Feromônio sexual, ADN mitocondrial e expressão das proteínas ligantes do ferômonio de Diatraea Saccharalis (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) e avanços na identificação do feromônio sexual de Diatraea Indiginella Dyar e Heinrich, (Lepidoptera: Crambi

Resumo: Os principais componentes do feromônio sexual de Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius, 1794), a broca da cana, (Z,E)-9,11-hexadecadienal e (Z)-11-hexadecenal, foram identificados e quantificados em quatro populações do Brasil e uma população da Colômbia utilizando GC-EAD, GC-MS e GC. Três razoes distintas entre os compostos foram observadas; 9:1, 6:1 e 3:1. O componente majoritário, Z,E)-9,11-hexadecadienal, apresentou concentração que variou de 6,8 a 21,9 ng glândula-1. No caso do (Z)-11- hexadecenal, a concentração variou de 1,7 a 6,5 ng glândula-1. Vinte e cinco sequências do citocromo oxidase II de D. saccharalis foram analisadas, apresentando variação intraespecifica baixa, sendo representadas por onze haplótipos. O mais freqüente foi representado pelos espécimes dos estados brasileiros de São Paulo, Paraná e Pernambuco. Os espécimes colombianos apresentaram a maior divergência genética. Os valores de variabilidade genética entre os espécimes foram coincidentes com aqueles obtidos nas análises dos extratos do feromônio sexual. Estes resultados evidenciam uma variação na composição do feromônio e uma co-variação nos haplótipos das populações de D. saccharalis estudadas. Análises dos extratos de feromônio sexual de fêmeas de D. saccharalis obtidos de fêmeas virgens 2 ou 3 dias de idade evidenciaram a presença de quatro componentes EAD - ativos. Os componentes do eromônio sexual de D. saccharalis foram identificados via GCMS e co-injeção com padrões sintéticos. Dois novos componentes minoritários, hexadecanal e (Z)-9-hexadecenal, foram identificados. Também foram descritos neste estudo o (Z,E)- 9,11-hexadecadienal e o (Z)-11-hexadecenal. A razão apresentada entre os quatro componentes, (Z,E)-9,11-hexadecadienal, hexadecanal, (Z)-11-hexadecenal e (Z)-9- hexadecenal, foi de 17:1,4:1:1, respectivamente. Neste trabalho também foram avaliadas as expressões das proteínas ligantes de feromônio, PBP, presentes em machos e fêmeas de D. saccharalis expostos a iferentes condições de luz; fotofase contínua e fotoregime de 12h de fotofase e 12 h de escotofase. Também foi avaliado o padrão de expressão das PBPs em ambos os sexos. Os extratos de proteína total dos tecidos foram analisados empregando eletroforese em SDS-PAGE, mostrando uma separação uniforme das subunidades de proteína. A expressão da proteína imunorreativa BmoriPBP foi negativa nas pernas de ambos os sexos. Por outro lado, a expressão foi positiva nas antenas de machos e fêmeas. Os machos apresentaram duas bandas expressas com massas molares de aproximadamente 15 kDa e 18 kDa, cada uma delas. Para as fêmeas, no entanto, uma única banda foi observada, com massa molar aparente de 15 kDa. O presente estudo confirmou a independência da expressão das PBP para a D. saccharalis, em relação às condições de fotoperíodo. Finalmente, aspectos como início, duração e padrão temporal de chamamento, e número de vezes de exposição da glândula produtora de feromônio de Diatraea indigenella Dyar & Heinrich, 1927 (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) foram observados durante sete escotofases. O comportamento de chamamento ocorreu desde a emergência das fêmeas com um decréscimo no número de vezes que a glândula era exposta e na duração após a sexta escotofase. A maior porcentagem de fêmeas chamando se deu seis horas após o início da escotofase. O principal componente do feromônio sexual foi identificado a partir de extratos obtidos de fêmeas virgens utilizando GC-EAD, GC-MS e bioensaios em olfatômetro. O componente majoritário foi identificado como (Z,E)-9,11-hexadecadienal (Z9,E11-16:Ald). Foram ainda observados dois componentes minoritários ativos frente a antenas de machos. A concentração do (Z9,E11-16:Ald) variou de 2,53 to 13,7 ng glândula-1, sendo o maior valor detectado na sexta hora da escotofase. Embora os tempos de retenção dos dois compostos minoritários presentes no extrato tenham sido estimados pelas respostas observadas no EAD, as suas estruturas químicas não foram onfirmadas devido às baixas concentrações nos extratos. Bioensaios empregando olfatômetro mostraram que os extratos obtidos das glândulas e o componente majoritário atraíram 86% e 68% dos machos, respectivamente, quando testados individualmente contra hexano. Porém, uma atração significativa (77%) foi observada quando os extratos de glândula foram avaliados versus o padrão sintético do componente majoritário

