WNT11, a new gene associated with early onset osteoporosis, is required for osteoblastogenesis.

Monogenic early onset osteoporosis (EOOP) is a rare disease defined by low bone mineral density (BMD) that results in increased risk of fracture in children and young adults. Although several causative genes have been identified, some of the EOOP causation remains unresolved. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a de novo heterozygous loss-of-function mutation in Wnt family member 11 (WNT11) (NM_004626.2:c.677_678dup p.Leu227Glyfs*22) in a 4-year-old boy with low BMD and fractures. We identified two heterozygous WNT11 missense variants (NM_004626.2:c.217G > A p.Ala73Thr) and (NM_004626.2:c.865G > A p.Val289Met) in a 51-year-old woman and in a 61-year-old woman, respectively, both with bone fragility. U2OS cells with heterozygous WNT11 mutation (NM_004626.2:c.690_721delfs*40) generated by CRISPR-Cas9 showed reduced cell proliferation (30%) and osteoblast differentiation (80%) as compared with wild-type U2OS cells. The expression of genes in the Wnt canonical and non-canonical pathways was inhibited in these mutant cells, but recombinant WNT11 treatment rescued the expression of Wnt pathway target genes. Furthermore, the expression of RSPO2, a WNT11 target involved in bone cell differentiation, and its receptor leucine-rich repeat containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5), was decreased in WNT11 mutant cells. Treatment with WNT5A and WNT11 recombinant proteins reversed LGR5 expression, but Wnt family member 3A (WNT3A) recombinant protein treatment had no effect on LGR5 expression in mutant cells. Moreover, treatment with recombinant RSPO2 but not WNT11 or WNT3A activated the canonical pathway in mutant cells. In conclusion, we have identified WNT11 as a new gene responsible for EOOP, with loss-of-function variant inhibiting bone formation via Wnt canonical and non-canonical pathways. WNT11 may activate Wnt signaling by inducing the RSPO2-LGR5 complex via the non-canonical Wnt pathway.

The symptomatology of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and the genetic control of vitamin D levels.

OBJECTIVES: Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with psychiatric disorders and behavioral phenotypes such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Considering that vitamin D levels are polygenic, we aim to evaluate the overall effects of its genetic architecture on symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity and on the serum levels of vitamin D in two independent samples of adults, as well as the specific effects of five relevant polymorphisms in vitamin D-related genes. METHODS: We evaluated 870 subjects from an ADHD sample (407 cases and 463 controls) and 319 subjects from an academic community (nutrigenetic sample). Vitamin D serum levels were obtained through Elisa test and genetic data by TaqMan™ allelic discrimination and Infinium PsychArray-24 BeadChip genotyping. Polygenic Scores (PGS) were calculated on PRSice2 based on the latest GWAS for Vitamin D and statistical analyses were conducted at Plink and SPSS software. RESULTS: Vitamin D PGSs were associated with inattention in the ADHD sample and with hyperactivity when inattention symptoms were included as covariates. In the nutrigenetic sample, CYP2R1 rs10741657 and DHCR7 rs12785878 were nominally associated with impulsivity and hyperactivity, respectively, and both with vitamin D levels. In the clinical sample, RXRG rs2134095 was associated with impulsivity. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest a shared genetic architecture between vitamin D levels and ADHD symptoms, as evidenced by the associations observed with PGS and specific genes related to vitamin D levels. Interestingly, differential effects for vitamin D PGS were found in inattention and hyperactivity, which should be considered in further studies involving ADHD.

Pyroglutamination-Induced Changes in the Physicochemical Features of a CXCR4 Chemokine Peptide: Kinetic and Structural Analysis.

