Stress, anxiety, and depression trajectories during the "first wave" of the COVID-19 pandemic: what drives resilient, adaptive and maladaptive responses in the Portuguese population?

Introduction: The COVID-19 outbreak and the community mitigation strategies implemented to reduce new SARS-CoV-2 infections can be regarded as powerful stressors with negative consequences on people's mental health. Although it has been shown that negative emotional symptoms subside during lockdown, it is likely the existence of inter-individual differences in stress, anxiety and depression trajectories throughout lockdown. Objectives: We aimed to cluster participants' according to their trajectories of stress, anxiety and depression scores throughout lockdown, and identify the sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors that may distinguish the subjects included in the different clusters. Methods: From March 23, 2020, to May 31, 2020, participants completed weekly online questionnaires on sociodemographic information (age, sex, education level, and employment status), psychological functioning (DASS-21, NEO-FFI-20), and clinical data (psychiatric disorders, psychiatric medication, physical disorders). Data regarding smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and time spent daily looking for COVID-19-related information were also collected. Stress, anxiety and depression trajectories were determined using latent class mixed models. Results: A total of 2040 participants answered the survey at baseline and 603 participants answered all surveys. Three groups ("Resilient," "Recovered," and "Maladaptive") with distinct mental health trajectories were identified. Younger participants, women, participants with lower education level, not working, studying, diagnosed with a mental disorder, taking psychiatric medication, smokers, those who spent more time consuming COVID-19-related information and those with higher neuroticism tended to cluster in the "Maladaptive" group, placing them at higher risk of persistent negative emotional symptoms during compulsory confinement. Conclusion: Accordingly, a tailored approach to emotional suffering for vulnerable subjects during the COVID-19 and future pandemics must be devised.

Image Significance in the Diagnosis of Another Case of Herpetic Encephalitis.

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) causes necrotizing encephalitis, usually located in the temporal lobes and with a high mortality rate if not diagnosed and treated early. Cranial computed tomography (CT) scan, although not very sensitive, can help by highlighting hemorrhagic foci and edema in the frontotemporal lobes, given the tropism of the virus for these areas. We present the case of a 70-year-old male who came to the emergency department (ED) with fever and confusion. Despite an unclear cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) result, the CT scan showed a spot of hypodensity in the mesial aspect of the left temporal lobe. He was given 21 days of intravenous acyclovir, and his neurological condition normalized. These cranial CT alterations, although not pathognomonic, indicate a strong suspicion of herpetic encephalitis.

Comparison of Clinical and Pathological Staging in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer After Neck Dissection.

Introduction Clinical and pathological staging plays an important role on the prognosis of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. Objective The present study aims to compare clinical and pathological T, N and overall staging in patients with HNC, to identify factors associated with these discrepancies, and to analyze and compare survival or disease-free survival in staging disagreements. Methods Retrospective cohort including every patient submitted to neck dissection from January 2010 to December 2020 in the department of Otorhinolaryngology of a tertiary hospital center. Results A total of 79 patients were analyzed; their mean age was 58.52 ± 13.15 years old and 88.9% were male. Assessing overall staging, discrepancies were noted in 53% (36.4% upstaging and 16.6% downstaging) and were significantly associated with clinical overall staging ( p = 0.006). Regarding T staging, differences were noted in 45.5% (30.3% upstaging and 15.2% downstaging) and were significantly associated with imaging modality ( p = 0.016), clinical T staging ( p = 0.049), and histology ( p = 0.017). Discrepancies in N staging were noted in 38% (25.3% upstaging and 12.7% downstaging) and were significantly associated with age ( p = 0.013), clinical N staging ( p < 0.001), and presence of extranodal invasion ( p < 0.001). Both in Overall, T, and N staging, the aforementioned disagreements were not associated with either higher mortality or higher disease relapse. Conclusion Overall, T, and N staging disagree in an important number of cases, and the overall stage can disagree in up to 53% of the cases. These disagreements do not seem to influence overall and disease-free survival.