Descomposición y calidad físico-química foliar de 24 especies dominantes de los pastizales de altura de las sierras de Córdoba, Argentina

Tanto la calidad química de la broza como las características físicas de las hojas verdes han sido indicadas como determinantes de la descomposición de la broza. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la relación entre la descomposición y la calidad química de la broza y física de las hojas verdes de 24 especies dominantes de pastizales mésicos y húmedos de las sierras altas de Córdoba (Argentina). Adicionalmente, comparamos el patrón de asociación entre esas características con el descripto para las especies de las sierras bajas de la misma región. Medimos la descomposición de la broza mediante la incubación en jardín común en dos periodos (70 y 196 días). Como indicadores de la calidad química de la broza medimos el contenido de componentes lábiles (nitrógeno) y el de componentes recalcitrantes (celulosa, hemicelulosa y lignina). Además, calculamos variables a partir de estos indicadores: proporción holocelulosa/fibras y las relaciones lignina:nitrógeno, holocelulosa:nitrógeno y fibras:nitrógeno. Como indicador de calidad física de las hojas verdes medimos el área foliar específica. La descomposición aumentó principalmente a medida que disminuyó la relación fibras:nitrógeno para ambos periodos. Contrariamente a lo encontrado en otros trabajos, el contenido de lignina y el área foliar específica no se correlacionaron significativamente con la descomposición. En cambio, las relaciones entre descomposición y calidad resultaron similares a las documentadas para las especies dominantes de las sierras bajas de Córdoba. Esta similitud, a pesar de las diferencias en composición de especies, tipos funcionales y regímenes climáticos, indica una consistencia del control químico en la descomposición.Fil: Poca, María. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (p); Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Perez Harguindeguy, Natalia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (p); Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Vaieretti, Maria Victoria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (p); ArgentinaFil: Cingolani, Ana María. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (p); Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; Argentin

Converging circuits between pain and depression: the ventral tegmental area as a therapeutic hub

Chronic pain and depression are highly prevalent pathologies and cause a major socioeconomic burden to society. Chronic pain affects the emotional state of the individuals suffering from it, while depression worsens the prognosis of chronic pain patients and may diminish the effectiveness of pain treatments. There is a high comorbidity rate between both pathologies, which might share overlapping mechanisms. This review explores the evidence pinpointing a role for the ventral tegmental area (VTA) as a hub where both pain and emotional processing might converge. In addition, the feasibility of using the VTA as a possible therapeutic target is discussed. The role of the VTA, and the dopaminergic system in general, is highly studied in mood disorders, especially in deficits in reward-processing and motivation. Conversely, the VTA is less regarded where it concerns the study of central mechanisms of pain and its mood-associated consequences. Here, we first outline the brain circuits involving central processing of pain and mood disorders, focusing on the often-understudied role of the dopaminergic system and the VTA. Next, we highlight the state-of-the-art findings supporting the emergence of the VTA as a link where both pathways converge. Thus, we envision a promising part for the VTA as a putative target for innovative therapeutic approaches to treat chronic pain and its effects on mood. Finally, we emphasize the urge to develop and use animal models where both pain and depression-like symptoms are considered in conjunction

