Developmental changes in brain activation during novel grammar learning in 8-25-year-olds

While it is well established that grammar learning success varies with age, the cause of this developmental change is largely unknown. This study examined functional MRI activation across a broad developmental sample of 165 Dutch-speaking individuals (8-25 years) as they were implicitly learning a new grammatical system. This approach allowed us to assess the direct effects of age on grammar learning ability while exploring its neural correlates. In contrast to the alleged advantage of children language learners over adults, we found that adults outperformed children. Moreover, our behavioral data showed a sharp discontinuity in the relationship between age and grammar learning performance: there was a strong positive linear correlation between 8 and 15.4 years of age, after which age had no further effect. Neurally, our data indicate two important findings: (i) during grammar learning, adults and children activate similar brain regions, suggesting continuity in the neural networks that support initial grammar learning; and (ii) activation level is age-dependent, with children showing less activation than older participants. We suggest that these age-dependent processes may constrain developmental effects in grammar learning. The present study provides new insights into the neural basis of age-related differences in grammar learning in second language acquisition.

Tick-borne pathogens in ticks from urban and suburban areas of north-western Spain: Importance of Ixodes frontalis harbouring zoonotic pathogens

To identify the questing tick populations in urban and suburban areas from the city of Lugo (NW Spain), ticks were collected monthly by flagging. The presence of Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum also was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequence analysis. Overall, 342 questing ticks were collected; the tick abundance was higher in suburban (95.9%) than in urban areas (4.1%). Ixodes frontalis was the most abundant (86.5%); 88.5% were larvae, 11.1% nymphs and 0.3% adults. All development stages of I. ricinus (7.3%) and adults of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (5.8%) and Dermacentor reticulatus (0.3%) were found. Rickettsia spp. (31.9%) was more prevalent than Borrelia spp. (2.7%); no ticks were positive to A. phagocytophilum. Six Rickettsia species were identified (R. slovaca, R. monacensis, R. massiliae, R. raoultii, R. sibirica subsp. mongolitimonae and R. aeschielmanii); Candidatus Rickettsia rioja and two novel Rickettsia species also were detected. In addition, Borrelia turdi (1.8%) and B. valaisiana (0.9%) were identified in Ixodes ticks. This is the first report of R. slovaca in R. sanguineus s.l. and of R. monacensis, R. raoultii, R. slovaca, R. sibirica subsp. mongolitimonae and Ca. R. rioja in I. frontalis. Since most of the pathogens detected are zoonotic, their presence in these areas may have implications for public health.

Consensus on complementary feeding from the Latin American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition: COCO 2023

Complementary feeding (CF) is defined as the feeding of infants that complements breastfeeding, or alternatively, feeding with a breast milk substitute, and is a process that is more than simply a guide as to what and how to introduce foods. The information provided by healthcare professionals must be up-to-date and evidence-based. Most of the recommendations that appear in the different international guidelines and position papers are widely applicable, but some must be regionalized or adapted to fit the conditions and reality of each geographic zone. The Nutrition Working Group of the Latin American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (LASPGHAN) summoned a group of experts from each of the society's member countries, to develop a consensus on CF, incorporating, whenever possible, local information adapted to the reality of the region. The aim of the present document is to show the results of that endeavor. Utilizing the Delphi method, a total of 34 statements on relevant aspects of CF were evaluated, discussed, and voted upon.

Study protocol: a comprehensive multi-method neuroimaging approach to disentangle developmental effects and individual differences in second language learning

Background

While it is well established that second language (L2) learning success changes with age and across individuals, the underlying neural mechanisms responsible for this developmental shift and these individual differences are largely unknown. We will study the behavioral and neural factors that subserve new grammar and word learning in a large cross-sectional developmental sample. This study falls under the NWO (Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek [Dutch Research Council]) Language in Interaction consortium (website: https://www.languageininteraction.nl/).

Methods

We will sample 360 healthy individuals across a broad age range between 8 and 25 years. In this paper, we describe the study design and protocol, which involves multiple study visits covering a comprehensive behavioral battery and extensive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols. On the basis of these measures, we will create behavioral and neural fingerprints that capture age-based and individual variability in new language learning. The behavioral fingerprint will be based on first and second language proficiency, memory systems, and executive functioning. We will map the neural fingerprint for each participant using the following MRI modalities: T1‐weighted, diffusion-weighted, resting-state functional MRI, and multiple functional-MRI paradigms. With respect to the functional MRI measures, half of the sample will learn grammatical features and half will learn words of a new language. Combining all individual fingerprints allows us to explore the neural maturation effects on grammar and word learning.

Discussion

This will be one of the largest neuroimaging studies to date that investigates the developmental shift in L2 learning covering preadolescence to adulthood. Our comprehensive approach of combining behavioral and neuroimaging data will contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms influencing this developmental shift and individual differences in new language learning. We aim to answer: (I) do these fingerprints differ according to age and can these explain the age-related differences observed in new language learning? And (II) which aspects of the behavioral and neural fingerprints explain individual differences (across and within ages) in grammar and word learning? The results of this study provide a unique opportunity to understand how the development of brain structure and function influence new language learning success.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40359-022-00873-x.

Darunavir/Cobicistat/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide Versus Dolutegravir/Abacavir/Lamivudine in Antiretroviral-Naive Adults (SYMTRI): A Multicenter Randomized Open-Label Study (PReEC/RIS-57)

Background

Darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (D/C/F/TAF) is the reference for combination therapy based on protease inhibitors due to its efficacy, tolerability, and convenience. Head-to-head randomized comparisons between D/C/F/TAF and combination therapy based on integrase inhibitors in antiretroviral-naive patients are lacking.

