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Despite the high prevalence of sleep disturbances in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the relationship between physical activity in daily life (PADL) and sleep in this population remains unclear.Investigate the impact of sleep on different domains of PADL in IPF and characterize their PADL profile.Sixty-seven participants (thirty-three with IPF and thirty-four healthy subjects [control group]) were included. The subjects underwent assessments of pulmonary function, exercise capacity, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, PADL, sleep, dyspnea, and health-related quality of life. PADL and sleep measures were assessed using an activity monitor (Actigraph®, wGT3x-BT). Associations between sleep and PADL were done using correlation and regression models.In the IPF, sleep duration at night associated significantly with step counts, sedentary, light, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (-0.82 ≤ R ≤ 0.43; p .05 for all). Lung function and sleep partially explained PADL variables (0.19 ≤ RSleep duration is associated with PADL in IPF. The PADL profile of patients is worse than in control subjects.

The COSINUS direct dark matter experiment situated at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso in Italy is set to investigate the nature of the annually modulating signal detected by the DAMA/LIBRA experiment. COSINUS has already demonstrated that sodium iodide crystals can be operated at mK temperature as cryogenic scintillating calorimeters using transition edge sensors, despite the complication of handling a hygroscopic and low melting point material. With results from a new COSINUS prototype, we show that particle discrimination on an event-by-event basis in NaI is feasible using the dual-channel readout of both phonons and scintillation light. The detector was mounted in the novel remoTES design and operated in an above-ground facility for 9.06 g$\cdot$d of exposure. With a 3.7 g NaI crystal, e$^-$/$\gamma$ events could be clearly distinguished from nuclear recoils down to the nuclear recoil energy threshold of 15 keV., Comment: 7 pages, 9 figures

The onset of frank psychosis is usually preceded by a prodromal phase characterized by attenuated psychotic symptoms. Currently, research on schizophrenia prodromal phase (ultra-high risk for psychosis [UHR]) has focused on the risk of developing psychosis, on the transition to full blown psychosis and on its prediction. Neurobiological differences between UHR individuals who fully recover (remitters) versus those who show persistent/progressive prodromal symptoms (nonremitters) have been little explored. The endocannabinoid system constitutes a neuromodulatory system that plays a major role in brain development, synaptic plasticity, emotional behaviours and cognition. It comprises two cannabinoid receptors (CB1/CB2), two endocannabinoid ligands, arachidonylethanolamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2AG) along with their inactivation enzymes. Despite much evidence that the endocannabinoid system is imbalanced during psychosis, very little is known about it in UHR. Therefore, we aimed to quantify the plasma endocannabinoid levels in UHR and healthy controls (HC) and verify if these metabolites could differentiate between remitters and nonremitters. Circulating concentrations of AEA (p = .003) and 2AG (p .001) were lower in UHR when compared with HC, with no difference between remitters and nonremitters. Regarding clinical evolution, it was observed that out of 91 UHRs initially considered, 16 had psychiatric complaints (3 years of follow-up). Considering those subjects, there were weak correlations between clinical parameters and plasma concentrations of endocannabinoids. Our results suggest that the endocannabinoids are imbalanced before frank psychosis and that changes can be seen in plasma of UHR individuals. These molecules proved to be potential biomarkers to identify individuals in the prodromal phase of psychosis.

Clinical high-risk (CHR) individuals belong to a heterogeneous group, of which only a few will cross the threshold for a clinical diagnosis. Cognitive disturbances are present in CHR subjects and may be indicative of transition. Our study aims to identify such deficits in a representative CHR for psychosis sample. Our sample comprised 92 CHR individuals and 54 controls from a representative cohort of the general population. They were followed up for a mean of 2.5 years, with 15 individuals converting to schizophrenia or other Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition diagnoses. Neurocognitive assessment was performed with the University of Pennsylvania Computerized Neuropsychological Testing, and CHR status was assessed with the Structured Interview for Prodromal Syndromes (SIPS). Baseline scores were entered in a latent profile analysis model. Our study brought forward a four-class model on cognitive performance. One class displayed better performance, whereas the other three performed worse, all compared with controls. The class with lower executive function also had the highest score on disorganized communication (SIPS P5 = 1.36, p < 0.05), although unrelated to conversion. Among the low performers, the class significantly related to conversion (p = 0.023) had the highest score in decreased expression of emotion (SIPS N3 = 0.85, p < 0.05). Our study brings new and relevant data on non-help-seeking CHR individuals and the relationship between cognitive patterns and conversion. We have highlighted a specific cognitive signature, associated with negative symptoms, which represents a stable trait with presumed lower conversion to a psychiatric illness.

Background Brain magnetic resonance imaging studies have not investigated the cortical surface comprehensively in schizophrenia subjects by assessing thickness, surface area and gyrification separately during the first-episode of psychosis (FEP) or chronic schizophrenia (ChSch). Methods We investigated cortical surface abnormalities in 137 FEP patients and 240 ChSch subjects compared to 297 Healthy Controls (HC) contributed by five cohorts. Maps showing results of vertexwise between-group comparisons of cortical thickness, area, and gyrification were produced using T1-weighted datasets processed using FreeSurfer 5.3, followed by validated quality control protocols. Results FEP subjects showed large clusters of increased area and gyrification relative to HC in prefrontal and insuli cortices (Cohen's d: 0.049 to 0.28). These between-group differences occurred partially beyond the effect of sample. ChSch subjects displayed reduced cortical thickness relative to HC in smaller fronto-temporal foci (d: −0.73 to −0.35), but not beyond the effect of sample. Differences between FEP and HC subjects were associated with male gender, younger age, and earlier illness onset, while differences between ChSch and HC were associated with treatment-resistance and first-generation antipsychotic (FGA) intake independently of sample effect. Conclusions Separate assessments of FEP and ChSch revealed abnormalities that differed in regional distribution, phenotypes affected and effect size. In FEP, associations of greater cortical area and gyrification abnormalities with earlier age of onset suggest an origin on anomalous neurodevelopment, while thickness reductions in ChSch are at least partially explained by treatment-resistance and FGA intake. Associations of between-group differences with clinical variables retained statistical significance beyond the effect of sample.

The identification of Ultra-High Risk (UHR) individuals is thought to be useful for early intervention to improve psychosis outcomes. However, transition rates vary widely, and there is an effort to make these criteria more specific and accurate. Neuroinflammation has been discussed in the pathophysiology of psychosis. The metabolism of eicosanoids is a key process in inflammatory states. Therefore, we investigated whether the study of the inflammatory COX-2 pathway through the quantification of the eicosanoid levels can be a useful approach for the characterisation of UHR individuals.One hundred and twenty-two individuals were included in this study (67 UHR and 55 controls) based on performance on the Prodromal Questionnaire. UHR status was assessed by Structured Interview for Prodromal Syndromes (SIPS). We determined the levels of Prostaglandin FConcentrations of PGEOur findings suggest that overactivation of the COX-2 pathway may be related to an increased risk for psychosis. However, our data do not allow us to draw conclusions related to the cause-effect mechanisms. Future studies should determine whether the levels of the eicosanoids have a predictive value for the transition of UHR to frank psychosis.

