Pilot study of circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA in relation to brain structure in youth bipolar disorder.

BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in the neuropathology of bipolar disorder (BD). Higher circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mtDNA), generally reflecting poorer mitochondrial health, has been associated with greater symptoms severity in BD. The current study examines the association of serum ccf-mtDNA and brain structure in relation to youth BD. We hypothesized that higher ccf-mtDNA will be associated with measures of lower brain structure, particularly in the BD group. METHODS: Participants included 40 youth (BD, n = 19; Control group [CG], n = 21; aged 13-20 years). Serum ccf-mtDNA levels were assayed. T1-weighted brain images were acquired using 3T-MRI. Region of interest (ROI) analyses examined prefrontal cortex (PFC) and whole brain gray matter, alongside exploratory vertex-wise analyses. Analyses examined ccf-mtDNA main-effects and ccf-mtDNA-by-diagnosis interaction effects controlling for age, sex, and intracranial volume. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in ccf-mtDNA levels between BD and CG. In ROI analyses, higher ccf-mtDNA was associated with higher PFC surface area (SA) (ß = 0.32 p < 0.001) and PFC volume (ß = 0.32 p = 0.002) in the overall sample. In stratified analyses, higher ccf-mtDNA was associated with higher PFC SA within both subgroups (BD: ß = 0.39 p = 0.02; CG: ß = 0.24 p = 0.045). Higher ccf-mtDNA was associated with higher PFC volume within the BD group (ß = 0.39 p = 0.046). In vertex-wise analyses, higher ccf-mtDNA was associated with higher SA and volume in frontal clusters within the overall sample and within the BD group. There were significant ccf-mtDNA-by-diagnosis interactions in three frontal and parietal clusters, whereby higher ccf-mtDNA was associated with higher neurostructural metrics in the BD group but lower neurostructural metrics in CG. CONCLUSIONS: Contrasting our hypothesis, higher ccf-mtDNA was consistently associated with higher, rather than lower, regional neuralstructural metrics among youth with BD. While this finding may reflect a compensatory mechanism, future repeated-measures prospective studies evaluating the inter-relationship among ccf-mtDNA, mood, and brain structure across developmental epochs and illness stages are warranted.

Urinary Incontinence in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy of Type 1 Diabetic Women.

BACKGROUND: Type 1 diabetes increases the prevalence of urinary incontinence and may be responsible for additional changes to those existing in a regular gestational period. This study aimed to describe the presence and symptoms of urinary incontinence in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes. METHODS: In this Cross-sectional case control study, forty pregnant women in third gestational trimester were allocated in two equal groups - control group (CG) and type 1 diabetic group (1DMG). The patients answered the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form and, to characterize the sample, they answered the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire, gynecological history and, after delivery, the newborn weight was registered. The groups were compared using the Student's T Test for parametric variables and the U-Mann Whitney Test for non-parametric variables, both at 5% probability. RESULTS: The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form score (p = 0.026) is higher in 1DMG (3.95 ± 4.70) compared to CG (1.05 ± 2.23). No correlations were found between time of diagnosis, HbA1c and newborn weight in relation to ICIQ-SF and other variables in CG and 1DMG with ICIQ-SF (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Type 1 diabetes mellitus, in the third trimester of gestation, seem to be associated with increase in the ICIQ-SF score.

HIGHLIGHTS: No correlation between gestational characteristics and urinary incontinence symptoms.The diabetic women group had more episiotomies and abortions.The diabetic women had higher scores in the total score of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF).

Liposomal nanoformulations with trans-caryophyllene and caryophyllene oxide: do they have an inhibitory action on the efflux pumps NorA, Tet(K), MsrA, and MepA?

