EBV-associated mononucleosis does not induce long-term global deficit in T-cell responsiveness to IL-15

It has been reported that infectious mononucleosis (IM)-symptomatic primary Epstein-Barr virus infection produces a global down-regulation of interleukin-15 receptor-\u3b1 (IL-15R\u3b1) on T cells and natural killer cells associated with a defective IL-15 responsiveness that lasts for many years after the disease episode. In contrast with these results, our data indicate that, in the T-cell compartment derived from remote IM subjects, there is no quantitative or qualitative defect in the expression of the IL-15R\u3b1 chain and no deficit in T-cell responsiveness to IL-15. We observed efficient signal transduction, survival, and proliferation even in response to low IL-15 concentrations. These data are relevant and shed new light on the immune long-term response in IM subjects because they contradict the hypothesis that defects in Epstein-Barr virus-host immune balance may be correlated with a long-lasting global deficit in T-cell responsiveness to IL-15. \ua9 2009 by The American Society of Hematology

Effect of partial substitution of fishmeal with insect meal (Hermetia illucens) on gut neuromuscular function in Gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata)

Alternative nutrient sources to fishmeal for fish feed, such as insect meals, represent a promising sustainable supply. However, the consequences for fish digestive function have not been exhaustively investigated. In the present study we evaluated the effect of partial fishmeal substitution with 10% Hermetia illucens (Hi10) larvae meal on the neuromuscular function of proximal and distal intestine in gilthead sea bream. In animals fed with insect meal, weight and growth parameters were similar to controls fed with conventional fishmeal. In addition, no anomalies in intestinal gross morphology and no overt signs of inflammation were observed. The gastrointestinal transit was significantly reduced in Hi10 fed animals. In the proximal and distal intestine longitudinal muscle, Hi10 feeding downregulated the excitatory cholinergic and serotoninergic transmission. Sodium nitroprussideinduced inhibitory relaxations increased in the proximal intestine and decreased in the distal intestine after Hi10 meal. Changes in the excitatory and inhibitory components of peristalsis were associated with adaptive changes in the chemical coding of both proximal and distal intestine myenteric plexus. However, these neuromuscular function alterations were not associated with considerable variations in morphometric growth parameters, suggesting that 10% Hi meal may represent a tolerable alternative protein source for gilthead sea bream diets

Lophomonas blattarum and bronchopulmonary disease

The natural habitat of the multiflagellate protozoon Lophomonas blattarum is as an endocommensal in the hindgut of insects such as cockroaches. However, it also causes bronchopulmonary disease in humans. The aim of this paper was to review the literature on this organism in the context of respiratory disease. The biology epidemiology, route of transmission, pathogenic mechanisms and diagnosis methods are also described. A total of 61 cases were identified in the literature. The majority of these reports were from China, with some cases from Peru and Spain. Most cases were adult males, although paediatric cases were reported in Peru. Clinical presentation was non-specific, including symptoms such as fever, cough and breathless. Antiprotozoal therapy was generally effective

From cocoa waste to sustainable bioink: valorising pectin for circular economy-driven tissue engineering

\ua9 2024 The Author(s)Cocoa bean production, a cornerstone of many developing economies, currently adheres to a linear economic model, giving rise to sustainability concerns. The expansion of cocoa butter and liquor consumption has resulted in the increased generation of residual biomass, constituting 60–70 % of fresh fruit. The absence of management plans for this biomass in cocoa-producing countries poses a risk of phytosanitary issues. This study proposed a circular economy approach by valorising cocoa pod husk-derived pectin for tissue engineering. The study optimised an alkaline-based protocol to extract pectin from cocoa pod husk, resulting in ∼ 20 % yield with a ∼ 47 % degree of esterification. Methacrylation transformed extracted pectin into pectin methacrylate (PECMA), confirmed by FTIR-ATR and NMR analyses. PECMA hydrogels, crosslinked with CaCO3 and UV, exhibited rapid gelation and superior water uptake properties. SEM revealed distinct morphological differences with UV exposure, showing improved interconnectivity and anisotropic porosity while the mechanical testing demonstrated enhanced compressive modulus and rheological properties with UV crosslinking. PECMA-based bioink encapsulated chondrocytes, maintaining cell viability over 6 days. This innovative bioink, derived from cocoa waste, holds promise for sustainable tissue engineering applications

Projeto tecnologias sociais para a gestão da água ? TSGA: contribuição para a gestão participativa da água.