Cognitive deficits and negative symptoms in schizophrenia are associated with poor functional outcomes and limited in terms of treatment. The Schizophrenia Treatment With Electric Transcranial Stimulation (STARTS) trial has shown efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for improving negative symptoms. In this secondary analysis, we investigate its effects on cognitive performance. In STARTS, a double-blinded, sham-controlled, randomized clinical trial, patients were treated with twice-daily, 20-min, 2-mA fronto-temporal tDCS over 5 days or sham-tDCS. In 90 patients, we evaluated the cognitive performance up to 12 weeks post-treatment. We found that active-tDCS showed no beneficial effects over sham-tDCS in any of the tests. Based on a 5-factor cognitive model, improvements of executive functions and delayed memory were observed in favor of sham-tDCS. Overall, the applied active-tDCS protocol, primarily designed to improve negative symptoms, did not promote cognitive improvement. We discuss possible protocol modification potentially required to increase tDCS effects on cognition. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02535676

Phospholipase A2 is the main enzyme in the metabolism of membrane phospholipids. It comprises a family of enzymes divided into iPLA2, cPLA2 and sPLA2. Studies have reported increased PLA2 activity in psychotic patients, which suggests an accelerated breakdown of membrane phospholipids. In the present study we investigated whether increased PLA2 activity is also present in individuals at ultra-high risk (UHR) for psychosis. One-hundred fifty adults were included in this study (85 UHR and 65 controls). UHR was assessed using the “structured interview for prodromal syndromes”. PLA2 activity was determined in platelets by a radio-enzymatic assay. We found in UHR individuals increased activities of iPLA2 (p

In this study, we obtained a lipidomic profile of plasma samples from drug-naïve patients with schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD) in comparison to healthy controls. The sample cohort consisted of 30 BD and 30 SZ patients and 30 control individuals. An untargeted lipidomics strategy using liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry was employed to obtain the lipid profiles. Data were preprocessed, then univariate (t-test) and multivariate (principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis) statistical tools were applied to select differential lipids, which were putatively identified. Afterward, multivariate receiver operating characteristic tests were performed, and metabolic pathway networks were constructed, considering the differential lipids. Our results demonstrate alterations in distinct lipid pathways, especially in glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and glycerolipids, between SZ and BD patients. The results obtained in this study may serve as a basis for differential diagnosis, which is crucial for effective treatment and improving the quality of life of patients with psychotic disorders.

