Microsyntenic Clusters Reveal Conservation of lncRNAs in Chordates Despite Absence of Sequence Conservation

Homologous long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are elusive to identify by sequence similarity due to their fast-evolutionary rate. Here we develop LincOFinder, a pipeline that finds conserved intergenic lncRNAs (lincRNAs) between distant related species by means of microsynteny analyses. Using this tool, we have identified 16 bona fide homologous lincRNAs between the amphioxus and human genomes. We characterized and compared in amphioxus and Xenopus the expression domain of one of them, Hotairm1, located in the anterior part of the Hox cluster. In addition, we analyzed the function of this lincRNA in Xenopus, showing that its disruption produces a severe headless phenotype, most probably by interfering with the regulation of the Hox cluster. Our results strongly suggest that this lincRNA has probably been regulating the Hox cluster since the early origin of chordates. Our work pioneers the use of syntenic searches to identify non-coding genes over long evolutionary distances and helps to further understand lncRNA evolution

Effect of a brief intervention for alcohol and illicit drug use on trauma recidivism in a cohort of trauma patients

OBJETIVO Estime la efectividad de las intervenciones breves para reducir la reincidencia de traumas en pacientes hospitalizados que tuvieron resultados positivos en la prueba de alcohol y / o uso de drogas ilícitas. Metodos Estudio de cohorte dinámico basado en datos de registro de 1818 pacientes incluidos en un programa de detección e intervención breve para el uso de alcohol y drogas ilícitas para pacientes hospitalizados con traumatismos. Del análisis de los datos surgieron tres subcohortes: los pacientes que obtuvieron un resultado negativo, los que obtuvieron un resultado positivo y se les ofreció una intervención breve, y los que obtuvieron un resultado positivo y no se les ofreció una intervención breve. El seguimiento duró de 10 a 52 meses. Se calcularon la supervivencia libre de traumatismo, los índices de tasa de riesgo ajustados (aHRR) y los índices de tasa de incidencia ajustados (aIRR), y se utilizó un análisis de efecto causal promedio más completo (CACE). RESULTADOS Encontramos un mayor riesgo acumulativo de reincidencia de trauma en el subcohort que dio positivo. En esta subcohorte, se obtuvo un aHRR de 0,63 (IC del 95%: 0,41-0,95) para el grupo que ofreció una intervención breve en comparación con el grupo que no recibió intervención. El análisis CACE produjo una reducción estimada del 52% en la reincidencia del trauma asociada con la intervención breve. CONCLUSIÓN La breve intervención ofrecida durante la hospitalización en pacientes con trauma positivos por el uso de alcohol y / o drogas ilícitas puede reducir a la mitad la incidencia de reincidencia del trauma.OBJECTIVE Estimate the effectiveness of brief interventions in reducing trauma recidivism in hospitalized trauma patients who screened positive for alcohol and/or illicit drug use. METHODS Dynamic cohort study based on registry data from 1818 patients included in a screening and brief intervention program for alcohol and illicit drug use for hospitalized trauma patients. Three subcohorts emerged from the data analysis: patients who screened negative, those who screened positive and were offered brief intervention, and those who screened positive and were not offered brief intervention. Follow-up lasted from 10 to 52 months. Trauma-free survival, adjusted hazard rate ratios (aHRR) and adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRR) were calculated, and complier average causal effect (CACE) analysis was used. RESULTS We found a higher cumulative risk of trauma recidivism in the subcohort who screened positive. In this subcohort, an aHRR of 0.63 (95% CI: 0.41–0.95) was obtained for the group offered brief intervention compared to the group not offered intervention. CACE analysis yielded an estimated 52% reduction in trauma recidivism associated with the brief intervention. CONCLUSION The brief intervention offered during hospitalization in trauma patients positive for alcohol and/or illicit drug use can halve the incidence of trauma recidivism.• Dirección General de Tráfico. Beca 0100DGT22389, para Enrique Fernández Mondéjar • Junta de Andalucía. Beca PI-0691-2013, para Raquel Vilar López • Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deportes. Beca FPU13/00669, para Juan Francisco Navas PérezpeerReviewe