The Role of Neurophysiology in Managing Patients with Chiari Malformations

Chiari type 1 malformation; Electromyography; SyringomyeliaMalformación de Chiari tipo 1; Electromiografía; SiringomieliaMalformació de Chiari tipus 1; Electromiografia; SiringomieliaChiari malformation type 1 (CM1) includes various congenital anomalies that share ectopia of the cerebellar tonsils lower than the foramen magnum, in some cases associated with syringomyelia or hydrocephalus. CM1 can cause dysfunction of the brainstem, spinal cord, and cranial nerves. This functional alteration of the nervous system can be detected by various modalities of neurophysiological tests, such as brainstem auditory evoked potentials, somatosensory evoked potentials, motor evoked potentials, electromyography and nerve conduction studies of the cranial nerves and spinal roots, as well as brainstem reflexes. The main goal of this study is to review the findings of multimodal neurophysiological examinations in published studies of patients with CM1 and their indication in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of these patients, as well as their utility in intraoperative monitoring.This study was partially supported by grants FIS PI22/01082, which was co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), awarded to M.A. Poca and Agència de Gestió d’Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca (AGAUR), Spain, grant 2021SGR/00810. The following nongovernmental associations have generously donated funding to support this research: (1) Asociación Nacional de Amigos de Arnold-Chiari (ANAC, http://www.arnoldchiari.es (accessed on 5 October 2023)), (2) Asociación Chiari y Siringomielia del Principado de Asturias (Ch.y.S.P.A., https://chyspa.org (accessed on 5 October 2023)), (3) Federación Española de Malformación de Chiari y Patologías Asociadas (FEMACPA), and (4) Mariana Dañobeitia https://vhir.vallhebron.com/es/sociedad/noticias/la-hija-de-una-paciente-con-malformacion-de-chiari-dona-21840-euros-para-impulsar-la-investigacion (accessed on 5 October 2023))

A Critical Update of the Classification of Chiari and Chiari-like Malformations

Malformació d'Arnold-Chiari; Classificació; Malalties raresMalformación de Arnold-Chiari; Clasificación; Enfermedades rarasArnold-Chiari malformation; Classification; Rare diseasesChiari malformations are a group of craniovertebral junction anomalies characterized by the herniation of cerebellar tonsils below the foramen magnum, often accompanied by brainstem descent. The existing classification systems for Chiari malformations have expanded from the original four categories to nine, leading to debates about the need for a more descriptive and etiopathogenic terminology. This review aims to examine the various classification approaches employed and proposes a simplified scheme to differentiate between different types of tonsillar herniations. Furthermore, it explores the most appropriate terminology for acquired herniation of cerebellar tonsils and other secondary Chiari-like malformations. Recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have revealed a higher prevalence and incidence of Chiari malformation Type 1 (CM1) and identified similar cerebellar herniations in individuals unrelated to the classic phenotypes described by Chiari. As we reassess the existing classifications, it becomes crucial to establish a terminology that accurately reflects the diverse presentations and underlying causes of these conditions. This paper contributes to the ongoing discussion by offering insights into the evolving understanding of Chiari malformations and proposing a simplified classification and terminology system to enhance diagnosis and management.This research was partially supported by grant FIS PI22/01082, which was co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), awarded to M.A. Poca and by grant 2021SGR/00810 from the Agència de Gestió d’Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca (AGAUR), Departament de Recerca i Universitats de la Generalitat de Catalunya, Spain. ASM is the recipient of a predoctoral fellowship from grant 2021SGR/00810 from the Agència de Gestió d’Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca (AGAUR). The following nongovernmental associations have generously donated funding to support this research: 1. Asociación Nacional de Amigos de Arnold-Chiari (ANAC, http://www.arnoldchiari.es (accessed on 7 June 2023)); 2. Asociación Chiari y Siringomielia del Principado de Asturias (CHySPA, https://chyspa.org (accessed on 7 June 2023)); 3. Federación Española de Malformación de Chiari y Patologías Asociadas (FEMACPA); and 4. Mariana Dañobeitia (https://references.neurotrauma.com/chiari (accessed on 7 June 2023))

Insuficiència renal i mortalitat dels pacients cirròtics amb peritonitis bacteriana espontània i baix risc de mortalitat no tractats amb albúmina

