Metal accumulation in female green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) from Eastern Atlantic affects their egg quality with potential implications for embryonic development

Sea turtles, with their global distribution and complex life cycle, often accumulate pollutants such as metals and metalloids due to their extended lifespan and feeding habits. However, there are limited studies exploring the impact of metal pollution on the reproductive health of female sea turtles, specifically focusing on the quality of their eggs, which has significant implications for the future generations of these charismatic animals. São Tomé Island, a crucial nesting and feeding habitat for green sea turtles, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive research in this ecologically significant area. This study aimed to investigate whether metals and metalloids in the blood of nesting female green sea turtles induce genotoxic effects in their erythrocytes and affect their egg morphometric characteristics and the composition of related compartments. Additionally, this study aimed to evaluate whether the quality of energetic reserves for embryo development (fatty acids in yolk's polar and neutral lipids) is influenced by the contamination status of their predecessors. Results revealed correlations between Cu and Hg levels and increased "lobed" erythrocytes, while As and Cu negatively influenced shell thickness. In terms of energy reserves, both polar and neutral lipid fractions contained primarily saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, with prevalent 18:1n-9, 18:0, 16:0, 14:0, and 12:0 fatty acids in yolk samples. The yolk polar fraction was more susceptible to contaminant levels in female sea turtles, showing consistent negative correlations between pollution load index and essential n3 fatty acids, including linolenic, eicosatrienoic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosapentaenoic acids, crucial for embryonic development. These metals accumulation, coupled with the reduced availability of these key fatty acids, may disrupt the eicosanoid and other important pathways, affecting reproductive development. This study reveals a negative correlation between metal contamination in female sea turtles' blood and egg lipid reserves, raising concerns about embryonic development and the species' future generations.

Green and Hawksbill Sea turtles of Eastern Atlantic: New insights into a globally important rookery in the Gulf of Guinea

Sea turtles are critical components of marine ecosystems, and their conservation is important for Ocean Governance and Global Planet Health. However, there is limited knowledge of their ecology in the Gulf of Guinea. To fill this knowledge gap, this study presents the first integrative assessment of green and hawksbill turtles in the region, combining nesting surveys over 9 years and telemetry data, to offer insights into these population dynamics, and behaviours, including nesting preferences, morphological and reproductive parameters, diving patterns and inter-nesting core-use areas. Both green and hawksbill turtles are likely making a recovery on São Tomé, potentially driven by sustained conservation efforts. There are preliminary indications of recovery, but we interpret this cautiously. Coupled with satellite tracking, this study estimated that 482 to 736 green turtles and 135 to 217 hawksbills nest on the beaches of São Tomé. Their movements overlap significantly with a proposed Marine Protected Area (MPA), which suggests they may be well placed for conservation if managed appropriately. However, the presence of artisanal fisheries and emerging threats, such as sand mining and unregulated tourism, highlight the urgent need for robust management strategies that align global conservation objectives with local socioeconomic realities. This study significantly enhances our understanding of the ecology and conservation needs of the green and hawksbill turtles in the Gulf of Guinea. The insights gleaned here can contribute to the development of tailored conservation strategies that benefit these populations and the ecosystem services upon which they depend.

A Change of Paradigm in the Management of Acute Psychiatric Episodes? A Retrospective Cohort Study on Trajectories of Use of Clinical Resources After the Implementation of Intensive Home-Treatment

Intensive home treatment (IHT) has shown to be a feasible alternative to hospitalization for the management of acute psychiatric episodes, but there are no real-world studies assessing if patients with a first IHT use it again for the management of their recurrences. The objectives of this retrospective cohort study were to map the use ofacute treatment resources after the implementation of IHT in our territory through the establishment of trajectories of management, and to disentangle if there are profiles of patients who fit better each trajectory. We included the first 1000 episodes admitted to IHT, of which we selected those that corresponded to the first IHT of a patient (index admission). Trajectories after the index admission were: (T-A) absence of use of acute resources, (T-B) only IHT, and (T-C) at least one hospitalization. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 6 years. We calculated the frequency of each trajectory and performed univariate analyses searching for associations between trajectory and clinical factors. Among those patients with psychiatric history (N = 659), 66.2% followedT-A, 11.2% T-B, and 22.6% T-C. The probability of following T-C was higher for patients with a psychotic disorder (pBonf = 0.018) and with previous hospitalizations (pBonf < 0.0001). Among those patients without psychiatric history (N = 168), 82.7% followed T-A, 6.6% T-B, and 10.7% T-C. The probability of following T-B was higher for those with a higher severity at the index admission (pBonf = 0.028). This study shows that some -or even all- recurrences of some subjects were successfully managed with IHT, providing real-world evidence for its use in acute psychiatric conditions.