Coffee consumption decreases the connectivity of the posterior Default Mode Network (DMN) at rest.

Habitual coffee consumers justify their life choices by arguing that they become more alert and increase motor and cognitive performance and efficiency; however, these subjective impressions still do not have a neurobiological correlation. Using functional connectivity approaches to study resting-state fMRI data in a group of habitual coffee drinkers, we herein show that coffee consumption decreased connectivity of the posterior default mode network (DMN) and between the somatosensory/motor networks and the prefrontal cortex, while the connectivity in nodes of the higher visual and the right executive control network (RECN) is increased after drinking coffee; data also show that caffeine intake only replicated the impact of coffee on the posterior DMN, thus disentangling the neurochemical effects of caffeine from the experience of having a coffee.

Comparison Between Clinical and Pathological Staging After Elective Neck Dissection in Head and Neck Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are the most common malignancies in the head and neck. Previous studies have shown discrepancies in clinical and pathological staging, with a significant number of head and neck cancer patients who were not correctly staged. This has important implications regarding the treatment and prognosis of these patients. The aim of this study was to analyze potential disagreements in clinical and pathological staging in patients with head and neck cancer who underwent elective neck dissection. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, who underwent elective neck dissection, between January 2018 and December 2020. RESULTS: We analyzed 87 patients, with an average age of 64 ± 10.05 years, of whom 96.6% were male. The primary tumor location was the glottis (31%), oropharynx (26.4%), hypopharynx (19.5%), supraglottis (11.5%), and oral cavity (11.5%). In 87.3% there was a history of smoking and/or drinking. Pathological N (pN) staging was higher than clinical staging in 34.3% of patients (N1 in 22.9%; N2 in 8%; N3 in 3.4%). There were no significant differences between the number of nodes removed and the pN staging. However, there was a significant survival difference in patients with>15 nodes removed (p=0.05). There was also a significant difference in patients with pN up-staging regarding survival (p=0.005). Pathological T staging was different from clinical T staging (p<0.05), with an up-staging in 18.4% of the patients and a down-staging in 14.9%, without significant differences regarding survival or recurrence (p>0.05). Adjuvant treatment with radiotherapy was performed in 41.4% and with chemo-radiotherapy in 13.8% of the patients. Locoregional recurrence occurred in 17.5%. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that clinical and pathological N staging after elective neck dissection disagreed in a substantial number of patients, with pathological upstaging and significant differences regarding survival. With relation to T staging, there were no significant differences regarding survival. We should be aware of staging disagreements since they can have significant implications on the treatment and prognosis of cancer patients.

Is Computed Tomography Necessary Before Septoplasty? Correlation With Physical Examination and Patient Complaints.

INTRODUCTION: Septoplasty is one of the most common surgeries performed by otorhinolaryngologists. The gold standard for the evaluation of septal deviation is anterior rhinoscopy and nasal endoscopy. Frequently, computed tomography (CT) is also performed, although the correlation between septal deviation on CT and physical examination is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To study the relationship between symptoms and physical and radiological evaluation in patients who underwent septoplasty. METHODS: A prospective study of patients with nasal obstruction and septal deviation who underwent septoplasty. Anterior rhinoscopy and nasal endoscopy were performed by the surgeon, and the CT was evaluated by a radiologist. The degree of obstruction was evaluated in three distinct septal locations. The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) score was used before the surgery and two months after the surgery. RESULTS: The study included 43 patients, of whom 60.5% were male, with an average age of 37.09 years (±12.56). The degree of septal deviation in the physical examination was significantly different from that observed in CT (p˂0.05). Cartilaginous or maxillary crest septal deviations >75% were more commonly recognized by physical examination, while osseous septum deviations of 25%-50% were more easily detected by CT. There was no difference between the degree of septal deviation and the preoperative NOSE. The median preoperative NOSE was 60, and the postoperative was 5, with significant improvement (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: CT doesn't appear to be useful in the evaluation of septal deviation since it is different from the findings of a physical examination and isn't associated with the NOSE score. Clinical decisions should be based on a physical examination and patient complaints.

