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A major aim in MS field has been the search for biomarkers that enable accurate detection of neuronal damage. Besides MRI, recent studies have shown that neuroaxonal damage can also be tracked by neurofilament detection. Nevertheless, before widespread implementation, a better understanding of the principal contributors for this biomarker is of paramount importance. Therefore, we analyzed neurofilament light chain (NfL) in relapsing (RMS) and progressive MS (PMS), addressing which MRI and clinical variables are better related to this biomarker.Forty-seven MS patients underwent MRI (3T) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling. We measured NfL concentrations using ELISA (UmanDiagnostics) and performed multivariable regression analysis to assess the contribution of clinical and MRI metrics to NfL.NfL correlated with previous clinical activity in RMS (p 0.001). In RMS, NfL also correlated with Gad+ and cortical lesion volumes. However, after multivariable analysis, only cortical lesions and relapses in previous 12 months remained in the final model (RCSF NfL levels are increased in RMS and associated with relapses and cortical lesions. Although NfL levels were correlated with Gad+ lesion volume, this association did not persist in multivariable analysis after controlling for previous clinical activity. We encourage controlling for previous clinical activity when testing the association of NfL with MRI. In PMS, the major contributor to NfL was T1-hypointense lesion volume.

Objective To identify clinical variables that could predict the presence of autoantibodies in patients with acute encephalitis. Methods An observational, retrospective study from May 2011 to May 2017. Clinical, EEG, brain MRI data, and antibodies against human neuronal antigens (NMDAR, GABAR, AMPAR, LGI1, CASPR2, and GAD) from 158 patients with criteria for possible autoimmune encephalitis were analyzed to create a predictive model for this disease. Results We analyzed 158 samples, of which 18 cases were positive for anti-NMDAR, 2 for anti-LGI1, and 2 for anti-GAD. Seven of the 18 positive NMDAR patients were children, and 12 were female. Behavioral disorder, epileptic seizures, movement disorder, and altered level of consciousness were the frequent symptoms with >75 % sensitivity in positive anti-NMDAR patients. Other symptoms, such as language disorder, psychosis, hypoventilation, altered wake and sleep cycle, and cognitive impairment, had a sensitivity >55 %. Abnormal EEG findings had a high sensitivity (99.4 %). Brain MRI suggestive of encephalitis was observed in 7 of the positive cases for NMDAR. Abnormal CSF findings were reported in 12 patients positive for this receptor (sensitivity 70.6 %). With 7 of these symptoms, we obtained a sensitivity of 70 % and specificity of 81 % for the presence of anti-NMDAR antibodies (ROC Area 82 %). However, to predict that a patient with subacute encephalitis may have an autoimmune cause, the patient should include clinical manifestations such as movement disorder, behavioral disorder, hypoventilation, dysautonomia, and alteration of the wake and sleep cycle. Children were significantly more likely than adults with autoimmune encephalitis to experience chorea and status epilepticus (p Conclusions Anti-NMDAR encephalitis was more frequent in females and children. The repertoire of autoimmune encephalitis in children is different from adults. The presence of subacute behavioral changes, epileptic seizures, movement disorders, altered consciousness, hypoventilation, dysautonomia, and altered wake and sleep cycle predicted autoimmune encephalitis in our series.

In addition to crustaceans, remains from 17 individual squid were found in the stomach of a 58 cm slender sunfish Ranzania laevis from Australia, adding a new prey item to their little studied diet. Taken together with existing data from the literature, crustaceans appear to be a common prey item, with larger R. laevis (26-65 cm) also taking small fish and squid. Along with new documentation on breaching, the unexpected finding of squid in the stomach confirms that these fish are fast and agile predators.

Higher MS relapse frequency is observed during warmer months in different regions, but evidence for an underlying immunological variation is lacking. Therefore, we investigated seasonal variations of cytokine production in relapsing-remitting MS patients. Twenty-one patients and eight controls had blood samples drawn in each season, evaluating for IL-10, IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ. The lowest levels of cytokine production were observed in spring samples, with a significant increase from spring to summer for most cytokines, and especially IFN-γ and TNF-α. This phenomenon may underlie the higher prevalence of clinical and subclinical MS activity observed in warmer months.

