenemases with low or null hydrolytic activity toward carbapenems but no intrinsic activity against expanded-spectrum cephalosporins. CPEs have been classified by the WHO as high-priority pathogens given their association with morbidity and mortality and the scarce number of effective antibiotic treatments. In Spain, the frequency of OXA-48 CPE outbreaks is higher than in other European countries, representing the major resistance mechanism of CPEs. Horizontal transfer of plasmids and poor effective antibiotic treatment are additional threats to the correct prevention and control of these hospital outbreaks. One of the most important risk factors is antibiotic pressure, specifically carbapenem overuse. We explored the use of these antibiotics in Spain and analyzed the frequency, characteristics and prevention of CPE outbreaks. Future antibiotic stewardship programs along with specific preventive measures in hospitalized patients must be reinforced and updated in Spain.
RESUMEN
DNA barcoding identification needs a good characterization of intraspecific genetic divergence to establish the limits between species. Yet, the number of barcodes per species is many times low and geographically restricted. A poor coverage of the species distribution range may hamper identification, especially when undersampled areas host genetically distinct lineages. If so, the genetic distance between some query sequences and reference barcodes may exceed the maximum intraspecific threshold for unequivocal species assignation. Taking a group of Quercus herbivores (moths) in Europe as model system, we found that the number of DNA barcodes from southern Europe is proportionally very low in the Barcoding of Life Data Systems. This geographical bias complicates the identification of southern query sequences, due to their high intraspecific genetic distance with respect to barcodes from higher latitudes. Pairwise intraspecific genetic divergence increased along with spatial distance, but was higher when at least one of the sampling sites was in southern Europe. Accordingly, GMYC (General Mixed Yule Coalescent) single-threshold model retrieved clusters constituted exclusively by Iberian haplotypes, some of which could correspond to cryptic species. The number of putative species retrieved was more reliable than that of multiple-threshold GMYC but very similar to results from ABGD and jMOTU. Our results support GMYC as a key resource for species delimitation within poorly inventoried biogeographic regions in Europe, where historical factors (e.g., glaciations) have promoted genetic diversity and singularity. Future European DNA barcoding initiatives should be preferentially performed along latitudinal gradients, with special focus on southern peninsulas.
RESUMEN
This study evaluates the feasibility of advanced biofilm microalgae cultivation in a twin layer (TL) system for nutrient removal (N and P) as the tertiary treatment in small wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located in sensitive areas. Furthermore, the potential valorisation of microalgae biomass as a component of bio-based fertilizers is assessed. Scenedesmus sp. was chosen among 33 microalgae strains for inoculation of TL due to its high growth rate and its nutrient uptake capacity. The tests carried out in the prototype were markedly efficient for total soluble and ammoniacal nitrogen removal (up to 66 and 94%, respectively). In terms of potential valorisation of microalgae, the nutrient content was 5.5% N (over 40% protein), 8.8% P2O5 and 1.5% K2O, high enzymatic activity, very low levels of heavy metals and no detectable pathogen presence. However, in the formulation of solid-state bio-based fertilizers, the microalgae proportions in blends of over 2% of microalgae led to negative effects on ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. ssp.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp.). The obtained results demonstrate that TL represents a promising technology, which allows efficient tertiary treatment of urban wastewater and the production of high-quality bio-based fertilizer.
Asunto(s)
Microalgas , Scenedesmus , Biomasa , Nutrientes , Aguas ResidualesRESUMEN
Synchronised and quasi-periodic production of seeds by plant populations, known as masting, is implicated in many ecological processes, but how it arises remains poorly understood. Flowering and pollination dynamics are hypothesised to provide the mechanistic link for the observed relationship between weather and population-level seed production. We report the first experimental test of the phenological synchrony hypotheses as a driver of pollen limitation in mast seeding oaks (Quercus ilex). Higher flowering synchrony yielded greater pollination efficiency, which resulted in 2-fold greater seed set in highly synchronised oaks compared to asynchronous individuals. Pollen addition removed the negative effect of asynchronous flowering on seed set. Because phenological synchrony operates through environmental variation, this result suggests that oak masting is synchronised by exogenous rather than endogenous factors. It also points to a mechanism by which changes in flowering phenology can affect plant reproduction of mast-seeding plants, with subsequent implications for community dynamics.
Asunto(s)
Quercus , Viento , Flores , Humanos , Polinización , Reproducción , Semillas , ÁrbolesRESUMEN
RESUMEN: El tratamiento de trastornos óseos genéticos a nivel dentomaxilofacial suele ser muy complejo e invasivo. La displasia cleidocraneal es una condición que se caracteriza por generar a nivel oral hiperdoncia, y en consecuencia, apiñamiento dentario, retardo en la erupción y retención de dientes temporales, entre otros. En este caso el paciente presentaba dentición mixta primera fase a los 13 años de edad, fue tratado en conjunto con un equipo multidisciplinario donde se ha logrado un tratamiento mínimamente invasivo mediante cirugías por cuadrante y ortodoncia, consiguiendo alineamiento adecuado, nivelación y una oclusión lo más estable posible, además de una estética aceptable. El tratamiento expuesto demuestra que se pueden lograr buenos resultados con planificaciones conservadoras, sin embargo, existe una necesidad de alto compromiso y adhesión al tratamiento por parte del paciente y su familia.