This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and inhibitory action of NorA, Tet(K), MsrA and MepA efflux pumps in S. aureus strains using the sesquiterpenes named trans-caryophyllene and caryophyllene oxide, both isolated and encapsulated in liposomes. The antibacterial and inhibitory action of these efflux pumps was evaluated through the serial microdilution test in 96-well microplates. Each sesquiterpene and liposome/sesquiterpene was combined with antibiotics and ethidium bromide (EtBr). The antibiotics named norfloxacin, tetracycline and erythromycin were used. The 1199 B, IS-58, RN4220 and K2068 S. aureus strains carrying NorA, Tet(K), MsrA and MepA, respectively, were tested. In the fluorescence measurement test, K2068 S. aureus was incubated with the sesquiterpenes and EtBr, and the fluorescence emission by EtBr was measured. The tested substances did not show direct antibacterial activity, with MIC >1024 µg/mL. Nonetheless, the isolated trans-caryophyllene and caryophyllene oxide reduced the MIC of antibiotics and EtBr, indicating inhibition of NorA, Tet(K) and MsrA. In the fluorescence test, these same sesquiterpenes increased fluorescence emission, indicating inhibition of MepA. Therefore, the sesquiterpenes named trans-caryophyllene and caryophyllene oxide did not show direct antibacterial action; however, in their isolated form, they showed possible inhibitory action on NorA, Tet(K), MsrA and MepA efflux pumps. They may also act in antibiotic potentiation. Further studies are needed to identify the mechanisms involved in antibiotic potentiation and efflux pump inhibitory action.

Association study of the complement component C4 gene and suicide risk in schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness and a major risk factor for suicide, with approximately 50% of schizophrenia patients attempting and 10% dying from suicide. Although genetic components play a significant role in schizophrenia risk, the underlying genetic risk factors for suicide are poorly understood. The complement component C4 gene, an immune gene involved in the innate immune system and located in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region, has been identified to be strongly associated with schizophrenia risk. In addition, recent findings have also suggested that the MHC region has been associated with suicide risk across disorders, making C4 a potential candidate of interest for studying suicidality in schizophrenia patients. Despite growing interest in investigating the association between the C4 gene and schizophrenia, to our knowledge, no work has been done to examine the potential of C4 variants as suicide risk factors in patients with schizophrenia. In this study, we investigated the association between different C4 copy number variants and predicted C4 brain expression with suicidal outcomes (suicide attempts/suicidal ideation). We directly genotyped 434 schizophrenia patients to determine their C4A and C4B copy number variants. We found the C4AS copy number to be marginally and negatively associated with suicide risk, potentially being protective against suicide attempts (OR = 0.49; p = 0.05) and suicidal ideation (OR = 0.65; p = 0.07). Furthermore, sex-stratified analyses revealed that there are no significant differences between males and females. Our preliminary findings encourage additional studies of C4 and potential immune dysregulation in suicide.

Immune system cells modulation in patients with reproductive issues: A systematic review approach.

The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic literature review to investigate the main immune cells responsible for implantation failures. We selected papers from PubMed, Embase and Virtual Health Library databases. Eligible articles included publications between January 1, 2010 and April 24, 2022. Inclusion criteria were: observational and case-control studies; and the exclusion criteria were: review papers, letters to the editor, abstracts, animal studies and case reports. We extracted the following information: day of collection, number of patients, control group, age of patients, type of sample used, immune cells and cytokines. As main findings in our mapping, we found that in peripheral blood, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD16+, CD56+, CD57+, CD69+, CD154+, CD158a+, NKp46 cells were increased and the CD4+, CD45+, Foxp3 and NKp46 markers were reduced. From the endometrial biopsies, there was an increase in CD3+, CD4+, CD5+, CD8+, CD16+, CD25+, CD45+, CD56+, CD57+, CD68+, CD127+ and a reduction in CD45+, CD56+, NKp46 and FoxP3 cells. Cytokines found increased in peripheral blood included IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, INF-γ, TGF-ß, TNF-α; while IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-35, FoxP3, TGF-ß, SOCS3 were reduced. As for the biopsies, there was an increase in IL-2, IL-6, IL-17, IL-22, IL-23, INF-A1, INF-B1, INF-γ, TNF-R and a reduction in IL-6, IL-10, INF-γ, TGFß, TNF-α. We concluded that immune cells can be modulated during pregnancy failure, but further studies are needed to elucidate the modulating effect of the immune system on the endometrium of these patients.

Neuroimaging and Biosample Collection in the Toronto Adolescent and Youth Cohort Study: Rationale, Methods, and Early Data.