A Case of Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis Induced by Ceftriaxone.

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a rare and severe skin disorder induced in more than 90% of cases by an adverse drug reaction. This condition is defined by an acute growth of numerous, pin-head-sized, non-follicular pustules on a background of edematous erythema that starts on the face or in the armpits and groin. It is accompanied by fever and increased inflammatory markers. We present a case of a 39-year-old male, admitted to the internal medicine department due to Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis treated with ceftriaxone, who developed erythema covered with small sterile pustules in the face, neck, and axilla four days after antibiotic treatment. The clinical and pathological correlations confirmed the diagnosis, and the dermatosis resolved after discontinuing the drug and systemic corticosteroid treatment. Early recognition of this drug-induced dermatosis is crucial for adequate treatment.

Mitotic DNA damage promotes chromokinesin-mediated missegregation of polar chromosomes in cancer cells.

DNA damage response (DDR) during interphase involves active signaling and repair to ensure genomic stability. However, how mitotic cells respond to DNA damage remains poorly understood. Supported by correlative live-/fixed-cell microscopy, it was found that mitotic cells exposed to several cancer chemotherapy compounds acquire and signal DNA damage, regardless of how they interact with DNA. In-depth analysis upon DNA damage during mitosis revealed a spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC)-dependent, but ataxia telangiectasia mutated-independent, mitotic delay. This delay was due to the presence of misaligned chromosomes that ultimately satisfy the SAC and missegregate, leading to micronuclei formation. Mechanistically, it is shown that mitotic DNA damage causes missegregation of polar chromosomes due to the action of arm-ejection forces by chromokinesins. Importantly, with the exception of DNA damage induced by etoposide-a topoisomerase II inhibitor-this outcome was independent of a general effect on kinetochore microtubule stability. Colony formation assays in pan-cancer cell line models revealed that mitotic DNA damage causes distinct cytotoxic effects, depending on the nature and extent of the damage. Overall, these findings unveil and raise awareness that therapeutic DNA damage regimens may contribute to genomic instability through a surprising link with chromokinesin-mediated missegregation of polar chromosomes in cancer cells.

The Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R): Translation and Validation of the European Portuguese Version.

INTRODUCTION: The Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised has been developed to evaluate the severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms in both clinical and non-clinical individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This questionnaire was applied to 90 people with obsessive-compulsive disorder and 246 without a known mental illness. In addition to this clinical evaluation instrument, participants completed other clinical assessment scales that helped characterize the two study groups. RESULTS: Given the objective of this study, to evaluate the structure by six factors, a confirmatory factor analysis was performed [patient group: χ2(120, n = 90) = 205.779, p < 0.01; CFI = 0.916; GFI = 0.814; RMSEA = 0.0890. CONTROL GROUP: χ2(120, n = 246) = 224.762, p < 0.01; CFI = 0.938; GFI = 0.904; RMSEA = 0.060]. To assess the internal consistency of the scale, Cronbach's alpha was determined (patient group: α = 0.913; control group: α = 0.888). Convergent validity was tested by determining the Spearman correlation between the scores obtained in the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised and Y-BOCS in the patient group (r = 0.651; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised has proved to be a consistent, valid, and reliable instrument with good psychometric properties to determine the severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms in the Portuguese population.

