Genetic parameter estimations of new traits of morphological quality on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) by using IMAFISH_ML software

In this study, a total of 18 novel productive traits, three related to carcass [cNiT] and fifteen related to morphometric [mNiT]), were measured in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) using Non-invasive Technologies (NiT) as implemented in IMAFISH_ML (MatLab script). Their potential to be used in industrial breeding programs were evaluated in 2348 offspring reared under different production systems (estuarine ponds, oceanic cage, inland tank) at harvest. All animals were photographed, and digitally measured and main genetic parameters were estimated. Heritability for growth traits was medium (0.25–0.37) whereas for NiT traits medium-high (0.24–0.61). In general, genetic correlations between mNiT, cNiT and growth and traits were high and positive. Image analysis artifacts such as fin unfold or shades, that may interfere in the precision of some digital measurements, were discarded as a major bias factor since heritability of NiT traits after correcting them were no significantly different from original ones. Indirect selection of growth traits through NiT traits produced a better predicted response than directly measuring Body Weight (13–23%), demonstrating that this methodological approach is highly cost-effective in terms of accuracy and data processing time.Versión del edito

Dendritic cell deficiencies persist seven months after SARS-CoV-2 infection

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 infection induces an exacerbated inflammation driven by innate immunity components. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a key role in the defense against viral infections, for instance plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), have the capacity to produce vast amounts of interferon-alpha (IFN-α). In COVID-19 there is a deficit in DC numbers and IFN-α production, which has been associated with disease severity. In this work, we described that in addition to the DC deficiency, several DC activation and homing markers were altered in acute COVID-19 patients, which were associated with multiple inflammatory markers. Remarkably, previously hospitalized and nonhospitalized patients remained with decreased numbers of CD1c+ myeloid DCs and pDCs seven months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, the expression of DC markers such as CD86 and CD4 were only restored in previously nonhospitalized patients, while no restoration of integrin β7 and indoleamine 2,3-dyoxigenase (IDO) levels were observed. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the immunological sequelae of COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 viral load in nasopharyngeal swabs is not an independent predictor of unfavorable outcome

The aim was to assess the ability of nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 viral load at first patient’s hospital evaluation to predict unfavorable outcomes. We conducted a prospective cohort study including 321 adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 through RT-PCR in nasopharyngeal swabs. Quantitative Synthetic SARS-CoV-2 RNA cycle threshold values were used to calculate the viral load in log10 copies/mL. Disease severity at the end of follow up was categorized into mild, moderate, and severe. Primary endpoint was a composite of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and/or death (n = 85, 26.4%). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 viral load over the second quartile (≥ 7.35 log10 copies/mL, p = 0.003) and second tertile (≥ 8.27 log10 copies/mL, p = 0.01) were associated to unfavorable outcome in the unadjusted logistic regression analysis. However, in the final multivariable analysis, viral load was not independently associated with an unfavorable outcome. Five predictors were independently associated with increased odds of ICU admission and/or death: age ≥ 70 years, SpO2, neutrophils > 7.5 × 103/µL, lactate dehydrogenase ≥ 300 U/L, and C-reactive protein ≥ 100 mg/L. In summary, nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 viral load on admission is generally high in patients with COVID-19, regardless of illness severity, but it cannot be used as an independent predictor of unfavorable clinical outcome

Clonal chromosomal mosaicism and loss of chromosome Y in elderly men increase vulnerability for SARS-CoV-2

The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19) had an estimated overall case fatality ratio of 1.38% (pre-vaccination), being 53% higher in males and increasing exponentially with age. Among 9578 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in the SCOURGE study, we found 133 cases (1.42%) with detectable clonal mosaicism for chromosome alterations (mCA) and 226 males (5.08%) with acquired loss of chromosome Y (LOY). Individuals with clonal mosaic events (mCA and/or LOY) showed a 54% increase in the risk of COVID-19 lethality. LOY is associated with transcriptomic biomarkers of immune dysfunction, pro-coagulation activity and cardiovascular risk. Interferon-induced genes involved in the initial immune response to SARS-CoV-2 are also down-regulated in LOY. Thus, mCA and LOY underlie at least part of the sex-biased severity and mortality of COVID-19 in aging patients. Given its potential therapeutic and prognostic relevance, evaluation of clonal mosaicism should be implemented as biomarker of COVID-19 severity in elderly people. Among 9578 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in the SCOURGE study, individuals with clonal mosaic events (clonal mosaicism for chromosome alterations and/or loss of chromosome Y) showed an increased risk of COVID-19 lethality

Collaborative exchange of cargo truck loads: approaches to reducing empty trucks in logistics chains

Reducing the volume of trucks carrying empty or below capacity loads on road networks are both socio-economic and environmental sustainability issues for the logistics industry. Planning concepts for a collaborative logistics exchange based on real-time data are described as well as the benefits in terms of optimizing load capacity utilization, minimization of empty running, reducing costs, traffic congestion, and truck emissions

Supplementary Material for: Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury: A Cost-of-Illness Study

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Among traumatic injuries, spinal cord injuries (SCI) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are of major importance because of their epidemiological and economic impact on society. The overall objective of this study was to estimate the economic cost associated with people with SCI and TBI in Spain in 2007. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A cost-of-illness analysis was performed, considering the perspective of society, using a 1-year time horizon. Medical costs, adaptation costs, material costs, administrative costs, and costs of police, firefighters and roadside assistance, productivity losses due to institutionalization and sick leave, as well as an estimate of productivity losses of carers, and productivity losses due to death were included. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The economic cost associated with people with SCI is between EUR 92,087,080.97 and 212,496,196.41 (USD 131 million and 302 million) according to the injury mechanism, and between EUR 1,079,223,688.66 and 3,833,752,692.78 (USD 1,536 million and 5,458 million) for people with TBI. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> There is an urgent need to develop effective interventions known to prevent SCI and TBI, and to evaluate their effectiveness and efficiency