We investigate the physicochemical effects of pyroglutamination on the QHALTSV-NH2 peptide, a segment of cytosolic helix 8 of the human C-X-C chemokine G-protein-coupled receptor type 4 (CXCR4). This modification, resulting from the spontaneous conversion of glutamine to pyroglutamic acid, has significant impacts on the physicochemical features of peptides. Using a static approach, we compared the transformation in different conditions and experimentally found that the rate of product formation increases with temperature, underscoring the need for caution during laboratory experiments to prevent glutamine cyclization. Circular dichroism experiments revealed that the QHALTSV-NH2 segment plays a minor role in the structuration of H8 CXCR4; however, its pyroglutaminated analogue interacts differently with its chemical environment, showing increased susceptibility to solvent variations compared to the native form. The pyroglutaminated analogue exhibits altered behavior when interacting with lipid models, suggesting a significant impact on its interaction with cell membranes. A unique combination of atomic force microscopy and infrared nanospectroscopy revealed that pyroglutamination affects supramolecular self-assembly, leading to highly packed molecular arrangements and a crystalline structure. Moreover, the presence of pyroglumatic acid has been found to favor the formation of amyloidogenic aggregates. Our findings emphasize the importance of considering pyroglutamination in peptide synthesis and proteomics and its potential significance in amyloidosis.

Pseudomonas aphyarum sp. nov., Pseudomonas fontis sp. nov., Pseudomonas idahonensis sp. nov. and Pseudomonas rubra sp. nov., isolated from in, and around, a rainbow trout farm.

During a large-scale bacterial culturing effort of biofilms in the vicinity of a rainbow trout aquaculture facility in Idaho, USA, 10 isolates were identified as having pathogen-inhibiting activity and were characterized further. These isolates were shown to be Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria belonging to the genus Pseudomonas. Whole-genome comparisons and multi-locus sequence analysis using four housekeeping genes (16S rRNA, gyrA, rpoB and rpoD) showed that these 10 isolates clustered into four distinct species groups. These comparisons also indicated that these isolates were below the established species cutoffs for the genus Pseudomonas. Further phenotypic characterization using API 20NE, API ZYM and Biolog GENIII assays and chemotaxonomic analysis of cellular fatty acids were carried out. Based on the genomic, physiological and chemotaxonomic properties of these isolates, we concluded that these strains composed four novel species of the genus Pseudomonas. The proposed names are as follows: Pseudomonas aphyarum sp. nov. consisting of strains ID233, ID386T and ID387 with ID386T (=DSM 114641T=ATCC TSD-305T) as the type strain; Pseudomonas rubra sp. nov. consisting of strains ID291T, ID609 and ID1025 with ID291T (=DSM 114640T=ATCC TSD-303T) as the type strain; Pseudomonas idahonensis sp. nov. consisting of strains ID357T and ID1048 with ID357T (=DSM 114609T=ATCC TSD-304T) as the type strain; and Pseudomonas fontis sp. nov. consisting of strains ID656T and ID681 with ID656T (=DSM 114610T=ATCC TSD-306T) as the type strain.

Systemic Profile and Periodontal Condition of Hospitalized Women with High-Risk Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: The physiological changes in mother-infant pairs during pregnancy increase the susceptibility to a series of infections, including those of the oral cavity. Therefore, the oral and systemic health of pregnant women is related to adverse pregnancy outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the systemic profile and periodontal status of women with a high-risk pregnancy. METHODS: Eighty-nine pregnant women at risk of preterm labor admitted to a hospital in southern Brazil were interviewed and received a periodontal examination. Data related to obstetric complications during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia, infections, medication use, and gestational diabetes) and systemic diseases were collected from medical records. The periodontal parameters of probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, and clinical attachment level were evaluated. The data were tabulated, and statistical analysis was performed (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 24 years (SD = 5.62). Gingival bleeding was recorded in 91% of the participants. The prevalence of gingivitis was 31.46%, and periodontitis was 29.21%. No association between systemic conditions and periodontal disease was observed. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Periodontal inflammation was not associated with the systemic profile during pregnancy. However, women with high-risk pregnancies showed higher levels of gingival inflammation, emphasizing the importance of dental care during pregnancy.

Engage coaching for caregivers: a pilot trial to reduce loneliness in dementia caregivers.