Introdução: A escala Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised foi desenvolvida para avaliar a gravidade dos sintomas obsessivo-compulsivos em contexto clínico e não clínico. O objectivo deste estudo foi avaliar as propriedades psicométricas da sua versão portuguesa. Material e Métodos: O questionário em estudo foi aplicado a 90 pessoas com perturbação obsessivo-compulsiva e 246 pessoas sem doença psiquiátrica conhecida. Além deste instrumento de avaliação clínica, os participantes preencheram outras escalas de avaliação clínica que ajudaram a caracterizar os dois grupos de estudo. Resultados: Dado o objetivo deste estudo, para avaliar a estrutura por seis fatores foi realizada uma análise fatorial confirmatória [grupo de doentes: χ2(120, n = 90) = 205,779, p < 0.01; CFI = 0,916; GFI = 0,814; RMSEA = 0,0890. Grupo controlo: χ2(120, n = 246) = 224,762, p < 0,01; CFI = 0,938; GFI = 0,904; RMSEA = 0,060]. Para avaliar a consistência interna da escala foi determinado o alpha de Cronbach (grupo de doentes: α = 0,913. grupo controlo: α = 0,888). A validade convergente foi testada através da determinação da correlação de Spearman entre as pontuações obtidas no Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised e Y-BOCS no grupo de doentes (r = 0,651; p < 0,01). Conclusão: O Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised revelou-se um instrumento consistente, válido e fiável com boas propriedades psicométricas para determinar a gravidade dos sintomas obsessivo-compulsivos na população portuguesa.

Right Prefrontal Cortical Thickness Is Associated With Response to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Children With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

OBJECTIVE: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered a first-line treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in pediatric and adult populations. Nevertheless, some patients show partial or null response. The identification of predictors of CBT response may improve clinical management of patients with OCD. Here, we aimed to identify structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) predictors of CBT response in 2 large series of children and adults with OCD from the worldwide ENIGMA-OCD consortium. METHOD: Data from 16 datasets from 13 international sites were included in the study. We assessed which variations in baseline cortical thickness, cortical surface area, and subcortical volume predicted response to CBT (percentage of baseline to post-treatment symptom reduction) in 2 samples totaling 168 children and adolescents (age range 5-17.5 years) and 318 adult patients (age range 18-63 years) with OCD. Mixed linear models with random intercept were used to account for potential cross-site differences in imaging values. RESULTS: Significant results were observed exclusively in the pediatric sample. Right prefrontal cortex thickness was positively associated with the percentage of CBT response. In a post hoc analysis, we observed that the specific changes accounting for this relationship were a higher thickness of the frontal pole and the rostral middle frontal gyrus. We observed no significant effects of age, sex, or medication on our findings. CONCLUSION: Higher cortical thickness in specific right prefrontal cortex regions may be important for CBT response in children with OCD. Our findings suggest that the right prefrontal cortex plays a relevant role in the mechanisms of action of CBT in children.

Comparison of Clinical and Pathological Staging in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer After Neck Dissection

Abstract Introduction Clinical and pathological staging plays an important role on the prognosis of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. Objective The present study aims to compare clinical and pathological T, N and overall staging in patients with HNC, to identify factors associated with these discrepancies, and to analyze and compare survival or disease-free survival in staging disagreements. Methods Retrospective cohort including every patient submitted to neck dissection from January 2010 to December 2020 in the department of Otorhinolaryngology of a tertiary hospital center. Results A total of 79 patients were analyzed; their mean age was 58.52 ± 13.15 years old and 88.9% were male. Assessing overall staging, discrepancies were noted in 53% (36.4% upstaging and 16.6% downstaging) and were significantly associated with clinical overall staging (p = 0.006). Regarding T staging, differences were noted in 45.5% (30.3% upstaging and 15.2% downstaging) and were significantly associated with imaging modality (p = 0.016), clinical T staging (p = 0.049), and histology (p = 0.017). Discrepancies in N staging were noted in 38% (25.3% upstaging and 12.7% downstaging) and were significantly associated with age (p = 0.013), clinical N staging (p < 0.001), and presence of extranodal invasion (p < 0.001). Both in Overall, T, and N staging, the aforementioned disagreements were not associated with either higher mortality or higher disease relapse. Conclusion Overall, T, and N staging disagree in an important number of cases, and the overall stage can disagree in up to 53% of the cases. These disagreements do not seem to influence overall and disease-free survival.