Abstract 4327: MSI cancer associated DNA (TA)n-dinucleotide repeat expansions and implications for Werner synthetic lethality

Microsatellite instability (MSI) is caused by deficient DNA mismatch repair (MMR) and is a ubiquitous feature of cancer. Werner syndrome (WRN) helicase is involved in genome stability and DNA repair. We identified WRN as a synthetic-lethal target in dMMR/MSI cancers and highlighted WRN inhibition as a therapeutic option for dMMR/MSI cancers refractory to available therapies. A previously unappreciated genetic feature of dMMR/MSI cancer cells, DNA (TA)n-dinucleotide repeat expansions, were recently reported to cause vulnerability to WRN depletion. Our mechanistic understanding of TA-dinucleotide repeat expansion biology is limited, and their potential therapeutic implications are unclear. To investigate the landscape of these alterations in cancer, we inferred (TA)-dinucleotide repeat expansions by performing coverage analysis in a collection of hundreds of preclinical cancer models and human tumors (PCAWG) profiled by whole genome sequencing (WGS). We validated our findings in cancer cell lines and organoid cultures by performing long-read WGS. Furthermore, we investigated TA-expansions in single-cell-derived clones from human MSI tumors and cancer organoids. Finally, we inferred TA repeats in laser capture microdissection (LCMB)-derived samples obtained from patients affected by familial cancer predisposition syndromes. Our analysis unveils the landscape of TA-repeats alterations in a large collection of tumors and preclinical models, informing on the level of inter-tumor heterogeneity and their association with variable levels of WRN dependency. In addition, we investigated intra-patient tumor heterogeneity of TA-repeats length both within clonal organoids expanded from normal and neoplastic colorectal stem cells, and within different subclones derived from MSI cancer organoids. Furthermore, analysis of non-neoplastic and neoplastic tissues from patients affected by familial cancer predisposition syndromes revealed the pattern of TA-repeats expansions associated with various DNA-repair pathway alterations. Finally, we will discuss the clinical implications of our findings, as TA-repeats heterogeneity may affect sensitivity and resistance to the future generation of WRN inhibitors. Our data provide fresh insights into the inter and intra-tumoral heterogeneity of TA-dinucleotide repeat expansions in human cancers. These data contribute to understanding the role of MMR in cancer and exploiting Werner as a therapeutic target in cancer.

Citation Format: Gabriele Picco, Shriram Bhosle, Maria Kalyva, Elena Grassi, Freddy Gibson, Angham Al Saedi, Sara Vieira, Mathijs Sanders, Livio Trusolino, Andrea Bertotti, Isidro Cortes-Ciriano, Mathew Garnett. MSI cancer associated DNA (TA)n-dinucleotide repeat expansions and implications for Werner synthetic lethality. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 4327.

Development of an electrochemical sensor modified with dealuminated zeolite with citric acid for hydroxyzine determination by BIA-Amperometry

An electrochemical sensor modified with zeolite dealuminated with citric acid was developed for the determination of hydroxyzine in pharmaceutical products during BIA-amperometry experiments. The modified electrochemical sensor was prepared by mixing powdered graphite with zeolite treated with citric acid homogenized with hexane and mineral oil (60:20:20% w/w/w respectively). The developed sensor showed reproducible amperometric responses in a linear range of 1.0x10-6 – 2.0x10-5 mol L-1 in +1,28V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The detection limit and detection limit found were 3.10x10-7 mol L-1 e 1.04x10-6 mol L-1, respectively. The method developed by BIA-amperometry was applied for the determination of the analyte in tablets and commercial syrups and the results found agreement with the nominal values of the commercial samples.

Are exercise programs relevant in psychiatric wards?

Introduction

About 3% of the general population suffers from Severe Mental Illness (SMI), including schizophrenia spectrum, bipolar and major depressive disorders. In this group, the rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome are approximately twice as high as the general population and the life expectancy is 13-30 years inferior compared to age and sex matched controls, greatly due to medical comorbidities. Low levels of physical activity (PA) and low fitness are likely to play a role.

Objectives

To review the evidence about the effects of PA on physical health markers and psychiatric clinical symptoms of SMI patients.

Methods

We performed a literature review on the impact of exercise programs in physical and mental health of SMI patients using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases.

Results

Several studies demonstrate that PA improves a variety of physical health markers in SMI patients, such as body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, body fat percentage, cardiorespiratory fitness, systolic blood pressure and HDL cholesterol. In parallel, there is evidence to support the benefit of PA in mental health, especially due to its effect on mood. Furthermore, PA promotes cognitive functioning, sleep quality, quality of life, self-esteem and fosters social interaction. Moreover, in patients with schizophrenia, exercise seems to decrease negative symptoms.

Conclusions

Implementation of regular physical activities in psychiatric wards should be considered whenever possible, due to its positive effects on physical and mental health. The adoption of structured exercise programs in psychiatric wards is feasible, safe, and well-received by patients.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Risk factors and prevention of posttraumatic stress disorder in Intensive Care Unit patients

Introduction

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with exposure to an actual death or serious injury threatening event , as is the example of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patient, and it is characterized by dissociative, avoidance, cognitive and mood symptoms. (1) It is known that ICU patients may develop PTSD with an incidence rate of 10%. (2)

Objectives

Comprehend the correlation between PTSD development and ICU care and its risk factors and ways of prevention.