OBJECTIVES: There are no evidence-based interventions for reducing loneliness in family caregivers of people with dementia (ADRD caregivers), despite heightened risk. We examined feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of a brief behavioral intervention, Engage Coaching for Caregivers, to reduce loneliness and increase social connection for older ADRD caregivers experiencing stress and loneliness. METHODS: A single-arm clinical trial of 8 individual sessions of Engage Coaching delivered remotely. Outcomes assessed 3-months post-intervention included loneliness and relationship satisfaction (co-primary) and perceived social isolation (secondary). RESULTS: Engage Coaching was feasible to deliver, with n = 25 of 30 enrolled completing at least 80% of sessions. 83% indicated the program met expectations and 100% reported the program was suitable and convenient. Improvements were observed in loneliness (standardized response mean [SRM] = 0.63), relationship satisfaction (SRM = 0.56), and perceived social isolation (SRM = 0.70). CONCLUSION: Engage Coaching is a promising behavioral intervention to enhance social connection for older ADRD caregivers.

Sociodemographic and clinical characterization of cases of 1,103 non-syndromic and 66 syndromic odontogenic keratocyst: a Brazilian multicenter study.

OBJECTIVES: This multicenter study aimed to evaluate cases of non-syndrome and syndromic odontogenic keratocyst, as well as cases of recurrence within these two groups. METHODS: This descriptive, analytical, retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated the sex, age and presence of multiple lesions in 1,169 individuals seen at 10 Brazilian oral and maxillofacial pathology centers. Of these, 1,341 odontogenic keratocysts were analyzed regarding clinical diagnosis, size, site, imaging appearance, signs and symptoms, type of biopsy, treatment, and recurrence. RESULTS: There was a similar distribution by sex. The median age of non-syndromic and syndromic patients was 32 and 17.5 years, respectively. The posterior mandible was the site most affected by small and large lesions in both groups and in recurrent cases. Unilocular lesions were more frequent, also in recurrent cases. Mainly small lesions showed this imaging appearance. Signs and symptoms were absent in most cases. Conservative treatment was the most frequent modality in all age groups, regardless of the patient's condition and recurrence. Recurrences were uncommon. CONCLUSION: This study showed a higher frequency of non-syndromic keratocysts in the population. Clinicopathological features related to the involvement of multiple sites, age, and recurrence may differ between syndromic and non-syndromic cases. Furthermore, we found an association between lesion size and some clinical features and between the time interval to recurrence and the syndromic spectrum. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: To contribute to a better understanding of the distribution and association between clinical, imaging, and sociodemographic characteristics in each spectrum of the lesion.

Oral health status and quality of life of the parental caregivers of children with Down syndrome: A case-control study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the oral health status and quality of life (QOL) of the parental caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome (DS), and to evaluate whether there is an association between these variables. The sample of this cross-sectional study was composed by parental caregivers of children with DS (CCDS) and parental caregivers of children without DS (CNDSC). Oral examination was undertaken and a questionnaire was given to participants. QOL was evaluated by WHOQOL-Bref. CCDS presented a higher number of dental prosthesis users and higher gingival bleeding index compared to CNDSC. When oral health was associated with QOL, the use of dental prosthesis was associated with physical domain and the variables having chronic disease and family income were associated with the social domain for both caregivers. The results suggest that caregivers of children with DS have similar oral health and QOL compared to caregivers of children without DS. In both caregivers, oral health status is associated with QOL.

Recruiting Socially Disconnected Latinos Caring for a Person with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons Learned.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this article is to present conceptual and methodological challenges to recruitment strategies in enrolling socially disconnected middle-aged and older Latino caregivers of a loved one with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). METHODS: Middle-aged and older Latino ADRD caregivers were recruited into two early stage, intervention development studies during the COVID-19 pandemic via online or in-person methods. Recruitment criteria included Latino ADRD caregivers over the age of 40 reporting elevated loneliness on the UCLA 3-item Loneliness Scale (LS) during screening. RESULTS: Middle-aged, Latino caregivers were recruited predominantly from online methods whereas older caregivers were mostly recruited from in-person methods. We report challenges identifying socially disconnected Latino caregivers using the UCLA 3-item LS. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support previously reported disparities in recruitment by age and language and suggest further methodological considerations to assess social disconnection among Latino caregivers. We discuss recommendations to overcome these challenges in future research. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Socially disconnected Latino ADRD caregivers have an elevated risk for poor mental health outcomes. Successful recruitment of this population in clinical research will ensure the development of targeted and culturally sensitive interventions to improve the mental health and overall well-being of this marginalized group.