BACKGROUND: The Toronto Adolescent and Youth (TAY) Cohort Study will characterize the neurobiological trajectories of psychosis spectrum symptoms, functioning, and suicidality (i.e., suicidal thoughts and behaviors) in youth seeking mental health care. Here, we present the neuroimaging and biosample component of the protocol. We also present feasibility and quality control metrics for the baseline sample collected thus far. METHODS: The current study includes youths (ages 11-24 years) who were referred to child and youth mental health services within a large tertiary care center in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with target recruitment of 1500 participants. Participants were offered the opportunity to provide any or all of the following: 1) 1-hour magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan (electroencephalography if ineligible for or declined MRI), 2) blood sample for genomic and proteomic data (or saliva if blood collection was declined or not feasible) and urine sample, and 3) heart rate recording to assess respiratory sinus arrhythmia. RESULTS: Of the first 417 participants who consented to participate between May 4, 2021, and February 2, 2023, 412 agreed to participate in the imaging and biosample protocol. Of these, 334 completed imaging, 341 provided a biosample, 338 completed respiratory sinus arrhythmia, and 316 completed all 3. Following quality control, data usability was high (MRI: T1-weighted 99%, diffusion-weighted imaging 99%, arterial spin labeling 90%, resting-state functional MRI 95%, task functional MRI 90%; electroencephalography: 83%; respiratory sinus arrhythmia: 99%). CONCLUSIONS: The high consent rates, good completion rates, and high data usability reported here demonstrate the feasibility of collecting and using brain imaging and biosamples in a large clinical cohort of youths seeking mental health care.

Cross-disorder GWAS meta-analysis of endocannabinoid DNA variations in major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and schizophrenia.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is implicated in multiple mental disorders. In this study, we explored DNA variations in the ECS across major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and schizophrenia by performing a cross-disorder genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis. We obtained six datasets from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium containing GWAS summary statistics from European cohorts (284,023 cases and 508,515 controls). Effective sample size weighted meta-analysis was performed for 2241 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) pertaining to gene bodies of 33 endocannabinoid genes using METAL, where an overall z-statistic is calculated for each marker based on a weighted sum of individual statistics. Heterogeneity was examined with I2 and X2 tests. MAGMA gene-based analysis was also performed. We identified nine SNPs significantly associated with a change in risk of having a mental disorder. The lead SNP was rs12805732 (Gene: Diacylglycerol Lipase Alpha; DAGLA). Four SNPs had substantial heterogeneity (I2>60 %). DAGLA had the strongest association with disease risk in gene-based analysis. Our findings suggest that the ECS may be a shared pathway in mental disorders. Future studies validating these findings would contribute to the identification of biomarkers of disease risk across multiple mental disorders.

Comparative Antibacterial and Efflux Pump Inhibitory Activity of Isolated Nerolidol, Farnesol, and α-Bisabolol Sesquiterpenes and Their Liposomal Nanoformulations.

The efflux systems are considered important mechanisms of bacterial resistance due to their ability to extrude various antibiotics. Several naturally occurring compounds, such as sesquiterpenes, have demonstrated antibacterial activity and the ability to inhibit efflux pumps in resistant strains. Therefore, the objective of this research was to analyze the antibacterial and inhibitory activity of the efflux systems NorA, Tet(K), MsrA, and MepA by sesquiterpenes nerolidol, farnesol, and α-bisabolol, used either individually or in liposomal nanoformulation, against multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains. The methodology consisted of in vitro testing of the ability of sesquiterpenes to reduce the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and enhance the action of antibiotics and ethidium bromide (EtBr) in broth microdilution assays. The following strains were used: S. aureus 1199B carrying the NorA efflux pump, resistant to norfloxacin; IS-58 strain carrying Tet(K), resistant to tetracyclines; RN4220 carrying MsrA, conferring resistance to erythromycin. For the EtBr fluorescence measurement test, K2068 carrying MepA was used. It was observed the individual sesquiterpenes exhibited better antibacterial activity as well as efflux pump inhibition. Farnesol showed the lowest MIC of 16.5 µg/mL against the S. aureus RN4220 strain. Isolated nerolidol stood out for reducing the MIC of EtBr to 5 µg/mL in the 1199B strain, yielding better results than the positive control CCCP, indicating strong evidence of NorA inhibition. The liposome formulations did not show promising results, except for liposome/farnesol, which reduced the MIC of EtBr against 1199B and RN4220. Further research is needed to evaluate the mechanisms of action involved in the inhibition of resistance mechanisms by the tested compounds.

