Alpine Extremophytes in Evolutionary Turmoil: Complex Diversification Patterns and Demographic Responses of a Halophilic Grass in a Central Asian Biodiversity Hotspot.

Diversification and demographic responses are key processes shaping species evolutionary history. Yet we still lack a full understanding of ecological mechanisms that shape genetic diversity at different spatial scales upon rapid environmental changes. In this study, we examined genetic differentiation in an extremophilic grass Puccinellia pamirica and factors affecting its population dynamics among the occupied hypersaline alpine wetlands on the arid Pamir Plateau in Central Asia. Using genomic data, we found evidence of fine-scale population structure and gene flow among the localities established across the high-elevation plateau as well as fingerprints of historical demographic expansion. We showed that an increase in the effective population size could coincide with the Last Glacial Period, which was followed by the species demographic decline during the Holocene. Geographic distance plays a vital role in shaping the spatial genetic structure of P. pamirica alongside with isolation-by-environment and habitat fragmentation. Our results highlight a complex history of divergence and gene flow in this species-poor alpine region during the Late Quaternary. We demonstrate that regional climate specificity and a shortage of nonclimate data largely impede predictions of future range changes of the alpine extremophile using ecological niche modeling. This study emphasizes the importance of fine-scale environmental heterogeneity for population dynamics and species distribution shifts.

How do the carbon and nitrogen sources affect the synthesis of ß-(1,3/1,6)-glucan, its structure and the susceptibility of Candida utilis yeast cells to immunolabelling with ß-(1,3)-glucan monoclonal antibodies?

BACKGROUND: The need to limit antibiotic therapy due to the spreading resistance of pathogenic microorganisms to these medicinal substances stimulates research on new therapeutic agents, including the treatment and prevention of animal diseases. This is one of the goals of the European Green Deal and the Farm-To-Fork strategy. Yeast biomass with an appropriate composition and exposure of cell wall polysaccharides could constitute a functional feed additive in precision animal nutrition, naturally stimulating the immune system to fight infections. RESULTS: The results of the research carried out in this study showed that the composition of Candida utilis ATCC 9950 yeast biomass differed depending on growth medium, considering especially the content of ß-(1,3/1,6)-glucan, α-glucan, and trehalose. The highest ß-(1,3/1,6)-glucan content was observed after cultivation in deproteinated potato juice water (DPJW) as a nitrogen source and glycerol as a carbon source. Isolation of the polysaccharide from yeast biomass confirmed the highest yield of ß-(1,3/1,6)-glucan after cultivation in indicated medium. The differences in the susceptibility of ß-(1,3)-glucan localized in cells to interaction with specific ß-(1,3)-glucan antibody was noted depending on the culture conditions. The polymer in cells from the DPJW supplemented with glycerol and galactose were labelled with monoclonal antibodies with highest intensity, interestingly being less susceptible to such an interaction after cell multiplication in medium with glycerol as carbon source and yeast extract plus peptone as a nitrogen source. CONCLUSIONS: Obtained results confirmed differences in the structure of the ß-(1,3/1,6)-glucan polymers considering side-chain length and branching frequency, as well as in quantity of ß-(1,3)- and ß-(1,6)-chains, however, no visible relationship was observed between the structural characteristics of the isolated polymers and its susceptibility to immunolabeling in whole cells. Presumably, other outer surface components and molecules can mask, shield, protect, or hide epitopes from antibodies. ß-(1,3)-Glucan was more intensely recognized by monoclonal antibody in cells with lower trehalose and glycogen content. This suggests the need to cultivate yeast biomass under appropriate conditions to fulfil possible therapeutic functions. However, our in vitro findings should be confirmed in further studies using tissue or animal models.

Development of a harmonized sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire for mental health research: A Delphi-method-based consensus recommendation.

