The D1822V APC polymorphism interacts with fat, calcium, and fiber intakes in modulating the risk of colorectal cancer in Portuguese persons

Background - Both genetic and environmental factors affect the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Objective - We aimed to examine the interaction between the D1822V polymorphism of the APC gene and dietary intake in persons with CRC. Design - Persons with CRC (n = 196) and 200 healthy volunteers, matched for age and sex in a case-control study, were evaluated with respect to nutritional status and lifestyle factors and for the D1822V polymorphism. Results - No significant differences were observed in energy and macronutrient intakes. Cases had significantly (P < 0.05) lower intakes of carotenes, vitamins C and E, folate, and calcium than did controls. Fiber intake was significantly (P = 0.004) lower in cases than in controls, whereas alcohol consumption was associated with a 2-fold risk of CRC. In addition, cases were significantly (P = 0.001) more likely than were controls to be sedentary. The homozygous variant for the APC gene (VV) was found in 4.6% of cases and in 3.5% of controls. Examination of the potential interactions between diet and genotype found that a high cholesterol intake was associated with a greater risk of colorectal cancer only in noncarriers (DD) of the D1822V APC allele (odds ratio: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.00, 2.76). In contrast, high fiber and calcium intakes were more markedly associated with a lower risk of CRC in patients carrying the polymorphic allele (DV/VV) (odds ratio: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.27, 0.94 for fiber; odds ratio: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.28, 0.93 for calcium) than in those without that allele. Conclusion - These results suggest a significant interaction between the D1822V polymorphism and the dietary intakes of cholesterol, calcium, and fiber for CRC risk

Particles’ distribution enhancing in aluminum-based composites produced by upward friction stir processing

Funding Information: Open access funding provided by FCT|FCCN (b-on). CV and TGS acknowledge Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT-MCTES) for its financial support via projects UIDB/00667/2020 and UIDP/00667/2020 (UNIDEMI). PMF also acknowledges FCT-MCTES for its financial support via the PhD scholarship UI/BD/151055/2021. PLI would like to acknowledge FCT-MCTES for its financial support via the PhD scholarship FCT-SFRH /BD/146885/2019. RJCS acknowledges national funds from FCT-MCTES, in the scope of the project UIDB/50025/2020–2023 of the CENIMAT/i3N. Publisher Copyright: © 2023, The Author(s).A new variant of friction stir processing named upward friction stir processing (UFSP) is a promising approach to control particles’ distribution and promote a more uniform distribution over a larger processed area. This variant involves using two sheets with functional particles between them to produce metallic composites. A spacer is used to ensure the desired quantity and uniform distribution of the particles and prevent sputtering. This technique promotes an upward flow to introduce more particles with a uniform distribution in the processed volume, avoiding discrete holes or grooves. This study involved enhancing the particles’ distribution by varying process parameters. The resulting trial with the best particles’ distribution was characterized by means of light microscopy, eddy current testing, microhardness mapping, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The study revealed that UFSP can improve the particles’ distribution in the stir zone of metallic composites, especially when multi-passes are performed towards the retreating side of the plates. The process parameters that produced an improvement in particles’ distribution were six passes with an offset of 1 mm towards the retreating side, the tool rotation and processing speed of 900 rev/min, and 180 mm/min, respectively, and a spacer’s thickness of 0.5 mm. The resulting hardness and electrical conductivity profiles show that the UFSP technique can significantly affect material’s properties, including mechanical strength, particularly when processing with tool offset towards the retreating side. Furthermore, the hardness increased by about 22% in composites produced with the addition of reinforcement particles. However, for some aluminum alloys, the properties decreased under such conditions. These findings highlight the potential of UFSP for producing functionalized materials with tailored properties, while also underscoring the importance of careful parameters selection to optimize the material´s performance. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].publishersversioninpres

An approach to the Spanish consumer's perception of the sensory quality of environmentally friendly seabass