L'expansió amb albúmina disminueix la incidència d'insuficiència renal i la mortalitat dels pacients cirròtics amb peritonitis bacteriana espontània (PBE). Però no està ben establert si caldria administrar-la a tots aquests pacients. Aquest estudi determina la incidència i evolució de la insuficiència renal i mortalitat en una sèrie no seleccionada de pacients cirròtics amb PBE i baix risc de mortalitat (urea 11mmol/l i bilirrubina 68µmol/l) no tractats amb albúmina. La baixa mortalitat i la bona evolució de la funció renal observades en els pacients amb PBE i baix risc de mortalitat no tractats amb albúmina, suggereixen que en aquests pacients no caldria administrar albúmina.Albumin infusion has been shown to decrease the incidence of renal impairment and mortality in cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). However, it is not well established if albumin should be administered to all SBP patients. This study determined the incidence and outcome of renal failure and mortality in a non-selected series of cirrhotic patients with SBP and low risk of mortality (urea 11mmol/l and bilirubin 68µmol/l) non-treated with albumin. The low mortality rates and the favourable outcome of renal function observed in patients with SBP and low risk of mortality non-treated with albumin, suggest that albumin administration does not seem to be necessary in this setting

Converging circuits between pain and depression: the ventral tegmental area as a therapeutic hub

Chronic pain and depression are highly prevalent pathologies and cause a major socioeconomic burden to society. Chronic pain affects the emotional state of the individuals suffering from it, while depression worsens the prognosis of chronic pain patients and may diminish the effectiveness of pain treatments. There is a high comorbidity rate between both pathologies, which might share overlapping mechanisms. This review explores the evidence pinpointing a role for the ventral tegmental area (VTA) as a hub where both pain and emotional processing might converge. In addition, the feasibility of using the VTA as a possible therapeutic target is discussed. The role of the VTA, and the dopaminergic system in general, is highly studied in mood disorders, especially in deficits in reward-processing and motivation. Conversely, the VTA is less regarded where it concerns the study of central mechanisms of pain and its mood-associated consequences. Here, we first outline the brain circuits involving central processing of pain and mood disorders, focusing on the often-understudied role of the dopaminergic system and the VTA. Next, we highlight the state-of-the-art findings supporting the emergence of the VTA as a link where both pathways converge. Thus, we envision a promising part for the VTA as a putative target for innovative therapeutic approaches to treat chronic pain and its effects on mood. Finally, we emphasize the urge to develop and use animal models where both pain and depression-like symptoms are considered in conjunction

Effect of a Multistrain Probiotic on Cognitive Function and Risk of Falls in Patients With Cirrhosis : A Randomized Trial

Probiotics can modulate gut microbiota, intestinal permeability, and immune response and could therefore improve cognitive dysfunction and help avoid potential consequences, such as falls, in patients with cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multistrain probiotic on cognitive function, risk of falls, and inflammatory response in patients with cirrhosis. Consecutive outpatients with cirrhosis and cognitive dysfunction (defined by a Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score [PHES] < −4) and/or falls in the previous year were randomized to receive either a sachet of a high-concentration multistrain probiotic containing 450 billion bacteria twice daily for 12 weeks or placebo. We evaluated the changes in cognitive function (PHES); risk of falls (Timed Up and Go [TUG] test, gait speed, and incidence of falls); systemic inflammatory response; neutrophil oxidative burst; intestinal barrier integrity (serum fatty acid-binding protein 6 [FABP-6] and 2 [FABP-2] and zonulin and urinary claudin-3); bacterial translocation (lipopolysaccharide-binding protein [LBP]); and fecal microbiota. Thirty-six patients were included. Patients treated with the probiotic (n = 18) showed an improvement in the PHES (P = 0.006), TUG time (P = 0.015) and gait speed (P = 0.02), and a trend toward a lower incidence of falls during follow-up (0% compared with 22.2% in the placebo group [n = 18]; P = 0.10). In the probiotic group, we observed a decrease in C-reactive protein (P = 0.01), tumor necrosis factor alpha (P = 0.01), FABP-6 (P = 0.009), and claudin-3 (P = 0.002), and an increase in poststimulation neutrophil oxidative burst (P = 0.002). Conclusion: The multistrain probiotic improved cognitive function, risk of falls, and inflammatory response in patients with cirrhosis and cognitive dysfunction and/or previous falls