Projeto: 06.09.06.001

An International Prospective Cohort Study To Validate 2 Prediction Rules for Infections Caused by Third-generation Cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales

Background The possibility of bloodstream infections caused by third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales (3GC-R-BSI) leads to a trade-off between empiric inappropriate treatment (IAT) and unnecessary carbapenem use (UCU). Accurately predicting 3GC-R-BSI could reduce IAT and UCU. We externally validate 2 previously derived prediction rules for community-onset (CO) and hospital-onset (HO) suspected bloodstream infections. Methods In 33 hospitals in 13 countries we prospectively enrolled 200 patients per hospital in whom blood cultures were obtained and intravenous antibiotics with coverage for Enterobacterales were empirically started. Cases were defined as 3GC-R-BSI or 3GC-R gram-negative infection (3GC-R-GNI) (analysis 2); all other outcomes served as a comparator. Model discrimination and calibration were assessed. Impact on carbapenem use was assessed at several cutoff points. Results 4650 CO infection episodes were included and the prevalence of 3GC-R-BSI was 2.1% (n = 97). IAT occurred in 69 of 97 (71.1%) 3GC-R-BSI and UCU in 398 of 4553 non–3GC-R-BSI patients (8.7%). Model calibration was good, and the AUC was .79 (95% CI, .75–.83) for 3GC-R-BSI. The prediction rule potentially reduced IAT to 62% (60/97) while keeping UCU comparable at 8.4% or could reduce UCU to 6.3% (287/4553) while keeping IAT equal. IAT and UCU in all 3GC-R-GNIs (analysis 2) improved at similar percentages. 1683 HO infection episodes were included and the prevalence of 3GC-R-BSI was 4.9% (n = 83). Here model calibration was insufficient. Conclusions A prediction rule for CO 3GC-R infection was validated in an international cohort and could improve empirical antibiotic use. Validation of the HO rule yielded suboptimal performance

Enhancing visual motion discrimination by desynchronizing bifocal oscillatory activity

Visual motion discrimination involves reciprocal interactions in the alpha band between the primary visual cortex (V1) and mediotemporal areas (V5/MT). We investigated whether modulating alpha phase synchronization using individualized multisite transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) over V5 and V1 regions would improve motion discrimination. We tested 3 groups of healthy subjects with the following conditions: (1) individualized In-Phase V1alpha-V5alpha tACS (0° lag), (2) individualized Anti-Phase V1alpha-V5alpha tACS (180° lag) and (3) sham tACS. Motion discrimination and EEG activity were recorded before, during and after tACS. Performance significantly improved in the Anti-Phase group compared to the In-Phase group 10 and 30Â min after stimulation. This result was explained by decreases in bottom-up alpha-V1 gamma-V5 phase-amplitude coupling. One possible explanation of these results is that Anti-Phase V1alpha-V5alpha tACS might impose an optimal phase lag between stimulation sites due to the inherent speed of wave propagation, hereby supporting optimized neuronal communication

Weak selection and stability of localized distributions in Ostwald ripening

We support and generalize a weak selection rule predicted recently for the self-similar asymptotics of the distribution function (DF) in the zero-volume-fraction limit of Ostwald ripening (OR). An asymptotic perturbation theory is developed that, when combined with an exact invariance property of the system, yields the selection rule, predicts a power-law convergence towards the selected self-similar DF and agrees well with our numerical simulations for the interface- and diffusion-controlled OR.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures, submitted to PR

Multi-national perceptions on challenges, opportunities, and support structures for Dual Career migrations in European studentathletes