Capitella blakei sp. nov. Figures 2–3 Capitella sp. nov.: Judge & Barry, 2016: Table 3 (in part). Material examined. Holotype: Monterey Bay, California, “Deadwood 2” site, 36° 15.6768′ N, 122° 40.6790′ W, associated with deployed fragments of ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.), Sta. WB26, deployed on October 18, 2011 and retrieved on October 26–28, 2013 by a benthic elevator and ROV Doc Ricketts on an MBARI cruise aboard the R / V Western Flyer, 3,100 m (FMNH 15937). Paratypes same locality, date, collector and wood type as holotype (4 complete sps, FMNH 15938; 9 anterior fragments, FMNH 15939). Additional non-type material examined: Same locality, date and collector as type series, associated with ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), Sta. WB25 (1 complete); associated with Spicebush (Calycanthus occidentalis Hook. & Arn.), Sta. WB20 (2 complete, 4 anterior end fragments), Sta. WB26 (5 complete, 10 anterior fragments). North Pacific, Dive R740-14 - 1 A, SRZ Axial Volcano, 45° 56.021′ N, 129° 58.962′ W, 40 m N of marker 33, wood debris, 3 Sep 2003, 1,525 m, coll. J. Marcus (7, FMNH 9997: 3 complete, 4 anterior fragments, several posterior fragments); North Pacific, Dive R740-14 - 1 B, SRZ Axial Volcano, 45° 56.021′ N, 129° 58.962′ W, wood debris, 40 m N of marker 33, 3 Sep. 2003, 1,525 m, coll. J. Marcus (8, FMNH 12608: 2 complete and 6 anterior fragments, one large individual with intratubular embryos of different size); North Pacific, Dive R740-14 - 1 C, SRZ Axial Volcano, 45° 56.021′ N, 129° 58.962′ W, 40 m N of marker 33, wood debris, 3 Sep. 2003, 1,525 m, coll. J. Marcus (2, FMNH 10005: one specimen with brown pigmentation); North Pacific, Endeavour Segment, Juan de Fuca Ridge, 47° 56.793′ N, 129° 5.838′ W, on oak and fir blocks deployed 24 months before, Dive 4045, forward port gray box; 2 Sep. 2004, 2,213 m, coll. J. Voight (2, FMNH 12920); North Pacific, Endeavour Segment, Juan de Fuca Ridge: Dive 4045, aft port gray box, 2 Sep. 2004, coll. J. Voight (1 complete, FMNH 12914); North Pacific, Endeavour Segment, Juan de Fuca Ridge, 47° 56.793′ N, 129° 5.838′ W, on oak and fir blocks deployed 24 months before, Dive 4045, forward port gray box; 2 Sep 2004, 2,213 m, coll. J. Voight (1, FMNH 12926: anterior fragment); North Pacific, Endeavour Segment, Juan de Fuca Ridge, 47° 56.793′ N, 129° 5.838′ W, Dive 4045, forward port gray box, 2 Sep 2004, on oak and fir blocks deployed 24 months before, 2213 m, coll. J. Voight (1, FMNH 13049: anterior fragment); North America, North Pacific, U.S.A., 44° 45′ 29″N, 125° 32′ 10″ W, Sta. 1, off the coast of Oregon, wild wood fall, 16 Apr 1997, 2,850 m, coll. J. Voight (4, FMNH 14438: 1 large anterior fragment and 3 juveniles, large animal with several attached embryos); North Pacific: Dive 4046, port forward gray box; near Wuzza Bear Mount, 3 Sep. 2004, coll. T. A. Haney (1, FMNH 12983). Description. All specimens, including holotype, with external male features. Holotype complete, 13 mm long, 1.4 mm wide for 42 chaetigers. Paratypes ranging from 13–20 mm long, 1.5–2.2 mm wide for 44–52 chaetigers. Body short and thick, wider on mid-thoracic chaetigers; body rounded dorsally and with deep lateral and ventral grooves beginning from chaetiger 4–5 and present throughout. Color in alcohol pale yellow to tan. Prostomium conical with rounded tip and slightly flattened dorso-ventrally (Figs 2A, B; 3A, D); eyes absent, nuchal organs not observed. Peristomium clearly distinct from prostomium, slightly longer than chaetiger 1 and partially withdrawn (Figs 2A; 3A). Proboscis not observed. Thorax with nine segments, epithelium smooth, not distinctly biannulate (Figs 2A, B; 3A, D); all specimens with chaetigers 1–7 having two rows of 8–10 unilimbate capillaries each. Thoracic segments widest on chaetiger 5, tapering to chaetiger 7; chaetiger 9 greatly enlarged dorsally (Figs 2A; 3A, D). Thoracic chaetiger 8 with 8–16 notopodial genital spines and 20–25 neuropodial hooded hooks; thoracic chaetiger 9 with 6–9 notopodial genital spines and 20–25 neuropodial hooded hooks. Genital spines of chaetiger 8 in two groups, curved distally (Figs 2C; 3B); spines of chaetiger 9 also in two groups, wider and flattened basally and curved distally (Figs 2D; 3C). Spines of chaetiger 8 protruding with tips and spines of chaetiger 9 deeply embedded and never exposed in preserved specimens (Fig. 3A). Abdominal segments multiannulated, as long as thoracic segments, with short hooded hooks throughout (Fig. 2A). Noto- and neuropodia with well separated glandular tori throughout; notopodial tori dorso-lateral and neuropodial tori ventro-lateral. Abdomen with 25–30 hooded hooks in a row; hooks similar on thorax and abdomen—with moderate shaft, hoods not extending beyond main fang, with distinct constriction on shaft and 5–6 rows of teeth above main fang (Fig. 2E, F). Pygidium simple, anus terminal. Methyl Green Staining Pattern. Prostomium, peristomium and chaetigers 1–5 staining lightly (Fig. 3D); chaetigers 6–9 with dark stain; chaetiger 9 staining darker laterally than on dorsal inflation. Abdominal segments staining darkly around notopodial and neuropodial tori. Segmental region of anterior 4–5 segments uniformly stained whereas the rest of abdominal segmental region was largely unstained (Fig. 3D). Pygidium staining with light green. Etymology. This species is named after Dr. James Blake because of his numerous contributions to capitellid taxonomy including the redescription of Capitella capitata (Fabricius, 1780), which has set the scene for other Capitella species to be described. Dr. J. Blake has also been an inspiration to the author (WM) for his comprehensive taxonomic work and beautiful line drawing illustrations. Remarks. Capitella blakei sp. nov. belongs to a group of Capitella species having individuals with external male characteristics with chaetigers 1–7 having notopodial and neuropodial capillaries: C. amboensis Pamunkgas, 2017, C. capitata (Fabricius, 1780) sensu Blake (2009), C. perarmata (Gravier, 1911), C. singularis (Fauvel, 1932) and C. teleta Blake, Grassle & Eckelbarger, 2009. Dissections did not reveal any internal female anatomy. Capitella blakei sp. nov. is readily distinct from these species by the presence of a peristomium clearly separated from prostomium and deep lateral and ventral grooves (from chaetigers 4–5 and present throughout). Capitella singularis has the peristomium forming a complete ring but lacks a lateral groove on body segments. According to Fauvel (1932) and Magalhães & Bailey-Brock (2012), C. singularis has branchiae on posterior segments (Fauvel 1932; Magalhães & Bailey-Brock 2012). Neotype of Capitella capitata sensu Blake (2009) is similar to C. blakei sp. nov. in regards to the presence of deep lateral and ventral grooves from chaetiger 4 but distinct in a number of features including the MGSP. The neotype of C. capitata stains predominantly on thoracic chaetigers, the abdominal segments not staining with exception of minute speckles (Blake 2009). The holotype of C. blakei sp. nov. has a light staining on thoracic chaetigers 1–5 and distinct staining around the abdominal parapodial tori (see Fig. 3D). Capitella blakei sp. nov. is a deep-sea species widely distributed in the northeastern Pacific occurring in 1,525 – 3,100 m depths. Capitella iatapiuna (whale bones, 4,204 m) and Capitella aberranta (4,862 m) are two Atlantic abyssal species that are readily distinguishable from C. blakei sp. nov. by the shape of prostomium/peristomium, thoracic chaetal formulae and types of chaetae (Hartman & Fauchald 1971; Silva et al. 2016). Distribution. Type locality is Monterey Bay, off California, U.S. in 3,100 m depth. This species is widely distributed across abyssal depths in the northeastern Pacific from wood deployments at the edge of a hydrothermal vent in the Cascadia Basin (Wuzza Bare site) and Juan de Fuca Ridge (Axial volcano and Endeavour sites) and wild wood falls in the Oregon Margin at 1,525 –2,850 m depths (Fig. 1)., Published as part of Magalhäes, Wagner F. & Hilliard, Justin, 2022, Two new deep-sea species of Capitella (Annelida: Capitellidae) from sunken wood in the Northeast Pacific, pp. 229-240 in Zootaxa 5125 (2) on pages 231-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5125.2.7, http://zenodo.org/record/6424594, {"references":["Judge, J. & Barry, J. (2016) Macroinvertebrate community assembly on deep-sea wood falls in Monterey Bay is strongly influenced by wood type. Ecology, 97 (1), 3031 - 3043. https: // doi. org / 10.1002 / ecy. 1546","Fabricius, O. (1780) Fauna Groenlandica, systematice sistens animalia Groenlandiae Occidentalis hactenus indagata, quoad nomen specificum, triviale, vernaculumque; synonyma auctorum plurium, descriptionem, locum, victum, generationem, mores, usum, capturamque singuli, prout detegendi occasio fuit, maximaque parte secundum proprias observationes. Ioannis Gottlob Rothe, Hafniae & Lipsiae, xvi + 452 pp.","Gravier, C. (1911) Expedition Antarctique Francaise du \" Pourquoi-Pas \", dirigee par le Dr. J. - B. Charcot (1908 - 1910). Especes nouvelles d'annelides polychetes. Bulletin du Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, 17 (5), 310 - 316.","Fauvel, P. (1932) Annelida Polychaeta of the Indian Museum, Calcutta. Memoirs of the Indian Museum, 12 (1), 1 - 262.","Blake, J. A., Grassle, J. P. & Eckelbarger, K. J. (2009) Capitella teleta, a new species designation for the opportunistic and experimental Capitella sp. I, with a review of the literature for confirmed records. Zoosymposia, 2, 25 - 53.","Magalhaes, W. F. & Bailey-Brock, J. H. (2012) Capitellidae Grube, 1862 (Annelida: Polychaeta) from the Hawaiian Islands with description of two new species. Zootaxa, 3581 91), 1 - 52. https: // doi. org / 10.11646 / zootaxa. 3581.1.1","Hartman, O. & Fauchald, K. (1971) Deep water benthic polychaetous annelids off New England to Bermuda and other North Atlantic areas. Pt. 2. Allan Hancock Monographs in Marine Biology, 6, 1 - 327.","Silva, C. F., Shimabukuro, M., Alfaro-Lucas, J. M., Fujiwara, Y., Sumida, P. Y. & Amaral, A. C. (2016) A new Capitella polychaete worm (Annelida: Capitellidae) living inside whale bones in the abyssal South Atlantic. Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers, 108, 23 - 31. https: // doi. org / 10.1016 / j. dsr. 2015.12.004"]}

