Advancements in long-read genome sequencing technologies and algorithms.

The recent advent of long read sequencing technologies, such as Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) and Oxford Nanopore technology (ONT), have led to substantial improvements in accuracy and computational cost in sequencing genomes. However, de novo whole-genome assembly still presents significant challenges related to the quality of the results. Pursuing de novo whole-genome assembly remains a formidable challenge, underscored by intricate considerations surrounding computational demands and result quality. As sequencing accuracy and throughput steadily advance, a continuous stream of innovative assembly tools floods the field. Navigating this dynamic landscape necessitates a reasonable choice of sequencing platform, depth, and assembly tools to orchestrate high-quality genome reconstructions. This comprehensive review delves into the intricate interplay between cutting-edge long read sequencing technologies, assembly methodologies, and the ever-evolving field of genomics. With a focus on addressing the pivotal challenges and harnessing the opportunities presented by these advancements, we provide an in-depth exploration of the crucial factors influencing the selection of optimal strategies for achieving robust and insightful genome assemblies.

Comparing assembly strategies for third-generation sequencing technologies across different genomes.

The recent advent of long-read sequencing technologies, such as Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) and Oxford Nanopore technology (ONT), has led to substantial accuracy and computational cost improvements. However, de novo whole-genome assembly still presents significant challenges related to the computational cost and the quality of the results. Accordingly, sequencing accuracy and throughput continue to improve, and many tools are constantly emerging. Therefore, selecting the correct sequencing platform, the proper sequencing depth and the assembly tools are necessary to perform high-quality assembly. This paper evaluates the primary assembly reconstruction from recent hybrid and non-hybrid pipelines on different genomes. We find that using PacBio high-fidelity long-read (HiFi) plays an essential role in haplotype construction with respect to ONT reads. However, we observe a substantial improvement in the correctness of the assembly from high-fidelity ONT datasets and combining it with HiFi or short-reads.

Transcriptomic Insight into the Pollen Tube Growth of Olea europaea L. subsp. europaea Reveals Reprogramming and Pollen-Specific Genes Including New Transcription Factors.

The pollen tube is a key innovation of land plants that is essential for successful fertilisation. Its development and growth have been profusely studied in model organisms, but in spite of the economic impact of olive trees, little is known regarding the genome-wide events underlying pollen hydration and growth in this species. To fill this gap, triplicate mRNA samples at 0, 1, 3, and 6 h of in vitro germination of olive cultivar Picual pollen were analysed by RNA-seq. A bioinformatics R workflow called RSeqFlow was developed contemplating the best practices described in the literature, covering from expression data filtering to differential expression and clustering, to finally propose hub genes. The resulting olive pollen transcriptome consisted of 22,418 reliable transcripts, where 5364 were differentially expressed, out of which 173 have no orthologue in plants and up to 3 of them might be pollen-specific transcription factors. Functional enrichment revealed a deep transcriptional reprogramming in mature olive pollen that is also dependent on protein stability and turnover to allow pollen tube emergence, with many hub genes related to heat shock proteins and F-box-containing proteins. Reprogramming extends to the first 3 h of growth, including processes consistent with studies performed in other plant species, such as global down-regulation of biosynthetic processes, vesicle/organelle trafficking and cytoskeleton remodelling. In the last stages, growth should be maintained from persistent transcripts. Mature pollen is equipped with transcripts to successfully cope with adverse environments, even though the in vitro growth seems to induce several stress responses. Finally, pollen-specific transcription factors were proposed as probable drivers of pollen germination in olive trees, which also shows an overall increased number of pollen-specific gene isoforms relative to other plants.

Dopamine D3 Receptor Modulates Akt/mTOR and ERK1/2 Pathways Differently during the Reinstatement of Cocaine-Seeking Behavior Induced by Psychological versus Physiological Stress.

