New 12S metabarcoding primers for enhanced Neotropical freshwater fish biodiversity assessment

The megadiverse Neotropical fish fauna lacks a comprehensive and reliable DNA reference database, which hampers precise species identification and DNA based biodiversity assessment in the region. Here, we developed a mitochondrial 12S ribosomal DNA reference database for 67 fish species, representing 54 genera, 25 families, and six major Neotropical orders. We aimed to develop mini-barcode markers (i.e. amplicons with less than 200 bp) suitable for DNA metabarcoding by evaluating the taxonomic resolution of full-length and mini-barcodes and to determine a threshold value for fish species delimitation using 12S. Evaluation of the target amplicons demonstrated that both full-length library (565 bp) and mini-barcodes (193 bp) contain enough taxonomic resolution to differentiate all 67 fish species. For species delimitation, interspecific genetic distance threshold values of 0.4% and 0.55% were defined using full-length and mini-barcodes, respectively. A custom reference database and specific mini-barcode markers are important assets for ecoregion scale DNA based biodiversity assessments (such as environmental DNA) that can help with the complex task of conserving the megadiverse Neotropical ichthyofauna

Mindfulness based interventions in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review

<b>Background</b> Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a stressful condition; depression, anxiety, pain and fatigue are all common problems. Mindfulness based interventions (MBIs) mitigate stress and prevent relapse in depression and are increasingly being used in healthcare. However, there are currently no systematic reviews of MBIs in people with MS. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of MBIs in people with MS.<p></p> <b>Methods</b> Systematic searches were carried out in seven major databases, using both subject headings and key words. Papers were screened, data extracted, quality appraised, and analysed by two reviewers independently, using predefined criteria. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. Perceived stress was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include mental health, physical health, quality of life, and health service utilisation. Statistical meta-analysis was not possible. Disagreements were adjudicated by a third party reviewer.<p></p> <b>Results</b> Three studies (n = 183 participants) were included in the final analysis. The studies were undertaken in Wales (n = 16, randomised controlled trial - (RCT)), Switzerland (n = 150, RCT), and the United States (n = 17, controlled trial). 146 (80%) participants were female; mean age (SD) was 48.6 (9.4) years. Relapsing remitting MS was the main diagnostic category (n = 123, 67%); 43 (26%) had secondary progressive disease; and the remainder were unspecified. MBIs lasted 6–8 weeks; attrition rates were variable (5-43%); all employed pre- post- measures; two had longer follow up; one at 3, and one at 6 months. Socio-economic status of participants was not made explicit; health service utilisation and costs were not reported. No study reported on perceived stress. All studies reported quality of life (QOL), mental health (anxiety and depression), physical (fatigue, standing balance, pain), and psychosocial measures. Statistically significant beneficial effects relating to QOL, mental health, and selected physical health measures were sustained at 3- and 6- month follow up.<p></p> <b>Conclusion</b> From the limited data available, MBIs may benefit some MS patients in terms of QOL, mental health, and some physical health measures. Further studies are needed to clarify how MBIs might best serve the MS population.<p></p&gt

Effects of exposure to cigarette smoke prior to pregnancy in diabetic rats

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of cigarette smoke exposure before pregnancy on diabetic rats and their offspring development.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin and cigarette smoke exposure was conducted by mainstream smoke generated by a mechanical smoking device and delivered into a chamber. Diabetic female Wistar rats were randomly distributed in four experimental groups (n minimum = 13/group): nondiabetic (ND) and diabetic rats exposed to filtered air (D), diabetic rats exposed to cigarette smoke prior to and into the pregnancy period (DS) and diabetic rats exposed to cigarette smoke prior to pregnancy period (DSPP). At day 21 of pregnancy, rats were killed for maternal biochemical determination and reproductive outcomes.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The association of diabetes and cigarette smoke in DSPP group caused altered glycemia at term, reduced number of implantation and live fetuses, decreased litter and maternal weight, increased pre and postimplantation loss rates, reduced triglyceride and VLDL-c concentrations, increased levels of thiol groups and MDA. Besides, these dams presented increased SOD and GSH-Px activities. However, the increased antioxidant status was not sufficient to prevent the lipid peroxidation observed in these animals.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Despite the benefits stemming from smoking interruption during the pregnancy of diabetic rats, such improvement was insufficient to avoid metabolic alterations and provide an adequate intrauterine environment for embryofetal development. Therefore, these results suggest that it is necessary to cease smoking extensive time before planning pregnancy, since stopping smoking only when pregnancy is detected may not contribute effectively to fully adequate embryofetal development.</p