Valencene, Nootkatone and Their Liposomal Nanoformulations as Potential Inhibitors of NorA, Tet(K), MsrA, and MepA Efflux Pumps in Staphylococcus aureus Strains.

Valencene and nootkatone are aromatic sesquiterpenes with known biological activities, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor. Given the evidence that encapsulation into nanosystems, such as liposomes, could improve the properties of several compounds, the present study aimed to evaluate the activity of these sesquiterpenes in their isolated state or in liposomal formulations against strains of Staphylococcus aureus carrying efflux pumps. The broth microdilution method evaluated the antibiotic-enhancing activity associated with antibiotics and ethidium bromide (EtBr). The minimum inhibitory concentration was assessed in strains of S. aureus 1199B, IS-58, and RN4220, which carry the efflux proteins NorA, Tet(K), and MsrA. In tests with strain 1199B, valencene reduced the MIC of norfloxacin and EtBr by 50%, while the liposomal formulation of this compound did not show a significant effect. Regarding the strain IS-58, valencene, and its nanoformulation reduced norfloxacin MIC by 60.3% and 50%, respectively. In the non-liposomal form, the sesquiterpene reduced the MIC of EtBr by 90%. Against the RN4220 strain, valencene reduced the MIC of the antibiotic and EtBr by 99% and 93.7%, respectively. Nootkatone and its nanoformulation showed significant activity against the 1199B strain, reducing the EtBr MIC by 21.9%. Against the IS-58 strain, isolated nootkatone reduced the EtBr MIC by 20%. The results indicate that valencene and nootkatone potentiate the action of antibiotics and efflux inhibitors in strains carrying NorA, Tet(K), and MsrA proteins, which suggests that these sesquiterpenes act as efflux pump inhibitors in S. aureus. Therefore, further studies are needed to assess the impact of incorporation into liposomes on the activity of these compounds in vivo.

Association analyses of the autosomal genome and mitochondrial DNA with accelerometry-derived sleep parameters in depressed UK biobank subjects.

BACKGROUND: The bidirectional relationship between sleep disturbances and depression is well documented, yet the biology of sleep is not fully understood. Mitochondria have become of interest not only because of the connection between sleep and metabolism but also because of mitochondria's involvement in the production of reactive oxygen species, which are largely scavenged during sleep. METHODS: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of eight accelerometry-derived sleep measures were performed across both the autosomal and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) among two severity levels of depression in UK Biobank participants. We calculated SNP heritability for each of the sleep measures. Linear regression was performed to test associations and mitochondrial haplogroups. RESULTS: Variants included in the GWAS accounted for moderate heritability of bedtime (19.6%, p = 4.75 × 10-7), sleep duration (16.6%, p = 8.58 × 10-6) and duration of longest sleep bout (22.6%, p = 4.64 × 10-4). No variants passed genome-wide significance in the autosomal genome. The top hit in the severe depression sample was rs145019802, near GOLGA8B, for sleep efficiency (p = 1.17 × 10-7), and the top hit in the broad depression sample was rs7100859, an intergenic SNP, and nap duration (p = 1.25 × 10-7). Top mtDNA loci were m.12633C > A of MT-ND5 with bedtime (p = 0.002) in the severe sample and m.16186C > T of the control region with nap duration (p = 0.002) in the broad sample. CONCLUSION: SNP heritability estimates support the involvement of common SNPs in specific sleep measures among depressed individuals. This is the first study to analyze mtDNA variance in sleep measures in depressed individuals. Our mtDNA findings, although nominally significant, provide preliminary suggestion that mitochondria are involved in sleep.

Corrigendum: Potential genetic overlap between insomnia and sleep symptoms in major depressive disorder: A polygenic risk score analysis.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.734077.].