OBJECTIVE: Harmonized tools are essential for reliable data sharing and accurate identification of relevant factors in mental health research. The primary objective of this study was to create a harmonized questionnaire to collect demographic, clinical and behavioral data in diverse clinical trials in adult psychiatry. METHODS: We conducted a literature review and examined 24 questionnaires used in previously published randomized controlled trials in psychiatry, identifying a total of 27 domains previously explored. Using a Delphi-method process, a task force team comprising experts in psychiatry, epidemiology and statistics selected 15 essential domains for inclusion in the final questionnaire. RESULTS: The final selection resulted in a concise set of 22 questions. These questions cover factors such as age, sex, gender, ancestry, education, living arrangement, employment status, home location, relationship status, and history of medical and mental illness. Behavioral factors like physical activity, diet, smoking, alcohol and illicit drug use were also included, along with one question addressing family history of mental illness. Income was excluded due to high confounding and redundancy, while language was included as a measure of migration status. CONCLUSION: The recommendation and adoption of this harmonized tool for the assessment of demographic, clinical and behavioral data in mental health research can enhance data consistency and enable comparability across clinical trials.

'Quitlink': Outcomes of a randomised controlled trial of peer researcher facilitated referral to a tailored quitline tobacco treatment for people receiving mental health services.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of a tailored quitline tobacco treatment ('Quitlink') among people receiving support for mental health conditions. METHODS: We employed a prospective, cluster-randomised, open, blinded endpoint design to compare a control condition to our 'Quitlink' intervention. Both conditions received a brief intervention delivered by a peer researcher. Control participants received no further intervention. Quitlink participants were referred to a tailored 8-week quitline intervention delivered by dedicated Quitline counsellors plus combination nicotine replacement therapy. The primary outcome was self-reported 6 months continuous abstinence from end of treatment (8 months from baseline). Secondary outcomes included additional smoking outcomes, mental health symptoms, substance use and quality of life. A within-trial economic evaluation was conducted. RESULTS: In total, 110 participants were recruited over 26 months and 91 had confirmed outcomes at 8 months post baseline. There was a difference in self-reported prolonged abstinence at 8-month follow-up between Quitlink (16%, n = 6) and control (2%, n = 1) conditions, which was not statistically significant (OR = 8.33 [0.52, 132.09] p = 0.131 available case). There was a significant difference in favour of the Quitlink condition on 7-day point prevalence at 2 months (OR = 8.06 [1.27, 51.00] p = 0.027 available case). Quitlink costs AU$9231 per additional quit achieved. CONCLUSION: The Quitlink intervention did not result in significantly higher rates of prolonged abstinence at 8 months post baseline. However, engagement rates and satisfaction with the 'Quitlink' intervention were high. While underpowered, the Quitlink intervention shows promise. A powered trial to determine its effectiveness for improving long-term cessation is warranted.

The Impact of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder on Pharmacologic Intervention Outcomes for Adults With Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) co-occurring in people with bipolar disorder (BD) is high. People with BD and PTSD may experience different outcomes and quality of life after pharmacologic treatment than those with BD alone. This review systematically explores the impact of PTSD on pharmacologic treatment outcomes for adults with BD. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search up to November 25, 2021, using MEDLINE Complete, Embase, American Psychological Association PsycInfo, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify randomized and nonrandomized studies of pharmacologic interventions for adults with BD that assessed for comorbid PTSD. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Cochrane Risk of Bias tool to assess the risk of bias. RESULTS: The search identified 5093 articles, and we reviewed 62 full-text articles. Two articles met inclusion criteria (N = 438). One article was an observational study, and the other was a randomized comparative effectiveness trial. The observational study examined lithium response rates and found higher response rates in BD alone compared with BD plus PTSD over 4 years. The randomized trial reported more severe symptoms in the BD plus PTSD group than in those with BD alone following 6 months of quetiapine treatment. There was no significant difference in the lithium treatment group at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbid PTSD may affect quetiapine and lithium treatment response in those with BD. Because of the high risk of bias and low quality of evidence, however, these results are preliminary. Specific studies exploring comorbid BD and PTSD are required to inform pharmacotherapy selection and guidelines appropriately. (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews ID: CRD42020182540).