Stress triggers relapses in cocaine use that engage the activity of memory-related nuclei, such as the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and dentate gyrus (DG). Preclinical research suggests that D3 receptor (D3R) antagonists may be a promising means to attenuate cocaine reward and relapse. As D3R regulates the activity of the Akt/mTOR and MEK/ERK1/2 pathways, we assessed the effects of SB-277011-A, a D3R antagonist, on the activity of these kinases during the reinstatement of cocaine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) induced by psychological (restraint) and physiological (tail pinch) stress. Both stimuli reactivated an extinguished cocaine-CPP, but only restrained animals decreased their locomotor activity during reinstatement. Cocaine-seeking behavior reactivation was correlated with decreased p-Akt, p-mTOR, and p-ERK1/2 activation in both nuclei of restrained animals. While a D3R blockade prevented stress-induced CPP reinstatement and plasma corticosterone enhancement, SB-277011-A distinctly modulated Akt, mTOR, and ERK1/2 activation depending on the stressor and the dose used. Our data support the involvement of corticosterone in the SB-277011-A effects in restrained animals. Additionally, the ratios p-mTOR/mTOR and/or p-ERK1/2 /ERK1/2 in the BLA during stress-induced relapse seem to be related to the locomotor activity of animals receiving 48 mg/kg of the antagonist. Hence, our study indicates the D3R antagonist's efficacy to prevent stress-induced relapses in drug use through distinct modulation of Akt/mTOR and MEK/ERK1/2 pathways in memory-processing nuclei.

Spanish menstrual literacy and experiences of menstruation.

There is growing recognition of the important role menstrual health plays in achieving health, education, and gender equity. Yet, stigmatisation and taboo remain present and negative emotions like fear and shame dominate the narrative when speaking about periods. This paper analyses how formal and informal menstrual education is received in Spain, to understand the role of menstrual health literacy in the way menstruation is experienced, and to identify what information would be useful to integrate into formal menstrual education. An online survey with more than 4000 participants (aged between 14 and 80, both people who will/do/have previously menstruate/d and those who do not menstruate) was conducted. Data was gathered using the digital platform Typeform, descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed with SPSS software and qualitative data was thematically analysed using Nvivo. Many participants declared not having received sufficient information on menstruation prior to menarche, particularly about how to physically manage it. Furthermore, negative emotions like shame, worry, and fear were recurrently reported to describe menarche; this has not changed between generations. Interestingly, we saw an increase in stress and sadness with an increase in perceived knowledge of the reproductive role of menstruation. We did observe a reduction in negative emotions when people who menstruate perceived they had sufficient information on how to manage their first bleeding. It is recommended that menstrual education beyond reproductive biology, particularly including how to physically manage periods, is integrated into school curricula. Menstrual education of everyone - including those who do not menstruate-can improve how periods are experienced in Spain.

SpPdp11 Administration in Diet Modified the Transcriptomic Response and Its Microbiota Associated in Mechanically Induced Wound Sparus aurata Skin.

Skin lesions are a frequent fact associated with intensive conditions affecting farmed fish. Knowing that the use of probiotics can improve fish skin health, SpPdp11 dietary administration has demonstrated beneficial effects for farmed fish, so its potential on the skin needs to be studied more deeply. The wounded specimens that received the diet with SpPdp11 showed a decrease in the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae, Photobacterium and Achromobacter related to bacterial biofilm formation, as well as the overexpression of genes involved in signaling mechanisms (itpr3), cell migration and differentiation (panxa, ttbk1a, smpd3, vamp5); and repression of genes related to cell proliferation (vstm4a, areg), consistent with a more efficient skin healing processes than that observed in the wounded control group. In addition, among the groups of damaged skin with different diets, Achromobacter, f_Ruminococcaceae, p_Bacteroidetes, Fluviicola and Flavobacterium genera with significant differences showed positive correlations with genes related to cell migration and negative correlations with inflammation and cell proliferation and may be the target of future studies.

Salmonella Typhimurium induces genome-wide expression and phosphorylation changes that modulate immune response, intracellular survival and vesicle transport in infected neutrophils.