High-resolution micro-CT for 3D infarct characterization and segmentation in mice stroke models.

Characterization of brain infarct lesions in rodent models of stroke is crucial to assess stroke pathophysiology and therapy outcome. Until recently, the analysis of brain lesions was performed using two techniques: (1) histological methods, such as TTC (Triphenyltetrazolium chloride), a time-consuming and inaccurate process; or (2) MRI imaging, a faster, 3D imaging method, that comes at a high cost. In the last decade, high-resolution micro-CT for 3D sample analysis turned into a simple, fast, and cheaper solution. Here, we successfully describe the application of brain contrasting agents (Osmium tetroxide and inorganic iodine) for high-resolution micro-CT imaging for fine location and quantification of ischemic lesion and edema in mouse preclinical stroke models. We used the intraluminal transient MCAO (Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion) mouse stroke model to identify and quantify ischemic lesion and edema, and segment core and penumbra regions at different time points after ischemia, by manual and automatic methods. In the transient-ischemic-attack (TIA) mouse model, we can quantify striatal myelinated fibers degeneration. Of note, whole brain 3D reconstructions allow brain atlas co-registration, to identify the affected brain areas, and correlate them with functional impairment. This methodology proves to be a breakthrough in the field, by providing a precise and detailed assessment of stroke outcomes in preclinical animal studies.

Characterisation of an Atrx Conditional Knockout Mouse Model: Atrx Loss Causes Endocrine Dysfunction Rather Than Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumour.

ATRX is a chromatin remodeller that maintains telomere homeostasis. Loss of ATRX is described in approximately 10% of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PanNETs) and associated with poorer prognostic features. Here, we present a genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) addressing the role of Atrx loss (AtrxKO) in pancreatic ß cells, evaluating a large cohort of ageing mice (for up to 24 months (mo.)). Atrx loss did not cause PanNET formation but rather resulted in worsening of ageing-related pancreatic inflammation and endocrine dysfunction in the first year of life. Histopathological evaluation highlighted an exacerbated prevalence and intensity of pancreatic inflammation, ageing features, and hepatic steatosis in AtrxKO mice. Homozygous floxed mice presented hyperglycaemia, increased weights, and glucose intolerance after 6 months, but alterations in insulinaemia were not detected. Floxed individuals presented an improper growth of their pancreatic endocrine fraction that may explain such an endocrine imbalance. A pilot study of BRACO-19 administration to AtrxKO mice resulted in telomere instability, reinforcing the involvement of Atrx in the maintenance of ß cell telomere homeostasis. Thereby, a non-obese dysglycaemic GEMM of disrupted Atrx is here presented as potentially useful for metabolic studies and putative candidate for inserting additional tumourigenic genetic events.

Voice rehabilitation with voice prosthesis: Long term results, complications and risk factors.

OBJECTIVES: Despite the advances in surgical and non-surgical organ preservation treatments, total laryngectomy (TL) remains the most effective treatment in advanced larynx cancer and as salvage procedure in chemoradiation failure. One of the most devastating sequel after TL is loss of voice. Voice prosthesis (VP) is currently the preferred choice for voice rehabilitation. The purpose of this study is to identify VP complications, its lifespan and factors that influence the longevity of the VP. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study at a Tertiary University Hospital. Medical records of patients that underwent total laryngectomy, between January 1st of 2008 and 31st of December of 2017 were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 84 patients that underwent laryngectomy, 60 had VP. The average age at the time of surgery 60.2 years old and there was a male preponderance (57:3). The mean lifespan of the prosthesis was 7.53 months. Leakage through the prosthesis was the most common reason for replacement of the prosthesis, followed by leakage around the prosthesis. Follow up time and manual suture were associated with prosthesis replacement. There was no significant relationship between the staging, tumor location or adjuvant radiotherapy and number of prosthesis replacement or its lifespan. CONCLUSIONS: Rehabilitation after TL is of major importance to improve quality of life after surgery. Tracheoesophageal puncture with voice prosthesis is a safe procedure for vocal rehabilitation and was performed in the majority of patients in our study. Follow-up time and type of suture were the main determinants of the lifespan of the prosthesis.