Capitella multibranchiata sp. nov. Figures 4–5 Capitella sp. nov.: Judge & Barry, 2016: Table 3 (in part). Material examined. Holotype: Monterey Bay, California, “Deadwood 2” site, 36° 15.6768′ N, 122° 40.6790′ W, associated with deployed fragments of Spicebush (Calycanthus occidentalis Hook. & Arn.), Sta. WB20, deployed on October 18, 2011 and retrieved on October 26–28, 2013 by a benthic elevator and ROV Doc Ricketts on an MBARI cruise aboard the R / V Western Flyer, 3,100 m (FMNM 15940). Paratypes same locality, date, collector and wood type as holotype (2 complete, FMNM 15941; 4 complete, FMNM 15942). Additional non-type material examined: Same locality, date and collector as type series, associated with Spicebush (Calycanthus occidentalis), Sta. WB19 (8), Sta. WB20 (3 af), and Sta. WB21 (4); Lyon, Sta. WB31 (2), Sta WB32 (118), Sta. WB33 (2c); yew (Torreya californica Torr.), Sta. WB34 (1), Sta. WB35 (87) and Sta. WB36 (57); fern genus Cyathea Sm., Sta. WB 37 (2). Monterey Canyon off of coast of Monterey, Energetics Cruise Trawl #Oct 3000-4, sunken wood, 8 Oct. 2009, 3,000 –3,150 m, coll. J.C. Drazen (3, FMNH 14711) Description. All specimens with female external characteristics; holotype complete, 22 mm long, 2.2 mm wide for 64 chaetigers. Additional specimens including paratypes ranging from 15–26 mm long, 1.0– 2.2 mm wide for 52–94 chaetigers. Body elongate, wider on mid-thoracic chaetigers, narrowing on abdomen; body rounded dorsally and with ventral groove beginning from chaetiger 1 and deeper on abdominal segments; lateral groove absent. Color in alcohol pale yellow to dark brown. Prostomium shorter than peristomium, broadly rounded (Figs 4A; 5A); eyespots absent, nuchal organ depression postero-laterally in junction between prostomium and peristomium (Fig. 4A). Peristomium distinct from prostomium, longer than chaetiger 1, forming a complete ring (Figs 4A, B; 5A). Proboscis not observed. Thorax with nine segments, epithelium smooth, not distinctly biannulated (Figs 4A, B; 5A); chaetigers 1–8 or 1–9 having two rows of 18–20 unilimbate capillaries each. Notopodia of chaetiger 9 with only capillaries or mix of capillaries and hooded hooks; when mix of chaetae present, capillaries on lower part and hooded hooks on superior part of bundle. Neuropodia of chaetiger 9 with only hooded hooks (holotype, about 20 hooded hooks), or with only capillaries, or mix of capillaries and hooded hooks. Genital spines absent. Genital pore between chaetigers 7/8 and 8/9 (Fig. 4A). Abdominal segments distinctly multiannulated throughout, wider than long and slightly shorter than thoracic segments (Fig. 5B–D); short hooded hooks present throughout abdomen, 15–20 hooks per fascicle, decreasing in number posteriorly. Noto- and neuropodia with well-separated glandular tori (Fig. 5C); notopodial tori dorso-lateral and neuropodial tori ventro-lateral; parapodial tori connected by parapodial ridge (Fig. 5B). Hooded hooks similar on thorax and abdomen—with moderate shaft, hoods not extending beyond main fang, with distinct node on shaft and, 3–4 rows of teeth above main fang (Fig. 4C, D). Notopodial and neuropodial branchiae present on posterior abdomen (Fig. 5C, D). Notopodial branchiae from chaetigers 32–40, single to multiple filaments (up to five) emerging from lower region of tori (Fig. 5C, D). Neuropodial branchiae from chaetigers 35–45 with up to seven filaments emerging from upper region of parapodial tori; branchiae retractile, isolated filaments, not branched, present to posterior end; when retracted, leaving a bulbous parapodial tori (Fig. 4D). Pygidium simple, anus terminal with a nondescript saclike projection present in few specimens, likely due to preservation conditions. Methyl Green Staining Pattern. Staining clearly distinguishing thoracic and abdominal segments (Fig. 5A– D). Thoracic segments staining with a solid green, leaving intersegmental areas and ventral groove unstained as well as the nuchal organ depression (Fig. 5A). Prostomium stained with distinct speckles (Fig. 5A). Abdominal segments with distinct stain on parapodial tori and ridges, forming a complete circle whereas segmental region remained unstained (Fig. 5B–D). Pygidium staining with a light green (Fig. 5C). Etymology. The combination of ‘multi’ and ‘branchiata’ reflects the presence of multiple branchiae on all abdominal tori, a unique feature of this species. Remarks. The presence of branchiae on abdominal notopodial and neuropodial segments is a unique feature of Capitella multibranchiata sp. nov. Capitella singularis (Fauvel, 1932) was also described as having branchial filaments on abdominal segments. Fauvel (1932) reported on one or two short branchial filaments from chaetiger 80, inserted on the inner end of the dorsal tori. Magalhães & Bailey-Brock (2012) identified a branchiate Capitella from Hawaii as C. singularis having branchiae from neuropodia instead of notopodia and discussed that the deformation of abdominal segments on preserved specimens may have led previous authors to misinterpret the origin of branchiae. Capitella multibranchiata sp. nov. is clearly distinct from C. singularis by the presence of branchiae on both noto- and neuropodia, thoracic chaetal formulae and types of chaetae, distinct MGSP on thoracic region and absence of a lateral groove. Both studied populations of branchiate Capitella (in India by Fauvel 1932 and in Hawaii by Magalhães & Bailey-Brock 2012) were from shallow waters and included only specimens with external male morphology. Conversely, only specimens with external female morphology of Capitella multibranchiata sp. nov. were collected. Dissections did not reveal any internal male anatomy. All branchiate Capitella have a distinct peristomial ring and abdominal tori taking up green stain and forming a ring around the segments. Distribution. Type locality is Monterey Bay, off California, U.S. in 3,100 m., Published as part of Magalhäes, Wagner F. & Hilliard, Justin, 2022, Two new deep-sea species of Capitella (Annelida: Capitellidae) from sunken wood in the Northeast Pacific, pp. 229-240 in Zootaxa 5125 (2) on pages 234-236, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5125.2.7, http://zenodo.org/record/6424594, {"references":["Judge, J. & Barry, J. (2016) Macroinvertebrate community assembly on deep-sea wood falls in Monterey Bay is strongly influenced by wood type. Ecology, 97 (1), 3031 - 3043. https: // doi. org / 10.1002 / ecy. 1546","Fauvel, P. (1932) Annelida Polychaeta of the Indian Museum, Calcutta. Memoirs of the Indian Museum, 12 (1), 1 - 262.","Magalhaes, W. F. & Bailey-Brock, J. H. (2012) Capitellidae Grube, 1862 (Annelida: Polychaeta) from the Hawaiian Islands with description of two new species. Zootaxa, 3581 91), 1 - 52. https: // doi. org / 10.11646 / zootaxa. 3581.1.1"]}

Genus Capitella Blainville, 1828 Type species: Lumbricus capitatus Fabricius, 1780, by monotypy. Redescribed by Blake (2009). Diagnosis (after Blake 2009). Prostomium conical to bluntly rounded, sometimes dorsoventrally flattened, with dorsal groove present or absent, with nuchal organs as paired slits at border between prostomium and peristomium; eyes present or absent. Peristomium partly fused or distinct from prostomium. Thorax with nine segments, all chaetigerous with capillary chaetae in both rami of chaetigers 1–3, 1–4, 1–6, or 1–7, otherwise with capillaries and hooks in various combinations in both rami; chaetigers 8–9 with hooded hooks, mixed capillaries and hooks, or all capillaries, these arrangements sometimes growth dependent; prominent genital spines present in chaetigers 8–9 of males and hermaphrodites; females usually with enlarged lateral genital pores between chaetigers 7–8 or 8–9. Capillaries unilimbate with narrow wings; hooded hooks with multiple rows of denticles above main fang. Abdominal segments with hooded hooks in both rami; capillaries absent. Branchiae present or absent. Pygidium without appendages., Published as part of Magalhäes, Wagner F. & Hilliard, Justin, 2022, Two new deep-sea species of Capitella (Annelida: Capitellidae) from sunken wood in the Northeast Pacific, pp. 229-240 in Zootaxa 5125 (2) on page 230, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5125.2.7, http://zenodo.org/record/6424594, {"references":["Blainville, H. M. D. de (1828) Mollusques, Vers et Zoophytes. In: Dictionnaire des Sciences naturelles, dans lequel on traite methodiquement des differens etres de la nature, consideres soit en eux-memes. d'apres l'etat actuel de nos connais sciences, soit relativement a l'utilite qu'en peuvent retirer la medicine, l'agriculture, le commerce et les arts. Suive d'une biographie des plus celebres naturalistes. Vol. 57. F. G. Levrault, Strasbourg and Paris, pp. 430.","Fabricius, O. (1780) Fauna Groenlandica, systematice sistens animalia Groenlandiae Occidentalis hactenus indagata, quoad nomen specificum, triviale, vernaculumque; synonyma auctorum plurium, descriptionem, locum, victum, generationem, mores, usum, capturamque singuli, prout detegendi occasio fuit, maximaque parte secundum proprias observationes. Ioannis Gottlob Rothe, Hafniae & Lipsiae, xvi + 452 pp."]}

