Establishing a Standardized DNA Extraction Method Using NaCl from Oral Mucosa Cells for Its Application in Imprinting Diseases Such as Prader-Willi and Angelman Syndromes: A Preliminary Investigation

BACKGROUND

Diagnosing imprinting defects in neonates and young children presents challenges, often necessitating molecular analysis for a conclusive diagnosis. The isolation of genetic material from oral swabs becomes crucial, especially in settings where blood sample collection is impractical or for vulnerable populations like newborns, who possess limited blood volumes and are often too fragile for invasive procedures. Oral swab samples emerge as an excellent source of DNA, effectively overcoming obstacles associated with rare diseases.

METHODS

In our study, we specifically addressed the determination of the quality and quantity of DNA extracted from oral swab samples using NaCl procedures.

RESULTS

We compared these results with extractions performed using a commercial kit. Subsequently, the obtained material underwent MS-HRM analysis for loci associated with imprinting diseases such as Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study emphasizes the significance of oral swab samples as a reliable source for obtaining DNA for MS-HRM analysis. NaCl extraction stands out as a practical and cost-effective method for genetic studies, contributing to a molecular diagnosis that proves particularly beneficial for patients facing delays in characterization, ultimately influencing their treatment.

Investigating the longstanding mystery of stigma length differences between morphs of distylous plants

Longer stigmas in short-styled morphs of distylous plants have been considered an adaptive characteristic that increases intermorph pollen deposition. The greater pollen deposition in short-styled stigmas may be a by-product of their longer length, making deposition effectiveness comparison between morphs unfeasible. Thus, investigating which morph has the relatively most efficient stigma (i.e., pollen deposition per unit length) can boost our understanding of the adaptive significance of longer stigmas. Here, we compared pollen deposition between morphs relative to stigma length and assessed whether short-styled stigmas are more, less, or equally effective in receiving pollen grains per unit length. We reviewed the literature to characterize the extent of sigma length differences between morphs using the two most speciose distylous genera as model systems: Palicourea and Psychotria (Rubiaceae). Then, we conducted a between-morph comparison of raw and relative pollen depositions in a Palicourea rigida population. We confirmed that short-styled stigmas were longer than long-styled stigmas in both Palicourea (194.31% longer) and Psychotria (52.59% longer) flowers. Furthermore, in the focal Pal. rigida, although short-styled stigmas were 268.04% longer and received 97.04% more pollen grains than long-styled stigmas, the relative pollen deposition had a reverse pattern, with short-styled stigmas being two-times less efficient in receiving pollen. Our results indicate that the longer length of the short-styled stigmas may have a compensatory effect, increasing the chances of pollen grains reaching the stigma and probably maintaining disassortative intermorph pollination in distylous plants.

Quality of clinical practice guidelines for inadequate response to first-line treatment for depression according to AGREE II checklist and comparison of recommendations: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To assess similarities and differences in the recommended sequence of strategies among the most relevant clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the treatment of depression in adults with inadequate response to first-line treatment.

DATA SOURCES

We performed a systematic review of the literature spanning January 2011 to August 2020 in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and 12 databases recognised as CPGs repositories. CPGs quality was assessed using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II).

STUDY SELECTION

The eligibility criteria were CPGs that described pharmacological recommendations for treating depression for individuals aged 18 years or older in outpatient care setting. We included CPGs considered of high-quality (≥80% in domain 3 of AGREE II) or recognised as clinically relevant.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two independent researchers extracted recommendations for patients who did not respond to first-line pharmacological treatment from the selected CPGs.

RESULTS

We included 46 CPGs and selected 8, of which 5 were considered high quality (≥80% in domain 3 of AGREE II) and 3 were recognised as clinically relevant. Three CPGs did not define inadequate response to treatment and 3 did not establish a clear sequence of strategies. The duration of treatment needed to determine that a patient had not responded was not explicit in 3 CPGs and was discordant in 5 CPGs. Most CPGs agree in reassessing the diagnosis, assessing the presence of comorbidities, adherence to treatment, and increase dosage as first steps. All CPGs recommend psychotherapy, switching antidepressants, and considering augmentation/combining antidepressants.