Systematic review of mitochondrial genetic variation in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

The global prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is estimated to be between 6% and 7% in children worldwide. The pathophysiology of this heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder remains unknown. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been proposed as a possible contributing factor to the etiology of ADHD. There is limited literature available to help our understanding of this hypothesis, and thus we conducted a systematic review of the number and quality of studies pertaining to mitochondrial genetic alterations in ADHD. A systematic search was conducted in the relevant databases Medline (PubMed) and Embase up to March 2021. Inclusion criteria included randomized control trials, cross-sectional studies, and case-control studies. This search resulted in a total of 507 articles that emerged from the search criteria. Of these results, 10 primary research articles were selected for in depth review based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These studies all reported on mitochondrial genetic variation in ADHD cases such as increased copy number, single-nucleotide polymorphisms, and haplogroup associations. This initial review of the experimental literature suggests mitochondrial genetic variation, in both the mitochondrial DNA and nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes, may indeed contribute to ADHD pathophysiology. The studies reviewed here provide promising evidence for future research to further examine the mitochondrial genetics contributing to ADHD pathophysiology. We suggest that expansion of investigations into mitochondrial mechanisms may have potential to inform new treatment options for ADHD.

Terapia Ocupacional e prescrição de cadeira de rodas: proposta de fluxograma de prescrições com base na revisão narrativa / Occupational Therapy and wheelchair prescription: proposal for a prescription flow chart based on narrative review / Terapia Ocupacional y prescripción de sillas de ruedas: propuesta de un diagrama de flujo de prescripción basado en una revisión narrativa

ntrodução: A cadeira de rodas faz parte do arsenal de recursos da tecnologia assistiva, sendo um equipamento que auxilia a locomoção das pessoas com mobilidade reduzida. Pode ser obtida de várias maneiras e, como resultado, clientes, provedores e pagadores podem não estar totalmente cientes ou bem familiarizados com o que é necessário para a combinação mais adequada entre a pessoa, o equipamento e o ambiente. Objetivos: Analisar o que há publicado sobre a prescrição de cadeira de rodas, sintetizar/organizar as orientações deste levantamento e propor um fluxograma de orientações para prescrição. Método: Este estudo foi elaborado por meio de uma perspectiva qualitativa do tipo exploratória-descritiva, sendo realizado levantamento e análise bibliográfica não sistemática sobre prescrição de cadeira de rodas e terapia ocupacional. Resultados e Discussão: Foram levantadas e analisadas publicações que abordavam sobre os tipos de cadeiras de rodas, sobre a avaliação e orientações para a prescrição de cadeira de rodas. As orientações deste levantamento e análise bibliográfica foram sintetizadas e organizadas e foi proposto um fluxograma, visando auxiliar os terapeutas ocupacionais no momento da prescrição. Conclusão: A ideia central do artigo foi elaborar um panorama sobre os conceitos e apresentar as noções básicas que envolvem a prescrição de cadeira de rodas. Essas informações podem servir como passos iniciais necessários para esta intervenção com diferentes clientes. Defende-se, assim, maior engajamento dos terapeutas ocupacionais nesta prática.(AU) Palavras-chave: Cadeiras de rodas. Equipamentos de autoajuda. Terapia Ocupacional

Introduction: The wheelchair is part of the arsenal assistive technology resources, as an equipment that helps the mobility of people with reduced mobility. It can be obtained in a variety of ways, and as a result, customers, providers and payers may not be fully aware or well acquainted with what is needed for the most suitable combination of the person, the equipment and the environment. Objectives: Analyze what has been published about wheelchair prescription, synthesize/organize the guidelines of this survey and propose a flowchart of guidelines for prescription.Method: This isan Integrative Literature Review, made by using the key descriptors "Occupational Therapy", "Aged" and "Primary Health Care". Results and discussion: This study was developed through a qualitative perspective of the exploratory-descriptive type, with a non- systematic bibliographic survey and analysis on wheelchair prescription and occupational therapy. Conclusion: The centralidea of this article was elaborate an overview of the concepts and present the basic notions that involve wheelchair prescription. This information can serve as the necessary initial steps for this intervention with different clients. So, defending a bigger engagement from the occupational therapists on this pratical.(AU) Keywords: Wheelchairs. Self-help devices. Occupational Therapy