Methods

Adult (>18 years old) human immunodeficiency virus-infected antiretroviral-naive patients (HLA-B∗5701 negative and hepatitis B virus negative), with viral load (VL) ≥500 c/mL, were centrally randomized to initiate D/C/F/TAF or dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine (DTG/3TC/ABC) after stratifying by VL and CD4 count. Clinical and analytical assessments were performed at weeks 0, 4, 12, 24, and 48. The primary endpoint was VL <50 c/mL at week 48 in the intention-to-treat (ITT)-exposed population (US Food and Drug Administration snapshot analysis, 10% noninferiority margin).

Results

Between September 2018 and 2019, 316 patients were randomized and 306 patients were included in the ITT-exposed analysis (151 D/C/F/TAF and 155 DTG/3TC/ABC). Almost all (94%) participants were male and their median age was 35 years. Forty percent had a baseline VL >100 000 copies/mL, and 13% had <200 CD4 cells/μL. Median weight was 73 kg and median body mass index was 24 kg/m². At 48 weeks, 79% (D/C/F/TAF) versus 82% (DTG/3TC/ABC) had VL <50 c/mL (difference, −2.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], −11.3 to 6.6). Eight percent versus four percent experienced virologic failure but no resistance-associated mutations emerged. Four percent versus six percent had drug discontinuation due to adverse events. In the per-protocol analysis, 94% versus 96% of patients had VL <50 c/mL (difference, −2%; 95% CI, −8.1 to 3.5). There were no differences in CD4 cell count or weight changes.

Conclusions

We could not demonstrate the noninferiority of D/C/F/TAF relative to DTG/ABC/3TC as initial antiretroviral therapy, although both regimens were similarly well tolerated.

Characterization of sedimentary and volcanic rocks in Armintza outcrop (Biscay, Spain) and its implication for Oxia Planum (Mars) exploration

The landing site of the next planetary mission lead by ESA (ExoMars 2022) will be Oxia Planum. This location has been chosen due to different reasons, among them, the existence of sedimentary rocks that could host remains of organic matter. The fact that this type of rocks coexists with volcanic ones makes of high importance the study of the processes and the possible interactions that could happen among them. Therefore, in this research work the Armintza outcrop (Biscay, North of Spain) is proposed as an Oxia Planum analogue since it has the dichotomy of volcanic and sedimentary rock layers that is expected on the landing site of the ExoMars 2022 mission. As Raman and visible near infrared spectroscopies will be in the payload of the rover of that mission, they have been used to characterize the samples collected in the Armintza outcrop. With the help of these techniques, feldspars (albite mainly) and phyllosilicates (kaolinite and dickite, together with micas and chlorite minerals) have been identified as the major products on the samples, together with some weathering products (carbonates, sulphates, oxides) and apatite. Moreover, remains of kerogen have been detected in the sedimentary layers in contact with the interlayered lava flows, confirming the capability of similar sedimentary-volcanic layers to trap and store organic remains for millions of years. After establishing which compounds have volcanic or sedimentary origin, and which must be considered alteration phases, we can consider Armintza as a good Oxia Planum analogue.

Durable memories and efficient neural coding through mnemonic training using the method of loci

Mnemonic techniques, such as the method of loci, can powerfully boost memory. We compared memory athletes ranked among the world's top 50 in memory sports to mnemonics-naïve controls. In a second study, participants completed a 6-week memory training, working memory training, or no intervention. Behaviorally, memory training enhanced durable, longer-lasting memories. Functional magnetic resonance imaging during encoding and recognition revealed task-based activation decreases in lateral prefrontal, as well as in parahippocampal and retrosplenial cortices in both memory athletes and participants after memory training, partly associated with better performance after 4 months. This was complemented by hippocampal-neocortical coupling during consolidation, which was stronger the more durable memories participants formed. Our findings advance knowledge on how mnemonic training boosts durable memory formation through decreased task-based activation and increased consolidation thereafter. This is in line with conceptual accounts of neural efficiency and highlights a complex interplay of neural processes critical for extraordinary memory.

Molecular detection and identification of piroplasms (Babesia spp. and Theileria spp.) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in questing ticks from northwest Spain

Anaplasma phagocytophilum and some piroplasm species are pathogens mainly transmitted by Ixodes ricinus. Considering that this tick species is predominant in north-western Spain, individual specimens (652 nymphs, 202 females and 202 males) and 23 larval pools were processed to determine the prevalence of these pathogens in questing I. ricinus from that region. Additionally, Dermacentor marginatus, Dermacentor reticulatus, Ixodes frontalis and Ixodes acuminatus were individually analysed. The groESL operon as well as the 16S rRNA and msp2 genes of Anaplasma were analysed. Similarly, piroplasms were identified at the 18S rRNA gene and the ITS1 of Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. Babesia venatorum (1.5%), A. phagocytophilum (0.7%), Babesia microti (0.3%) and Theileria sp. OT3 (0.2%) were detected in I. ricinus. A single I. frontalis (8.3%) tested positive to A. phagocytophilum. Although a low percentage of I. ricinus were infected with A. phagocytophilum and piroplasms, a potentially human pathogenic variant of A. phagocytophilum was detected, and both Babesia species found were zoonotic. Since the vector of Theileria sp. OT3 remains unknown, further investigations are needed to unravel the role of I. ricinus in the transmission of this piroplasm.