Despite Dual Careers (sports and education) and mobility of students being priorities in the funding policies of the European Commission, migrating student-athletes report severe challenges and decreased performance or dropouts at sport and academic levels. The objective of this study was to depict and assess the perceptions on challenges, support services, and their effectiveness in consideration of specific characteristics of participants and migrations. Based on a meta-synthesis and previous findings, a 50-items questionnaire was developed and completed by 245 student-athletes in 5 European countries. Participants with Dual Careers migration experience (n = 140) were considered for analyses of qualitative and quantitative (ordinal 5pt-Likert-scaled and metric) data on the Dual Career status, migration characteristics, received services, and outcomes. Chi-square-tests were conducted for differences between countries and genders at a significance level of p < .05. Country-related differences were found for experiences and intentions to migrate (X2(12) = 50.52, p<0.001), duration of the migration (X2(16) = 38.20, p = 0.001), financial support (X2(8) = 29.87, p<0.001), and decreased performances in academics (X2(16) = 56.12, p<0.001) and sports (X2(16) = 31.79, p = 0.01). Gender-related difference emerged in financial support (X2(4) = 10.68, p = 0.03), duration of the migration (X2(4) = 14.56, p = 0.01), and decreased academic performance (X2(4) = 10.57, p = 0.03). Tutoring and counselling support was ranked as the most effective support, especially when received from the academic field (4.0±1.0 pt) and others (4.1±0.8 pt), followed by online services from sport and academic sectors (both: 3.9±0.9 pt). Considering the pervasive globalization of sport and education, Dual Career migration can contribute to the development of a European sport culture. The high ratio of migrating student-athletes underlines the relevance of migrations in the field of Dual Careers. This study contributes to the literature by adding insights on practices, challenges, supports, and outcomes perceived by student-athletes migrating in Europe. Moreover, country- and gender-related differences support the consideration of specific characteristics and reveal critical factors in specific target groups. The findings contribute to identifying requirements and effective support measures in Dual Career migrations and can be used to improve support services

Acetylsalicylic acid prevents intermittent hypoxia-induced vascular remodeling in a murine model of sleep apnea

Study objectives: Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), a hallmark feature of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), induces accelerated atherogenesis as well as aorta vascular remodeling. Although the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway has been proposed to contribute to the cardiovascular consequences of OSA, the potential benefits of a widely employed COX-inhibitor such (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) on CIH-induced vascular pathology are unknown. Therefore, we hypothesized that a common non-selective COX inhibitor such as ASA would attenuate the aortic remodeling induced by CIH in mice. Methods: 40 wild-type C57/BL6malemice were randomly allocated to CIH or normoxic exposures (N) and treated with daily doses of ASA or placebo for 6 weeks. At the end of the experiments, intima-media thickness (IMT), elastin disorganization (ED), elastin fragmentation (EF), length between fragmented fiber endpoints (LFF), aortic wall collagen abundance (AC) and mucoid deposition (MD) were assessed. Results: Compared to N, CIH promoted significant increases in IMT (52.58 ± 2.82μm vs. 46.07 ± 4.18μm, p < 0.003), ED (25.29 ± 14.60% vs. 4.74 ± 5.37%, p < 0.001), EF (5.80 ± 2.04 vs. 3.06 ± 0.58, p < 0.001), LFF (0.65 ± 0.34% vs. 0.14 ± 0.09%, p < 0.001), AC (3.43 ± 1.52% vs. 1.67 ± 0.67%, p < 0.001) and MD (3.40 ± 2.73 μm2 vs. 1.09 ± 0.72 μm2, p < 0.006). ASA treatment mitigated the CIH-induced alterations in IMT: 44.07 ± 2.73μm; ED: 10.57 ± 12.89%; EF: 4.63 ± 0.88; LFF: 0.25 ± 0.17% and AC: 0.90 ± 0.13% (p<0.05 for all comparisons). Conclusions: ASA prevents the CIH-induced aortic vascular remodeling, and should therefore be prospectively evaluated as adjuvant treatment in patients with OSA.This work was supported by the Spanish Respiratory Society (SEPAR), SOCAP, the Associació Lleidatana de Respiratori (ALLER), and the Spanish Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias (PI14/00486 and PI14-00004), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) “Una manera de hacer Europa”. DG is supported by National Institutes of Health grant HL130984