Methods

The authors conducted a literature review by searching the Pubmed database using the keywords PTSD; ICU; Risk Factors; Prevention.

Results

The studies show that the risk factors are associated to: Intensive care like mechanic ventilation, sedation (like using midazolam, lorazepam or opioid); individual’s characteristics like being younger than 50 years old, personal history of depression, feminine gender and lower levels of cortisol, and experiencing cognitive alterations, as hallucinations, delirium, amnesia and delirant memory, or anxiety while under ICU care. (1,3,4,5) As a form of prevention non pharmacological measures are the most consensual. Pharmacologic hypothesis should be applied in the first 6 hours of trauma and could be hydrocortisone, as it is thought to be a protective factor for memory consolidation, but the conclusions are not consistent.(6)

Conclusions

There are a lot of people that develop PTSD in the ICU context who are not diagnosed and therefore not treated. In this way, it is necessary to identify the patients with more risk factors, apply the non-pharmacological measures and evaluate the person after discharge.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

That song in my head: a review on Musical Hallucinations

Introduction

Hearing music inside our heads is frequent, however some hear it more vividly, constantly and involuntarily. Musical Hallucinations (MH), first described by Baillarger in 1846, are a complex type of auditory hallucination characterized by perception of melodies, music, or songs.

Objectives

This work aims to review the literature considering MH.

Methods

Pubmed and Google Scholar search using MeSH term “musical hallucinations”

Results

MH occurs in 0.16% of the population. They´re usually perceived as frightening or annoying. Proposed mechanisms include spontaneous activity triggered by sensory deprivation from hearing impairment, like in visual hallucinations in Charles Bonnet syndrome, and some authors even include MH as a subtype of this syndrome. Indeed, 60% of all patients with MH have hearing impairment or deafness. Other less frequent causes include focal brain lesions involving the auditory pathway and cortex, temporal epilepsy, metabolic or drug intoxication. Psychiatric conditions are uncommon but not impossible, especially in affective disorders. MH most frequently consist in familiar tunes, sometimes of personal significance, religious songs (especially in older patients), childhood songs, folk and popular songs from the radio - suggesting that musical perception is never unlearned but represents a “parasitic memory”, an unchangeable memory feature which can be experienced by relevant neuronal circuit stimulation. Most patients with MH were reported to have no extraordinary musical skills.

Conclusions

MH are rare and strongly associated with hearing loss, though investigation of other causes should be sought. Treating the underlying cause is important but remission is not guaranteed.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Stress response markers in the blood of São Tomé green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and their relation with accumulated metal levels

Metals are persistent worldwide being harmful for diverse organisms and having complex and combined effects with other contaminants in the environment. Sea turtles accumulate these contaminants being considered good bioindicator species for marine pollution. However, very little is known on how this is affecting these charismatic animals. São Tomé and Príncipe archipelago harbours important green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) nesting and feeding grounds. The main goal of this study was to determine metal and metalloid accumulation in the blood of females C. mydas nesting in São Tomé Island, and evaluate the possible impacts of this contamination by addressing molecular stress responses. Gene expression analysis was performed in blood targeting genes involved in detoxification/sequestration and metal transport (mt, mtf and fer), and in antioxidant and oxidative stress responses (cat, sod, gr, tdx, txrd, selp and gclc). Micronuclei analysis in blood was also addressed as a biomarker of genotoxicity. Present results showed significant correlations between different gene expressions with the metals evaluated. The best GLM models and significant relationships were found for mt expression, for which 78% of the variability was attributed to metal levels (Al, Cu, Fe, Hg, Pb and Zn), followed by micronuclei count (65% - Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn and Zn), tdx expression (52% - Cd, Fe, Mn, Pb and Se), and cat expression (52% - As, Fe, Se and Cd x Hg). Overall, this study demonstrates that these green sea turtles are trying to adapt to the oxidative stress and damage produced by metals through the increased expression of antioxidants and other protectors, which raises concerns about the impacts on these endangered organisms' fitness. Furthermore, promising biomarker candidates associated to metal stress were identified in this species that may be used in future biomonitoring studies using C. mydas' blood, allowing for a temporal follow-up of the organisms.

Effect of exercise training on amyloid-like protein aggregates among patients with heart failure

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): MG and CS were supported by a PhD FCT grant (SFRH/BD/128893/2017) and by an individual grant from CAPES [BEX 0554/14-6], respectively. This work was financially supported by the project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-030011, funded by FEDER, through COMPETE2020-POCI, and by national funds, through FCT/MCTES (PTDC/MEC-CAR/30011/2017). iBiMED is a research unit supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (REF: UID/BIM/04501/2020) and FEDER/Compete2020 funds).

Introduction

Amyloid-like protein aggregates play a decisive role in the pathology of heart failure. Alterations in protein homeostasis, in particular, the clearance of toxic amyloid-like aggregates are emerging therapeutic targets in cardiovascular medicine. The clinical benefits of cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training are widely accepted in heart failure; however, little is known about the potential benefit of exercise training in amyloid-like protein aggregates.