Ghrelin treatment leads to dendritic spine remodeling in hippocampal neurons and increases the expression of specific BDNF-mRNA species

Ghrelin (Gr) is an orexigenic peptide that acts via its specific receptor, GHSR-1a distributed throughout the brain, being mainly enriched in pituitary, cortex and hippocampus (Hp) modulating a variety of brain functions. Behavioral, electrophysiological and biochemical evidence indicated that Gr modulates the excitability and the synaptic plasticity in Hp. The present experiments were designed in order to extend the knowledge about the Gr effect upon structural synaptic plasticity since morphological and quantitative changes in spine density after Gr administration were analyzed "in vitro" and "in vivo". The results show that Gr administered to hippocampal cultures or stereotactically injected in vivo to Thy-1 mice increases the density of dendritic spines (DS) being the mushroom type highly increased in secondary and tertiary extensions. Spines classified as thin type were increased particularly in primary extensions. Furthermore, we show that Gr enhances selectively the expression of BDNF-mRNA species.

Cytokine expression in bovine PBMC cultures stimulated with Hypoderma lineatum antigens

Hypoderma antigens are involved in host inflammation and immune response, conditioning larvae survival. In this study, peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cultures from Hypoderma sensitized and unsensitized cattle were performed to determine the effect of H. lineatum antigens and incubation time (18, 24, 48 h) on IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10 and IL-4 mRNA gene expression determined by RT-qPCR. TNF-α and IL-4 gene expression were higher in Hypoderma previously sensitized PBMCs, suggesting that a mixed Th1/Th2 response may play a significant role in host defence reactions against Hypoderma exhibited by previously infested cattle. Incubation time had a significant effect on IL-10 and TNF-α gene expression, which decreased over time. Regarding to H. lineatum antigens, the crude larval extract and the purified fraction hypodermin B (HB) produced a significant reduction of the mRNA expression levels of the proinflammatory cytokine, IFN-γ; moreover, the HB had a stimulating effect on the mRNA gene expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, demonstrating that the parasite would modulate the host defence mechanisms by avoiding harmful immune responses that would limit its survival into the host tissues.

Temporal and spatial spread of Hypoderma actaeon infection in roe deer from peninsular Spain determined by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

The host switching of Hypoderma actaeon (Diptera: Oestridae), a specific parasite of red deer (Cervus elaphus), towards roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) has been recently reported in Spain. To provide information about the temporal and spatial spreading of H. actaeon infection in roe deer, 244 serum samples from animals hunted in Spain between 2013 and 2018 were analysed by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The overall seropositivity was 13.9%. Seropositivity was higher in continental (27.7%) and mountainous (12%) areas from central Spain, followed by southern-Mediterranean (11.2%) and northern-oceanic regions (3.5%). Differences were significant between central-continental and northern-oceanic regions (P = 0.003). No differences were found according to the sex and age of roe deer (P > 0.05). In 2013, all seropositive animals were concentrated in two distant areas in central and southern Spain, suggesting that the host switch could have occurred independently in both regions. Changes in the pattern of distribution of red deer and roe deer could have favoured the spreading of this myiasis towards roe deer, indicating that roe deer may become infested by H. actaeon in areas where both cervids coexist at high densities.

Occurrence of Borrelia and Borreliella species in Ixodes ricinus collected from roe deer in northwestern Spain

Ixodes ricinus, comprising the predominant tick species in Europe, can transmit important human pathogens, including Borreliella spp., the causal agent of Lyme borreliosis. One hundred and seventy five roe deer hunted in two areas (plateau and mountain) of Galicia (northwest Spain) were examined for the presence of ticks; all roe deer were infested by I. ricinus. Nymphs (n = 1000), males (n = 1449) and females (n = 1000) of I. ricinus were analysed in pools of up to 10 ticks to detect both Borreliella and Borrelia DNA. The average number of I. ricinus per roe deer was similar in both areas, regardless of the life stage; although the percentage of Borreliella and Borrelia positive pools was higher in ticks collected from roe deer hunted in the plateau area, no significant differences were detected. Sequence analysis at the flagellin gene allowed the identification of four Borreliella species (Borreliella afzelii, Borreliella garinii, Borreliella lusitaniae and Borreliella valaisiana) and Borrelia miyamotoi in adult males; only B. valaisiana and B. miyamotoi were detected in nymphs and all females were negative. All Borreliella and Borrelia species found in roe deer were previously identified in questing I. ricinus collected in the same study area, although the prevalence was lower in the present study. The analysis of male I. ricinus ticks collected from roe deer gives a good estimation of Borreliella diversity in questing ticks.