Calidad de la dieta en estudiantes universitarios con distinto perfil académico

Introducción: En España son varios los estudios universitarios que abordan los temas de alimentación y estilo de vida, y demuestran que éstos son una estrategia eficaz para la prevención de enfermedades crónicas. Objetivos: Evaluar la ingesta de energía y nutrientes y la adhesión a la Dieta Mediterránea (DM) en un grupo de estudiantes universitarios con distinto perfil académico y comparar la calidad de la dieta entre estudiantes que cursan grados en Ciencias de la Salud (CS) y los de otras carreras (No CS). Métodos: 77 estudiantes (80,3% mujeres) del Campus de Soria, 37 de grados en CS y 40 de No CS de edad media 21,2 ± 2,1 años, cumplimentaron un cuestionario sobre datos socio-biográficos, el test KIDMED y registraron la ingesta de alimentos durante siete días. La estimación de la cantidad de energía y nutrientes se realizó mediante el programa informático NUTRIBER (versión 1.1.1.3r) y para la comparación de medias de muestras independientes se utilizaron las pruebas t de Student o U de Mann-Whitney y el criterio de significación se estableció en p < 0,05. Resultados y Discusión: Los estudiantes encuestados, con independencia de su perfil académico, siguen una dieta hipocalórica con mayor consumo de proteínas y de grasas de las recomendadas y menor de hidratos de carbono y fibra, lo que se refleja en el aporte insuficiente de algunas vitaminas y minerales. A pesar de ello, observamos un mayor porcentaje de encuestados con adhesión alta a los parámetros de la DM en el grupo CS (51,4%) que en el grupo no CS (30,8 %). Abstract Introduction: We can find in Spain several university studies concerning diet and lifestyle, showing them as an effective strategy to prevent chronic diseases. Objectives: To evaluate the energy and nutrient intake and adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (DM) in a group of college students with different academic profile and to compare the quality of the diet among students attending degrees in Health Science (HS) and those attending other degree courses (not HS). Methods: 77 students (80.3% female) from the Campus of Soria, 37 HS students and 40 not HS (mean age 21.2 ± 2.1 years), completed a questionnaire on socio-biographical data, the test KIDMED of adhesion to Mediterranean diet and recorded food intake for seven days. The amount of energy and nutrients was estimated using the software Nutriber (version 1.1.1.3r). Student t test or U Mann-Whitney were used to compare means of independent samples and the criterion of significance was set at p <0,05. Results and discussion: The respondent students, regardless of their academic profile, follow a low calorie diet with more protein and fat consumption than the recommended amount, and less carbohydrate and fiber, which is reflected in the insufficient intake of some vitamins and minerals. However, we observed a higher percentage of respondents with high adhesion to the parameters of the DM in the HS group (51.4%) than in the No HS group(30.8%)

The Armc10/SVH gene: Genome context, regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and protection against Aβ-induced mitochondrial fragmentation

Mitochondrial function and dynamics are essential for neurotransmission, neural function and neuronal viability. Recently, we showed that the eutherian-specific Armcx gene cluster (Armcx1-6 genes), located in the X chromosome, encodes for a new family of proteins that localise to mitochondria, regulating mitochondrial trafficking. The Armcx gene cluster evolved by retrotransposition of the Armc10 gene mRNA, which is present in all vertebrates and is considered to be the ancestor gene. Here we investigate the genomic organisation, mitochondrial functions and putative neuroprotective role of the Armc10 ancestor gene. The genomic context of the Armc10 locus shows considerable syntenic conservation among vertebrates, and sequence comparisons and CHIP-data suggest the presence of at least three conserved enhancers. We also show that the Armc10 protein localises to mitochondria and that it is highly expressed in the brain. Furthermore, we show that Armc10 levels regulate mitochondrial trafficking in neurons, but not mitochondrial aggregation, by controlling the number of moving mitochondria. We further demonstrate that the Armc10 protein interacts with the KIF5/Miro1-2/Trak2 trafficking complex. Finally, we show that overexpression of Armc10 in neurons prevents A beta-induced mitochondrial fission and neuronal death. Our data suggest both conserved and differential roles of the Armc10/Armcx gene family in regulating mitochondrial dynamics in neurons, and underscore a protective effect of the Armc10 gene against A beta-induced toxicity. Overall, our findings support a further degree of regulation of mitochondrial dynamics in the brain of more evolved mammals