Purpose

To assess the effects of a moderate-intensity exercise training program on amyloid-like protein aggregates levels among patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

Methods

Eighteen subjects participated in the study; eight patients (age: 66.6 ± 5.9 years; FEVE: 38.4 ± 8.9%) with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction participated in a 3-month exercise training program (2 x 60 min sessions per week of moderate-intensity aerobic and resistance exercise). Ten healthy subjects (age: 68. 4 ± 3.1 years) were recruited to an age-matched reference group.  Amyloid-like protein aggregates were assessed before and after 3 months of exercise training. Clinical data, medication, anthropometrics, and cardiorespiratory fitness were also assessed. Thioflavin T (ThT) dye fluorescence was used to quantify the plasma levels of amyloid-like aggregates and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was applied to evaluate the conformation of cross-β-sheet structures characteristic of amyloid protein aggregates.

Results

Exercise program improved cardiorespiratory fitness by 14.0 ± 17.1% (17.4 ± 3.2 to 19.7 ± 2.9 ml/kg/min) and reduced NT-proBNP levels by 16.5% (34.2) (median concentration of 632 pg/mL (720.8) to 517.5 pg/mL (707.0)) in the heart failure patients. A slight decrease of amyloid-like aggregates levels was observed in post-exercise training samples (a reduction of 3.1%); interestingly, after the exercise training program, the heart failure patients showed levels of amyloid-like aggregates similar to the reference group (1132.0 ± 114.2 vs. 1094.8 ± 132.9 a.u.). Additionally, the PLS-R multivariate analysis of the amide I region of the FTIR spectra revealed enrichment of antiparallel β-sheets (1693 cm-1) assigned to amyloid-like oligomers in the samples of heart failure patients before, but not after, the exercise program. Of note, oligomeric species, as intermediates of amyloid assembly, can contribute to the increase of amyloid burden, but also, some have been reported to be highly reactive and toxic to cells, being key elements of amyloid pathogenesis.

Conclusions

 Our preliminary results indicate that 3 months of exercise training may have significant effects on amyloid-like oligomers, and start hindering the formation of the larger ThT-positive aggregates among patients with heart failure.

Abstract Figure.

To fast or not to fast

Introduction

Ramadan happens in the ninth month of the Muslim lunar calendar. The cycle of the sun marks the beginning and the end of fasting. Its duration varies depending on the season: approximately 18 h in the summer to approximately 12 h during winter. The obligation to eat only during the night leads to an important change in the circadian rhythm There are certain psychiatric illnesses wherein people are very sensitive to this circadian disruption, bipolar disorder in particular. We know that a regulated circadian rhythm with adequate sleep are essential for symptom regulation and mood stability, with the risk of relapse or worsening symptoms. Additionally, some medications have to be maintained at a specific therapeutic index, namely lithium, a common mood stabilizer used to treat bipolar disorder.

Objectives

To review the impact of Ramadan on patients with bipolar disorder

Methods

Pubmed and Google Scholar search using the keywords Bipolar disorder, Ramadan, circadian rhythm, fasting, sleep deprivation

Results

All physiologic parameters are influenced by the circadian rhythm, which is influenced in its turn by the food rhythm. Studies on the effects of Ramadan on mood and mental health in the general population provide contradicting evidence. The inability to take medications during the day, dehydration and other somatic changes that necessitate dosing modification may lead to psychiatric symptom exacerbation.

Conclusions

Patients with bipolar disorder might be particularly sensitive to circadian rhythm disturbances and could require increased monitoring of their symptoms during this month.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Cotard syndrome in a patient with multiple sclerosis: A case report

Introduction

“Cotard syndrome” is a rare condition characterized by a constellation of clinical features, including hypochondriac and nihilistic delusions, the most characteristic of which are the ideas that one is dead or that their organs do not exist. It is more commonly associated with psychotic depression and schizophrenia but can also be found in several neurological disorders. In the clinical practice it generally appears as an “incomplete Cotard”, reduced to hypochondriac delusions attributed to the malfunction or occlusion of the organs, usually the digestive tract and abdominal viscera. Consequently it is common for these patients to reject food or medications. In literature it has been divided into three types, according to the clinical symptoms: psychotic depression, Cotard type I, and Cotard type II.

Objectives

Literature review on Cotard Syndrome and its link with Multiple Sclerosis, based on a clinical case.

Methods

Pubmed and Google Scholar search using the keywords Cotard Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis.

Results

Hereby we present a clinical case of a 53-year-old female patient, with multiple sclerosis, who presented with hypochondriac and nihilistic delusions and refusal of food and medication. The patient was treated with olanzapine with rapid remission of delusional activity.