Distress, burden, and wellbeing in siblings of people with mental illness: a mixed studies systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Family members of people with mental illness (MI) may experience a host of psychological adversities such as increased stress, burden, and reduced wellbeing. However, relatively little is known about siblings. This study aimed to characterise the experience of distress (viz. depressive and anxiety symptoms), burden, and wellbeing in siblings of people with MI. METHODS: Studies reporting on quantitative measures of depression, anxiety, burden, or wellbeing in siblings; and/or qualitative findings on siblings' experience were eligible. The literature search was conducted up until 20th October 2022. RESULTS: Sixty-two studies comprising data from 3744 siblings were included. The pooled mean percentage of depressive symptoms fell in the mild range at 15.71 (k = 28, N = 2187, 95% CI 12.99-18.43) and anxiety symptoms fell in the minimal range at 22.45 (k = 16, N = 1122, 95% CI 17.09-27.80). Moderator analyses indicate that siblings of people with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder experience greater depressive symptoms than siblings of people with other types of MI (ß = -16.38, p < 0.001). Qualitative findings suggest that individuals may be particularly vulnerable during their siblings' illness onset and times of relapse. Limited communication, confusion about MI, and the need to compensate may contribute to siblings' distress and/or burden. Siblings' experience of wellbeing and caregiving were closely related. CONCLUSION: This review highlights the complex psychological experience of siblings and the need for greater research and clinical support for this important yet often overlooked cohort.

Childhood trauma and depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder: A network analysis.

BACKGROUND: Childhood trauma is related to an increased number of depressive episodes and more severe depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder. The evaluation of the networks of depressive symptoms-or the patterns of relationships between individual symptoms-among people with bipolar disorder with and without a history of childhood trauma may assist in further clarifying this complex relationship. METHODS: Data from over 500 participants from the Heinz C. Prechter Longitudinal Study of Bipolar Disorder were used to construct a series of regularised Gaussian Graphical Models. The networks of individual depressive symptoms-self-reported (Patient Health Questionnaire-9; n = 543) and clinician-rated (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17; n = 529)-among participants with bipolar disorder with and without a history of childhood trauma (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire) were characterised and compared. RESULTS: Across the sets of networks, depressed mood consistently emerged as a central symptom (as indicated by strength centrality and expected influence); regardless of participants' history of childhood trauma. Additionally, feelings of worthlessness emerged as a key symptom in the network of self-reported depressive symptoms among participants with-but not without-a history of childhood trauma. CONCLUSION: The present analyses-although exploratory-provide nuanced insights into the impact of childhood trauma on the presentation of depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder, which have the potential to aid detection and inform targeted intervention development.

Psychological distress in siblings of people with mental illness: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to characterise the prevalence and/or severity of psychological distress (namely, depression and anxiety symptoms) in siblings of people with mental illness (MI) and to examine correlates of distress in siblings of people with MI. METHOD: Studies comparing distress in individuals with and without a sibling with MI were eligible. Studies reporting on correlates of distress in siblings were also eligible. A search of MEDLINE Complete, PsycINFO and Embase was conducted up until 17 March 2022. RESULTS: Fifteen studies comprising 2304 siblings and 2263 comparison individuals were included. Meta-analyses indicated individuals with a sibling with MI experience significantly greater depressive symptoms (Hedges's g = 0.53, 95% CI = [0.32, 0.73], siblings n = 1962, comparison individuals n = 2248) and anxiety symptoms (Hedges's g = 0.40, 95% CI = [0.19, 0.61], siblings n = 653, comparison individuals n = 533) than those without. The sibling relationship, siblings' locus of control, interpersonal functioning and their appraisal of the impacts of MI were identified as important and potentially modifiable correlates. CONCLUSION: Individuals with a sibling with MI experience greater depressive and anxiety symptoms than those without and would likely benefit from support. Future studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms underlying distress in siblings.

Personality traits as mediators of the relationship between childhood trauma and depression severity in bipolar disorder: A structural equation model.

BACKGROUND: Childhood trauma is negatively associated with depression severity in bipolar disorder; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated whether personality traits (neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness) mediate the relationship between childhood trauma and the severity of bipolar depression. METHODS: Data from 209 individuals with bipolar disorder recruited for the Prechter Longitudinal Study of Bipolar Disorder were analysed. Using structural equation modelling, we examined the direct and indirect associations between childhood trauma (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire) and depression severity (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) - with the personality traits (NEO Personality Inventory-Revised) as mediators. RESULTS: The direct effect of childhood trauma on depression severity (standardised ß = 0.32, 95% bootstrap confidence interval [CI] = 0.20-0.45, p < 0.001) and the indirect effect via neuroticism (standardised ß = 0.03, 95% bootstrap CI [0.002, 0.07], p = 0.039) were significant; supporting a partial mediation model. The indirect effect accounted for 9% of the total effect of childhood trauma on depression severity (standardised ß = 0.09, 95% bootstrap CI [0.002, 0.19], p = 0.046). The final model had a good fit with the data (comparative fit index = 0.96; root mean square error of approximation = 0.05, 90% CI = [0.02, 0.07]). CONCLUSION: Personality traits may be relevant psychological mediators that link childhood trauma to a more severe clinical presentation of bipolar depression. Consequently, a person's personality structure may be a crucial operative factor to incorporate in therapeutic plans when treating individuals with bipolar disorder who report a history of childhood trauma.