Differential Shape of Geminivirus Mutant Spectra Across Cultivated and Wild Hosts With Invariant Viral Consensus Sequences

Geminiviruses (family Geminiviridae) possess single-stranded circular DNA genomes that are replicated by cellular polymerases in plant host cell nuclei. In their hosts, geminivirus populations behave as ensembles of mutant and recombinant genomes, known as viral quasispecies. This favors the emergence of new geminiviruses with altered host range, facilitating new or more severe diseases or overcoming resistance traits. In warm and temperate areas several whitefly-transmitted geminiviruses of the genus Begomovirus cause the tomato yellow leaf curl disease (TYLCD) with significant economic consequences. TYLCD is frequently controlled in commercial tomatoes by using the dominant Ty-1 resistance gene. Over a 45 day period we have studied the diversification of three begomoviruses causing TYLCD: tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), tomato yellow leaf curl Sardinia virus (TYLCSV) and tomato yellow leaf curl Malaga virus (TYLCMaV, a natural recombinant between TYLCV and TYLCSV). Viral quasispecies resulting from inoculation of geminivirus infectious clones were examined in plants of susceptible tomato (ty-1/ty-1), heterozygous resistant tomato (Ty-1/ty-1), common bean, and the wild reservoir Solanum nigrum. Differences in virus fitness across hosts were observed while viral consensus sequences remained invariant. However, the complexity and heterogeneity of the quasispecies were high, especially in common bean and the wild host. Interestingly, the presence or absence of the Ty-1 allele in tomato did not lead to differences in begomovirus mutant spectra. However, the fitness decrease of TYLCSV and TYLCV in tomato at 45 dpi might be related to an increase in CP (Coat protein) mutation frequency. In Solanum nigrum the recombinant TYLCMaV, which showed lower fitness than TYLCSV, at 45 dpi actively explored Rep (Replication associated protein) ORF but not the overlapping C4. Our results underline the importance of begomovirus mutant spectra during infections. This is especially relevant in the wild reservoir of the viruses, which has the potential to maintain highly diverse mutant spectra without modifying their consensus sequences

Metazoan evolution of glutamate receptors reveals unreported phylogenetic groups and divergent lineage-specific events

Glutamate receptors are divided in two unrelated families: ionotropic (iGluR), driving synaptic transmission, and metabotropic (mGluR), which modulate synaptic strength. The present classification of GluRs is based on vertebrate proteins and has remained unchanged for over two decades. Here we report an exhaustive phylogenetic study of GluRs in metazoans. Importantly, we demonstrate that GluRs have followed different evolutionary histories in separated animal lineages. Our analysis reveals that the present organization of iGluRs into six classes does not capture the full complexity of their evolution. Instead, we propose an organization into four subfamilies and ten classes, four of which have never been previously described. Furthermore, we report a sister class to mGluR classes I-III, class IV. We show that many unreported proteins are expressed in the nervous system, and that new Epsilon receptors form functional ligand-gated ion channels. We propose an updated classification of glutamate receptors that includes our findings

Prognostic models for mortality after cardiac surgery in patients with infective endocarditis: a systematic review and aggregation of prediction models.