Voice rehabilitation with voice prosthesis: Long term results, complications and risk factors

Objectives: Despite the advances in surgical and non-surgical organ preservation treatments, total laryngectomy (TL) remains the most effective treatment in advanced larynx cancer and as salvage procedure in chemoradiation failure.One of the most devastating sequel after TL is loss of voice. Voice prosthesis (VP) is currently the preferred choice for voice rehabilitation. The purpose of this study is to identify VP complications, its lifespan and factors that influence the longevity of the VP.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study at a Tertiary University Hospital. Medical records of patients that underwent total laryngectomy, between January 1st of 2008 and 31st of December of 2017 were analyzed.ResultsOf the 84 patients that underwent laryngectomy, 60 had VP. The average age at the time of surgery 60.2 years old and there was a male preponderance (57:3).The mean lifespan of the prosthesis was 7.53 months. Leakage through the prosthesis was the most common reason for replacement of the prosthesis, followed by leakage around the prosthesis.Follow up time and manual suture were associated with prosthesis replacement. There was no significant relationship between the staging, tumor location or adjuvant radiotherapy and number of prosthesis replacement or its lifespan.ConclusionsRehabilitation after TL is of major importance to improve quality of life after surgery. Tracheoesophageal puncture with voice prosthesis is a safe procedure for vocal rehabilitation and was performed in the majority of patients in our study.Follow-up time and type of suture were the main determinants of the lifespan of the prosthesis. (AU)

Objetivos: A pesar de los avances en los tratamientos quirúrgicos y no quirúrgicos para la preservación de órganos, la laringectomía total (LT) sigue siendo el tratamiento más efectivo en el cáncer avanzado de laringe, y como procedimiento de rescate en caso de fallo de la radioquimioterapia.Una de las secuelas más devastadoras tras la LT es la pérdida de la voz. Las prótesis de voz (PV) son actualmente la elección preferida para la rehabilitación de la voz. El objetivo de este estudio es identificar las complicaciones de las PV, su vida útil y los factores que influyen en la longevidad de dichas prótesis.MétodosRealizamos un estudio retrospectivo en un hospital universitario terciario, en el que se analizaron los registros médicos de los pacientes sometidos a laringectomía total entre el 1 de enero de 2008 y el 31 de diciembre de 2017.ResultadosDe los 84 pacientes sometidos a laringectomía, 60 tenían PV. La edad media en el momento de la cirugía fue de 60,2 años, y hubo una preponderancia de varones (57:3).La vida útil media de las prótesis fue de 7,53 meses. La fuga a través de la prótesis fue el motivo más común de su sustitución, seguida de la fuga alrededor del dispositivo.El tiempo de seguimiento y la sutura manual estuvieron asociados a la sustitución de la prótesis. No existió una relación significativa entre la estadificación, la localización del tumor o la radioterapia adyuvante y el número de sustituciones de prótesis o su vida útil.ConclusionesLa rehabilitación tras la LT es de gran importancia para mejorar la calidad de vida tras la cirugía. La punción traqueoesofágica con prótesis de voz es un procedimiento seguro para la rehabilitación de la voz, habiéndose realizado en la mayoría de los pacientes de nuestro estudio.El tiempo de seguimiento y el tipo de sutura fueron los principales determinantes de la vida útil de las prótesis. (AU)

Bridging the Transient Intraluminal Stroke Preclinical Model to Clinical Practice: From Improved Surgical Procedures to a Workflow of Functional Tests.