Salmonella Typhimurium is a food-borne pathogen that causes salmonellosis. When in contact with the host, neutrophils are rapidly recruited to act as first line of defense. To better understand the pathogenesis of this infection, we used an in vitro model of neutrophil infection to perform dual RNA-sequencing (both host and pathogen). In addition, and given that many pathogens interfere with kinase-mediated phosphorylation in host signaling, we performed a phosphoproteomic analysis. The immune response was overall diminished in infected neutrophils, mainly JAK/STAT and toll-like receptor signaling pathways. We found decreased expression of proinflammatory cytokine receptor genes and predicted downregulation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAPK) signaling pathway. Also, Salmonella infection inhibited interferons I and II signaling pathways by upregulation of SOCS3 and subsequent downregulation of STAT1 and STAT2. Additionally, phosphorylation of PSMC2 and PSMC4, proteasome regulatory proteins, was decreased in infected neutrophils. Cell viability and survival was increased by p53 signaling, cell cycle arrest and NFkB-proteasome pathways activation. Combined analysis of RNA-seq and phosphoproteomics also revealed inhibited vesicle transport mechanisms mediated by dynein/dynactin and exocyst complexes, involved in ER-to-Golgi transport and centripetal movement of lysosomes and endosomes. Among the overexpressed virulence genes from Salmonella we found potential effectors responsible of these dysregulations, such as spiC, sopD2, sifA or pipB2, all of them involved in intracellular replication. Our results suggest that Salmonella induces (through overexpression of virulence factors) transcriptional and phosphorylation changes that increases neutrophil survival and shuts down immune response to minimize host response, and impairing intracellular vesicle transport likely to keep nutrients for replication and Salmonella-containing vacuole formation and maintenance.

Neonatal Screening for Sickle Cell Disease in Western Andalusia: Results and Lessons Learnt after 3 Years of Implementation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to present the results obtained in the Newborn Screening Program (NSP) for sickle cell disease (SCD) in western Andalusia and the autonomous city of Ceuta in the first 3 years of implementation, and to describe the discrepancies found in the diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies between the screening method and the confirmatory tests. STUDY DESIGN: A descriptive and retrospective study was carried out, and the findings obtained in the newborns included in the NSP between November 2018 and December 2021 were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 111,205 samples were screened by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The birth prevalence of SCD, sickle cell trait, hemoglobin C carriers, and the compound heterozygosity Hb C/ß-thalassemia was 1/12,356, 1/467, 1/1,278, and 1/55,602 newborns, respectively. Although there was a correlation between the first-line HPLC screening technique (VARIANTnbs HPLC analyzer, Bio-Rad) and the confirmatory tests in most cases, major discrepancies were found in detecting carriers of G-Philadelphia, D, E, and O-Arab hemoglobin variants, with the former having an incidence of 1/10,110 and the others 1/22,241. The carrier status of Hb G-Philadelphia produced an FAD pattern on the screening method that could be mistaken as Hb D, while Hb O-Arab was identified as an FA5 pattern. Hb D was initially recognized as Hb D in two cases. CONCLUSION: An NSP requires at least two different combined methods in order to identify the hemoglobin variant with sufficient certainty. Furthermore, even though software solutions for HPLC suggest a pattern, it must be confirmed with another technique to obtain a correct interpretation of the chromatograms. KEY POINTS: · The NSPs are an essential activity in preventive medicine.. · At least two different combined methods are required to correctly identify hemoglobin variants.. · Different variants can produce a similar or identical pattern by a single method..

EVOO Promotes a Less Atherogenic Profile Than Sunflower Oil in Smooth Muscle Cells Through the Extracellular Vesicles Secreted by Endothelial Cells.

Background: Little is known about the effect of extra virgin olive (EVOO) and sunflower oil (SO) on the composition of extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by endothelial cells and the effects of these EVs on smooth muscle cells (SMCs). These cells play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. Methods: We evaluated the effects of endothelial cells-derived EVs incubated with triglyceride-rich lipoproteins obtained after a high-fat meal with EVOO (EVOO-EVs) and SO (SO-EVs), on the transcriptomic profile of SMCs. Results: We found 41 upregulated and 19 downregulated differentially expressed (DE)-miRNAs in EVOO-EVs. Afterwards, SMCs were incubated with EVOO-EVs and SO-EVs. SMCs incubated with SO-EVs showed a greater number of DE-mRNA involved in pathways related to cancer, focal adhesion, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, and MAPK, toll-like receptor, chemokine and Wnt signaling pathways than in SMCs incubated with EVOO-EVs. These DE-mRNAs were involved in biological processes related to the response to endogenous stimulus, cell motility, regulation of intracellular signal transduction and cell population proliferation. Conclusion: EVOO and SO can differently modify the miRNA composition of HUVEC-derived EVs. These EVs can regulate the SMCs transcriptomic profile, with SO-EVs promoting a profile more closely linked to the development of atherosclerosis than EVOO-EVs.