introdución: La silla de ruedas forma parte del arsenal de recursos de tecnología asistencial, siendo un dispositivo que ayuda a la movilidad de las personas con movilidad reducida. Puede obtenerse de varias formas y, como resultado, es posible que los clientes, proveedores y pagadores no sean plenamente conscientes o no estén bien familiarizados con lo que se necesita para la combinación más adecuada de la persona, el equipo y ambiente. Meta: Analizar lo publicado sobre prescripción de sillas de ruedas, sintetizar/organizar las pautas de esta encuesta y proponer un diagrama de flujo de pautas de prescripción. Metodo: Este estudio se realizó a través de una perspectiva cualitativa de tipo exploratorio-descriptivo, con un levantamiento bibliográfico no sistemático y análisis de prescripción de sillas de ruedas y terapia ocupacional. Resultados y Discussión: Se plantearon y analizaron publicaciones que abordaban los tipos de sillas de ruedas, la evaluación y las pautas para la prescripción de sillas de ruedas. Se sintetizaron y organizaron los lineamientos de esta encuesta y análisis bibliográfico y se propuso un diagrama de flujo, con el objetivo de ayudar a los terapeutas ocupacionales en el momento de la prescripción. Conclusión: La idea central del artículo fue elaborar una descripción general de los conceptos y presentar las nociones básicas que involucran la prescripción de sillas de ruedas. Esta información puede servir como los pasos iniciales necesarios para esta intervención con diferentes clientes. Por tanto, se aboga por un mayor compromiso de los terapeutas ocupacionales en esta práctica.(AU) Palabras clave: Silla de ruedas. Dispositivos de autoayuda. Terapia Ocupacional.

Examining the role of mitochondrial genetic variation in nicotine dependence.

Nicotine dependence (ND) has a heritability rate of ∼50%, suggesting genetic factors contribute to underlying mechanisms. Here, we aimed to examine variants within both mtDNA and the nuclear genome to determine if mitochondrial genes are associated with ND. A total of 129 mtDNA SNPs and 1136 nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes in a sample of N = 374 Caucasians were selected for analysis. Age of onset of first, occasional, and daily smoking and Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence were used as outcomes for the analysis. Linear regression was used to test common variants. Gene analyses were performed using MAGMA. One nuclear mitochondrial SNP, rs78417112 found in the HSD17B4 gene, was significantly associated with the age of onset of occasional smoking. Additionally, one nuclear mitochondrial gene, PRKACA, was significantly associated with age of onset of both first and occasional smoking. Replication testing of the mtDNA m.1700T>C SNP, nominally associated with age of onset of daily smoking, was available in the PNAT2 clinical trial (N = 930 Caucasians). A meta-analysis showed this SNP was associated with age of onset of daily smoking (p-value = 0.004). Overall, the findings suggest mitochondrial genetic variation may contribute to variability in smoking phenotypes, although replication in larger samples is required.

Effects of urbanisation and pollution on the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio in birds from Brazilian Cerrado.

Stressing agents can cause morphophysiological and behavioural changes in several animals, including birds, which are good study models for environmental biomonitoring. The heterophil/lymphocyte ratio (H/L) is an efficient indicator of chronic stresses in birds. In this study, we aimed to compare the H/L ratio of birds between the areas with different levels of urbanisation, anthropogenic noise and carbon monoxide (CO) emission rates. A total of 1288 birds were captured in six Cerrado forest fragments between 2013 and 2019, from which we took blood samples to produce blood smears. In each of these fragments, the noise level was measured with a sound pressure level metre. The CO rates were obtained from the National Institute for Space Research database (INPE-Brazil). There was a higher H/L ratio in individuals captured in urban areas or close to urbanisation with high anthropogenic noise levels and high CO rates, and a lower H/L ratio in individuals from preserved areas, far from urban environments with low noise levels and low CO rates. Six species (Antilophia galeata, Leoptopogon amaurocephalus, Cnemotriccus fuscatus, Lathrotriccus euleri, Turdus leucomelas and Eucometis penicillata) showed a significant difference between the areas and followed the pattern shown by the individuals. The present study showed that birds living in the urban and peri-urban sites have higher values of H/L ratio than birds from rural sites. These results suggest that the H/L ratio can be used as an environmental biomonitoring tool and an efficient parameter to assess chronic stress in birds in degraded environments.

An evaluation of the capacitive behavior of supercapacitors as a function of the radius of cations using simulations with a constant potential method.