Association of Ureaplasma diversum with reproductive disease in cattle

Aims: To examine the association between the detection of Ureaplasma diversum in vaginal swabs from dairy cows in north western Spain with the diagnosis of granular vulvovaginitis (GVV) and reproductive performance, and the association with subclinical endometritis (SE) in slaughterhouse material. The presence of this microorganism in cases of abortion was also investigated. Methods: From 106 dairy farms in the province of Lugo, 40 herds were randomly selected. Vaginal swabs were obtained from 10 randomly selected cows per farm, then pooled for analysis to detect the presence of U. diversum by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). In five of these herds samples from the 10 animals were individually tested for U. diversum, and the presence of GVV lesions and their reproductive efficiency (number of inseminations to achieve pregnancy over two subsequent pregnancies) were determined. Vaginal swabs from uteri of cattle obtained at a slaughterhouse (n = 100) were tested for U. diversum and the presence of SE, defined as >5% polymorphonuclear cells in cytobrush smears, was determined. Sixteen farms with abortion problems submitted samples for culture and PCR testing including for U. diversum. Results: Of the 40 herds, 39 (98%) tested positive for U. diversum. On the five farms, 25/50 (50%) cows tested positive for U. diversum, and more cows with GGV-lesions (16/25; 64%) tested positive than cows without lesions (9/25; 36%) (p = 0.047). There were more cows with poor reproductive efficacy that tested positive (8/11; 57%) than tested negative (3/17; 18%) for U. diversum (p = 0.029). Of the 100 uteri, five tested positive for U. diversum and there were more uteri with SE that tested positive (3/19; 16%) than uteri without SE (2/81; 2%) (p = 0.036). U. diversum was also diagnosed in 4/16 farms with abortion problems and liver appeared to be the best tissue for detecting U. diversum DNA in the fetuses analysed. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Infection with U. diversum was present in most of herds investigated and it was statistically associated with GVV, SE and poor reproductive performance. It was also detected in abortions and the liver may also be an additional tissue to be considered in the diagnosis of U. diversum abortion by PCR. The possible association with different diseases in the same area suggests that different presentations should be considered when studying the implications of U. diversum on the reproductive diseases of cattle.

At-risk individuals display altered brain activity following stress

Stress is a major risk factor for almost all psychiatric disorders, however, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms remain largely elusive. In healthy individuals, a successful stress response involves an adequate neuronal adaptation to a changing environment. This adaptive response may be dysfunctional in vulnerable individuals, potentially contributing to the development of psychopathology. In the current study, we investigated brain responses to emotional stimuli following stress in healthy controls and at-risk individuals. An fMRI study was conducted in healthy male controls (N = 39) and unaffected healthy male siblings of schizophrenia patients (N = 39) who are at increased risk for the development of a broad range of psychiatric disorders. Brain responses to pictures from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) were measured 33 min after exposure to stress induced by the validated trier social stress test (TSST) or a control condition. Stress-induced levels of cortisol, alpha-amylase, and subjective stress were comparable in both groups. Yet, stress differentially affected brain responses of schizophrenia siblings versus controls. Specifically, control subjects, but not schizophrenia siblings, showed reduced brain activity in key nodes of the default mode network (PCC/precuneus and mPFC) and salience network (anterior insula) as well as the STG, MTG, MCC, vlPFC, precentral gyrus, and cerebellar vermis in response to all pictures following stress. These results indicate that even in the absence of a psychiatric disorder, at-risk individuals display abnormal functional activation following stress, which in turn may increase their vulnerability and risk for adverse outcomes.

2D:4D and spatial abilities: From rats to humans

Variance in spatial abilities are thought to be determined by in utero levels of testosterone and oestrogen, measurable in adults by the length ratio of the 2nd and 4th digit (2D:4D). We confirmed the relationship between 2D:4D and spatial performance using rats in two different tasks (paired-associate task and watermaze) and replicated this in humans. We further clarified anatomical and functional brain correlates of the association between 2D:4D and spatial performance in humans.

Evaluation of Rhodosporidium fluviale as biocontrol agent against Botrytis cinerea on apple fruit

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the ability of the native yeast Rhodosporidium fluviale to control Botrytis cinerea on apple fruit and to study the possible mechanisms of action with the goal of improving the control of gray mold. For this, the influence of application time of the yeast was studied simulating preventive and curative effects. Also, the effect of nonviable cells of the yeast in the biocontrol was assessed. According to the results obtained, the following mechanisms of action of R. fluviale could be proposed: 1- competition for space, 2- direct interaction between antagonist and pathogen, 3- induction of β-1,3-glucanase in apple tissue, 4- Probable production of glucanase in the apple wounds and 5- antifungal action of cellular components, probably chitin, present in the wall of yeast cells that could be the explanation for the activity of nonviable cells.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Significance and Impact of the Study: Botrytis cinerea Pers: Fr, which causes gray mold of fruits and vegetables around the world, is difficult to control successfully because it is genetically variable and rapidly develops resistance to the chemicals commonly used for its control. This study is a contribution to the biocontrol of this phytopathogen fungus. The evaluation of the native yeast Rhodosporidium fluviale as biocontrol agent and the elucidation of possible mechanisms of action, including the participation of nonviable cells of this yeast, have not been reported up to date.

[Perception of Primary Care physicians on the integration with cardiology through continuity of healthcare programs in secondary prevention]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the perception of Primary Care (PC) physicians on the integration with cardiology (CA) through continuity of healthcare programs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional and multicentre study was conducted, in which a total of 200 PC physicians from all over Spain completed a qualitative survey that evaluated the level of integration with CA in secondary prevention. Physicians were grouped according to the level of PC-CA integration.

RESULTS

The integration between CA and PC was good, but it was better in those centres with a higher integration (74.0% vs. 60.0%; p=.02) and in general, physicians considered that integration had improved (92.0% vs. 73.0%; p<.001). Almost all PC physicians received the hospital discharge report. The majority of the hospital discharge reports included recommendations about the CA and PC follow-up, control of risk factors, as well as the duration of secondary prevention treatment, with not significant differences according to the level of integration. In 55.8%, 63.6%, and 51.3% of hospital discharge reports, indications were given on when to perform the follow-up blood analysis, as well as information about returning to working life and sexual activity, respectively. The most common communication method was the paper-based report (75 vs. 84%; p=NS). The communication between healthcare levels was greater in those Primary Care centres with a higher level of integration, as well as periodicity of the communication and the satisfaction of physicians (80.0% vs. 63.0%; p=.005).