Conclusions

Multiple sclerosis is an immunemediated chronic disease, affecting predominantly the sensory and motor function. In addition, psychiatric comorbidity is very frequent with up to 50 % lifetime risk of depression. While various neurological disorders have been described in association with Cotard syndrome, its link with multiple sclerosis has been scarcely reported.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

The worms that invade your brain

Introduction

Neurocysticercosis is a parasitic infection of the central nervous system and caused by the pork tapeworm Taenia solium. Humans become infected after consuming undercooked food or water contaminated with tapeworm eggs, or through poor hygiene practices. The clinical manifestations of neurocysticercosis (NCC) largely depend on the number, type, size, localization, and stage of development of cysticerci, as well as on the host immune response against the parasite. Seizures are the most common manifestations of NCC (70–90%) of patients, followed by headache (38%), focal deficits (16%) and signs of intracranial hypertension (ICH) (12%), but psychiatric symptoms can also be seen.

Objectives

Literature review on neuropsychiatric manifestations of neurocysticercosis, based on a clinical case.

Methods

Pubmed search using the keywords neurocysticercosis, psychiatric comorbidity, neuropsychiatric manifestations.

Results

We present a clinical case of a 29-year-old male patient, with history of an epilepsy, that immigrated to Portugal with his family from Cape Verde for specialized medical care. He presented to the ER with an acute psychotic episode characterized by disorientation, persecutory ideation, psychomotor agitation and violent behavior. Brain CT scan showed multiple calcifications in cerebral parenchyma and CSF was positive for antibodies against T. solium.

Conclusions

The polymorphous symptomatology seen in NCC is mimicked only by neuro-tuberculosis and neurosyphilis in developing countries, and multiple sclerosis in the Western countries. Psychiatric symptoms are a part of the clinical presentation of infectious diseases. It is important to consider NCC in endemic areas presenting with psychiatric symptoms, especially those showing poor response to the standard treatment and in those with history of seizures.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

UMA BREVE REVISÃO SOBRE A CATÁLISE POR ÁTOMOS ISOLADOS: CONCEITOS E APLICAÇÕES

A BRIEF OVERVIEW ON SINGLE-ATOM CATALYSIS: CONCEPTS AND APPLICATIONS. Catalytic processes became extremely important for the development of our society, especially after the second industrial revolution. Thus, the research for more efficient catalysts is an obstacle to overcome to achieve cheaper processes, higher yields, and selectivity of desired products. In this context, single-atom catalysis emerges as a promising alternative to unite the advantages of traditional homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. Catalysis by single-atoms is a bridge that unites in a single catalyst the ease of recovery and reuse (from heterogeneous catalysis) with the high exposure and uniformity of sites (from homogeneous catalysis). Thus, single-atom catalysts (SACs) and single-atom alloys (SAAs) have already found several applications in the literature, such as in hydrogenation, oxidation, conversion of biomass derivatives, electrocatalysis, and photocatalysis. However, it is essential to emphasize that it is still a field that is expanding and relatively new, with several opportunities and many barriers to surpass. In this review, concepts of homogeneous, enzymatic, and heterogeneous catalysis will be addressed, as well as fundamental aspects of single-atom catalysis, preparation methods, characterization, and current challenges.

Iron Ore Tailings: Characterization and Applications

Currently, approximately 1.4 billion tons per year of iron ore tailing wastes (IOT) are generated, mainly in Australia, Brazil, and China. This work describes the characterization and application of two typical IOT, i.e., fine and coarse wastes. The physicochemical characterization of these IOT by different techniques such as XRF (X-ray fluorescence), XRD (X-ray diffraction), Mössbauer spectroscopy, and granulometry, indicates for the fine tailing a composition of Fe2O3/FeOOH (10-55%), SiO2 (18-65%) and Al2O3 (up to 15%) with particles of 6-40 μm, whereas the coarse tailing presents 40-150 μm particles with the composition of 8-48% Fe2O3/FeOOH, 30-90% SiO2 and Al2O3 (up to 20%). The main IOT applications discussed in this review are related to civil construction (aggregates for concrete, mortar, Portland cement additives), ceramic industry, geopolymer, synthesis of new materials such as zeolites, mesoporous silica, carbon nanotubes, adsorbents, catalysts for different reactions, in batteries and in fuel cells. It was also carried out an analysis of patents related to IOT applications and the main technological and market barriers that hinder the industrial and commercial uses of these wastes.

Transfusion transmissible pathogens are prevalent in healthy cats eligible to become blood donors

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to determine the prevalence of subclinical infectious agents considered core pathogens for worldwide screening in healthy, client-owned, indoor cats eligible to become blood donors in Spain and Portugal.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood samples of healthy, indoor, domestic cats selected to be potential blood donors were tested for feline leukaemia virus antigens, feline immunodeficiency virus antibodies and polymerase chain reactions for Mycoplasma haemofelis, Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum, Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis, feline leukaemia virus provirus, Leishmania spp. and Bartonella spp. Not all donors were tested for all agents.