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) remains a leading cause of mortality, despite significant advances in therapy (endovascular thrombectomy). Failure in developing novel effective therapies is associated with unsuccessful translation from preclinical studies to clinical practice, associated to inconsistent and highly variable infarct areas and lack of relevant post-stroke functional evaluation in preclinical research. To outreach these limitations, we optimized the intraluminal transient middle cerebral occlusion, a widely used mouse stroke model, in two key parameters, selection of appropriate occlusion filaments and time of occlusion, which show a significant variation in the literature. We demonstrate that commercially available filaments with short coating length (1-2 mm), together with 45-min occlusion, results in a consistent affected brain region, similar to what is observed in most patients with AIS. Importantly, a dedicated post-stroke care protocol, based on clinical practice applied to patients who had stroke, resulted in lower mortality and improved mice welfare. Finally, a battery of tests covering relevant fine motor skills, sensory functions, and learning/memory behaviors revealed a significant effect of tMCAO brain infarction, which is parallel to patient symptomatology as measured by relevant clinical scales (NIH Stroke Scale, NIHSS and modified Rankin Scale, mRS). Thus, in order to enhance translation to clinical practice, future preclinical stroke research must consider the methodology described in this study, which includes improved reproducible surgical procedure, postoperative care, and the battery of functional tests. This will be a major step s closing the gap from bench to bedside, rendering the development of novel effective therapeutic approaches.

Neuron-Microglia Contact-Dependent Mechanisms Attenuate Methamphetamine-Induced Microglia Reactivity and Enhance Neuronal Plasticity.

Exposure to methamphetamine (Meth) has been classically associated with damage to neuronal terminals. However, it is now becoming clear that addiction may also result from the interplay between glial cells and neurons. Recently, we demonstrated that binge Meth administration promotes microgliosis and microglia pro-inflammation via astrocytic glutamate release in a TNF/IP3R2-Ca2+-dependent manner. Here, we investigated the contribution of neuronal cells to this process. As the crosstalk between microglia and neurons may occur by contact-dependent and/or contact-independent mechanisms, we developed co-cultures of primary neurons and microglia in microfluidic devices to investigate how their interaction affects Meth-induced microglia activation. Our results show that neurons exposed to Meth do not activate microglia in a cell-autonomous way but require astrocyte mediation. Importantly, we found that neurons can partially prevent Meth-induced microglia activation via astrocytes, which seems to be achieved by increasing arginase 1 expression and strengthening the CD200/CD200r pathway. We also observed an increase in synaptic individual area, as determined by co-localization of pre- and post-synaptic markers. The present study provides evidence that contact-dependent mechanisms between neurons and microglia can attenuate pro-inflammatory events such as Meth-induced microglia activation.

How Long Does Adaption Last for? An Update on the Psychological Impact of the Confinement in Portugal.

During the first COVID-19 related confinement in Portugal, there was a decrease in the levels of psychological symptoms measured by the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (March to April 2020). Upon experiencing a new period of restraints in 2021, the psychological impact of this sample was assessed again (N = 322, two more time points). It was expected that the psychological symptoms evidenced in February 2021 would be at similar levels to those found in April 2020, leading to a transfer of adaptation. Contrary to our hypothesis, in the second confinement in Portugal there were higher levels of depression and stress symptoms than at the beginning of the pandemic. On the other hand, the maximum level of anxiety was observed in March 2020. It seems that our perception of the threats in 2021 was not the same as at the onset of COVID-19, or that knowledge was not disseminated to the general population to increase their mental health literacy and help them cope with the imposed challenges.

Actinomyces and Shewanella algae complicated paediatric mastoiditis: a case report of a multidisciplinary approach.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in children is a rare complication of acute mastoiditis that can potentially be fatal. Clinical expertise is essential for early diagnosis and management due to its subtle course. We present the first known case of paediatric acute mastoiditis with venous sinus thrombosis caused by Shewanella algae and Actinomyces europaeus . A 17-year-old male presented clinical signs of right acute otitis media and mastoiditis. Brain computed tomography showed mastoid opacification, cerebral sinus thrombosis and an extradural collection. Microbiology revealed the presence of S. algae and A. europaeus . A multidisciplinary approach combining medical and surgical treatment allowed the patient to make a full recovery.