CONCLUSIONS

The level of integration between PC and CA is, in general, satisfactory, but those centres with a higher level of integration benefit more from a greater communication and satisfaction.

How the brain connects in response to acute stress: A review at the human brain systems level

The brain's response to stress is a matter of extensive neurocognitive research in an attempt to unravel the mechanistic underpinnings of neural adaptation. In line with the broadly defined concept of acute stress, a wide variety of induction procedures are used to mimic stress experimentally. We set out to review commonalities and diversities of the stress-related functional activity and connectivity changes of functional brain networks in healthy adults across procedures. The acute stress response is consistently associated with both increased activity and connectivity in the salience network (SN) and surprisingly also with increased activity in the default mode network (DMN), while most studies show no changes in the central executive network. These results confirm earlier findings of an essential, coordinating role of the SN in the acute stress response and indicate a dynamic role of the DMN whose function is less clear. Moreover, paradigm specific brain responses have to be taken into account when investigating the role and the within and between network connectivity of these three networks.

Distribution of Aleutian mink disease virus contamination in the environment of infected mink farms

Control and eradication of Aleutian Mink Disease Virus (AMDV) are a major concern for fur-bearing animal production. Despite notably reducing disease prevalence, current control programs are unable to prevent the reinfection of farms, and environmental AMDV persistence seems to play a major role regarding this issue. In this study 114 samples from different areas and elements of seven infected mink farms were analyzed by qPCR in order to evaluate the environmental distribution of AMDV load. Samples were classified into nine categories, depending on the type of sample and degree of proximity to the animals, the main source of infection. Two different commercial DNA extraction kits were employed in parallel for all samples. qPCR analysis showed 69.3% positive samples with one kit and 81.6% with the other, and significant differences between the two DNA extraction methods were found regarding AMDV DNA recovery. Regarding sample categorization, all categories showed a high percentage of AMDV positive samples (31%-100%). Quantification of positive samples showed a decrease in AMDV load from animal barns to the periphery of the farm. In addition, those elements in direct contact with animals, the street clothes and vehicles of farm workers and personal protective equipment used for sampling showed a high viral load, and statistical analysis revealed significant differences in AMDV load between the first and last categories. These results indicate high environmental contamination of positive farms, which is helpful for future considerations about cleaning and disinfection procedures and biosecurity protocols.

Ghrelin modulates encoding-related brain function without enhancing memory formation in humans

Ghrelin regulates energy homeostasis in various species and enhances memory in rodent models. In humans, the role of ghrelin in cognitive processes has yet to be characterized. Here we show in a double-blind randomized crossover design that acute administration of ghrelin alters encoding-related brain activity, however does not enhance memory formation in humans. Twenty-one healthy young male participants had to memorize food- and non-food-related words presented on a background of a virtual navigational route while undergoing fMRI recordings. After acute ghrelin administration, we observed decreased post-encoding resting state fMRI connectivity between the caudate nucleus and the insula, amygdala, and orbitofrontal cortex. In addition, brain activity related to subsequent memory performance was modulated by ghrelin. On the next day, however, no differences were found in free word recall or cued location-word association recall between conditions; and ghrelin's effects on brain activity or functional connectivity were unrelated to memory performance. Further, ghrelin had no effect on a cognitive test battery comprising tests for working memory, fluid reasoning, creativity, mental speed, and attention. In conclusion, in contrast to studies with animal models, we did not find any evidence for the potential of ghrelin acting as a short-term cognitive enhancer in humans.

Methane potential and anaerobic treatment feasibility of Sargassum muticum

The aim of this research was to study the feasibility of anaerobic digestion of the alga Sargassum muticum with special attention to its biodegradability, potential toxicity caused by its salt content, alga components and intermediate process compounds, and potential limitations to continuous treatment. Specific methane potential (SMP) for three samples of S. muticum collected from the Galician coast (Northwest Spain) at different seasons ranged from 166 to 208 mLCH4/gVS while accumulation of toxic compounds was not observed at alga concentrations of up to 100 gTS/L, except for one of the samples in which inhibition started at 80-100 gTS/L. Continuous digestion is feasible at alga concentration up to 100 gTS/L with methane production rates ranging from 0.14 to 0.26 LCH4/Ld at organic loading rates of 3.2 gTS/Ld, but SMP dropped to 113-159 mLCH4/gVS.

A home telehealth program for patients with severe COPD: the PROMETE study

BACKGROUND

Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOP) are key events in the natural history of the disease. Patients with more AECOPD have worse prognosis. There is a need of innovative models of care for patients with severe COPD and frequent AECOPD, and Telehealth (TH) is part of these programs.

METHODS

In a cluster assignment, controlled trial study design, we recruited 60 patients, 30 in home telehealth (HT) and 30 in conventional care (CC). All participants had a prior diagnosis of COPD with a post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume (FEV1)% predicted <50%, age ≥ 50 years, were on long-term home oxygen therapy, and non-smokers. Patients in the HT group measured their vital signs on a daily bases, and data were transmitted automatically to a Clinical Monitoring Center for followed-up, and who escalated clinical alerts to a Pneumologist.

RESULTS

After 7-month of monitoring and follow-up, there was a significant reduction in ER visits (20 in HT vs. 57 in CC), hospitalizations (12 vs. 33), length of hospital stay in (105 vs. 276 days), and even need for non-invasive mechanical ventilation (0 vs. 8), all p < 0.05. Time to the first severe AECOPD increased from 77 days in CC to 141 days in HT (K-M p < 0.05). There was no study withdrawals associated with technology. All patients showed a high level of satisfaction with the HT program.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that HT in elderly, severe COPD patients with multiple comorbidities is safe and efficacious in reducing healthcare resources utilization.