From 2013 to 2015, sanitary authorities reported an increased incidence of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) associated with Zika virus (ZIKV) in French Polynesia, Caribbean, and Brazil.1–3 After the end of ZIKV epidemics, GBS cases where still above the usual limits in countries where the arrival of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) was also a concern.3 The authors would like to thank Professor Steven S. Witkin from Weill Cornell Medicine for constructive comments and kindness in editing the manuscript, Vânia Maria Alves de Araujo from the Hospital Geral de Fortaleza for the laboratory assistance, and Rosa Maria Nascimento Marcusso from Instituto de Infectologia Emilio Ribas for the organizational support and revision of statistical analysis.

Neuropsychiatric disorders in multiple sclerosis have been known since the original clinicopathological description by Charcot in the late nineteenth century. Charcot, in the last decades of his life, became involved in the field of neuropsychiatry. This produced a battle between rival schools in the era that still echoes to this day. Charcot’s intuition, including the line of thought of Babinski, one of his most famous disciples, was that there was a connection between mood disorders and many of the diseases of the nervous system. Medicine’s concern with establishing a relationship between mood disorders and disease stems from the ancient and middle ages with references found in the Hippocratic doctrine. However, it was only in the second half of the nineteenth and early twentieth century, with Charcot’s discoveries, that this discussion was established in a structured way, laying the foundations of neuropsychiatry. RESUMO Os distúrbios neuropsiquiátricos na esclerose múltipla são conhecidos desde a descrição clínico-patológica original de Charcot no final do século XIX. Charcot nas últimas décadas de sua vida se envolveu no campo da neuropsiquiatria. Isso produziu uma batalha de escolas rivais na época que ainda ecoa até hoje. A intuição de Charcot, incluindo a linha de pensamento de Babinski, um de seus discípulos mais famosos, foi a teoria correta da conexão entre os transtornos do humor e muitas das doenças do sistema nervoso. A preocupação da Medicina em estabelecer uma relação entre transtornos do humor e doenças vem das idades antiga e média, com referências encontradas na doutrina hipocrática. No entanto, foi apenas na segunda metade do século XIX e início do século XX que, com as descobertas de Charcot essa discussão foi realizada de maneira estruturada, estabelecendo os fundamentos da neuropsiquiatria.

Transtornos psiquiátricos frequentemente ocorrem em pacientes com esclerose múltipla (EM). No entanto, os artigos sobre estas comorbidades são limitados. Pretendemos investigar as relações entre EM, ansiedade, depressão e ideação suicida. Métodos: Cento e trinta e dois pacientes com EM remitente-recorrente foram avaliados usando a Escala de Estado de Incapacidade Expandida, Inventário de Depressão de Beck-II (IDB-II), Escala de Beck para Ideação de Suicídio (BSI) e Escala de Ansiedade e Depressão. Resultados: Uma análise de regressão hierárquica foi realizada para avaliar as variáveis. A equação de regressão previu significativamente o escore BSI (R2 = 0,306; R2 ajustado = 0,273; F (9,125) = 9,18; p < 0,0005) e o escore no IDB-II foi a única variável que contribuiu significativamente para este modelo (p < 0,0005). Conclusões: Uma alta prevalência de depressão e ansiedade e uma maior taxa de ideação suicida foram identificadas em pacientes com EM em comparação com a população em geral. A presença de sintomas depressivos pareceu ter uma influência direta no risco de suicídio. Psychiatric disorders frequently occur in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS); however, limited reports are available on these comorbidities. We aimed to investigate the relationships among MS, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Methods: One hundred and thirty two patients with relapsing-remitting MS were evaluated using the Expanded Disability Status Scale, Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSI), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results: A hierarchical regression analysis was performed to evaluate the variables. The regression equation significantly predicted the BSI score (R2 = 0.306; adjusted R2 = 0.273; F (9, 125) = 9.18; p < 0.0005), and the BDI-II score was the only variable that contributed significantly to this model (p < 0.0005). Conclusions: A high prevalence of depression and anxiety, and a higher rate of suicidal ideation were identified in MS patients compared to the general population. The presence of depressive symptoms appeared to have a direct influence on the risk of suicide.