Natural and experimental wood falls harbor a rich and abundant macrofaunal community in the deep-sea. Two undescribed capitellids have been collected from wood species bundles deployed at 3,100 m at the “Deadwood 2” site in Monterey Bay and several other locations in the northeastern Pacific. Capitella blakei sp. nov. is a widely distributed deep-sea capitellid in the northeastern Pacific occurring from the Monterey canyon north to the Endeavour segment of the San Juan de Fuca Ridge, a range of almost 1,400 km. It belongs to a group of Capitella species having only individuals with male external characteristics, chaetigers 1–7 with notopodial and neuropodial capillaries and is readily distinguished from its congeners by the presence of a peristomium clearly separated from prostomium, deep lateral and ventral grooves, and methyl green staining pattern. Capitella multibranchiata sp. nov. is unique in the genus by the presence of branchiae on abdominal notopodial and neuropodial segments. The adult morphology of both species is described and compared to their most apparently related congeners. Our results have shown a greater diversity of deep-sea Capitella than previously known. The wide geographical distribution of C. blakei sp. nov. on wood habitats indicates that these wood falls may be functioning as ecological and evolutionary stepping-stones between the enriched sediments of vents and seeps.

Functional and structural MRI of prefrontal cortex (PFC) may provide putative biomarkers for predicting the treatment response to transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in depression. A recent MRI study from ELECT-TDCS (Escitalopram versus Electrical Direct-Current Theror Depression Study) showed that depression improvement after tDCS was associated with gray matter volumes of PFC subregions. Based thereon, we investigated whether antidepressant effects of tDCS are similarly associated with baseline resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC). A subgroup of 51 patients underwent baseline rsFC-MRI. All patients of ELECT-TDCS were randomized to three treatment arms for 10 weeks (anodal-left, cathodal-right PFC tDCS plus placebo medication; escitalopram 10 mg/day for 3 weeks and 20 mg/day thereafter plus sham tDCS; and placebo medication plus sham tDCS). RsFC was calculated for various PFC regions and analyzed in relation to the individual antidepressant response. There was no significant association between baseline PFC connectivity of essential structural regions, nor any other PFC regions (after correction for multiple comparisons) and patients’ individual antidepressant response. This study did not reveal an association between antidepressants effects of tDCS and baseline rsFC, unlike the gray matter volume findings. Thus, the antidepressant effects of tDCS may be differentially related to structural and functional MRI measurements.

Background Paliperidone palmitate is a long-acting, second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) indicated for the treatment of acute exacerbations and maintenance treatment of adults with schizophrenia. This study addressed the response to paliperidone palmitate in Latin American patients with acute symptoms and recently diagnosed schizophrenia. Objective Explore the efficacy and tolerability of paliperidone palmitate administered once a month for 4 months in patients with acute phase and recent diagnosis (within 1-6 years) of schizophrenia in 3 Latin American countries. Methods This was a non-randomized, open-label, multicenter study with paliperidone palmitate injected intramuscularly in the deltoid muscle at an initial loading dose of 150 mg eq. (234 mg) on day 1 and 100 mg eq. (156 mg) on day 8 (± 4 days). The recommended maintenance dose was 75 mg eq. (117 mg) from day 36 to day 92. Efficacy was evaluated with PANSS and CGI-S. The last observation carried forward (LOCF) was used for efficacy analysis for imputation of missing data; no adjustments were made for multiplicity. Adverse events were evaluated during treatment. Results The patient retention rate was 84.0% (144 patients received study drug; 121 finished the study). The percentage of patients with a reduction of at least 30% in PANSS total score compared to baseline gradually increased during the study, and at the end, 78.4% of patients showed response. The PANSS total score and CGI-S scores decreased significantly from baseline to LOCF endpoint (P

This work presents the development and application of a method based on synchronous fluorescence coupled with chemometric tools to classify different vodka samples. The chemometric methods used enc...

This work exploits the applicability of a chemically reduced graphene oxide (CRGO) modification on the electrochemical response of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for the first-time sensitive determination of furosemide in natural waters. The batch injection analysis (BIA) is proposed as an analytical method, where CRGO-GCE is coupled to a BIA cell for amperometric measurements. Acetate buffer (0.1 μmol L−1, pH 5.2) was used as the background electrolyte. The modification provided an increase in sensitivity (0.024 μA/μmol L−1), low limit of detection (0.7 μmol L−1), RSD (

This paper is focused on the transient stability constrained optimal power flow (TSC-OPF) problem and its application for determining the optimal dispatch of active and reactive powers of distributed synchronous generators. In order to deal with uncertainties related to the actual active and reactive load values and the network topology configuration, this paper proposes a TSC- OPF formulation that incorporates a set of mathematical constraints based on the trajectory sensitivity analysis (TSA) that represents the impact of different load scenarios and network topologies on the transient stability of the system. The TSC-OPF is solved by an iterative algorithm based on the primal-dual interior point method and the concept of rotor angle first swing (FS) stability. The proposed TSC-OPF is applied for a distribution network constituted by nine buses and two distributed synchronous generators.

This work presents the development and characterization of an electrochemical sensor of tin hexacyanoferrate (SnHCF), produced from the modification by drop casting of the boron-doped diamond electrode (BDD), and its subsequent evaluation in the determination of dopamine (DP) in a synthetic saliva sample. The sensors, BDD-SnHCF and unmodified BDD, were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, where the BDD-SnHCF presented higher roughness and lower resistance to electronic transfer. Raman spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to confirm the chemical composition and bonding of the SnHCF film. The electroactive area and the heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant (k0) presented higher values for BDD-SnHCF. Analytical curves were constructed, by batch injection analysis (BIA) with amperometric detection (BIA-AMP), and the slope obtained for BDD-SnHCF was significantly higher when compared with unmodified BDD. The detection limit for BDD-SnHCF (0.21 μmol L−1) presented a value sevenfold lower than unmodified BDD and good analytical frequency (72 h−1) obtained for the modified electrode. The determination of DP in saliva, as a proof-of-concept, achieved an excellent accuracy, reported by a recovery of (90% ± 8) in the sample. The results showed that SnHCF is an interesting alternative for the BDD drop casting modification, presenting a significant improvement in the electrochemical characteristics and analytical performance of DP in the determination by BIA-AMP compared with unmodified BDD.