Evaluation of the use of pooled fecal samples for the diagnosis of protostrongylid infections in sheep

The Baermann-Wetzel method is the recommended test for the diagnosis of lungworm infections. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of pooled fecal samples for the diagnosis of protostrongylid infections in sheep flocks and to investigate the sensitivity of the pooled Baermann-Wetzel technique in relation to individual analysis, which is time consuming and expensive. Fecal samples were taken from 10 sheep flocks positive for protostrongylids located in northwestern Spain. Ten pools composed of 6 individual fecal samples, chosen at random from the entire flock sampling, were performed for each flock at the same time as individual analyses. Protostrongylid larvae were detected in 56 pools, with a 56% flock sensitivity. Flock sensitivity was positively associated with the within-flock prevalence (P<0.001), but not with the mean larvae output. A high sensitivity (78.3%) has been observed in flocks with medium or high prevalence, so pooled fecal samples can be used in those flocks that require an effective treatment regimen against these nematodes.

Gastrointestinal nematode infections in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from the NW of the Iberian Peninsula: assessment of some risk factors

Intestinal contents of 218 roe deer hunted in the northwest (NW) of the Iberian Peninsula during the 2008-2009 hunting seasons were examined in order to provide information on the gastrointestinal (GI) nematode prevalence and intensity of infection and the possible influence of some environmental and intrinsic factors such as climatic conditions, age and sex. All the animals studied harboured GI nematodes, and a total of 20 different species belonging to ten genera were identified. Spiculopteragia spiculoptera/Spiculopteragia mathevossiani, Ostertagia leptospicularis/Ostertagia kolchida and Nematodirus filicollis were the most common. This is the first citation for Chabertia ovina, Cooperia pectinata, Cooperia punctata, Cooperia oncophora, Haemonchus contortus, Nematodirus spathiger, Oesophagostomum venulosum, Teladorsagia trifurcata, Trichostrongylus capricola, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Trichostrongylus vitrinus and Trichuris capreoli in roe deer from the Iberian Peninsula. Prevalence and intensity were significantly higher in the abomasum, where infections with more than one GI nematode species were the most common; in the other intestinal segments infections with only one GI nematode species were the most prevalent. When considering the influence of the different risk factors on the prevalence of GI nematodes, the highest prevalence for most of the genera were observed in roe deer from coastal areas, where climatic conditions are more favourable for the development and survival of third stage larvae in the environment. Regarding the sex of the animals, the prevalence was, in general, higher in males than in females, probably due to behavioural and physiological sex-related differences. On the contrary, no differences were found in relation to the age of the animals. This study reveals that roe deer from the NW of the Iberian Peninsula are widely and intensely infected with gastrointestinal nematodes, which probably affect the health status of these ungulates.

BDNF Val66Met genotype modulates the effect of childhood adversity on subgenual anterior cingulate cortex volume in healthy subjects

According to the neurotrophic hypothesis of depression, stress can lead to brain atrophy by modifying brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. Given that BDNF secretion is affected by a common polymorphism (rs6265, Val66Met), which also is associated with depression, we investigated whether this polymorphism modifies the effect of childhood adversity (CA) on local gray matter (GM) volume in depression-relevant brain regions, using data from two large cohorts of healthy subjects. We included 568 healthy volunteers (aged 18-50 years, 63% female) in our study, for whom complete data were available, with magnetic resonance imaging data at 1.5 Tesla (N=275) or 3 Tesla (N=293). We used a whole brain optimized voxel-based morphometry (VBM) approach assessing genotype-dependent GM differences, with focus on the amygdala, hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex (PFC; including anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and orbitomedial PFC). CA was assessed using a validated questionnaire. In both cohorts, we found that BDNF methionine (Met)-allele carriers with a history of CA had significantly less GM in subgenual ACC (P<0.05) compared with Met-allele carriers without CA and Val/Val homozygotes with CA. No differences were found in hippocampus, amygdala and orbitomedial PFC. On the basis of our findings, we conclude that BDNF Met-allele carriers are particularly sensitive to CA. Given the key role of the subgenual ACC in emotion regulation, this finding provides an important mechanistic link between stress and BDNF on one hand and mood impairments on the other hand.

NOTES, hybrid NOTES, NOTES-assisted kidney surgery: what has been achieved so far?

With improved technologies and the development of new techniques, has emerged the concept of "scarless surgery" in an attempt to treat certain diseases obviating the need for incisions to access the peritoneal cavity, resulting in direct benefit to patients and assuming an improvement in quality of life and offering an advantage over conventional laparoscopy. Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) are evolutions of laparoscopy, and they are complementary techniques that should be included in this new concept. NOTES is an emerging surgical modality that uses endoscopic instruments through hollow viscera to enter the peritoneal cavity and allow surgical procedures without incisions. The NOTES procedure may provide additional benefits when compared with current minimally invasive procedures. Potential advantages include no skin incisions, improved cosmetic result, reduced postoperative pain, diminished risk of postoperative hernias, and earlier recovery. NOTES surgery has still some inconvenient regarding instrumentals, viewing orientation, control of complications. Attempts to overcome the current limitations of the technique have given rise to the concept of hybrid NOTES, which is performed with the assistance of transabdominal ports for the use of conventional laparoscopy equipment. NOTES is a very promising technique although further investigation is necessary until implementing NOTES surgery in the common clinical practice.