Relationships between quality of life and comprehensive geriatric assessment among seniors - a cross-sectional study in Krakow, Poland.

B a c k g r o u n d: Due to current increased life expectancy, the quality of life (QoL) of senior patients is gaining in importance. The aims of this study were: to estimate QoL in a group of patients, aged above 64 years, that is cared for by general practitioners (GPs) in Krakow, Poland, and to find relation- ships between elements of QoL and the results of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) and other important medical and social factors. M e t h o d s: We designed a cross-sectional, questionnaire study among patients who attended GPs' surgeries from April 2018 to April 2019. To examine the patients, we used the Euro-Quality of Life Questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) and eight scales forming CGA: the Activities of Daily Living, the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Mini-Mental State Examination, Geriatric Depression Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, Mini Nutritional Assessment, Clinical Frailty Scale and Athens Insomnia Scale. R e s u l t s: The lowest QoL was observed in dimensions of pain/discomfort and mobility, where 70% and 52% of patients, respectively, reported problems in these areas. Only 91 (21%) respondents had highest results in all five dimensions of QoL. The average score in the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of the EQ-5D-5L (representing self-rated health on a given day) was 62.36 ± 18.98 points. Statistically significant relationships were observed between QoL and age, physical activity and multimorbidity (in all cases p <0.001). The results of QoL were correlated with every aspect of CGA, while the strongest relationship was noticed between scores in the EQ-5D-5L VAS scale and scales assessing depression and frailty (p <0.001; r = -0.57 both).

Predictors of functional impairment in bipolar disorder: Results from 13 cohorts from seven countries by the global bipolar cohort collaborative.

OBJECTIVES: Persistent functional impairment is common in bipolar disorder (BD) and is influenced by a number of demographic, clinical, and cognitive features. The goal of this project was to estimate and compare the influence of key factors on community function in multiple cohorts of well-characterized samples of individuals with BD. METHODS: Thirteen cohorts from 7 countries included n = 5882 individuals with BD across multiple sites. The statistical approach consisted of a systematic uniform application of analyses across sites. Each site performed a logistic regression analysis with empirically derived "higher versus lower function" as the dependent variable and selected clinical and demographic variables as predictors. RESULTS: We found high rates of functional impairment, ranging from 41 to 75%. Lower community functioning was associated with depressive symptoms in 10 of 12 of the cohorts that included this variable in the analysis. Lower levels of education, a greater number of prior mood episodes, the presence of a comorbid substance use disorder, and a greater total number of psychotropic medications were also associated with low functioning. CONCLUSIONS: The bipolar clinical research community is poised to work together to characterize the multi-dimensional contributors to impairment and address the barriers that impede patients' complete recovery. We must also identify the core features which enable many to thrive and live successfully with BD. A large-scale, worldwide, prospective longitudinal study focused squarely on BD and its heterogeneous presentations will serve as a platform for discovery and promote major advances toward optimizing outcomes for every individual with this illness.

Attachment insecurity partially mediates the relationship between childhood trauma and depression severity in bipolar disorder.