[EN] Seabass is one of the leading aquaculture species in Europe. Sensory analysis is essential for new product development. This research focused on establishing and differentiating the opinion of consumers about seabass quality obtained with organic feeding. Fish were fed for 196 days with four treatments (a control diet with 30% fishmeal and three diets with different levels of fishmeal supplemented with organic vegetable ingredients: 25%, 30% and 35%). Experimental diets were compared with commercial samples from the retail industry that were considered as "adequate quality for fish ". Two sensory analyses were carried out, check-all-that-apply (CATA) to obtain feedback on consumers' characterization towards a different type of fish evaluated and projective mapping (PM) to measure the similarity among a set of products and establish a comparison between results provided by both methods. According to the CATA results, white color, softness, meaty taste and juicy texture were considered relevant attributes, also showing a good relationship with an adequate cooked fish description. A penalty analysis confirmed that the previous characteristics were considered essential while fibrous was an undesirable attribute. The projective mapping showed a similar sensory configuration to the CATA, corroborating these findings that showed that commercial fish were placed in a position away from the rest of the treatments, and the organic diet with a higher level of fishmeal (35%) was the most distant from the control diet.This Project was subsidized by the Biodiversity Foundation 1-2020, within the framework of the Pleamar Program, co-financed by the FEMP.Calanche Morales, JB.; Tomas-Vidal, A.; Cusiyunca Phoco, ER.; Martínez-Llorens, S.; Marquina, PL.; Jover Cerda, M.; Roncales, P.... (2021). An approach to the Spanish consumer's perception of the sensory quality of environmentally friendly seabass. Foods. 10(11):1-16. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10112694S116101

Importancia de la embolización preoperatoria en el tratamiento del quiste óseo aneurismático: Presentación de un caso clínico

Se describe el tratamiento de un quiste óseo aneurismático localizado en el raquis dorsal, en un niño de 8 años de edad. El quiste óseo aneurismático es una lesión benigna y a menudo extremadamente vascular. En la columna puede causar extensa destrucción ósea y compromiso de las estructuras neurales. Se demuestra el valor de la embolización preoperatoria reduciendo la vascularización y permitiendo su extirpación quirúrgica total.I n this report, th e managemen t o f a n aneurysma l bon e cyst i n th e thoraci c spin e o f an 8 year s ol d bo y is described . Aneurysma l bon e is a histologicall y benig n lesio n tha t is ofte n extremel y vascular . I n th e spine , it ca n caus e extensiv e bon e destructio n an d compress neura l structures. Th e valu e o f preoperativ e embo - lizatio n t o reduc e vascularity , allowin g tota l excisio n is demonstrated

Associations between anxiety disorders and diet quality in a Swiss cohort study

OBJECTIVES Anxiety disorders are common in the general population and can have a major impact on a person's behavior. These disorders may also affect shopping and cooking habits, which may lead to a less healthy diet. Thus, we aimed to assess whether any current anxiety disorder or current specific anxiety disorders were associated with diet quality. METHODS Data of 6392 observations of 3993 participants were retrieved from 2 data waves of a population-based prospective cohort study conducted in an urban area in Switzerland. To assess the associations of anxiety status with diet quality measured by the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), we performed cross-sectional multilevel random-effects linear regression analyses, which accounted for potential repeated participation and a series of potential confounders. RESULTS We observed an association between the presence of any current anxiety disorder and lower diet quality. For the most conclusive model, the AHEI was 1.2 points lower among those with current anxiety disorders compared to those participants with no anxiety disorder (p = 0.016). When specific anxiety disorders were included separately into the model, panic disorder was associated with lower diet quality in the fully adjusted model (p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS Our findings of reduced diet quality in people with any current anxiety disorder suggest that practical support is needed when it comes to buying and processing food. This might be systematically addressed in psychotherapy and external interdisciplinary support (e.g. occupational therapy and dietary counselling) should be involved. However, further data is needed to strengthen the findings of the present study

Experiencia y resultados preliminares en el uso de cilindros intersomáticos para la artrodesis lumbar