CONCLUSION

Relevant CPGs present shortcomings in recommendations for non-responders to first-line antidepressant treatment including absence and divergencies in definition of inadequate response and sequence of recommended strategies. Overall, most relevant CPGs recommend reassessing the diagnosis, evaluate comorbidities, adherence to treatment, increase dosage of antidepressants, and psychotherapy as first steps.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42016043364.

Acute supplementation of growing rats with Brazil nut flour increases hepatic lipid content but prevents oxidative damage in the liver

Brazil nuts (BN) (Bertholletia excels, Bonpl.), are of great importance because of their nutritional properties and economic value. They can be consumed in natura or as flour (BNF). In this study, we evaluated the effects of BNF and BN intakes (Both 5% and 15%) on metabolic parameters of rats for 15 days. Serum Selenium (Se) levels were higher in BN-15% and BNF-15% groups. Lipid content was reduced in retroperitoneal and epididymal adipose tissues in all groups and in the BN-5% group in the liver. However, liver lipids increased in the BNF-15% group. The levels of carbonylated proteins and lipid peroxidation in the liver were not altered. The data reveal that the increase in hepatic lipids in the BNF-15% group probably occurred due to the high concentration of free fatty acids present in the flour. The Se bioavailability in the diet contributed to the preservation of the liver function in rats. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The consumption of BN is common in the population. However, changes in eating habits have led to a more frequent consumption of vegetable derivatives, such as drinks and oils. The cake residue generated after processing is still considered of high nutritional value, since it is a source of protein and minerals such as Se. Because of its low cost, the use of pie at the industrial level is becoming increasingly more interesting for the development of new products, and the Brazil nut flour (BNF) is considered a good option. Our study showed that just like BN, BNF can be a source of selenium for the body, although changes in lipid metabolism and physiological parameters can be observed depending on the amount used. We believe that the results of this investigation can be used to guide the development of new technologies and products containing BN.

Hepatitis C virus infection status and associated factors among a multi-site sample of people who used illicit drugs in the Amazon region

BACKGROUND

Elevated rates of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection have been reported in epidemiological studies with people who used illicit drugs (PWUIDs) in different Brazilian regions. In Brazil's Amazon region, studies have already identified the common use of illicit drugs among adolescents and the high prevalence of HCV infections among PWUIDs. However, all studies done with PWUIDs were conducted with small samples and within limited geographic coverage. This study determined the prevalence and risk factors for HCV infection in PWUIDs in the Amazon region, northern Brazil, as well as estimating the prevalence and factors associated with the HCV spontaneous clearance (HSC).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study accessed 1666 PWUIDs from multiple municipalities of the Amazon region. Socio-demographic, economic, drug use and health-related information were collected through interviews. Blood samples collected were tested for the presence of anti-HCV antibodies and RNA-HCV. HCV genotypes were identified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Logistic regressions were run to identify factors independently associated with HCV infection status and HSC.

RESULTS

In total, 577 (34.6%) featured HCV antibodies, of which 384 (23.1%) had active HCV infection and 193 (11.6%) indicated HSC. Genotypes 1 (80.2%) and 3 (18.8%) were detected. HCV infection status was associated with the length of illicit drug use history, factors related to parenteral and sexual transmission, and factors of socio-economic marginalization leading to potential risk activities for HCV. HSC was associated with the ethnic (including indigenous) background of participants.

CONCLUSIONS

High levels of HCV infection were detected in PWUIDs. Genotype 1 was predominant. Intense use of illicit drugs, unprotected sexual intercourse, high number of sexual partners and social marginalization were associated with all HCV infection. HSC was associated with origin (Amazonian-born) and non-white (e.g., Black or Indigenous) of PWUIDs. These findings emphasize the need for improve HCV prevention and control services and care for PWUIDs in the Brazilian Amazon region.