De novo psychogenic seizures after epilepsy surgery - Case report

The occurrence of de novo psychogenic seizures after epilepsy surgery is rare, and is estimated in 1.8% to 3.6% Seizures after epilepsy surgery should be carefully evaluated, and de novo psychogenic seizures should be considered especially when there is a change in the ictal semiology. We report a patient with de novo psychogenic seizures after anterior temporal lobe removal for refractory temporal lobe epilepsy. Once psychogenic seizures were diagnosed and psychiatric treatment was started, seizures stopped.582B53553

Sentimientos de adolescentes con Diabetes Mellitus delante del proceso de vivir con la enfermedad

Qualitative research conducted in a diabetes service in the countryside of the state of Ceará, Brazil, with 11 teenagers with diabetes mellitus. The study aimed to understand the experience of adolescents facing the process of living with diabetes. Data were collected in 2007 May and June, through semi-structured interviews. It was observed that the teenager faces difficulties since the moment of diagnosis, especially because their food habits and lifestyles need to change, triggering feelings like fear, insecurity and anger. Over time, they incorporate the necessary changes to treatment and care, and begin to see the disease as normal. One concludes that it is necessary to understand teenagers, their behaviors, fears and desires and support them in the different areas of this experience.Investigación cualitativa, llevada a cabo en un servicio de diabetes del interior del estado de Ceará, Brasil, con 11 adolescentes con diabetes mellitus. El objetivo fue comprender la experiencia del adolescente delante del proceso de vivir con diabetes. Los datos fueron recolectados entre mayo y junio de 2007 a través de entrevistas semi estructuradas. Se observó que el adolescente enfrenta dificultades desde el momento del diagnóstico, sobre todo en el plan alimentar y cambios en el estilo de vida, desencadenando sentimientos como miedo, inseguridad e ira. Con el tiempo, incorporan los cambios necesarios al tratamiento y atención, y llegan a ver la enfermedad como algo normal. En conclusión, que es necesario entender los adolescentes, sus comportamientos, miedos y deseos, y apoyarlos en las diferentes áreas de esta experiencia.Pesquisa de natureza qualitativa, realizada em um serviço de diabetes do interior do Ceará com 11 adolescentes portadores de diabetes mellitus. O estudo objetivou compreender a experiência do adolescente frente ao processo de viver com o diabetes. Os dados foram coletados nos meses de maio e junho de 2007 por meio de entrevista semiestruturada. Constatou-se que o adolescente enfrenta dificuldades desde o momento do diagnóstico, principalmente no plano alimentar e nas mudanças no estilo de vida, desencadeando sentimentos como medo, insegurança e revolta. Com o passar do tempo, incorporam as mudanças necessárias ao tratamento e cuidados; e passam a ver a doença de forma normal. Conclui-se que é necessário compreender os adolescentes, seus comportamentos, medos e anseios e apoiá-los nos diversos âmbitos dessa experiência.Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de Pio IX-PI Programa de Saúde da FamíliaUniversidade Federal do Ceará Faculdade de Farmácia Odontologia e Enfermagem Departamento de EnfermagemUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde ColetivaUNIFESP, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde ColetivaSciEL

Genome of the Avirulent Human-Infective Trypanosome—Trypanosoma rangeli

Background: Trypanosoma rangeli is a hemoflagellate protozoan parasite infecting humans and other wild and domestic mammals across Central and South America. It does not cause human disease, but it can be mistaken for the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, Trypanosoma cruzi. We have sequenced the T. rangeli genome to provide new tools for elucidating the distinct and intriguing biology of this species and the key pathways related to interaction with its arthropod and mammalian hosts.  Methodology/Principal Findings: The T. rangeli haploid genome is ,24 Mb in length, and is the smallest and least repetitive trypanosomatid genome sequenced thus far. This parasite genome has shorter subtelomeric sequences compared to those of T. cruzi and T. brucei; displays intraspecific karyotype variability and lacks minichromosomes. Of the predicted 7,613 protein coding sequences, functional annotations could be determined for 2,415, while 5,043 are hypothetical proteins, some with evidence of protein expression. 7,101 genes (93%) are shared with other trypanosomatids that infect humans. An ortholog of the dcl2 gene involved in the T. brucei RNAi pathway was found in T. rangeli, but the RNAi machinery is non-functional since the other genes in this pathway are pseudogenized. T. rangeli is highly susceptible to oxidative stress, a phenotype that may be explained by a smaller number of anti-oxidant defense enzymes and heatshock proteins.  Conclusions/Significance: Phylogenetic comparison of nuclear and mitochondrial genes indicates that T. rangeli and T. cruzi are equidistant from T. brucei. In addition to revealing new aspects of trypanosome co-evolution within the vertebrate and invertebrate hosts, comparative genomic analysis with pathogenic trypanosomatids provides valuable new information that can be further explored with the aim of developing better diagnostic tools and/or therapeutic targets