El dolor lumbar crónico es una patología que puede llegar a ser incapacitante y en la que a menudo fracasan los tratamientos conservadores. Como alternativa entre las cirugías que pretenden atajar este problema mediante una artrodesis está la fusión intersomática con cilindros, que presenta algunas ventajas respecto a otras técnicas de fijación. Esta técnica ha sido introducida recientemente en nuestro país. Se presentan los primeros resultados obtenidos tras esta cirugía en los primeros 16 pacientes operados. Desde 1997 a diciembre de 2000 se han implantado 11 cilindros BAK y 5 LIFEC. Diez pacientes tenían un seguimiento mínimo de 1 año y éstos constituyen la serie evaluada. Siete pacientes (70%) no presentaban dolor. Cuatro pacientes (40%) se habían incorporado a sus trabajos respectivos. Seis pacientes (60%) no precisaban tratamiento médico. Los buenos resultados obtenidos hasta el momento nos invitan a pensar que esta técnica, de menor agresividad y que no cierra la puerta a otros tipos de instrumentación, es una opción válida para el tratamiento del dolor lumbar crónico.Chronic low back pain is a medical cause of disability in which conservative management is often not effective. As an alternative, interbody fusion with cylinders offers several advantages as compared to other surgical methods of fusion. This technique has been recently introduced in our Country. The preliminary results of 16 patients managed in our Department are shown. From 1997 to December 2000, eleven BAK devices and 5 LIFEC have been implanted. Ten patients had a minimum follow-up of 1 year and these constitute the series evaluated. Seven patients (70%) were free of pain. Four patients (40%) returned to their previous job. Six patients (60%) did not need medical treatment. The good results with this technique encourage us and suggest that these devices are a valid option for the management of chronic low back pain

Bilateral mental nerve neuropathy as the sole presenting symptom of Burkitt´s Lymphoma

There are several pathologies that may cause alteration of the lower lip sensation, therefore a differential diagnosis is needed. Among these pathologies, we have focused on intrabone growing tumours such as Burkitt’s Lymphoma.Burkitt’s Lymphoma is a malignant tumour of B-Cell lymphocyte origin, classified as a Non-Hodgkin;s Lymphoma. Three clinical subtypes are described: endemic, sporadic and HIV associated. It is characterized by very fast growing, undifferentiated lymphocytes and bone marrow infiltration. A high incidence of Burkitt’s Lymphoma has been reported in African children. It is known to have a good response to radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment. This report describes the case of a 29 year-old Spanish man diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma, in which his first and only symptom was bilateral anaesthesia of the lower lip. We have also described the clinical evolution, steps for diagnosis and treatment

Drivers of the Ectoparasite Community and Co-Infection Patterns in Rural and Urban Burrowing Owls

We analyzed the ectoparasite community of a monomorphic and non-social bird, the burrowing owl, Athene cunicularia, breeding in rural and urban habitats. Such community was composed by two lice, one mite and one flea species. Rural individuals had more fleas and less mites than urban ones. Adult birds harbored less ectoparasites than young ones and females harbored more lice than males. The presence of lice was positively related to the presence of fleas. On the contrary, the presence of mites was negatively related to the presence of fleas and lice. The study of parasite communities in urban and rural populations of the same species can shed light on how urban stressor factors impact the physiology of wildlife inhabiting cities and, therefore, the host-parasite relationships. Urbanization creates new ecological conditions that can affect biodiversity at all levels, including the diversity and prevalence of parasites of species that may occupy these environments. However, few studies have compared bird-ectoparasite interactions between urban and rural individuals. Here, we analyze the ectoparasite community and co-infection patterns of urban and rural burrowing owls, Athene cunicularia, to assess the influence of host traits (i.e., sex, age, and weight), and environmental factors (i.e., number of conspecifics per nest, habitat type and aridity) on its composition. Ectoparasites of burrowing owls included two lice, one flea, and one mite. The overall prevalence for mites, lice and fleas was 1.75%, 8.76% and 3.50%, respectively. A clear pattern of co-infection was detected between mites and fleas and, to less extent, between mites and lice. Adult owls harbored fewer ectoparasites than nestlings, and adult females harbored more lice than males. Our results also show that mite and flea numbers were higher when more conspecifics cohabited the same burrow, while lice showed the opposite pattern. Rural individuals showed higher flea parasitism and lower mite parasitism than urban birds. Moreover, mite numbers were negatively correlated with aridity and host weight. Although the ectoparasitic load of burrowing owls appears to be influenced by individual age, sex, number of conspecifics per nest, and habitat characteristics, the pattern of co-infection found among ectoparasites could also be mediated by unexplored factors such as host immune response, which deserves further research

Utility of iron biomarkers in differentiating menopausal status: Findings from CoLaus and PREVEND.