BACKGROUND: Childhood trauma is associated with greater depression severity among individuals with bipolar disorder. However, the mechanisms that explain the link between childhood trauma and depression severity in bipolar disorder remain poorly understood. The mediational role of attachment insecurity in childhood and adulthood was assessed in the current study. METHODS: Participants with bipolar disorder (N = 143) completed measures of childhood trauma (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire), attachment insecurity (Experiences in Close Relationships Scale) and depression severity (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) as part of the Prechter Longitudinal Study of Bipolar Disorder. A sequential mediation model was tested using path analysis: the direct and indirect effects of childhood trauma on depression severity with attachment insecurity (attachment anxiety and avoidance) in childhood (mother and father) and adulthood (partner) as mediators were estimated. RESULTS: The final path model demonstrated an excellent fit to the data (comparative fit index = 0.996; root mean square error of approximation = 0.021 [90% confidence interval = 0.000-0.073]). Supporting the hypothesised sequential mediation model, maternal attachment anxiety in childhood and romantic attachment avoidance in adulthood partially mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and depression severity; this effect accounted for 12% of the total effect of childhood trauma on depression severity. CONCLUSION: Attachment insecurity in childhood and adulthood form part of the complex mechanism informing why people with bipolar disorder who have a history of childhood trauma experience greater depression severity. Addressing attachment insecurity represents a valuable psychotherapeutic treatment target for bipolar disorder.

Childhood trauma and treatment outcomes during mood-stabilising treatment with lithium or quetiapine among outpatients with bipolar disorder.

BACKGROUND: Childhood trauma affects the course of mood disorders. Researchers are now considering childhood trauma as an influential factor in the treatment of mood disorders. However, the role of childhood trauma in the treatment of bipolar disorder remains understudied. METHODS: The effect of childhood trauma on treatment outcomes was evaluated among participants randomised to treatment with lithium or quetiapine in the Clinical and Health Outcomes Initiatives in Comparative Effectiveness for Bipolar Disorder (Bipolar CHOICE) study by clinician assessment. Mixed effects linear regression models were used to analyse rates of improvement in symptom severity (assessed with the Bipolar Inventory of Symptoms Scale and the Clinical Global Impression Scale for Bipolar Disorder) and functional impairment (assessed with the Longitudinal Interval Follow-up Evaluation-Range of Impaired Functioning Tool). RESULTS: A history of any childhood trauma was reported by 52.7% of the sample (N = 476). Although participants with a history of any childhood trauma presented with greater symptom severity and functional impairment at most study visits, participants with and without a history of any childhood trauma showed similar rates of improvement in symptom severity and functional impairment over the 24 weeks of treatment. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to explore the association between childhood trauma and treatment outcomes during treatment with lithium or quetiapine in the context of a randomised trial. In Bipolar CHOICE, a history of childhood trauma did not inhibit improvement in symptom severity or functional impairment. Nevertheless, these findings need replication across different settings.

Characterisation of meat consumption across socio-demographic, lifestyle and anthropometric groups in Switzerland: results from the National Nutrition Survey menuCH.

OBJECTIVE: Characterising meat consumption in Switzerland across socio-demographic, lifestyle and anthropometric groups. DESIGN: Representative national data from the menuCH survey (two 24-hour dietary recalls, anthropometric measurements and a lifestyle questionnaire) were used to analyse the total average daily intake of meat and main meat categories. Energy-standardised average intake (g/1000 kcal) was calculated and its association with 12 socio-demographic, lifestyle and anthropometric variables was investigated using multivariable linear regression. SETTING: Switzerland. PARTICIPANTS: Totally, 2057 participants aged 18-75 years. RESULTS: Average total meat intake was 109 g/d, which included 43 g/d of processed meat, 37 g/d of red meat and 27 g/d of white meat. Energy-standardised meat intake was highest for men, the Italian-language region and the youngest age group (18-29 years). Regression results showed significantly lower total meat and red meat consumption (g/1000 kcal) for women than men. However, there were no sex-specific differences for white meat. Total meat and white meat consumption were positively associated with the 18-29 age group, compared with 30-44 years, non-Swiss compared with Swiss participants and one-parent families with children compared with couples without children. Consumption of all categories of meat showed positive associations for BMI > 25 kg/m2 compared with BMI 18·5-25 kg/m2 and for French- and Italian-language regions compared with German-language region. CONCLUSION: The current study reveals that there are significant differences in the amounts and types of meat consumed in Switzerland, suggesting that evidence-based risks and benefits of these categories need to be emphasised more in meat consumption recommendations.