Amygdala to hippocampal volume ratio is associated with negative memory bias in healthy subjects

BACKGROUND

Negative memory bias is thought to be one of the main cognitive risk and maintenance factors for depression, but its neural substrates are largely unknown. Here, we studied whether memory bias is related to amygdala and hippocampal volume, two structures that are critical for emotional memory processes and that show consistent volume alterations in depression.

METHOD

Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was carried out in 272 healthy participants (62% female, 18-50 years old). All images were acquired on 1.5 T Siemens MRI scanners. Automatic segmentation of amygdala and hippocampus was performed using the FIRST module of FSL. Negative memory bias was assessed by the self-referent encoding/evaluation test.

RESULTS

Negative memory bias was associated with larger amygdala (p=0.042) and smaller hippocampal (p=0.029) volumes. In additional analyses, we found that, compared with the associations found with hippocampus and amygdala volume separately, a stronger association was found between negative memory bias and the ratio of amygdala:hippocampus volume (p=0.021).

CONCLUSIONS

In non-depressed subjects we found that larger amygdala and smaller hippocampal volumes are associated with negative memory bias. This suggests that an increased amygdala:hippocampus volume ratio plays a role in cognitive vulnerability often seen in individuals with high risk for depression and that these structural brain differences may pre-date the onset of depression.

Interaction between BDNF Val66Met and childhood stressful life events is associated to affective memory bias in men but not women

Recent meta-analyses point towards a pathogenic role of the Val66Met variant of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in major depressive disorder, specifically in males. We investigated whether BDNF Val66Met shows a male-specific interaction with childhood stressful life events on affective memory bias, a cognitive susceptibility factor for depression. Healthy volunteers (n=430; 272 females and 158 males) were genotyped for BDNF Val66Met (rs6265) and completed the self-referent encoding task and a childhood stressful life events scale. BDNF Met carriers reporting childhood events tended to recall a lower proportion of positive words compared to Val/Val homozygotes reporting childhood events. Sex-specific analyses revealed that the BDNF genotype×childhood events interaction was significant in male participants and not in female participants. The results suggest that in males, BDNF Val66Met interacts with childhood life events, increasing the cognitive susceptibility markers of depression. In females, this effect may be independent of BDNF Val66Met.

Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Visna/Maedi virus in semi-intensive lamb-producing flocks in northwestern Spain

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine Visna/Maedi virus (VMV) seroprevalence and risk factors in semi-intensive lamb-producing flocks as a prelude to establishing a monitoring program in northwestern (NW) Spain. A total of 15,155 serum samples were taken from 78 commercial flocks and were submitted to an indirect VMV ELISA. Association between potential risk factors and seroprevalence at the flock level was assessed using a multivariable logistic regression model. A Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) model and Exhaustive Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detector (CHAID) were used to determine the seropositivity against VMV at the individual animal level. Individual seropositivity was 24.8% while 52.6% of the flocks examined had a true seroprevalence ≥1%. Flock size and introduction of new animals in the flock were significantly associated with seropositivity at the flock level. Flock size, sheep-goat contact, type of housing of lambs prior to weaning and age were significantly associated with individual VMV seropositivity. Confinement of lambs in preweaning lamb groups and high sheep-goat contact, regardless of the low number of goats per flock, were risk factors associated with individual VMV seropositivity, suggesting that these two factors are crucial for VMV control in semi-intensive lamb-producing flocks. These factors should be considered for developing more efficient strategies that will reduce the rate of VMV transmission.

Neural basis of emotion recognition deficits in first-episode major depression

BACKGROUND

Depressed individuals demonstrate a poorer ability to recognize the emotions of others, which could contribute to difficulties in interpersonal behaviour. This emotion recognition deficit appears related to the depressive state and is particularly pronounced when emotions are labelled semantically. Here, we investigated its neural basis by comparing emotion recognition processing between depressed, recovered and healthy individuals.

METHOD

Medication-naive patients with a first major depressive episode, medication-free patients who had recovered from a first episode, and a group of matched healthy individuals participated. They were requested to identify the emotion of angry and fearful face stimuli, either by matching them to other emotional faces on a perceptual basis or by matching them to a semantic label, while their brain activity was measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging.

RESULTS

The depressed individuals performed worse than recovered and healthy individuals on the emotion-labelling but not the emotion-matching task. The labelling deficit was related to increased recruitment of the right amygdala, left inferior frontal gyrus and anterior cingulate cortex.

CONCLUSIONS

Deficits in semantic labelling of negative emotions are related to increased activation in specific brain regions and these abnormalities are mood state-dependent. These results indicate that accessing semantic knowledge about negative information triggers increased amygdala and left inferior frontal gyrus processing, which subsequently impairs task-relevant behaviour. We propose that this may reflect the activation of negative schemas.

Perceived threat predicts the neural sequelae of combat stress

Exposure to severe stressors increases the risk for psychiatric disorders in vulnerable individuals, but can lead to positive outcomes for others. However, it remains unknown how severe stress affects neural functioning in humans and what factors mediate individual differences in the neural sequelae of stress. The amygdala is a key brain region involved in threat detection and fear regulation, and previous animal studies have suggested that stress sensitizes amygdala responsivity and reduces its regulation by the prefrontal cortex. In this study, we used a prospective design to investigate the consequences of severe stress in soldiers before and after deployment to a combat zone. We found that combat stress increased amygdala and insula reactivity to biologically salient stimuli across the group of combat-exposed individuals. In contrast, its influence on amygdala coupling with the insula and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex was dependent on perceived threat, rather than actual exposure, suggesting that threat appraisal affects interoceptive awareness and amygdala regulation. Our results demonstrate that combat stress has sustained consequences on neural responsivity, and suggest a key role for the appraisal of threat on an amygdala-centered neural network in the aftermath of severe stress.