ABSTRACT: The treatment of genetic bone disorders at dentomaxillofacial level is usually very complex and invasive. Cleidocranial dysplasia is a condition that is characterized by oral hyperdontia, and consequently, dental crowding, delayed eruption and retention of temporary teeth, among others. In this case the patient had first phase mixed dentition at the age of 13, he was treated collectively by a multidisciplinary team. A minimally invasive treatment was achieved through surgery and orthodontics, reaching proper alignment, leveling and an occlusion as stable as possible, in addition to acceptable aesthetics. The present approach shows that good results can be achieved with conservative planning. However, one of the keys for success is the patient´s commitment.
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Masculino , Adolescente , Ortodoncia Correctiva , Cirugía Bucal , Displasia CleidocranealRESUMEN
The sediments dredged from a waterway and decontaminated through a phytoremediation process have been used as substrates alternatively to the traditional forest nursery substrate for pot productions of holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) planting stocks. The substrates, made by mixing decontaminated sediments to agricultural soil at different degrees, were tested in order to evaluate their suitability as growth substrates. The experiment was carried out at the nursery of the Department of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Systems of the University of Florence (Italy). The experimental design consisted of four randomized blocks with six pots as replicates for each of the following treatments: 100% sediments, 66% sediments, 33% sediments, 100% agronomic soil and 100% traditional peat based substrate. In each pot, one holm oak acorn was seeded. Germination and both physiological and morphological traits of the seedlings were analysed during and at the end of the first growing season. Holm oak grown in phytoremediated sediments at higher concentrations showed germination levels comparable to those in the traditional substrate, and survival capacity (especially in 66% sediments) slightly higher than in 100% soil. Physiological performance of seedlings resembled that on the traditional substrate which required the addition of fertilizer, at least for the first growing season. Seedlings grown in mixed substrates with higher sediment concentrations occasionally showed better photosynthetic capacity with improved connectivity between the units of the photosystem II. At the end of the first growing season, height as well as the number of growth flushes of the seedlings grown in sole sediment or soil-sediment substrates were similar to what generally is observed for forest nursery stock of Quercus spp.. Regarding the root-system articulation and growth in depth, results in the mixed substrates were comparable to those for seedlings grown in the traditional forest nursery media, and higher than seedlings grown in 100% agronomic soil. According to our results, the reclamation of dredged sediments can provide appropriate nursery substrate for germination beds for forestry species.
Asunto(s)
Agricultura Forestal , Sedimentos Geológicos , Árboles , Biodegradación Ambiental , Bosques , Italia , Quercus , Plantones , SueloRESUMEN
When canals and harbours are dredged, huge amount of polluted sediments has to be stocked and transported to the landfill with incredibly high costs of management. Among the remediation techniques for the reclamation of polluted sediments and soils, phytoremediation represents a sustainable and effective technique though still not fully promoted or commercialized. In this study we have tested the suitability for plant nursing of a substrate resulting from sediments dredged from a canal and treated with phytoremediation. The experiment was set up in 2014. It aimed to test the physical, chemical and hydrological characteristics of two mixes of remediated sediments and agronomic soil (at 33% and 50% by volume) compared to control soil (100% agronomic soil), and to assess the growth of three ornamental species (Viburnum tinus L., Photinia x fraseri var. red robin, Eleagnus macrophylla Thunb.) together with the suitability for root balling. The mixed substrates produced good results in terms of water drainage, and were similar to the control in terms of soluble nutrients, guaranteeing and enhancing the aboveground and belowground growth of all the three species, especially V. tinus. In contrast, mixed substrates impaired root ball compaction with root ball breakage observed especially in 50% sediment/soil mix. Therefore, the use of remediated sediments in plant nursery can be limited to specific productions or practices.
Asunto(s)
Biodegradación Ambiental , Contaminantes del Suelo , Sedimentos Geológicos , Plantas , SueloAsunto(s)
Niño , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Niño/psicología , Juego e Implementos de Juego/tendenciasRESUMEN
En el presente trabajo se hace un estudio sobre el suicidio debido al auge alcanzado ultimamente no sólo a nivel nacional sino también en el Estado Bolivar acentuándose en los adolescentes. Se tomara en cuenta las estadísticas suministradas por los anuarios principales de nuestro país nuestros evaluados fueron: grupo de edad, estado civil, nivel de instrucción, causa conocida o presunta, mes de ocurrencia, lugar, sexo y medios utilizados. Se hicieron recomendaciones en cuanto a los pacientes con tentativa de suicidio, y un llamado a las autoridades sanitarias en cuanto a un control estricto de las ventas de analgésicos, barbitúricos, tranquilizantes, fosforados, etc