Sexually dimorphic effects of prenatal diazepam exposure on respiratory control and the monoaminergic system of neonate and young rats.

Pregnancy is highly affected by anxiety disorders, which may be treated with benzodiazepines, especially diazepam (DZP), that can cross the placental barrier and interact with the fetal GABAergic system. We tested whether prenatal exposure to DZP promotes sex-specific postnatal changes in the respiratory control of rats. We evaluated ventilation ([Formula: see text]) and oxygen consumption ([Formula: see text] O2) in resting conditions and under hypercapnia (7% CO2) and hypoxia (10% O2) in newborn [postnatal day (P) 0-1 and P12-13)] and young (P21-22) rats from mothers treated with DZP during pregnancy. We also analyzed brainstem monoamines at the same ages. DZP exposure had minimal effects on room air-breathing variables in females, but caused hypoventilation (drop in [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] O2) in P12-13 males, lasting until P21-22. The hypercapnic ventilatory response was attenuated in P0-1 and P12-13 DZP-treated females mainly by a decrease in tidal volume (VT), whereas males had a reduction in respiratory frequency (fR) at P12-13. Minor changes were observed in hypoxia, but an attenuation in [Formula: see text] was seen in P12-13 males. In the female brainstem, DZP increased dopamine concentration and decreased 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) and the 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC)/dopamine ratio at P0-1, and reduced DOPAC concentration at P12-13. In males, DZP decreased brainstem noradrenaline at P0-1. Our results demonstrate that prenatal DZP exposure reduces CO2 chemoreflex only in postnatal females and does not affect hypoxia-induced hyperventilation in both sexes. In addition, prenatal DZP alters brainstem monoamine concentrations throughout development differently in male and female rats.

Insights on Luminescent Micro- and Nanospheres of Infinite Coordination Polymers.

Coordination polymers have been extensively studied in recent years. Some of these materials can exhibit several properties such as permanent porosity, high surface area, thermostability and light emission, as well as open sites for chemical functionalization. Concerning the fact that this kind of compounds are usually solids, the size and morphology of the particles are important parameters when an application is desired. Inside this context, there is a subclass of coordination polymers, named infinite coordination polymers (ICPs), which auto-organize as micro- or nanoparticles with low crystallinity. Specifically, the particles exhibiting spherical shapes and reduced sizes can be better dispersed, enter cells much easier than bulk crystals and be converted to inorganic materials by topotactic transformation. Luminescent ICPs, in particular, can find applications in several areas, such as sensing probes, light-emitting devices and bioimaging. In this review, we present the state-of-the-art of ICP-based spherical particles, including the growth mechanisms, some applications for luminescent ICPs and the challenges to overcome in future commercial usage of these materials.

Association between Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Excess of Weight in Women with Endometrial Cancer.

Obesity is one of major risk factor for endometrial cancer, which is the eighth most incident cancer among women in Brazil. The present study aimed to assess any possible associations between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and clinical or sociodemographic characteristics of women diagnosed with endometrial cancer. This is a cross-sectional study with women newly diagnosed with endometrial cancer (EC). The study was conducted between December 2016 and January 2020, at a reference center for gynecological cancer treatment. The nutritional status was assessed by measuring anthropometric parameters and food consumption by the food frequency questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression was performed for the dependent variables overweight and obesity. The analyses were considered statistically significant when p < 0,05. The study population consisted of 318 women, with a mean age of 59.1 ± 6.9 years. The average daily energy intake was 2365.13 kcal/day, with 70.48% of energy consumption from fresh or minimally processed foods and 16.95% from UPF. Women above the highest tertile of UPF intake (19.27%) were more likely to be obese (OR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.12; 3.41, p < 0.01). Having a partner and systemic arterial hypertension was associated with the outcome. The high intake of UPF was associated with obesity, which indicates the need for nutritional intervention in this population.