Correlates of suicidality in young people with depressive disorders: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Depression is one of the most prevalent and disabling mental health conditions among young people worldwide. The health and economic burdens associated with depressive illness are substantial. Suicide and depression are closely intertwined, yet a diagnosis of depression itself lacks predictive specificity for suicidal behaviour. To better inform suicide prevention and early intervention strategies for young people, improved identification of modifiable intervention targets is needed. The objective of this review was to identify clinical, psychosocial and biological correlates of suicidality in young people diagnosed with a broad range of unipolar and bipolar depressive disorders. METHOD: Systematic searches were conducted across MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO to identify studies of young people aged 15-25 years diagnosed with unipolar or bipolar depressive disorders. An assessment of suicidality was required for inclusion. Reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 and Synthesis Without Meta-analysis guidelines. RESULTS: We integrated findings from 71 studies including approximately 24,670 young people with clinically diagnosed depression. We identified 26 clinical, psychosocial and biological correlates of suicidality. Depression characteristics (type and severity), psychiatric comorbidity (particularly anxiety and substance use disorders) and neurological characteristics emerged as having the most evidence for being associated with suicidal outcomes. Our ability to pool data and conduct meaningful quantitative synthesis was hampered by substantial heterogeneity across studies and incomplete reporting; thus, meta-analysis was not possible. CONCLUSION: Findings of this review reinforce the notion that suicidality is a complex phenomenon arising from the interplay of multiple contributing factors. Our findings question the utility of considering a diagnosis of depression as a specific risk factor for suicidality in young people. Suicidality itself is transdiagnostic; adoption of a transdiagnostic approach to investigating its aetiology and treatment is perhaps warranted. Future research investigating specific symptoms, or symptom networks, might help to further our understanding of suicidality among young people experiencing mental illness.

Antimicrobial and prebiotic activity of mannoproteins isolated from conventional and nonconventional yeast species-the study on selected microorganisms.

Yeast mannoproteins are proposed as a paraprobiotics with antimicrobial and prebiotic properties. They can be used as biopreservatives in food and in diseases therapies. The knowledge about the specificity and/or capability of their influence on the growth of different microorganism is limited. The study determined the effect of mannoprotein preparations of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) ATCC 7090 and nonconventional yeast origin [Metschnikowia reukaufii (M. reukaufii) WLP 4650 and Wickerhamomyces anomalus (W. anomalus) CCY 38-1-13] on the growth of selected bacteria of the genera: Lactobacilllus, Limosilatobacillus, Limosilatobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Pseudomonas, Escherichia, Proteus and Salmonella. The degree of stimulation or growth inhibition of tested bacteria depended on the type and dose of the mannoprotein and the bacterial strain. The addition of the tested preparations in the entire range of applied concentrations had a positive effect especially on the growth of Lactobacillus arabinosus ATCC 8014 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis B12. Mannoproteins isolated from S. cerevisiae limited the growth of the Escherichia coli (E. coli) ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aureoginosa (P. aureoginosa) ATCC 27853, Proteus mirabilis ATCC 35659 and Salmonella Enteritidis ATCC 13076 to the greatest extent, while preparations of M. reukaufii and W. anomalus origin most effectively limited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus strains, E. coli and P. aureoginosa. The growth of Enterococcus faecalis was stimulated by the presence of all studied preparations in most of the concentrations used. Further research will determine how the purification process of studied mannoproteins or oligosaccharide fractions, its structure and composition influence on the growth of selected bacteria and what is the mechanism of its activity.

Imaging of focal seizures with Electrical Impedance Tomography and depth electrodes in real time.

Intracranial EEG is the current gold standard technique for localizing seizures for surgery, but it can be insensitive to tangential dipole or distant sources. Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) offers a novel method to improve coverage and seizure onset localization. The feasibility of EIT has been previously assessed in a computer simulation, which revealed an improved accuracy of seizure detection with EIT compared to intracranial EEG. In this study, slow impedance changes, evoked by cell swelling occurring over seconds, were reconstructed in real time by frequency division multiplexing EIT using depth and subdural electrodes in a swine model of epilepsy. EIT allowed to generate repetitive images of ictal events at similar time course to fMRI but without its significant limitations. EIT was recorded with a system consisting of 32 parallel current sources and 64 voltage recorders. Seizures triggered with intracranial injection of benzylpenicillin (BPN) in five pigs caused a repetitive peak impedance increase of 3.4 ± 1.5 mV and 9.5 ± 3% (N =205 seizures); the impedance signal change was seen already after a single, first seizure. EIT enabled reconstruction of the seizure onset 9 ± 1.5 mm from the BPN cannula and 7.5 ± 1.1 mm from the closest SEEG contact (p<0.05, n =37 focal seizures in three pigs) and it could address problems with sampling error in intracranial EEG. The amplitude of the impedance change correlated with the spread of the seizure on the SEEG (p <<0.001, n =37). The results presented here suggest that combining a parallel EIT system with intracranial EEG monitoring has a potential to improve the diagnostic yield in epileptic patients and become a vital tool in improving our understanding of epilepsy.