Bipolar depression is associated with marked cognitive deficits. Pharmacological treatments for this condition are limited and may aggravate depressive and cognitive symptoms. Therefore, therapeutic interventions that preserve adequate cognitive functioning are necessary. Our previous results demonstrated significant clinical efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in the Bipolar Depression Electrical Treatment Trial (BETTER). Here, cognitive outcomes of this study are reported. We randomized 59 patients with bipolar disorder I or II in an acute depressive episode to receive active (12 2 mA, 30-min, anodal-left, cathodal-right prefrontal cortex tDCS sessions) or sham tDCS. Patients were on stable pharmacological regimen for at least 2 weeks. A battery of 12 neuropsychological assessments in five cognitive domains (attention and processing speed, memory, language, inhibitory control, and working memory and executive function) was performed at baseline, after two weeks and at endpoint (week 6). No significant differences between groups over 6 weeks of treatment were observed for any cognitive outcomes. Moreover, no decrease in cognitive performance was observed. Our findings warrant further replication in larger studies. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02152878

Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar depression (BD) both share increased immune-inflammatory activation. However, there are unclear patterns of differences in peripheral immune profiles between them. Methods We examined such differences in 245 MDD and 59 BD patients, recruited in the same center, who were in an acute depressive episode of moderate severity. Hierarchical binary logistic regression analyses and generalized linear models were used to compare levels of plasma biomarkers between groups and to predict dichotomous classification. Results Interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, soluble TNF receptor (sTNFR)1, IL-12 and IL-10 were significantly higher in MDD than in BD, whereas IL-6, sTNFR2, IL-18, IL-33, ST2 (IL1R Like 1) and KLOTHO were significantly higher in BD than in MDD. Moreover, logistic regression analyses correctly classified BD and MDD patients with 98.1% accuracy, using a combination of IL-6, IL-8, ST2, sTNFR2 (directly associated with BD) and IL-12 and TNF-α (directly associated with MDD). Patients with MDD with melancholic features showed higher IL-1β levels than those without melancholia. The sTNFR1 / sTNFR2 ratio significantly predicted MDD and state and trait anxiety and negative affect. Results remained significant after covariate adjustment, including drug use. Limitations Cross-sectional study. Lack of control comparison group. Differences in exposure to medications among participants. Conclusions Differences in immune profiles between BD and MDD patients exist, especially for the compensatory immune-regulatory system (CIRS): increased IL-10 is the primary immune-regulatory mechanism in MDD, while increased sTNFR2 and KLOTHO are the primary regulatory mechanisms in BD.

The aim of this present work was to propose an alternative methodology to quantify the food dye indigo carmine in industrialized candies by the innovative technique of digital image analysis. To do so, the candy was solubilized in water and extracted to polyurethane foam, which is capable of selectively adsorbing the dye, removing interferents from the matrix. The foam was dried and glued on a sheet of paper. After that, digital images of the system were taken using a flatbed scanner. A free-access software was used to treat these images in order to obtain the color intensity of the foam, which was related to the concentration of the analyte. The linear range of this proposed method was 0.1 to 5.0 mg L−1. The limits of detection and quantification were respectively 0.20 μg g−1 and 0.68 μg g−1. These limits were adequate to determine indigo carmine in the studied candies. The precision of the method was estimated in 2.16% by the standard deviation of daily replicates and the accuracy in 113 ± 2% by recovery tests. The method was applied in the quantification of the analyte in real samples, and these results were compared with the ones obtained by a previously established chromatographic method, resulting in a statistical conformity at 95% confidence level.

Comorbid anxiety is pervasive and carries an immense psychosocial burden for patients with bipolar disorder. Despite this, trials reporting anxiety-related outcomes in this population are uncommon, particularly with regards to monotherapies.Patients (n = 31) with both bipolar I or II disorder in current depressive episodes were enrolled in a six-week, open-label, single-center trial assessing the efficacy of lithium monotherapy in treating symptoms depression and comorbid anxiety. Patients were mostly medication-free and lithium-naïve at baseline.Significant improvements in depression (HAMD) and anxiety (HAM-A) were observed at the six-week endpoint, with remission and response rates greater than 50%. There was a positive correlation between endpoint HAM-A scores and HAM-D scores, r = 0.80, (p 0.01). Improvements were realized at low serum lithium concentrations (0.49 ± 0.20 mEq/L).Lack of placebo control and small sample size warrants validation in larger randomized studies.Taken in the context of prior evidence, lithium may have an important role in treating comorbid anxiety in bipolar disorder, both as adjunct and monotherapy. Lower doses of lithium may provide equivalent efficacy and enhance tolerability and compliance.

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a highly variable and burdensome disease for patients and caregivers. A BD diagnosis almost triples the likelihood of developing dementia as the disease progresses. Neurocognitive reserve appears to be one of the most important influences on lifelong functional outcomes and quality of life in BD. Though several prior studies have assessed the effects of lithium on regional gray and white matter volumes in this population, representative cohorts are typically middle-aged, have a more severe pathology, and are not as commonly assessed in the depressive phase (which represents the majority of most patients' lifespans outside of remission). Here we have shown that positive adaptations with lithium can be observed throughout the brain after only six weeks of monotherapy at low-therapeutic serum levels. Importantly, these results remove some confounders seen in prior studies (patients were treatment free at time of enrollment and mostly treatment naïve). This cohort also includes underrepresented demographics in the literature (young adult patients, mostly bipolar II, and exclusively in the depressed phase). These findings bolster the extensive body of evidence in support of long-term lithium therapy in BD, furthering the possibility of its expanded use to wider demographics.

We present limits on the spin-independent interaction cross section of dark matter particles with silicon nuclei, derived from data taken with a cryogenic calorimeter with 0.35 g target mass operated in the CRESST-III experiment. A baseline nuclear recoil energy resolution of $(1.36\pm 0.05)$ eV$_{\text{nr}}$, currently the lowest reported for macroscopic particle detectors, and a corresponding energy threshold of $(10.0\pm 0.2)$ eV$_{\text{nr}}$ have been achieved, improving the sensitivity to light dark matter particles with masses below 160 MeV/c$^2$ by a factor of up to 20 compared to previous results. We characterize the observed low energy excess, and we exclude noise triggers and radioactive contaminations on the crystal surfaces as dominant contributions., Comment: 8 pages, 5 figures; precised the position of the calibration source in Fig. 1; extended the discussion about the observed energy spectrum; added the DM limit curve to ancillary files. Published in Phys. Rev. D

The CRESST experiment observes an unexplained excess of events at low energies. In the current CRESST-III data-taking campaign we are operating detector modules with different designs to narrow down the possible explanations. In this work, we show first observations of the ongoing measurement, focusing on the comparison of time, energy and temperature dependence of the excess in several detectors. These exclude dark matter, radioactive backgrounds and intrinsic sources related to the crystal bulk as a major contribution., Comment: 10 pages, 5 figures; to be published in IDM2022 proceedings; corrected several minor typos

Studies have suggested Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factors (BDNF) increase after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) although they were methodologically limited and enrolled small sample sizes. We aimed at updating a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore BDNF changes after ECT for the treatment of depression. PubMed, PsycInfo, Embase and Global health were searched (March, 2021). Clinical trials that measured BDNF in the blood before and after ECT in adults (≥ 18 years old) with depression (major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder) were eligible. Data were pooled through random-effects meta-analyses. Twenty-eight studies involving 778 participants were included. Meta-analysis showed a significant increase in BDNF levels after ECT (Hedges’ g = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.46) while there was evidence of significant heterogeneity (I2 = 67.64%) but not publication bias/small-study effect. Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were underpowered to detect significant differences. Meta-analysis of depression severity scores demonstrated a considerable larger treatment effect in reducing depressive symptoms after ECT (Hedge’s g = −3.72 95% CI: −4.23, −3.21). This updated review showed that BDNF blood levels increased after ECT treatment. However, there was still evidence of substantial heterogeneity and there were limited sample sizes to investigate factors driving the variability of effects across studies. Importantly, the increase in BDNF levels was substantially smaller than the observed in depressive symptomatology, which could be indicative that the former was independent than the latter. Additional studies with larger sample sizes are currently required.