Centering Culture in Mental Health: Differences in Diagnosis, Treatment, and Access to Care Among Older People of Color.

Mental healthcare disparities are routinely documented, yet they remain wider than in most other areas of healthcare services and common mental disorders (depression and anxiety) continue to be one of the highest health burdens for older people of color. To address disparities in mental health services for older people of color, the narrative must move beyond simply documenting these inequities and attain a better understanding of the internalized, interpersonal, systemic, and medical racism that have harmed these communities and excluded them from its services in the first place. It is imperative that researchers, clinicians, and policymakers acknowledge the realities of racism and discrimination as leading causes of mental healthcare disparities. Therefore, this review is a call-to-action. Authors adopt an antiracist and health equity lens in evaluating the differing needs of Blacks/African-Americans, Asian Americans, and Latinos by exploring psychiatric comorbidity, experiences with seeking, accessing, and engaging in treatment, and the unique cultural and psychosocial factors that affect treatment outcomes for these diverse groups. Further, authors offer researchers and practitioners tangible tools for developing and implementing culturally-sensitive, mental health focused interventions for older people of color with special attention placed on cultural adaptations, models of care, prevention, and practical strategies that can be implemented to reduce disparities and increase equity in mental healthcare.

Areas of endemism of Lauraceae: new insights on the biogeographic regionalization of the Espinhaço Range, Brazil.

Using Lauraceae as a study case, we aimed in this article to: (i) delimit areas of endemism in the Espinhaço Range, Brazil; (ii) compare these areas of endemism with those previously delimited, as well as with the centres of endemism; (iii) evaluate the association between areas of endemism and vegetation types; and (iv) classify the areas of endemism according to the International Code of Area Nomenclature (ICAN). Based on a recent survey of 99 species from the Espinhaço Range, our dataset consisted of 34 endemic species belonging to nine genera. Following previous studies, we performed parsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE) using a grid square size of 0.5° × 0.5°. We delimited four areas of endemism of Lauraceae: (i) Antônio dos Santos, (ii) Conceição do Mato Dentro, (iii) Itambé do Mato Dentro, and (iv) Rio de Contas; and confirmed six previously delimited areas of endemism: (i) Southern MG, (ii) Southern Mountains Complex, (iii) Conceição do Mato Dentro, (iv) Diamantina Plateau, (v) Serra do Cabral, and (vi) Chapada Diamantina. The areas of endemism Conceição do Mato Dentro, Serra do Cabral, Diamantina, and Serra do Cipó were classified as subdistricts in the Diamantina Plateau district of the Southern Espinhaço province. We summarized and mapped all areas of endemism corresponding to the provinces, districts, and subdistricts that cover the Espinhaço Range. Areas of endemism and centres of endemism are contrasted. Finally, we highlight that the biogeographic studies along this mountain range should embrace higher taxa with representative species in different types of vegetation in order to enrich the majority of the endemism studies mainly concentrated on the campo rupestre. Unusual distribution patterns, diversity of vegetation types, and the presence of restricted species and monophyletic groups open up opportunities to carry out integrative studies concerning the biogeographic regionalization of the ER at multiple spatio-temporal scales.

Microencapsulated dietary supplementation coupled with sexual inversion improves the immune and antioxidant response of Nile tilapia larvae under stressful conditions.