RESULTS

Overall, 5105 healthy indoor cats were tested and 8.1% (414/5105) had at least one subclinical infectious agent that is transmissible through blood product transfusion. 1.5% (77/5105) were positive for feline leukaemia virus antigens and 2.9% (148/5105) were positive for feline immunodeficiency virus antibodies, therefore they were excluded as donors. The overall prevalence of haemoplasmas in feline leukaemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus SNAP-negative feline blood donors was 3.7% (181/4880) [1.3% (63/4880) were positive for Mycoplasma haemofelis; 2.3% (112/4880) to Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum and 0.12% (6/4880) to Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis]. The prevalence of feline leukaemia provirus was 5.2% (9/173) and of Bartonella spp. was 0.2% (2/1122). None of the 173 cats were positive for Leishmania spp.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The prevalence of many transfusion transmissible pathogens was relatively high in this healthy, client-owned, indoor cats eligible to become blood donors. Performing an extended screening panel that includes at least polymerase chain reactions for Mycoplasma haemofelis, Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum, Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis, feline leukaemia virus provirus, and Bartonella spp., in addition to feline leukaemia virus antigens and feline immunodeficiency virus antibodies, is recommended in pet blood banks from analogous regions.

Diabetes and pre-infarct angina. Time to rethink comorbidities in the reperfusion-injury phenomenon?

Background

Pre-infarct angina (PIA) has been shown to reduce reperfusion injury and infarct size in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and currently represents the most efficient form of myocardial conditioning yet discovered. The role of diabetes on ischemic preconditioning remains controversial – while some pre-clinical studies suggest that diabetes blunts ischemic conditioning, clinical studies are lacking.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients with STEMI admitted in our hospital from January 2008 to August 2018 who underwent primary angioplasty (PCI). PIA was defined as chest, arm or jaw pain during the preceding 48h before STEMI diagnosis. Peak creatine kinase and peak Troponin T levels were used as a surrogate of infarct size. Ischemic time (IT) was defined as the time between the onset of symptoms to the restoration of flow after either guidewire passage, thrombus aspiration or first balloon inflation.

Results

Of the 1143 included patients, 74% (n=845) were male and mean age was 62.6±13.1 years. A quarter of STEMI-patients had diabetes (25%, n=285). Almost a third of the patients (32%, n=359) had a history of angina in the preceding 48h before STEMI (PIA). The proportion of PIA was similar between diabetic and non-diabetic patients. In patients with diabetes, PIA was associated with lower creatine kinase (CK) (1144 [500–2212] vs 1715 [908–3309] U/L, p=0.0029) and Troponin T (TnT 3.30 [1.90–6.58] vs 4.88 [2.50–9.58] ng/mL, p=0.0022) despite similar IT as compared to those without PIA (328 [200–554] vs. 258 [180–530] minutes, p=0.1365). In non-diabetic patients, PIA was not significantly associated with infarct size (TnT 3.74 [2.23–7.11] vs 4.56 [2.44–7.77] ng/mL, p=0.1945; CK 1549 [910 - 2909] vs 1793 [996 - 3078] U/L, p=0.0653) even after adjustment for the increased ischemic time (240 [150–550] vs. 210 [140–405] minutes, p=0.0128) (β=−0.12, p=0.085 for CK and β=−0.11, p=0.183 for TnT). A significant interaction was observed between the existence of PIA and diabetes on peak TnT (p=0.026 for interaction) and CK (p=0.047 for interaction), which was independent of the culprit vessel and IT. During a median follow-up period of 18.0 [12.1–25.5] months, 268 (24.0%) MACE events have occurred (165 deaths, 27 strokes, 46 myocardial infarctions and 26 target vessel revascularization). PIA was associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of MACE (HR 0.66 (95% CI: 0.48–0.89)) driven by a reduction on mortality (HR 0.44 (95% CI: 0.28–0.70)). Diabetes was associated with an increased incidence of MACE (HR 1.42 (95% CI: 1.07–1.89)). No interaction was found between diabetes and PIA on their effect on MACCE events.

Conclusion

PIA is a strong predictor of favourable outcomes in the setting of STEMI. The effect of PIA on myocardial protection in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI seems to be modulated by the presence of diabetes.

Distribution of Peak CK and Peak TnT

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Translating research findings into clinical practice: a systematic and critical review of neuroimaging-based clinical tools for brain disorders

A pivotal aim of psychiatric and neurological research is to promote the translation of the findings into clinical practice to improve diagnostic and prognostic assessment of individual patients. Structural neuroimaging holds much promise, with neuroanatomical measures accounting for up to 40% of the variance in clinical outcome. Building on these findings, a number of imaging-based clinical tools have been developed to make diagnostic and prognostic inferences about individual patients from their structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans. This systematic review describes and compares the technical characteristics of the available tools, with the aim to assess their translational potential into real-world clinical settings. The results reveal that a total of eight tools. All of these were specifically developed for neurological disorders, and as such are not suitable for application to psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, most of the tools were trained and validated in a single dataset, which can result in poor generalizability, or using a small number of individuals, which can cause overoptimistic results. In addition, all of the tools rely on two strategies to detect brain abnormalities in single individuals, one based on univariate comparison, and the other based on multivariate machine-learning algorithms. We discuss current barriers to the adoption of these tools in clinical practice and propose a checklist of pivotal characteristics that should be included in an "ideal" neuroimaging-based clinical tool for brain disorders.