Effects of Albumin on Survival after a Hepatic Encephalopathy Episode: Randomized Double-Blind Trial and Meta-Analysis

Albúmina; Assaig clínic; MetanàlisiAlbumin; Clinical trial; Meta-analysisAlbúmina; Ensayo clínico; MetaanálisisNo therapies have been proven to increase survival after a hepatic encephalopathy (HE) episode. We hypothesize that two doses of albumin could improve 90-day survival rates after a HE episode. Methods: (1) A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (BETA) was conducted in 12 hospitals. The effect of albumin (1.5 g/kg at baseline and 1 g/kg on day 3) on 90-day survival rates after a HE episode grade II or higher was evaluated. (2) A meta-analysis of individual patient’s data for survival including two clinical trials (BETA and ALFAE) was performed. Results: In total, 82 patients were included. Albumin failed to increase the 90-day transplant-free survival (91.9% vs. 80.5%, p = 0.3). A competing risk analysis was performed, observing a 90-day cumulative incidence of death of 9% in the albumin group vs. 20% in the placebo (p = 0.1). The meta-analysis showed a benefit in the albumin group, with a lower rate of clinical events (death or liver transplant) than patients in the placebo (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.21–0.82), when analyzed by a competing risk analysis (90-days mortality rate of 11% in the albumin group vs. 30% in the placebo, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Repeated doses of albumin might be beneficial for patient’s survival as an add-on therapy after an HE episode, but an adequately powered trial is needed.This work was supported by grants ICI14/00352 and PI/18/00947 from Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) and co-funded by the European Union (ERDF/ESF, “Investing in your future”—Una manera de hacer Europa). MVC and MST are both recipients of Juan Rodes grants from ISCIII. JG is a recipient of a research intensification grant from the ISCIII. CIBERehd is supported by ISCIII. ACS is a recipient of the Rio Hortega grant from ISCIII. The work was independent of all funding

The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT2) for evaluating civilian mild traumatic brain injury

Post-concussion symptoms; SCAT2; Head injurySíntomas posteriores a la conmoción cerebral; SCAT2; Lesión cranealSímptomes posteriors a la commoció cerebral; SCAT2; Lesió cranialSelf-report measures, particularly symptom inventories, are critical tools for identifying patients with persistent post-concussion symptoms and their follow-up. Unlike in military or sports-related assessment, in general civilian settings pre-injury levels of concussion-like symptoms are lacking. Normative data are available in adolescent and college populations, but no reference data exist to guide clinical adult explorations. The purpose of this study was to use the second edition of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT2) to profile a cohort of 60 healthy community volunteers who had not sustained a head injury. Participating volunteers underwent MRI scanning and were evaluated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Participants reported a median of 3 concussion-like symptoms and the 97.5 percentile score was found at 10.5 symptoms, out of a total of 22. The median severity score was 4.9 points, and 28.9 was the upper limit of the reference interval. Only 10 participants (16.7%) did not endorse any symptom. The most frequently endorsed symptom was feeling difficulty in concentrating, with 41.7% of the sample reporting it. Age, sex and general distress, anxiety and depressive symptoms were not associated with concussion-like symptoms. Our data yielded elevated cut-offs scores for both the number of symptoms and the symptom severity. In conclusion, postconcussive-like symptoms are frequent in the general non-concussed adult population and it should be taken into account in any future models developed for screening patients at risk of developing physical, cognitive, and psychological complaints following mild traumatic injury.UNINN is supported by a Grant from the Generalitat de Catalunya (SGR 2014-844, http://agaur.gencat.cat). This work has been supported in part by the Fondo de Investigacion Sanitaria (Instituto de Salud Carlos III, https://portalfis.isciii.es) with grants FIS PI11/00700 (J.S.) and grant FIS PI13/02397 (M.A.P.), which were co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). A.R. was a recipient of a pre-doctoral grant from the Fundacio Institut de Recerca VHIR (PRED-VHIR-2012-26, http://en.vhir.org)