Supplementary Material 1

Through the IBP reduction procedure, any Feynman integral can be obtained as a linear combi- nation of a finite number of basis integrals. The latter can be shown to satisfy a system of linear, first-order, partial differential equations and in the case where the integrals evaluate to multiple polylogarithms, these differential equations are particularly easy to solve, when they are cast into canonical form. However, it is also well-known that from two loops onwards more complicated special functions can appear in the solutions. The simplest extension includes elliptic generaliza- tions of multiple polylogarithms. For this case, we propose an alternative "pre-canonical" form for the differential equations. In addition to ε-factorized terms, it allows also terms independent of ε in the differential equation matrix, while still making the Fuchsian property manifest. We conjecture that we can find such a basis always by the means of basis transformations rational in the kinematics and ε when starting from a generic set of basis integrals fulfilling rational dif- ferential equations. Consequently, more complicated functions are avoided completely at the differential equations level. Furthermore, we analyze how established techniques to identify canonical basis integrals can be adapted to find integral bases for our new form. The ideas pre- sented can be applied successfully to multiple elliptic examples, including the famous sunrise graph with three internal masses, as we will illustrate explicitly.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T19:50:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2022-01-01 Microbial therapeutic enzymes are the protagonists in the pharmacological treatment of different human diseases. The intrinsic enzymatic characteristics, such as high affinity and specificity to the corresponding substrate, enable effective therapies, with minimal adverse effects and complete remission. However, immunogenicity, short half-life, low enzymatic yield, and low selectivity regarding available enzyme drugs are currently the main obstacles to their development and the broad adherence to therapeutic protocols. By harboring adapted and still unexplored microbial life, environments of extreme conditions, such as Antarctica, become especially important in the prospecting and development of new enzymatic compounds that present higher yields and the possibility of genetic improvement. Antarctic microorganisms have adaptation mechanisms, such as more fluid cell membranes, production of antifreeze proteins and enzymes with more malleable structures, more robust, stable, selective catalytic sites for their respective substrates, and high antioxidant capacity. In this context, this review aims to explore enzymes synthesized by bacteria and fungi from Antarctica as potential drug producers, capable of providing therapeutic efficacy, less adverse effects, and lower production costs with highlight to L-Asparaginase, collagenase, superoxide dismutase and ribonucleases. In addition, this review highlights the unique biotechnological profile of these Antarctic extremophile microorganisms. Universidade Federal de Alagoas Complexo de Ciências Médicas e Enfermagem, Campus Arapiraca, Av. Manoel Severino Barbosa, s/n, Bom Sucesso Universidade Federal de Alagoas Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Av. Lourival Melo Mota, s/n, Tabuleiro do Martins Universidade Federal da Integração Latino-Americana, Av. Silvio Américo Sasdelli, 1842, Itaipú A Universidade Estadual de Campinas Centro Pluridisciplinar de Pesquisas Químicas, Biológicas e Agrárias, R. Alexandre Cazellato, 999, Betel Departamento de Biologia Geral e Aplicada Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Av. 24 A, 1515, Bela Vista Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha Departamento de Biologia Geral e Aplicada Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Av. 24 A, 1515, Bela Vista

Background Current evidence suggests that upregulation of polyamines system plays a role both in cognitive deficit and synaptic loss observed in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Objective The aim of this study was to determine the plasmatic concentration of polyamines in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD patients in comparison with healthy controls (HC). Methods Plasmatic polyamines were quantified using the AbsoluteIDQ® p180 and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS). Results The study group comprised 34 AD patients, 20 MCI and 25 HC. All individuals were followed for 4 years. During this period 8 amnestic MCI patients (40% of the MCI sample at baseline) converted to AD. Spermidine level was lower in both patient groups (AD; MCI) compared to HC (p = 0.007). Plasma levels of spermine were higher in the MCI group (p < 0.001), but decreased in the sub-sample of MCI patients who converted to AD (p = 0.043). No statistically significant differences were found in ornithine and putrescine levels (p = 0.056 and p = 0.126, respectively). Discussion Our results suggest dynamic changes in the expression of polyamines in the MCI-AD continuum.

Background Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising intervention for major depression. However, its clinical effects are heterogeneous. We investigated, in a subsample of the randomized, clinical trial Escitalopram versus Electrical Direct Current Therapy for Depression Study (ELECT-TDCS), whether the volumes of left and right prefrontal cortex (PFC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) were associated with prefrontal tDCS response. Methods Baseline structural T1 weighted MRI data were analyzed from 52 patients (15 males). Patients were randomized to the following conditions: escitalopram 20 mg/day, bifrontal tDCS (2 mA, 30min, 22 sessions), or placebo. Antidepressant outcomes were assessed over a treatment period of 10 weeks. Voxel-based gray matter volumes of PFC and ACC were determined using state-of-the-art parcellation approaches. Results According to our a priori hypothesis, in the left dorsal PFC, larger gray matter volumes were associated with depression improvement in the tDCS group (n = 15) compared to sham (n = 21) (Cohen's d = 0.3, 95% confidence interval [0.01; 0.6], p = 0.04). Neither right PFC nor ACC volumes were associated with depression improvement. Exploratory analyses of distinct PFC subregions were performed, but no area was associated with tDCS response after correction for multiple comparisons. Conclusion Left PFC baseline gray matter volume was associated with tDCS antidepressant effects. This brain region and its subdivisions should be investigated further as a potential neurobiological predictor for prefrontal tDCS treatment in depression and might be correlated with tDCS antidepressant mechanisms of action.

The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying onset and development of schizophrenia have not yet been completely elucidated, but the association of disturbed neuroplasticity and inflammation has gained particular relevance recently. These mechanisms are linked to annexins functions. ANXA3, particularly, is associated to inflammation and membrane metabolism cascades. The aim was to determine the ANXA3 levels in first-onset drug-naive psychotic patients. We investigated by western blot the protein expression of annexin A3 in platelets of first-onset, drug-naive psychotic patients (diagnoses according to DSM-IV: 28 schizophrenia, 27 bipolar disorder) as compared to 30 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Annexin A3 level was lower in schizophrenia patients as compared to healthy controls (p

Sunscreens are used to protect skin against ultraviolet radiation, avoiding the damages that can be caused by it. However, in vitro and in vivo studies report that some organic substances employed as sunscreens can alter the biological effects of several hormones. Therefore, a methodology for passive sampling using a semipermeable membrane device (SPMD) was developed for the extraction and preconcentration of some organic compounds employed in sunscreen formulations, such as benzophenone (BZP), 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (BZP-3), 3-(4-methylbenzylidene)-camphor (4-MBC), 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate (4-MCN), 2-ethylhexyl salicylate (EHS), and homomethyl salicylate (HMS), from swimming pool waters where exposure to these substances is unintended. The determination of these analytes in the acceptor phase was performed using high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). The optimization of the methodology included the evaluation of several variables, such as type and volume of acceptor phase, dimensions and time of exposure of the SPMD, sample pH, and volume. The optimum conditions for the collection of the solar filters were achieved with an 8-cm device filled with 3.0 mL of acetonitrile and without adjustment of the sample pH, which was approximately 5.8. The collection time was 24 h. Afterwards, some parameters of merit of the developed method were determined. The working range for BZP, BZP-3, 4-MBC, 4-MCN, EHS, and HMS was established as 25–500 μg L–1. The methodological limits of detection and quantification for these analytes were 0.2–1.0 μg L–1 and 0.7–3.1 μg L–1, respectively. Quantification of the analytes was performed on four samples collected from different swimming pools. Recovery tests were performed with the samples spiked with 100 μg L–1 of each substance, and recovery percentages in the range of 75–116% were obtained. The performance of the SPMD was also verified through the determination of BZP-3, EHS, and HMS in a swimming pool water sample intentionally contaminated with a commercial sunscreen.