Background There are several prognostic models to estimate the risk of mortality after surgery for active infective endocarditis (IE). However, these models incorporate different predictors and their performance is uncertain. Objective We systematically reviewed and critically appraised all available prediction models of postoperative mortality in patients undergoing surgery for IE, and aggregated them into a meta-model. Data sources We searched Medline and EMBASE databases from inception to June 2020. Study eligibility criteria We included studies that developed or updated a prognostic model of postoperative mortality in patient with IE. Methods We assessed the risk of bias of the models using PROBAST (Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool) and we aggregated them into an aggregate meta-model based on stacked regressions and optimized it for a nationwide registry of IE patients. The meta-model performance was assessed using bootstrap validation methods and adjusted for optimism. Results We identified 11 prognostic models for postoperative mortality. Eight models had a high risk of bias. The meta-model included weighted predictors from the remaining three models (EndoSCORE, specific ES-I and specific ES-II), which were not rated as high risk of bias and provided full model equations. Additionally, two variables (age and infectious agent) that had been modelled differently across studies, were estimated based on the nationwide registry. The performance of the meta-model was better than the original three models, with the corresponding performance measures: C-statistics 0.79 (95% CI 0.76–0.82), calibration slope 0.98 (95% CI 0.86–1.13) and calibration-in-the-large –0.05 (95% CI –0.20 to 0.11). Conclusions The meta-model outperformed published models and showed a robust predictive capacity for predicting the individualized risk of postoperative mortality in patients with IE. Protocol registration PROSPERO (registration number CRD42020192602).pre-print270 K

Characteristics and outcome of Streptococcus pneumoniae endocarditis in the XXI Century: a systematic review of 111 cases (2000-2013)

Streptococcus pneumoniae is an infrequent cause of severe infectious endocarditis (IE). The aim of our study was to describe the epidemiology, clinical and microbiological characteristics, and outcome of a series of cases of S. pneumoniae IE diagnosed in Spain and in a series of cases published since 2000 in the medical literature. We prospectively collected all cases of IE diagnosed in a multicenter cohort of patients from 27 Spanish hospitals (n = 2539). We also performed a systematic review of the literature since 2000 and retrieved all cases with complete clinical data using a pre-established protocol. Predictors of mortality were identified using a logistic regression model. We collected 111 cases of pneumococcal IE: 24 patients from the Spanish cohort and 87 cases from the literature review. Median age was 51 years, and 23 patients (20.7%) were under 15 years. Men accounted for 64% of patients, and infection was community-acquired in 96.4% of cases. The most important underlying conditions were liver disease (27.9%) and immunosuppression (10.8%). A predisposing heart condition was present in only 18 patients (16.2%). Pneumococcal IE affected a native valve in 93.7% of patients. Left-sided endocarditis predominated (aortic valve 53.2% and mitral valve 40.5%). The microbiological diagnosis was obtained from blood cultures in 84.7% of cases. In the Spanish cohort, nonsusceptibility to penicillin was detected in 4.2%. The most common clinical manifestations included fever (71.2%), a new heart murmur (55%), pneumonia (45.9%), meningitis (40.5%), and Austrian syndrome (26.1%). Cardiac surgery was performed in 47.7% of patients. The in-hospital mortality rate was 20.7%. The multivariate analysis revealed the independent risk factors for mortality to be meningitis (OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.4-12.9; P < 0.01). Valve surgery was protective (OR, 0.1; 95% CI, 0.04-0.4; P < 0.01). Streptococcus pneumoniae IE is a community-acquired disease that mainly affects native aortic valves. Half of the cases in the present study had concomitant pneumonia, and a considerable number developed meningitis. Mortality was high, mainly in patients with central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Surgery was protective

Prevention, Diagnosis and Management of Post-Surgical Mediastinitis in Adults Consensus Guidelines of the Spanish Society of Cardiovascular Infections (SEICAV), the Spanish Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (SECTCV) and the Biomedical Research Centre Network for Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES)

Prevention, Diagnosis and Management of Post-Surgical Mediastinitis in Adults Consensus Guidelines of the Spanish Society of Cardiovascular Infections (SEICAV), the Spanish Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (SECTCV) and the Biomedical Research Centre Network for Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES) doctors and radiologists. Despite the clinical and economic consequences of sternal wound infections, to date, there are no specific guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis and management of mediastinitis based on a multidisciplinary consensus. The purpose of the present document is to provide evidencebased guidance on the most effective diagnosis and management of patients who have experienced or are at risk of developing a post-surgical mediastinitis infection in order to optimise patient outcomes and the process of care. The intended users of the document are health care providers who help patients make decisions regarding their treatment, aiming to optimise the benefits and minimise any harm as well as the workload.Funding: J.M. Miró was a recipient of a personal 80:20 research grant from IDIBAPS during the period 2017–2021