Study of microRNA expression in Salmonella Typhimurium-infected porcine ileum reveals miR-194a-5p as an important regulator of the TLR4-mediated inflammatory response.

Infection with Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is a common cause of food-borne zoonosis leading to acute gastroenteritis in humans and pigs, causing economic losses to producers and farmers, and generating a food security risk. In a previous study, we demonstrated that S. Typhimurium infection produces a severe transcriptional activation of inflammatory processes in ileum. However, little is known regarding how microRNAs regulate this response during infection. Here, small RNA sequencing was used to identify 28 miRNAs differentially expressed (DE) in ileum of S. Typhimurium-infected pigs, which potentially regulate 14 target genes involved in immune system processes such as regulation of cytokine production, monocyte chemotaxis, or cellular response to interferon gamma. Using in vitro functional and gain/loss of function (mimics/CRISPR-Cas system) approaches, we show that porcine miR-194a-5p (homologous to human miR-194-5p) regulates TLR4 gene expression, an important molecule involved in pathogen virulence, recognition and activation of innate immunity in Salmonella infection.

Insights into ROS-dependent signalling underlying transcriptomic plant responses to the herbicide 2,4-D.

The synthetic auxin 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) functions as an agronomic weed control herbicide. High concentrations of 2,4-D induce plant growth defects, particularly leaf epinasty and stem curvature. Although the 2,4-D triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, little is known about its signalling. In this study, by using a null mutant in peroxisomal acyl CoA oxidase 1 (acx1-2), we identified acyl-coenzyme A oxidase 1 (ACX1) as one of the main sources of ROS production and, in part, also causing the epinastic phenotype following 2,4-D application. Transcriptomic analyses of wild type (WT) plants after treatment with 2,4-D revealed a ROS-related peroxisomal footprint in early plant responses, while other organelles, such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, are involved in later responses. Interestingly, a group of 2,4-D-responsive ACX1-dependent transcripts previously associated with epinasty is related to auxin biosynthesis, metabolism, and signalling. We found that the auxin receptor auxin signalling F-box 3 (AFB3), a component of Skp, Cullin, F-box containing complex (SCF) (ASK-cullin-F-box) E3 ubiquitin ligase complexes, which mediates auxin/indole acetic acid (AUX/IAA) degradation by the 26S proteasome, acts downstream of ACX1 and is involved in the epinastic phenotype induced by 2,4-D. We also found that protein degradation associated with ubiquitin E3-RING and E3-SCF-FBOX in ACX1-dependent signalling in plant responses to 2,4-D is significantly regulated over longer treatment periods.

Assessment of Irrigation Water Use Efficiency in Citrus Orchards Using AHP.

Irrigation water use efficiency, the small size of the orchards, and part-time farmers are major issues for Spanish citriculture. How should irrigation water use efficiency be assessed? Does irrigation water use efficiency improve when increasing the size of the orchards? Are full-time farmers more efficient in irrigation water use than part-time ones? To address these three questions, we propose to apply a new multicriteria approach based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique and the participation of a group of experts. A new synthetic irrigation efficiency index (IEI) was proposed and tested using data from an irrigation community (IC) and a cooperative of farmers in the East of Spain. The results showed that the size of the orchards had no relation with the IEI scoring but full-time farmers tended to have better IEI scores and, thus, were more efficient. These results were obtained from a sample of 24 orchards of oranges, navelina variety, growing in a very similar environment, and agronomical characteristics. The proposed methodology can be a useful benchmarking tool for improving the irrigation water management in other ICs taking into account the issues related to farm data sharing recorded during the case study.

In vitro gastrointestinal digestion and simulated colonic fermentation of pistachio nuts determine the bioaccessibility and biosynthesis of chronobiotics.