Yicathins B and C and Analogues: Total Synthesis, Lipophilicity and Biological Activities

Natural products have always been an important source of new hits and leads in drug discovery, with the marine environment being regarded as a significant source of novel and exquisite bioactive compounds. Yicathins B and C are two marine-derived xanthones that have shown antibacterial and antifungal activity. Herein, the total synthesis of these yicathins and six novel analogues is reported for the first time. As marine natural products tend to have very lipophilic scaffolds, the lipophilicity of yicathins and their analogues was evaluated in the classical octanol/water system and a biomimetic model-based system. As the xanthonic nucleus is a "privileged structure", other biological activities were evaluated, namely antitumor and anti-inflammatory activities. An interesting anti-inflammatory activity was identified for yicathin analogues that paves the way for the design of dual activity (anti-infective and anti-inflammatory) marine-inspired xanthone derivatives.

Food Chain Information: Data Quality and Usefulness in Meat Inspection in Portugal

Food chain information (FCI) is a mandatory component of meat inspection in the European Union. In Portugal there has been no assessment of FCI regarding risk-based meat inspection. The goal of the present study was to assess the quality and the usefulness of data provided by farmers. A total of 1,694 reports (989 for bovine animals, 575 for swine, and 130 for small ruminants) submitted to nine red meat slaughterhouses between September 2015 and January 2017 were analyzed. These reports covered a total of 79,889 animals. Overall, information was provided for the majority of the general identification items. To assess the quality of the information on health status, medication, disease occurrence, diagnostic tests, and results of previous ante- and postmortem exams, responses were classified as plausible, "nothing to declare," invalid, and nonresponse. Plausible information was provided by farmers on health status, medication, tests, and diseases on 82.7, 24.6, 5.4, and 0.1% of the FCI forms, respectively. More than 70% of the responses in all categories except health status were "nothing to declare." In pigs, when comparing ante- and postmortem inspection results with the corresponding FCI, no relevant contribution of the FCI was observed. Inaccurate or irrelevant information was provided for the majority of the detailed questions, impeding the formulation of appropriate risk-based meat inspection decisions. Farmers seem to have difficulty providing specific information. Better forms and better training are needed. Information on the prevalence of biological hazards relevant to public health currently is not available. Our results support the need to improve the systems used to obtain and integrate relevant information from the farm to the slaughterhouse.

Fish sarcoplasmic proteins as a high value marine material for wound dressing applications

Fish sarcoplasmic proteins (FSP) constitute around 25-30% of the total fish muscle protein. As the FSP are water soluble, FSP were isolated from fresh cod (Gadus morhua) by centrifugation. By SDS-PAGE, it was possible to determine the composition of FSP extracts (FSP-E). The FSP-E undergo denaturation at 44.12 ± 2.34° C, as characterized by differential scanning calorimetry thermograms (DSC). The secondary structure of FSP-E is mainly composed by α-helix structure, as determined by circular dichroism. The cytocompatibility of FSP-E, at concentrations ranging from 5 to 20 mg/mL, was investigated. Concentrations lower than 10 mg/mL have no cytotoxicity cultures of fibroblasts over 72 h. Further on, FSP membranes (FSP-M) were produced by spin coating to evaluate its properties. FSP-M shown having uniform surface as analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The relative amount of α-helix structures is higher when compared with the FSP-E. The FSP-M have higher temperature stability than the FSP-E, since they presented a denaturation temperature of 58.88 ± 3.36° C, according to the DSC analysis. FSP-M shown distinctive mechanical properties, with a stiffness of 16.57 ± 3.95 MPa and a yield strength of 23.85 ± 5.97 MPa. Human lung fibroblasts cell lines (MRC-5) were cultured in direct contact with FSP-M, demonstrating its cytocompatibility for 48 h. Based on these results, FSP can be considered a potential biomaterial recovered from nature, for wound dressing applications.

Effect of Chlorhexidine Treatment Prior to Fiber Post Cementation on Long-Term Resin Cement Bond Strength

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the push-out bond strength of two different adhesive cements (total etch and self-adhesive) for glass fiber post (GFP) cementation in simulated, long-term service (thermocycling) when the root canal is treated with chlorhexidine before cementation. One hundred twenty premolar specimens with a single root canal were selected, endodontically treated, and shaped for GFP cementation (n=120). The specimens were randomly placed into one of 12 groups (10 specimens each) according to cement (T = total-etch RelyX ARC or S = self-adhesive RelyX Unicem), treatment with chlorhexidine (N or Y: without or with), and number of thermal cycles (00, 20, or 40: 0, or 20,000 or 40,000 cycles): 1. TN00, 2. TN20, 3. TN40, 4. TY00, 5. TY20, 6. TY40, 7. SN00, 8. SN20, 9. SN40, 10. SY00, 11. SY20, 12. SY40. The root of each specimen was cut perpendicular to the vertical axis, yielding six 1.0 mm-thick sections. A push-out bond strength test was performed followed by statistical analysis using a factorial analysis of variance. Pairwise comparisons of significant factor interactions were adjusted using the Tukey test. Significant differences of push-out bond strengths were found in the four main effects (resin cement [ p<0.0001], treatment with chlorhexidine [ p<0.0001], number of cycles [ p<0.0001], and root third [ p<0.0001]) and all interactions ( p<0.05 for all). Both resin cements produced higher bond strength in the cervical third followed by the middle third, and lower values were detected in the apical third. Additionally, the results suggest that the use of an additional disinfection treatment with chlorhexidine before the cement application produced the highest push-out bond strength regardless of root third. Further, the thermocycling simulation decreased the bond strength for both resin cements long-term when the chlorhexidine was not applied before cementation. However, when the root canal was treated with chlorhexidine and the fiber post was cemented with self-adhesive cement, the bond strength increased after 0, 20,000 and 40,000 cycles.