In tilapia aquaculture, the cultivation of single-sex animals is extremely widespread, as it allows for the standardization of lots, in addition to improving the general performance of the animals. However, it is possible that hormonal inversion interacts with other factors, such as environmental and nutritional management, and modulates the immune response and antioxidant system of animals in a distinct manner. In order to test this hypothesis, an experiment was carried out using Nile tilapia larvae six days after hatching, divided into four experimental groups: NI (non-inverted animals), I (sexual inverted animals), NI + M (non-inverted supplemented with microencapsulated products) and I + M (sexual inverted and supplemented with microencapsulated products; half of which were subjected to transportation-related stress after 28 days of the experiment. At the end, the survival rate was evaluated; the gene expression of heat shock protein (HSP70), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX 2) via RT-PCR; also evaluated were the activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes, as well as the total antioxidant capacity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH). Animals from the I and I + M groups had the highest survival rate (p < 0.001) regardless of transportation stress. The highest expressions of HSP70 were found in the NI group (p < 0.001, with and without transportation). For the IL-1ß gene, there was an increase in expression for animals belonging to groups NI and NI + M (no transportation); and NI (p < 0.0001, with transportation). Increased COX 2 expression was observed for all groups after transportation (p < 0.0001). The highest SOD activities were observed in groups I and I + M (without transportation, p = 0.0004), and I (with transportation, p < 0.0001). The transportation decreased the total antioxidant capacity of DPPH in all treatments (p < 0.001). Finally, when evaluating all of the results together, we came to a conclusion that sex inversion improves the immune response and antioxidant profile of animals under stressful conditions when associated with microencapsulated dietary supplementation.

Immune response in sexual inverted and non-inverted Nile tilapia fingerlings supplemented with organic acid and essential oil.

The development and intensification of tilapia farming depends on the manipulation of some physiological functions, such as the sexual inversion of larvae using a synthetic androgen (17α-methyltestosterone). This inversion, however, may represent a potential oxidative stress factor and cause damage to animals in the short, medium, and long term. Dietary supplementation of natural antioxidant compounds is an interesting alternative to combat such damage. To test this hypothesis, an experimental trial was carried out involving sexual inverted and non-inverted Nile tilapia fingerlings, both supplemented and not supplemented with a blend of organic acids and essential oils protected by microencapsulation. Animals were divided into four experimental groups: NI (non-inverted animals), I (sexual inverted animals), NI + M (non-inverted animals supplemented with microcapsules), and I + M (sexual inverted animals supplemented with microcapsules). Blood parameters (WBC - white blood cells; LY - lymphocytes; RBC - red blood cells; HGB - hemoglobin; HCT - hematocrit number; MCH - mean corpuscular hemoglobin; MCV - mean corpuscular volume and MCHC - mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration), as well as oxidative stress markers (enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase - SOD and catalase - CAT; and total antioxidant capacity - 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH)) and gene expression (heat shock protein 70 kDa - HSP70) were evaluated. The HGB (p < 0.001) and HCT (p = 0.005) parameters were reduced beyond the recommended limits for the animals in group I. The MCV varied statistically between the groups (p < 0.001). However, all values were within the recommended range for the species, jointly indicating normocytic anemia in group I fingerlings at the time of collection. The activity of CAT and SOD, as well as DPPH differed statistically between the experimental groups (p < 0.001), with the lowest SOD and CAT activity, as well as the highest DPPH registered in animals supplemented with microcapsules. The expression of HSP70 was lower in I + MI animals (p < 0.001). The synergistic evaluation of the results indicates that animals sexual inverted during the larval stage have a lower total antioxidant capacity in the fingerling stage, which reflects a worsening in hematological and enzymatic parameters related to immunity; and that dietary supplementation with blend of organic acids and essential oils protected by microencapsulation is sufficient to improve the immunological response both in sexual inverted and non-inverted fingerlings.

Persistent, new-onset symptoms and mental health complaints in Long COVID in a Brazilian cohort of non-hospitalized patients.

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections lead to acute- and chronic Long COVID (LC) symptoms. However, few studies have addressed LC sequelae on brain functions. This study was aimed to examine if acute symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) would persist during LC, and if memory problems would be correlated with sleep, depressive mood, or anxious complaints. METHODS: Our work followed a cohort of 236 patients from two public hospitals of the Federal District in mid-western Brazil. Patients' interviews checked for clinical symptoms during acute and LC (5-8 months after real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, RT-qPCR). RESULTS: Most cases were non-hospitalized individuals (86.3%) with a median age of 41.2 years. While myalgia (50%), hyposmia (48.3%), and dysgeusia (45.8%) were prevalent symptoms in acute phase, fatigue (21.6%) followed by headache (19.1%) and myalgia (16.1%) commonly occurred during LC. In LC, 39.8% of individuals reported memory complaints, 36.9% felt anxious, 44.9% felt depressed, and 45.8% had sleep problems. Furthermore, memory complaints were associated with sleep problems (adjusted OR 3.206; 95% CI 1.723-6.030) and depressive feelings (adjusted OR 3.981; 95% CI 2.068-7.815). CONCLUSIONS: The SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to persistent symptoms during LC, in which memory problems may be associated with sleep and depressive complaints.