Non-conventional yeasts for food and additives production in a circular economy perspective.

Yeast species have been spontaneously participating in food production for millennia, but the scope of applications was greatly expanded since their key role in beer and wine fermentations was clearly acknowledged. The workhorse for industry and scientific research has always been Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It occupies the largest share of the dynamic yeast market, that could further increase thanks to the better exploitation of other yeast species. Food-related 'non-conventional' yeasts (NCY) represent a treasure trove for bioprospecting, with their huge untapped potential related to a great diversity of metabolic capabilities linked to niche adaptations. They are at the crossroad of bioprocesses and biorefineries, characterized by low biosafety risk and produce food and additives, being also able to contribute to production of building blocks and energy recovered from the generated waste and by-products. Considering that the usual pattern for bioprocess development focuses on single strains or species, in this review we suggest that bioprospecting at the genus level could be very promising. Candida, Starmerella, Kluyveromyces and Lachancea were briefly reviewed as case studies, showing that a taxonomy- and genome-based rationale could open multiple possibilities to unlock the biotechnological potential of NCY bioresources.

The effects of childhood emotional maltreatment and alexithymia on depressive and manic symptoms and suicidal ideation in females with bipolar disorder: emotion dysregulation as a mediator.

OBJECTIVES: The relations of childhood emotional maltreatment and alexithymia to the clinical course of bipolar disorder (BD) have been widely recognised. Difficulties in regulating emotions may explain these relationships. The current study evaluated the effects of childhood emotional maltreatment and alexithymia on depressive and manic symptoms as well as suicidal ideation in female patients with BD. Emotion dysregulation was evaluated as a mediating factor. METHODS: Three hundred hospitalised female patients with a diagnosis of BD provided information regarding their history of childhood emotional maltreatment, alexithymia, difficulties in emotion regulation, depressive and manic symptoms, and suicidal ideation. A series of structural equation models (SEMs) were calculated to assess the associations between these variables. RESULTS: Childhood emotional abuse and difficulty in identifying feelings were indirectly associated with depressive and manic symptoms as well as suicidal ideation. This association was mediated by emotion dysregulation. This association remained significant after depressive and manic symptoms were controlled in the model. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that patients with BD who experienced emotional abuse during childhood and have difficulties identifying emotions report greater emotion dysregulation. These individuals, in turn, are more likely to experience more severe depressive and manic symptoms as well as suicidal ideation.Key pointsChildhood emotional maltreatment and emotional and clinical factors in bipolar disorder were assessed.Childhood emotional abuse indirectly affected clinical factors via emotion dysregulation.Difficulty in identifying feelings was linked to clinical factors via emotional dysregulation.Emotional dysregulation affected the links of childhood emotional maltreatment and difficulty in identifying feelings on suicidal ideation after controlling for clinical symptoms.Emotional dysregulation dimensions of impulse, strategies, and goals emerge in relation to suicidal ideation.

Effect of selenium on growth and antioxidative system of yeast cells.

Selenium exhibits health-promoting properties in humans and animals. Therefore, the development of selenium-enriched dietary supplements has been growing worldwide. However, it may also exhibit toxicity at higher concentrations, causing increased oxidative stress. Different species of yeasts may exhibit different tolerances toward selenium. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine the effect of selenium on growth and on the antioxidative system in Candida utilis ATCC 9950 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATCC MYA-2200 yeast cells. The results of this study have demonstrated that high doses of selenium causes oxidative stress in yeasts, thereby increasing the process of lipid peroxidation. In addition, we obtained an increased level of GSSG from aqueous solutions of yeast biomass grown with selenium supplementation (40-60 mg/L). Increased levels of selenium in aqueous solutions resulted in an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. These results should encourage future research on the possibility of a thorough understanding of antioxidant system functioning in yeast cells.