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Between 2.5% and 28% of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 suffer long COVID or persistence of symptoms for months after acute illness. Many symptoms are neurological, but the brain changes underlying the neuropsychological impairments remain unclear. This study aimed to provide a detailed description of the cognitive profile, the pattern of brain alterations in long COVID and the potential association between them. To address these objectives, 83 patients with persistent neurological symptoms after COVID-19 were recruited, and 22 now healthy control subjects chosen because they had suffered COVID-19 but did not experience persistent neurological symptoms. Patients and controls were matched for age, sex and educational level. All participants were assessed by clinical interview, comprehensive standardized neuropsychological tests and structural MRI. The mean global cognitive function of patients with long COVID assessed by Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-III screening test [overall cognitive level (OCLz) = −0.39 ± 0.12] was significantly below the infection recovered-controls (OCLz = +0.32 ± 0.16, P < 0.01). We observed that 48% of patients with long COVID had episodic memory deficit, with 27% also with impaired overall cognitive function, especially attention, working memory, processing speed and verbal fluency. The MRI examination included grey matter morphometry and whole brain structural connectivity analysis. Compared to infection recovered controls, patients had thinner cortex in a specific cluster centred on the left posterior superior temporal gyrus. In addition, lower fractional anisotropy and higher radial diffusivity were observed in widespread areas of the patients' cerebral white matter relative to these controls. Correlations between cognitive status and brain abnormalities revealed a relationship between altered connectivity of white matter regions and impairments of episodic memory, overall cognitive function, attention and verbal fluency. This study shows that patients with neurological long COVID suffer brain changes, especially in several white matter areas, and these are associated with impairments of specific cognitive functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A concise synthesis of cytimidine was developed utilizing tandem Cu-mediated N-aryl amidations followed by global deprotection. This sequence exploits a regioselective coupling of an iodobenzamide with a halopyrimidine that allows the union of three fragments in a single synthetic manipulation and will permit the efficient and rapid diversification of the cytimidine core. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the decision of the Tribunal of the Roman Rota on the use of exclusion of the good of offspring of bonum prolis and good of the spouse or bonum coniugum as grounds for nullity of a marriage in the Czech Republic on January 23, 2004. The background of the case is presented. Also noted are the elements of the exclusion of the good of offspring under the Code of Canon Law. It explains that the good of the spouses would consist in love as the good and love are convertible in marriage.

This paper investigates the feasibility of applying SERVQUAL to measure the quality of service provided by the establishments of a tourism subsector (hotels) of a tourist destination (Cantabria, an autonomous region in northern Spain), in order to obtain relevant in- formation for decision-making by those in charge of the tourist administration and industry associations of the region. In the specific case of the subsector we have chosen, the most significant variables for a strategic diagnosis, and which have therefore been incorporated into the analysis, are the legal category of the establishment and the geographical zone where it is located. The results of the study have allowed us to identify the categories of establishments, and the zones which require special attention, as well as the sort of interventions needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ductus arteriosus (DA) connects the pulmonary artery to the proximal descending aorta. In the 3 vessels view and trachea, the pulmonary artery was not visualised. The main pulmonary artery bifurcated into two main branches but the DA joined the descending aorta in a lower level than usual, detectable by colour Doppler examination. [Extracted from the article]

Through the careful design of a tecton and the selection of an adequate synthon we were able to design and build a non-centrosymmetric crystal through π–π stacking interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sonographic findings include disruption in the spinal shape resulting in scoliosis, and hemivertebra appears as a triangular bony structure, smaller than a regular vertebra, acting like a wedge, among adjacent normal vertebral bodies. During routine first trimester sonography at 12 weeks, a distortion at the lumbar region of the spine (L2) and a typical small triangular bony structure suggesting an isolated hemivertebra, were detected. At routine fetal morphological sonography showed a distortion at the lumbar region of the spine (L2-L3) and a typical small triangular bony structure, which suggested an isolated hemivertebra, were present. [Extracted from the article]