Chronodisruption leads to obesity and other metabolic disorders that can be alleviated by food-derived potential chronobiotics, such as phytomelatonin (PMT), phenolic compounds (PCs) and dietary fiber rich pistachios. Pistachios with (PN + SC) or without (PN) the seed coat were investigated for their in vitro chronobiotic potential since they are one of the main reported PMT sources. Consequently we evaluated the bioaccessibility, permeability, and biosynthesis of pistachio chronobiotics, particularly PMT, during gastrointestinal and colonic fermentation. The maximum in vitro bioaccessibility and apparent permeability (efflux-prone) of PCs, flavonoids and PMT were sample-specific [∼1.3% (both), 27 and 3.4% (PN + SC)], but additional amounts (flavonoids > PCs > PMT) were released under simulated colonic conditions. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs; 38 mM; >50% butyrate, PN + SC > PN) and some metabolites (e.g., indole, benzaldehyde, phenolic acids, and aliphatic/aromatic hydrocarbons) were detected depending on the sample. The predominant pistachio butyrate production during in vitro colonic fermentation can improve chronodisruption and benefit obese individuals. Pistachio's digestion increases the bioaccessibility and intestinal permeability of potential chronobiotics (PMT and PCs) and the biosynthesis of colonic metabolites (SCFAs, among others) also with chronobiotic potential.

1,3-Cyclohexadien-1-Als: Synthesis, Reactivity and Bioactivities.

In synthetic organic chemistry, there are very useful basic compounds known as building blocks. One of the main reactions wherein they are applied for the synthesis of complex molecules is the Diels-Alder cycloaddition. This reaction is between a diene and a dienophile. Among the most important dienes are the cyclic dienes, as they facilitate the reaction. This review considers the synthesis and reactivity of one of these dienes with special characteristics-it is cyclic and has an electron withdrawing group. This building block has been used for the synthesis of biologically active compounds and is present in natural compounds with interesting properties.

Distinct Regulation of Dopamine D3 Receptor in the Basolateral Amygdala and Dentate Gyrus during the Reinstatement of Cocaine CPP Induced by Drug Priming and Social Stress.

Relapse in the seeking and intake of cocaine is one of the main challenges when treating its addiction. Among the triggering factors for the recurrence of cocaine use are the re-exposure to the drug and stressful events. Cocaine relapse engages the activity of memory-related nuclei, such as the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG), which are responsible for emotional and episodic memories. Moreover, D3 receptor (D3R) antagonists have recently arisen as a potential treatment for preventing drug relapse. Thus, we have assessed the impact of D3R blockade in the expression of some dopaminergic markers and the activity of the mTOR pathway, which is modulated by D3R, in the BLA and DG during the reinstatement of cocaine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) evoked by drug priming and social stress. Reinstatement of cocaine CPP paralleled an increasing trend in D3R and dopamine transporter (DAT) levels in the BLA. Social stress, but not drug-induced reactivation of cocaine memories, was prevented by systemic administration of SB-277011-A (a selective D3R antagonist), which was able, however, to impede D3R and DAT up-regulation in the BLA during CPP reinstatement evoked by both stress and cocaine. Concomitant with cocaine CPP reactivation, a diminution in mTOR phosphorylation (activation) in the BLA and DG occurred, which was inhibited by D3R blockade in both nuclei before the social stress episode and only in the BLA when CPP reinstatement was provoked by a cocaine prime. Our data, while supporting a main role for D3R signalling in the BLA in the reactivation of cocaine memories evoked by social stress, indicate that different neural circuits and signalling mechanisms might mediate in the reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behaviours depending upon the triggering stimuli.

Demography, genetic diversity and expansion load in the colonizing species Leontodon longirostris (Asteraceae) throughout its native range.

Unravelling the evolutionary processes underlying range expansions is fundamental to understand the distribution of organisms, as well as to predict their future responses to environmental change. Predictions for range expansions include a loss of genetic diversity and an accumulation of deleterious alleles along the expansion axis, which can decrease fitness at the range-front (expansion load). In plants, empirical studies supporting expansion load are scarce, and its effects remain to be tested outside a few model species. Leontodon longirostris is a colonizing Asteraceae with a widespread distribution in the Western Mediterranean, providing a particularly interesting system to gain insight into the factors that can enhance or mitigate expansion load. In this study, we produced a first genome draft for the species, covering 418 Mbp (~53% of the genome). Although incomplete, this draft was suitable to design a targeted sequencing of ~1.5 Mbp in 238 L. longirostris plants from 21 populations distributed along putative colonization routes in the Iberian Peninsula. Inferred demographic history supports a range expansion from southern Iberia around 40,000 years ago, reaching northern Iberia around 25,000 years ago. The expansion was accompanied by a loss of genetic diversity and a significant increase in the proportion of putatively deleterious mutations. However, levels of expansion load in L. longirostris were smaller than those found in other plant species, which can be explained, at least partially, by its high dispersal ability, the self-incompatible mating system, and the fact that the expansion occurred along a strong environmental cline.