The dog and cat population on Maio Island, Cape Verde: characterisation and prediction based on household survey and remotely sensed imagery

The objective was to estimate and characterise the dog and cat population on Maio Island, Cape Verde. Remotely sensed imagery was used to document the number of houses across the island and a household survey was carried out in six administrative areas recording the location of each animal using a global positioning system instrument. Linear statistical models were applied to predict the dog and cat populations based on the number of houses found and according to various levels of data aggregation. In the surveyed localities, a total of 457 dogs and 306 cats were found. The majority of animals had owners and only a few had free access to outdoor activities. The estimated population size was 531 dogs [95% confidence interval (CI): 453-609] and 354 cats (95% CI: 275-431). Stray animals were not a concern on the island in contrast to the rest of the country.

Push-Out Bond Strength Evaluation of Glass Fiber Posts With Different Resin Cements and Application Techniques

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the push-out strength of two different adhesive cements (total etch and self-adhesive) for glass fiber post (GFP) cementation using two different techniques (microbrush and elongation tip) of cement application. In addition, this study evaluated the effect of total-etch conditioning before the use of a self-adhesive cement. Sixty premolar specimens with a single root canal were selected, endodontically treated, and shaped for GFP cementation. The specimens were randomly placed into one of six groups according to the cement and technique used: RelyX ARC (ARC): ARC + microbrush, ARC + elongation tip; RelyX Unicem (RU): RU + microbrush, RU + elongation tip; or RelyX Unicem + 37% phosphoric acid (RUE): RUE + microbrush, RUE + elongation tip. Each specimen root was cut perpendicular to the vertical axis yielding six 1.0-mm-thick sections. Push-out strength test was performed, followed by statistical analysis using three-way analysis of variance and the Games-Howell test (p<0.05). Statistically significant differences between the groups were found (p< 0.05). The cervical third of the roots had the highest mean push-out strength values, while the apical third had the lowest mean values regardless of the technique used. The elongation technique produced higher mean push-out strength values compared to the microbrush technique. The self-etch adhesive cement had the highest mean push-out strength value in all thirds. The addition of a conditioning step before the self-etch adhesive cementation appears to be effective in enhancing push-out strength with GFPs.

Intermittent cardiac overload results in adaptive hypertrophy and provides protection against left ventricular acute pressure overload insult

The present study aimed to test whether a chronic intermittent workload could induce an adaptive cardiac phenotype Chronic intermittent workload induced features of adaptive hypertrophy This was paralleled by protection against acute pressure overload insult The heart may adapt favourably to balanced demands, regardless of the nature of the stimuli. The present study aimed to test whether submitting the healthy heart to intermittent and tolerable amounts of workload, independently of its nature, could result in an adaptive cardiac phenotype. Male Wistar rats were subjected to treadmill running (Ex) (n = 20), intermittent cardiac overload with dobutamine (ITO) (2 mg kg(-1) , s.c.; n = 20) or placebo administration (Cont) (n = 20) for 5 days week(-1) for 8 weeks. Animals were then killed for histological and biochemical analysis or subjected to left ventricular haemodynamic evaluation under baseline conditions, in response to isovolumetric contractions and to sustained LV acute pressure overload (35% increase in peak systolic pressure maintained for 2 h). Baseline cardiac function was enhanced only in Ex, whereas the response to isovolumetric heartbeats was improved in both ITO and Ex. By contrast to the Cont group, in which rats developed diastolic dysfunction with sustained acute pressure overload, ITO and Ex showed increased tolerance to this stress test. Both ITO and Ex developed cardiomyocyte hypertrophy without fibrosis, no overexpression of osteopontin-1 or β-myosin heavy chain, and increased expression of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) protein. Regarding hypertrophic pathways, ITO and Ex showed activation of the protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway but not calcineurin. Mitochondrial complex IV and V activities were also increased in ITO and Ex. Chronic submission to controlled intermittent cardiac overload, independently of its nature, results in an adaptive cardiac phenotype. Features of the cardiac overload, such as the duration and magnitude of the stimuli, may play a role in the development of an adaptive or maladaptive phenotype.