In this study, an innovative analytical methodology capable of selectively identifying and quantifying mercury contamination by the association of solid-phase extraction using ion-imprinted polymers as a sorbent phase and differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry is proposed. To this end, the ion-imprinted polymers were synthesized and characterized by infrared spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. The sorption capacities and the selectivity of the ion-imprinted polymers were compared to the ones related to the non-imprinted ones. Next, the experimental parameters of this solid-phase extraction method (IIP-SPE) were evaluated univariately. The selectivity of this polymeric matrix against other cations (Cd II, Pb II, and Cu II) was also evaluated. Limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) obtained for the here proposed methodology were 0.322 μg L−1 and 1.08 μg L−1, respectively. Also, the precision of 4.0% was achieved. The method was finally applied to three water samples from different sources: for the Piratininga and Itaipu Lagoon waters, Hg II concentrations were below the LOQ and for Vargem River waters a concentration equal to 1.35 ± 0.07 mg L−1 was determined. These results were confirmed by recovery tests, resulting in a recovery of 96.2 ± 4.0%, and by comparison with flame atomic absorption spectrometry, resulting in statistical conformity between the two methods at 95% confidence level.

Background: Down syndrome (DS) is associated with a high prevalence of cognitive impairment and dementia in middle age and older adults. Given the presence of common neuropathological findings and similar pathogenic mechanisms, dementia in DS is regarded as a form of genetically determined, early-onset AD. The clinical characterization of cognitive decline in persons with DS is a difficult task, due to the presence intellectual disability and pre-existing cognitive impairment. Subtle changes that occur at early stages of the dementing process may not be perceived clinically, given that most cognitive screening tests are not sensitive enough to detect them. Therefore, biological markers will provide support to the diagnosis of DS-related cognitive impairment and dementia, particularly at early stages of this process. Objective: To perform a systematic review of the literature on AD-related biomarkers in DS. Method: We searched PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library for scientific papers published between 2008 and 2018 using as primary mesh terms ‘Down’, ‘Alzheimer’, ‘biomarker’. Results: 79 studies were retrieved, and 39 were considered eligible for inclusion in the systematic review: 14 post-mortem studies, 10 neuroimaging, 4 addressing cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, and 11 on peripheral markers. Conclusion: There is consistent growth in the number of publication in this field over the past years. Studies in DS-related dementia tend to incorporate many of the diagnostic technologies that have been more extensively studied and validated in AD. In many instances, the study of CNS and peripheral biomarkers reinforces the presence of AD pathology in DS.

Background: Schizophrenia is one of the most stigmatized psychiatric disorders, and disclosing it is often a source of stress to individuals with the disorder. The Coming Out Proud (COP) group intervention is designed to reduce the stigma’s negative impact and help participants decide if they want to disclose their disorder. Aims: To assess the effect of the COP intervention in individuals with the diagnosis of schizophrenia. Methods: A pilot study of 3 2-hour group lessons (6–12 participants) per week. Individuals were selected from three specialized outpatient services in São Paulo, Brazil; 46 people were willing to participate, 11 dropped out during the intervention and 4 were excluded due to low intelligence quotient (IQ), resulting in a final sample of 31 participants. Outcomes were assessed before ( T0/baseline) and after ( T1/directly) after the COP intervention, and at 3-week follow-up ( T2/3 weeks after T1). We applied eight scales, of which four scales are analyzed in this article (Coming Out with Mental Illness Scale (COMIS), Cognitive Appraisal of Stigma as a Stressor (CogApp), Self-Stigma of Mental Illness Scale-Short Form (SSMIS) and Perceived Devaluation-Discrimination Questionnaire (PDDQ)). Results: People who completed the COP intervention showed a significant increase in the decision to disclose their diagnosis (22.5% in T0 vs 67.7% in T2). As to the perception of stigma as a stressor, mean values significantly increased after the intervention ( T0 = 3.83, standard deviation ( SD) = .92 vs T2 = 4.44, SD = 1.05; p = .006). Two results had marginal significance: self-stigma was reduced ( T0 = 3.10, SD = 1.70 vs T2 = 2.73, SD = 1.87; p = .063), while perceived discrimination increased ( T0 = 2.68, SD = .55 vs T2 = 2.93, SD = .75; p = .063). Conclusion: This study suggests that the COP group intervention facilitated participants’ disclosure decisions, and the increasing awareness of stigma as a stressor in life may have facilitated their decision to eventually disclose their disorder. The results raise questions that require further analysis, taking sociocultural factors into account, as stigma is experienced differently across cultures.

Dissolution of coral rubble collected in the vicinities of a tropical ocean outfall yielded two maldanid species, one of them not previously recorded to Hawaii. The putative species Boguea cf. enigmatica was originally described from North Carolina in coral sand. The Hawaiian material fits very well the original and subsequent descriptions but it is the first record in the Pacific Ocean and molecular data would be necessary to confirm this wide distributional range. This species broods its young and it would also limit its areal distribution unless it has been introduced. Axiothella quadrimaculata is also described from coral rubbles of Hawaii being previously recorded from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

In the last decades, biological and environmental factors related to psychosis were investigated in individuals at ultra-risk for psychosis (UHR) to predict conversion. Although religion relates to psychosis in a variety of ways, it is understudied in subclinical samples. Therefore, we assessed the interplay between religion and prodromal symptoms in 79 UHR and 110 control individuals. They were interviewed with the Duke University Religion Index and the Structured Interview for Prodromal Syndromes (SIPS). Organizational religious activity, a measure of how often someone attends churches/temples, was positively related to perceptual abnormalities/hallucinations (Spearman's rho = 0.262, p = 0.02). This relationship was replicated in a path analysis model (β = 0.342, SE = 0.108, p = 0.002), as well as a link between organizational religious activity and lower ideational richness (β = 0.401, SE = 0.105, p = 0.000) with no influence of sex, age, religious denomination, or socioeconomic class. Intrinsic religious activity was negatively correlated with suspiciousness (SIPS P2) (β = −0.028, SE = 0.009, p = 0.002), and non-organizational religious activity was correlated with higher ideational richness (N5) (β = −0.220, SE = 0.097, p = 0.023). We hypothesize that subjects with subclinical psychosis may possibly use churches and other religious organizations to cope with hallucinations. Indeed, Brazil is characterized by a religious syncretism and a strong influence of Spiritism in the popular culture. The mediumistic idea that some might be able to hear and/or see spirits is probably employed to explain subclinical hallucinations in the lay knowledge. Our results emphasize the importance of assessing religion and other region-specific aspects of various cultures when studying UHR individuals. This sort of assessment would enhance understanding of differences in conversion rates, and would help to transpose prevention programs from high-income countries to other settings.

Lornoxicam (Lx) e um medicamento antiinflamatorio nao esteroidal (AINE) pertencente a classe dos oxicanos. Esta classe de farmacos esta atualmente entre os poluentes ambientais mais comumente detectados, em concentracoes que variam da faixa de µg a ng L-1, sendo de grande preocupacao devido aos seus potenciais efeitos e impactos nos organismos vivos. Neste contexto, este estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver uma metodologia analitica para quantificar Lx em agua de abastecimento. A metodologia compreende uma etapa de pre-concentracao do analito atraves da aplicacao da extracao em fase solida (EFS). Neste passo, o cartucho de EFS contendo o sorvente comercializado sob o nome de Strata X foi carregado com ate 2 L de uma solucao aquosa de Lx, com massa de 60 mg, permitindo um fator de concentracao de 400 vezes. A quantificacao foi realizada por voltametria adsortiva de redissolucao no modo de pulso diferencial. A conjugacao de voltametria com o metodo EFS levou a um limite de deteccao de 0,12 μg L-1 e um limite de quantificacao de 0,40 μg L-1, com alta seletividade, precisao (