Long-Term Functional and Cytoarchitectonic Effects of the Systemic Administration of the Histamine H1 Receptor Antagonist/Inverse Agonist Chlorpheniramine During Gestation in the Rat Offspring Primary Motor Cortex.

The transient histaminergic system is among the first neurotransmitter systems to appear during brain development in the rat mesencephalon/rhombencephalon. Histamine increases FOXP2-positive deep-layer neuron differentiation of cortical neural stem cells through H1 receptor activation in vitro. The in utero or systemic administration of chlorpheniramine (H1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist) during deep-layer cortical neurogenesis decreases FOXP2 neurons in the developing cortex, and H1R- or histidine decarboxylase-knockout mice show impairment in learning and memory, wakefulness and nociception, functions modulated by the cerebral cortex. Due to the role of H1R in cortical neural stem cell neurogenesis, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the postnatal impact of the systemic administration of chlorpheniramine during deep-layer cortical neuron differentiation (E12-14) in the primary motor cortex (M1) of neonates (P0) and 21-day-old pups (P21). Chlorpheniramine or vehicle were systemically administered (5 mg/kg, i.p.) to pregnant Wistar rats at gestational days 12-14, and the expression and distribution of deep- (FOXP2 and TBR1) and superficial-layer (SATB2) neuronal cortical markers were analyzed in neonates from both groups. The qRT-PCR analysis revealed a reduction in the expression of Satb2 and FoxP2. However, Western blot and immunofluorescence showed increased protein levels in the chlorpheniramine-treated group. In P21 pups, the three markers showed impaired distribution and increased immunofluorescence in the experimental group. The Sholl analysis evidenced altered dendritic arborization of deep-layer neurons, with lower excitability in response to histamine, as evaluated by whole-cell patch-clamp recording, as well as diminished depolarization-evoked [3H]-glutamate release from striatal slices. Overall, these results suggest long-lasting effects of blocking H1Rs during early neurogenesis that may impact the pathways involved in voluntary motor activity and cognition.

Solea senegalensis Bacterial Intestinal Microbiota Is Affected by Low Dietary Inclusion of Ulva ohnoi.

The inclusion of macroalgae in the diets of farmed fish offers the opportunity for an added-value dietary ingredient to the nutraceutical feed. The composition of algae varies greatly among species. Several Ulva species have been considered in aquafeed formulations for different farmed fish, and Ulva ohnoi is being applied recently. However, the effects of seaweed dietary inclusion on the host must be evaluated. Considering the important role of the host intestinal microbiota, the potential effects of U. ohnoi dietary inclusion need to be studied. In this study, the characterization of the intestinal microbiome of Solea senegalensis, a flatfish with high potential for aquaculture in South Europe, receiving U. ohnoi (5%)-supplemented diet for 90 days has been carried out. In addition, the functional profiles of bacterial communities have been determined by using PICRUSt, a computational approach to predict the functional composition of a metagenome by using marker gene data and a database of reference genomes. The results show that long-term dietary administration of U. ohnoi (5%)-supplemented feed modulates S. senegalensis intestinal microbiota, especially in the posterior intestinal section. Increased relative abundance of Vibrio jointly with decreased Stenotrophomonas genus has been detected in fish receiving Ulva diet compared to control-fed fish. The influence of the diet on the intestinal functionality of S. senegalensis has been studied for the first time. Changes in bacterial composition were accompanied by differences in predicted microbiota functionality. Increased abundance of predicted genes involved in xenobiotic biodegradation and metabolism were observed in the microbiota when U. ohnoi diet was used. On the contrary, predicted percentages of genes associated to penicillin and cephalosporin biosynthesis as well as beta-lactam resistance were reduced after feeding with Ulva diet.