Congenital tumours are uncommon in infants, particularly in the head and neck region. Fetal MRI provided detailed anatomical orientation for evaluation of the extent and character of tumour. Therefore, the role of MRI for exclusion of even partial compression of the airways by a cystic neck mass is essential, as the method could reveal more anatomical detail; this could be helpful in planning airway access procedures. [Extracted from the article]

The routine ultrasound at the second trimester may allow an early diagnosis of DST and fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirm the diagnosis. The MRI at 26 weeks, confirmed the diagnosis and the serial examinations showed a progressive decreasing size of the lesion and no ischemic or hemorrhagic brain lesion were observed. In conclusion, the serial ultrasound and fetal MRI examinations are essential to diagnosis the lesion, with favorable outcomes if there is a decreasing thrombus size and absence of other abnormalities. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: The study was conducted in the Neves Corvo Cu–Sn mine, and in six old Mn, Cu and pyrite mines, situated in the same volcano-sedimentary formations of the Portuguese Iberian Pyrite Belt, namely Courela das Ferrarias, Cerro da Cachaçuda, Herdade do Castelo, Cerro das Guaritas, Cerro do Algaré and Brancanes and in Lombador at the surface of a unexploited deep orebody. The objective was to compare the pathway of specific chemical elements in the present Neves Corvo mine, and in the other study areas. Consequently, soils, plants and sediments were sampled and analyzed for Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe and Mn. The pH was measured in the soils. Data compiled from other studies from soils, plants, rocks, and mine waste dumps was also used. The Neves Corvo area is still in a reactive state, that is, acid generating minerals are released from the orebodies and mobilised into the surrounding soils both by chemical processes and wind erosion. The acidity generated in contact with water may cause mobilisation of the metallic elements, increasing the bioavailable fraction and, consequently, contributes to plants uptake. The northwestern mines are in an intermediate state, that is, with partial mobilisation of metals from orebodies into superficial environment. Although, a natural attenuation process in the study area appears to have started in the soil–plant system in Brancanes, and in the previously mentioned northwestern mines (Cerro do Algaré, Cerro das Guaritas, Herdade do Castelo, Cerro da Cachaçuda, Courela das Ferrarias), no attenuation processes occur in waters and sediments, which have metals that are still being released from dump materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Association Rules (ARs) and Approximate Dependencies (ADs) are significant fields in data mining and the focus of many research efforts. This knowledge, extracted by traditional mining algorithms becomes inexact when new data operations are executed, a common problem in real-world applications. Incremental mining methods arise to avoid re-runs of those algorithms from scratch by re-using information that is systematically maintained. These methods are useful to extract knowledge in dynamic environments. However, the implementation of algorithms only to maintain previously discovered information creates inefficiencies. In this paper, two active algorithms are proposed for incremental maintenance of previous discovered ARs and ADs, inspired by efficient computation of changes. These algorithms operate over a generic form of measures to efficiently maintain a wide range of rule metrics simultaneously. We also propose to compute data operations at real-time, in order to create a reduced relevant instance set. The algorithms presented do not discover new knowledge; they are just created to efficiently maintain previously extracted valuable information. Experimental results in real education data and repository datasets show that our methods achieve a good performance. In fact, they can significantly improve traditional mining, incremental mining, and a naïve approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Neves Corvo mine is situated in a very important massive sulphide metallogenic province, the Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB). The study area includes this copper mine and six other abandoned Cu, Mn and pyrite mines. The objective of the study was to distinguish pre-mining concentrations of Cu from mining sources. This was done to evaluate the real extension of mining induced copper in soils. To decrease costs in the remediation stage, by means of the presented approach, the mining induced Cu in the environment will be separated from its pre-mining baseline concentration. The mathematical approach used is based on two regressions with two distinct sets of soil samples (surface horizon) collected in the same locations in different periods (campaigns). One set of soil samples was collected before the existence of the Neves Corvo mine in the 1970 decade (1st campaign) and the other set was sampled in 1998, ten years after Neves Corvo mining began (2nd campaign). Regressions were made independently, with samples from the two sets: one with a group of samples selected from the 1st campaign, in an area where no mining activity was known, and the second regression was performed with all the samples of the 2nd campaign set. From the first regression, the tests proved that it was possible to distinguish mining induced copper concentrations from the pre-mining baseline copper values. The second regression resulted not suitable for the objective because the independent variables were not appropriate for the tests and probably the complete set of samples of the second campaign was also not appropriate. This study establishes areas where Cu concentrations were possibly only prior to mining and others, which were mining induced. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary objetive Given the important role of the β[sub 2] -adrenoceptor (β[sub 2] -AR) in lipid mobilization and the lack of studies in Southern European countries, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of the glutamine 27 glutamic acid (Gln27Glu) β[sub 2] -AR polymorphism in the susceptibility to obesity and its metabolic complications in a population-based nationwide multicentre study in Spain, especially focusing on the hypothetical influence of gender. design Cross-sectional population-based study. patients We studied 666 nonrelated adults (47·9% men and 52·1% women), aged 35–64 years, chosen randomly from a nationwide population-based survey of obesity, and related conditions including insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk factors. measurements Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting and 2-h post-glucose load glycaemic levels, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL)- and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, proinsulin and leptin plasma levels were measured. β[sub 2] -AR Gln27Glu genotypes were determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). results Glu27 homozygous obese men had significantly higher BMI and SAD mean values than both heterozygous and Gln27 homozygous obese men. Two-hour post-load plasma glucose concentration was higher in Glu27 homozygous than in Gln27 homozygous in the whole population and only in men when stratified by gender. No differences according to the genotype were found for the rest of the parameters studied, including homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), insulin, proinsulin and leptin levels, but for total and LDL-cholesterol these increased in men. We did not find differences in the anthropometrical and biochemical parameters according to the genotype in women. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that Glu27 homozygosity after adjustment for SAD was associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. conclusions Our results suggest that the glutamic acid 27 allele of the β[sub 2] -adrenoceptor may be a risk factor in men but not in women for the accumulation of visceral fat and for its association with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic inactivation of the atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) inhibitor, Par-4, gives rise to increased NF-κB activation and decreased stimulation of JNK in embryo fibroblasts. Here we have characterized the immunological phenotype of the Par-4-/- mice and found that the loss of this gene leads to an increased proliferative response of peripheral T cells when challenged through the TCR. This is accompanied by a higher increase in cell cycle entry and inhibition of apoptosis, with enhanced IL-2 secretion but normal CD25 synthesis. Interestingly, the TCR-triggered activation of NF-κB was augmented and that of JNK was severely abrogated. Consistent with previous data from knock outs of different JNKs, NFATc1 activation and IL-4 secretion were augmented in the Par-4-deficient CD4+ T cells, suggesting that the loss of Par-4 drives T-cell differentiation towards a Th2 response. This is compelling evidence that Par-4 is a novel modulator of the immune response through its ability to impact aPKC activity, which translates into lower JNK signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Down syndrome is the most common congenital disease in new born babies. The face abnormalities, mental retardation and sleep disorders are the most common and persistent affectation in such population. Our study has aimed to evaluate the prevalence of different sleep disorders in a sample of Down syndrome patients belonging to the Down Syndrome Foundation of Madrid (FSDM). Materials and methods: We send to the FSDM a total of 325 sleep questionnaire that the FSDM distributed among the families. Once completed by the families there were returned to us for evaluation. From a total of 172 questionnairies received, we have reviewed 119: 88 have been diagnosed and treated, 31 have been reviewed and are waiting for polysomnography, 36 have not yet been reviewed ( impossible to locate, not be able to come yet), 16 didn’t want to participate in the study and 1 missing. Results: At this moment, with 88 patients reviewed and diagnosed, our study confirms a high incidence of obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (58.96%) from moderate to severe in Down population, in accordance with previous studies. Also a high incidence of gastroesophageal reflux (55.44%), bruxism (13.2%), primary snoring (14.96%), restless legs syndrome (2.64%), and narcolepsy (2.64%). Conclusion: Incidence of sleep disorders is high between Down syndrome. There is also comorbidity of at least two sleep disorders in near 100% of the cases studied. It should be very important an early diagnosis and effective treatment of those sleep disorders to prevent a greater cognitive dysfunction. As we think the incidence of narcolepsy could be higher in Down syndrome than in normal population. Larger samples side are needed to confirm this preliminary results. Acknowledgement: The authors would like to thanks the FSDM for his support and collaboration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]