We report on the atomistic molecular dynamics, applying the constant potential method to determine the structural and electrostatic interactions at the electrode-electrolyte interface of electrochemical supercapacitors as a function of the cation radius (Cs+, Rb+, K+, Na+, Li+). We find that the electrical double layer is susceptible to the size, hydration layer volume, and cations' mobility and analyzed them. Besides, the transient potential shows an increase in magnitude and length as a function of the monocation size, i.e., Cs+ > Rb+ > K+ > Na+ > Li+. On the other hand, the charge distribution along the electrode surface is less uniform for large monocations. Nonetheless, the difference is not observed as a function of the radius of the cation for the integral capacitance. Our results are comparable to studies that employed the fixed charge method for treating such systems.

A comprehensive review on carotenoids in foods and feeds: status quo, applications, patents, and research needs.

Carotenoids are isoprenoids widely distributed in foods that have been always part of the diet of humans. Unlike the other so-called food bioactives, some carotenoids can be converted into retinoids exhibiting vitamin A activity, which is essential for humans. Furthermore, they are much more versatile as they are relevant in foods not only as sources of vitamin A, but also as natural pigments, antioxidants, and health-promoting compounds. Lately, they are also attracting interest in the context of nutricosmetics, as they have been shown to provide cosmetic benefits when ingested in appropriate amounts. In this work, resulting from the collaborative work of participants of the COST Action European network to advance carotenoid research and applications in agro-food and health (EUROCAROTEN, www.eurocaroten.eu, https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA15136/#tabs|Name:overview) research on carotenoids in foods and feeds is thoroughly reviewed covering aspects such as analysis, carotenoid food sources, carotenoid databases, effect of processing and storage conditions, new trends in carotenoid extraction, daily intakes, use as human, and feed additives are addressed. Furthermore, classical and recent patents regarding the obtaining and formulation of carotenoids for several purposes are pinpointed and briefly discussed. Lastly, emerging research lines as well as research needs are highlighted.

Mitochondria's role in sleep: Novel insights from sleep deprivation and restriction studies.

OBJECTIVES/METHODS: The biology underlying sleep is not yet fully elucidated, but it is known to be complex and largely influenced by circadian rhythms. Compelling evidence supports of a link among circadian rhythms, sleep and metabolism, which suggests a role for mitochondria. These organelles play a significant role in energy metabolism via oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and several mitochondrial enzymes display circadian oscillations. However, the interplay between mitochondria and sleep is not as well-known. This review summarises human and animal studies that have examined the role of mitochondria in sleep. Literature searches were conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. RESULTS: Using various models of sleep deprivation, animal studies support the involvement of mitochondria in sleep via differential gene and protein expression patterns, OXPHOS enzyme activity, and morphology changes. Human studies are more limited but also show differences in OXPHOS enzyme activity and protein levels among individuals who have undergone sleep deprivation or suffer from different forms of insomnia. CONCLUSIONS: Taken altogether, both types of study provide evidence for mitochondria's involvement in the sleep-wake cycle. We briefly discuss the potential clinical implications of these studies.

Increased Levels of Circulating Cell-Free mtDNA in the Plasma of Subjects With Late-Life Depression and Frailty: A Preliminary Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mtDNA) levels, a marker of cellular stress and damage, in older adults with late-life depression (LLD) and frailty. We hypothesize that individuals with both frailty and LLD will have higher ccf-mtDNA levels than individuals with either condition in isolation. METHODS: Fifty-three older adults (Never Depressed+Robust (reference group, n = 16), LLD+Robust (n = 9), Never Depressed+Prefrail/Frail (n = 5), and LLD+Prefrail/Frail (n = 23)) were included in the study. DNA was extracted from EDTA plasma samples, and ccf-mtDNA was quantified by RT-PCR. RESULTS: We found a statistically significant difference in the levels of ccf-mtDNA across groups (F(3,49) = 3.07, p = 0.036), with individuals in the LLD+Prefrail/Frail group showing the highest levels of ccf-mtDNA. CONCLUSION: The coexistence of LLD and frailty is associated with increased markers of cellular damage and stress (i.e., ccf-mtDNA). Our results suggest that these conditions may share cellular stress and mitochondrial dysfunction phenomena as a common biological mechanism, offering potential future opportunities for geroscience-guided interventions for these conditions.