AIM To examine the association of iron biomarkers with menopausal status and assess whether these biomarkers can help differentiate menopausal status beyond age. METHODS In this cross-sectional study we included 1679 women from the CoLaus and 2133 from the PREVEND cohorts, with CoLaus used as primary cohort and PREVEND for replication. Ferritin, transferrin, iron, and transferrin saturation (TSAT) were used to assess iron status. Hepcidin and soluble transferrin receptor were assessed only in PREVEND. Menopausal status was self-reported and defined as menopausal or non-menopausal. Logistic regressions were used to explore the association of these iron biomarkers with menopause status. Sensitivity, specificity, area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC), positive and negative predictive values as well as cut-off points for the iron biomarkers were calculated. The model with the highest AUC was defined as the best. RESULTS In the CoLaus and PREVEND cohorts, respectively, 513 (30.6 %) and 988 (46.3 %) women were postmenopausal. Ferritin (OR, 2.20; 95 % CI 1.72-2.90), transferrin (OR, 0.03; 95 % CI 0.01-0.10), and TSAT (OR, 1.28; 95 % CI 1.06-1.54) were significantly associated with menopausal status in CoLaus, with the findings replicated in PREVEND. AUC of age alone was 0.971. The best model resulted from combining age, ferritin, and transferrin, with an AUC of 0.976, and sensitivity and specificity of 87.1 % and 96.5 %, respectively. Adding transferrin and ferritin to a model with age improved menopause classification by up to 7.5 %. In PREVEND, a model with age and hepcidin outperformed a model with age, ferritin, and transferrin. CONCLUSION Iron biomarkers were consistently associated with menopausal status in both cohorts, and modestly improved a model with age alone for differentiating menopause status. Our findings on hepcidin need replication

Gene amplification-associated overexpression of the RNA editing enzyme ADAR1 enhances human lung tumorigenesis

The introduction of new therapies against particular genetic mutations in non-small-cell lung cancer is a promising avenue for improving patient survival, but the target population is small. There is a need to discover new potential actionable genetic lesions, to which end, non-conventional cancer pathways, such as RNA editing, are worth exploring. Herein we show that the adenosine-toinosine editing enzyme ADAR1 undergoes gene amplification in non-small cancer cell lines and primary tumors in association with higher levels of the corresponding mRNA and protein. From a growth and invasion standpoint, the depletion of ADAR1 expression in amplified cells reduces their tumorigenic potential in cell culture and mouse models, whereas its overexpression has the opposite effects. From a functional perspective, ADAR1 overexpression enhances the editing frequencies of target transcripts such as NEIL1 and miR-381. In the clinical setting, patients with early-stage lung cancer, but harboring ADAR1 gene amplification, have poor outcomes. Overall, our results indicate a role for ADAR1 as a lung cancer oncogene undergoing gene amplification-associated activation that affects downstream RNA editing patterns and patient prognosis.This work was supported by the European Research Council under the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013)/ERC grant agreement no. 268626—EPINORC project, the Grant agreement number HEALTH-F2-2010-258677—CURELUNG project, the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO Projects no. SAF2011-22803, PI13-01339 and SAF2014-55000- R), the Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII)—PI10/02992, Ministerio de Educación, Ciencia e Innovación Grant SAF2010-14935, the Cellex Foundation, the National Cancer Center Research and Development Fund (NCC Biobank: 23 A-1) and the Health and Science Departments of the Catalan Government (Generalitat de Catalunya) AGAUR—project no. 2009SGR1315 and 2014SGR633.Peer Reviewe