The immediate effects of diacutaneous fibrolysis on pain and mobility in patients suffering from painful shoulder: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study

OBJECTIVES

To describe the immediate effects of diacutaneous fibrolysis on pain and mobility in patients suffering from painful shoulder, and to assess the ability of the placebo technique to blind participants to group allocation.

DESIGN

A double-blind before-after randomized placebo-controlled pilot study.

SETTING

Two public centres of Primary Health Care of the Spanish National Health System.

PARTICIPANTS

Fifty patients (29 women, 21 men) with a diagnosis of painful shoulder of subacromial origin were included.

INTERVENTION

Participants were randomly allocated to one of two groups. The intervention group (N = 25) was actually treated with diacutaneous fibrolysis, while the placebo group (N = 25) was treated with placebo diacutaneous fibrolysis.

MEASUREMENTS

Active range of motion (flexion, abduction, extension, external and internal rotation) and pain intensity in the hand-behind-back position were measured. Participants were also asked about their perception in terms of comfort of the technique and results obtained.

RESULTS

Between-groups differences were significant in flexion (mean 11.4 degrees; 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.7-17.1), abduction (mean 7.2 degrees; 95% CI 2.0-12.5) and internal rotation movements (mean 3.1 cm; 95% CI 0.1-6.1). There were no significant differences between groups in pain intensity, extension or external rotation movements. The placebo technique showed its ability to blind participants to group allocation. None of the participants suffered any adverse effects from diacutaneous fibrolysis.

CONCLUSION

Diacutaneous fibrolysis may be an effective and safe therapeutic option to improve active range of motion in patients suffering from painful shoulder.

Efficacy of anthelminthic control programs against natural Muellerius capillaris infection in sheep in the north-west of Spain. Effect on blood gases and pH in venous blood samples

The field efficacy of a single dose treatment against natural M. capillaris infection using different anthelmintic drugs, extensively employed in ovine parasite control programs in Galicia (N.W. Spain), and the effect of protostrongylid infection on ovine respiratory functions, were evaluated. Five groups (n = 5) of ewes were used in this study; animals were treated with injectable ivermectin 10.2 mg/kg), levamisole (7.5 mg/kg) and albendazole (5 mg/kg) and monitored at 0, 7, 21, 42 and 63 days posttreatment (d.p.t.) by enumeration of the lungworm larvae per gram of faeces (l.p.g.) and determination of gas tension and pH in venous blood using an i-Stat portable clinical analyzer. No statistical difference was found either in larval elimination between untreated and treated groups or in the reduction in larval counts in all of the treated groups. A significant increase in partial oxygen tension (pO2) and saturation (sO2) between day 0 and 7 p.t. was observed in all treated animals. These values decreased significantly at day 21 to previous levels. There were no statistical differences in blood gases between uninfected and treated groups. We can conclude that under Galician field conditions, parasitic control programs are not totally effective against M. capillaris infection.

422 GENERATION OF REPORTER TRANSGENIC MICE FOR THE CHEMOKINE CXCL2 USING TWO DIFFERENT DNA CONCENTRATIONS

Transgenic mice have important implications in biomedicine, and are widely employed to understand gene functions and their regulation. The improvement of transgenic efficiency is relevant because of the low rate of success for this technology. CXCL2 is a chemokine secreted by macrophages and epithelial cells under proinflammatory stimulus of the innate immune response such as bacterial endotoxins. The main effect of CXCL2 is the recruitment of neutrophils to the site of production to fight infections. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of 2 DNA concentrations in the efficiency of the transgenesis process. To this aim we used a luciferase reporter under the control of CXCL2 promoter for the generation of a transgenic line to report activation of innate immune response. A total of 1727 1-cell embryos were divided into 2 experimental groups to be microinjected with 0.5 or 1.0 ng μL-1 of DNA in 25 sessions. Three-week-old B6SJL F1 females (n = 131) were superovulated with 5 IU of eCG i.p. (Novormon, Syntex, Buenos Aires, Argentina) and 5 IU of hCG i.p. (Ovusyn, Syntex) 46 h later, and mated with B6SJL F1 stud males. At the moment of hCG treatment, foster females were mated with vasectomized males to induce pseudogestation. Donor females were euthanized by cervical dislocation 20 h after hCG treatment, and embryos were recovered from the ampulla, denuded in 300 μg mL-1 hyaluronidase (Sigma, St. Louis, MO, USA) and incubated at 37°C with 5% CO2, in drops of M16 media (Sigma) under mineral oil, until microinjection. DNA construction consisted of the luciferase reporter gene under the control of the murine CXCL2 gene promoter. Embryos were microinjected into 1 pronucleus under an inverted microscope (Nikon, NY, USA) using glass microtools and mechanic micromanipulators (Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany). Intact/injected embryos were assessed 30 min after microinjection. Fifteen to 20 embryos per foster female were transferred in both oviducts. Birth rate, survival of pups at Day 7 after birth, number of transgenic pups assessed by standard PCR, and overall transgenic efficiency was registered for each group. Data were analyzed by Yates-corrected chi-square test. No statistical differences were founded except for a higher number of pups alive/embryo transferred in the lower DNA concentration, suggesting the advantage of using 0.5 ng μL-1 v. 1.0 ng μL-1. Table 1.Effect of DNA concentration in the generation of CXCL2-luc transgenic mice