NGS of microRNAs Involved in Cardioprotection Induced by Sevoflurane Compared to Propofol in Myocardial Revascularization Surgery: The ACDHUVV-16 Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have demonstrated that halogenated agents elicit myocardial conditioning effects when administered perioperatively in cardiac surgery. Recent evidence has been published on the benefits of maintaining exposure to halogenated agents during the early postoperative period. The enzymatic mechanisms by which this beneficial effect is exerted were explained recently. OBJECTIVES: Our study was performed to investigate whether this phenomenon is mediated by either the activation or suppression of miRNAs targeted by halogenated anesthetics. METHODS: A double-blind, two-stage trial was conducted. The results of the first stage of the trial are presented in this paper. The sample was composed of patients undergoing off-pump myocardial revascularization surgery. Patients were randomized to receive either sevoflurane [S] or propofol [P] during the intraoperative and early postoperative period (during the first six hours after the intervention). Hemodynamics (heart rate, blood pressure, central venous pressure, cardiac index, systolic volume index, LVEF) and myocardial enzymes (troponin I) were monitored at six hour intervals during the first 48 hours. In the first stage of the trial, blood was drawn for gene sequencing from eight patients (four per group) at baseline and at 24 h. In the second stage of the study, a qPCR analysis was performed of the miRNAs identified as significant by gene sequencing. Levels of cardioprotective enzymes (serine/threonine protein kinase (Akt), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK 1/2), and caspase 3) were measured to assess their role in myocardial conditioning pathways. The purpose was to identify the miRNAs that play a major role in myocardial conditioning induced by halogenated agents. Concentrations of cardioprotective enzymes were higher in patients who received sevoflurane than the patients who were administered propofol. RESULTS: NGS differences were observed between baseline and 24-h values in the two study groups. In group P, miRNA 197-3p was overexpressed, whereas miRNAs 4443 and 1294, 708-3p were underexpressed. In group S, miRNAs 615-3p, 4466, 29, 937-3p, 636, 197-3P, 184, 4685, 296-3p, 147b, 3199, 6815, 1294 and 3176 were underexpressed; whereas 708-3p was overexpressed. qPCR showed significant variations in miRNAs 197-3p, 4443, 708-3p and 1294 in the P group, and in miRNAs 937-3p, 636, 197- 3p, 296-3p and 708-3p in the S group. CONCLUSION: In the P Group, changes in the expression of some miRNAs were associated with lower concentrations of the enzymes involved in myocardial pre- and postconditioning. In contrast, in Group S, variations in miRNAs were associated with the activation of mediators of anesthetic-induced pre- and post-conditioning, a reduction in cell apoptosis, and a decrease in caspase and TnBF alpha concentrations. Changes in these miRNAs were associated with better prognosis in patients with ischemic heart disease. The main limitation of this study will be overcome in the second stage of the trial, where the specific role of each miRNA will be determined.

Closing the gender gap at academic conferences: A tool for monitoring and assessing academic events.

The importance of participation in academic conferences is well known for members of the scientific community. It is not only for the feedback and the improvement of the work, it is also about career development, building networks and increasing visibility. Nevertheless, women continue to be under-represented in these academic events and even more so in the most visible positions such as speaking roles. This paper presents the development of a tool based on performance indicators, which will allow monitoring and evaluating gender roles and inequalities in academic conferences in order to tackle the underrepresentation of women. The study identifies relevant perspectives (participation, organizational structure and attitudes) and designs specific lists of performance indicators for each of them. The tool is based on a combination of two multicriteria techniques, Analytic Hierarchy Process and Analytic Hierarchy Process Sort, and a qualitative analysis based on in-depth interviews and information gathered from a focus group. The use of the AHP multi-criteria decision technique has allowed us to weight the indicators according to the opinion of several experts, and with them to be able to generate from these weightings composite indicators for each of the three dimensions. The most relevant indicators were for the participation dimension. Additionally, the tool developed has been applied to an academic conference which has been monitored in real time. The results are shown as a traffic light visualization approach, where red means bad performance, yellow average performance and green good performance, helping us to present the results for each indicator. Finally, proposals for improvement actions addressed to the red indicators are explained. The work carried out highlights the need to broaden the study of gender equality in academic conferences, not only regarding the participation but also the performance of different roles and functions.