Nitric oxide contributes to liver inflammation and parasitic burden control in Ascaris suum infection.

BACKGROUND: Human ascariasis is one of the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases worldwide. The immune response during human ascariasis is characterized by Th2 polarization and a mixed Th2/Th17 response during the pathogenesis of experimental larval ascariasis. Cytokines and other pro-inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide (NO), are involved in helminthic infections. However, the role of NO in ascariasis remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: Given the importance of NO in inflammation, we aimed to determine the immunological and histopathological alterations in the livers of C57BL/6 iNOS-/- mice during A. suum infection. METHODS: In this study, parasitic load was evaluated in the livers of wild type C57BL/6 and C57BL/6 iNOS-/- mice infected with A. suum. Histopathological and morphometric analyses and analysis of serum cytokines via Cytometric Bead Array were performed, and the activity of eosinophil peroxidase and myeloperoxidase of neutrophils in the tissues were determined. RESULTS: The results showed that NO is important for controlling parasitic load during infection by A. suum. C57BL/6iNOS-/- mice showed reduced inflammatory processes and less tissue damage during liver larval migration of A. suum, which is associated with a reduction in serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that NO is a crucial inflammatory molecule during Ascaris sp. infection and controls the establishment of the parasite and the development of the host immune response in the liver.

Rederivation of a mutant line (prop 1) of zebrafish Danio rerio infected with Pseudoloma neurophilia using in vitro fertilization with eggs from pathogen-free wild-type (AB) females and sperm from prop 1 males.

Along with the growing number of laboratories that work with zebrafish (Danio rerio), it is necessary to have animals with good sanitary quality. Specific pathogens can interfere with the experimental results and in the life quality of the animals. Pseudoloma neurophilia is a parasite with high potential for interference in behavioural, morphology, toxicological and genetic research, and is very common in zebrafish facilities. With that, we implemented a protocol for the pathogen elimination in a genetically modified lineage (prop 1) using eggs from specific pathogen-free (SPF) wild-type fish (AB line) for in vitro fertilization, along with water recirculation equipment disinfection, appropriate PCR screening and back crossing protocols. This resulted in SPF prop 1 heterozygotes, which allowed us to move forward with subsequent crossings to develop homozygote prop 1 mutants for our research. Hence, this demonstrates a useful strategy for an individual research laboratory to rederive a specific mutant free line that is not available from other SPF laboratories.

Toward Understanding of Suicidality in a Spanish Clinical Population: Validation of the European Spanish Version of the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire.

INTRODUCTION: Suicidal ideation (SI) represents one of the most prominent predictors of suicidal behavior (SB). The Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ) was developed from the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (ITS) to assess the 2 core drivers of SI proposed by the theory. Despite the relevance of suicide-related ideations and ITS, there is a lack of psychometric measures validated in clinical Spanish population that adequately evaluate SI components of ITS. Thus, the main aim of the study was to validate INQ-10 in a Spanish clinical sample including the genuine cultural and linguistic characteristics of European Spanish. METHODS: 315 participants were included in the analyses; 149 of them consulted mental health services for the presence of suicide-related behaviors. A series of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were carried out to identify the factor solution. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to analyze psychometric properties. Finally, sensitivity and specificity properties were explored through receiver-operating characteristic analyses which also provided the cut-off values of the questionnaire. RESULTS: An 8-item version demonstrated a good fit to the 2-factor solution. Likewise, this 8-item version showed good psychometric properties. Sensitivity and specificity indices of the version validated as well as the calculated cut-off points were excellent. CONCLUSIONS: The current results demonstrate the utility of an 8-item INQ European Spanish version as a valid measure of the current SI in Spanish clinical population. In addition, the validated form reflects the theoretical framework on which it was built.