Objective To estimate the clinical and demographics aspects that may contribute to cognitive impairment and psychiatric symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Method All patients answered a structured standardized clinical questionnaire. Two movement disorders specialists performed the following scale: Unified Parkinson’s disease rating score (UPDRS), the modified Hoehn and Yahr staging, Schwab and England Scale, SCOPA cognition (SCOPA-COG), SCOPA-Psychiatric complications (SCOPA-PC) and Non-Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS). We built a generalized linear model to assess predictors for the SCOPA-COG and SCOPA-PC scores. Results Almost 37% of our patients were demented as per SCOPA-COG scores. Level of education and the UPDRS-Subscale III were predictors of cognitive impairment. Higher scores in domain 3 of NMSS and male gender were associated with psychiatric complications as assessed per the SCOPA-PC. Conclusion Level of education and disease severity are predictors of dementia in PD. Psychiatric complications are more commonly observed in men.

The Marine Strategy Framework Directive has become the key instrument for marine conservation in European seas. We review its implementation, focusing on cetacean biodiversity, using the examples of Spain and the Regional Seas Convention, OSPAR. The MSFD has been widely criticised for legal vagueness, lack of coordination, uncertainty about funding, and poor governance; its future role within EU Integrated Maritime Policy remains unclear. Nevertheless, the first stages of the process have run broadly to schedule: current status, environmental objectives and indicators have been described and the design of monitoring programmes is in progress, drawing on experience with other environmental legislation. The MSFD is now entering its critical phase, with lack of funding for monitoring, limited scope for management interventions, and uncertainty about how conservation objectives will be reconciled with the needs of other marine and maritime sectors, being among the main concerns. Clarity in governance, about the roles of the EU, Member States, Regional Seas Conventions and stakeholders, is needed to ensure success. However, even if (as seems likely) good environmental status cannot be achieved by 2020, significant steps will have been taken to place environmental sustainability centre-stage in the development of Integrated Maritime Policy for EU seas., SI

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory neurodegenerative disease that affects approximately 2.5 million people globally. Even though the etiology of MS remains unknown, it is accepted that it involves a combination of genetic alterations and environmental factors. Here, after performing whole exome sequencing, we found a MS patient harboring a rare and homozygous single nucleotide variant (SNV; rs61745847) of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) galanin-receptor 2 (GALR2) that alters an important amino acid in the TM6 molecular toggle switch region (W249L). Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging showed that the hypothalamus (an area rich in GALR2) of this patient exhibited an important volumetric reduction leading to an enlarged third ventricle. Ex vivo experiments with patient-derived blood cells (AKT phosphorylation), as well as studies in recombinant cell lines expressing the human GALR2 (calcium mobilization and NFAT mediated gene transcription), showed that galanin (GAL) was unable to stimulate cell signaling in cells expressing the variant GALR2 allele. Live cell confocal microscopy showed that the GALR2 mutant receptor was primarily localized to intracellular endosomes. We conclude that the W249L SNV is likely to abrogate GAL-mediated signaling through GALR2 due to the spontaneous internalization of this receptor in this patient. Although this homozygous SNV was rare in our MS cohort (1:262 cases), our findings raise the potential importance of impaired neuroregenerative pathways in the pathogenesis of MS, warrant future studies into the relevance of the GAL/GALR2 axis in MS and further suggest the activation of GALR2 as a potential therapeutic route for this disease.

Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune and neurodegenerative disease that affects young adults. It is characterized by generating a chronic demyelinating autoimmune inflammation in the central nervous system. An experimental model for studying MS is the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), induced by immunization with antigenic proteins from myelin. Aims The present study investigated the evolution of EAE in pregabalin treated animals up to the remission phase. Methods and results The results demonstrated a delay in the onset of the disease with statistical differences at the 10th and the 16th day after immunization. Additionally, the walking track test (CatWalk) was used to evaluate different parameters related to motor function. Although no difference between groups was obtained for the foot print pressure, the regularity index was improved post treatment, indicating a better motor coordination. The immunohistochemical analysis of putative synapse preservation and glial reactivity revealed that pregabalin treatment improved the overall morphology of the spinal cord. A preservation of circuits was depicted and the glial reaction was downregulated during the course of the disease. qRT-PCR data did not show immunomodulatory effects of pregabalin, indicating that the positive effects were restricted to the CNS environment. Conclusions Overall, the present data indicate that pregabalin is efficient for reducing the seriousness of EAE, delaying its course as well as reducing synaptic loss and astroglial reaction.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We wish to express our gratitude to all Galician and Portuguese fishers that took part in the survey for sharing their time and information with us. We would also like to acknowledge the support of the Galician Council for Rural and Marine Affairs (Conselleria do Medio Rural e do Mar, Xunta de Galicia), namely the cooperation of the fisheries´ observers (Luis Perez Miser, Francisco Jose Lopez, Juan Chapela Portela, Felix Barreiro, Candido Aguiar Couto, Jose Maria Garcia Rozamontes, Jose Manuel Garrido Vispo, Jose Manuel Perez Veres, Javier Garcia Romero, Juan Gonzalez Perez), the coordinators (Ricardo Arnaiz Ibarrondo, Francisco Filgueira Rodriguez) and the staff (Manuel Garcia Tasende, Jorge Ribo Landin, Jose Manuel Campelos Alvarez) of the Technical Unit for Inshore Fisheries. Furthermore, we would like to thank Baltasar Patino and Gersom Costas for provision of background information and logistical support, and Juan Santos and Edward Morgan, for assisting with the interviewing. Interviews in Galicia were carried out in the framework of the project ECOSUMMER (ECOsystem approach to Sustainable Managament of the Marine Environment and its living Resource) with EU funding (projects MEXC-CT-2006-042337 and MEST-CT-2005-020501). The interview survey in Portugal was conducted under the SafeSea Project (Sustainable local fisheries and promotion of a safe sea for cetaceans) and supported by the EEA Grants programme (EEA Financial Mechanism 2004-2009). SG was also funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (FCT). MBS participation was part of the EU FP7 grant MYFISH (no. 289257) and the LOTOFPEL project (Plan Nacional de I + D + I, CTM 2010-16053). The Whalewatch Project was financed by the Xunta de Galicia (programme PEME I+D e I+D SUMA).

Multiple sclerosis, which is the most common cause of chronic neurological disability in young adults, is an inflammatory, demyelinating, and neurodegenerative disease of the CNS, which leads to the formation of multiple foci of demyelinated lesions in the white matter. The diagnosis is based currently on magnetic resonance image and evidence of dissemination in time and space. However, this could be facilitated if biomarkers were available to rule out other disorders with similar symptoms as well as to avoid cerebrospinal fluid analysis, which requires an invasive collection. Additionally, the molecular mechanisms of the disease are not completely elucidated, especially those related to the neurodegenerative aspects of the disease. The identification of biomarker candidates and molecular mechanisms of multiple sclerosis may be approached by proteomics. In the last 10 years, proteomic techniques have been applied in different biological samples (CNS tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood) from multiple sclerosis patients and in its experimental model. In this review, we summarize these data, presenting their value to the current knowledge of the disease mechanisms, as well as their importance in identifying biomarkers or treatment targets.

To efficiently manage and maintain fish stock abundance and age structure, it is necessary to understand variability in its spatial distribution. The main objective of this study was to describe the demographic structure of the Bay of Biscay anchovy during the main spawning period based on adult samples from 15 daily egg production method surveys. The proportion of age-1 individuals was modelled using generalized additive models with a binomial distribution and a logit link in relation to geographical and environmental covariates. The possibility of obtaining different models depending on the average age-1 proportion (low or high) was also explored. In general, age-1 individuals were found in shallow waters close to the coast, especially associated with the Gironde and Adour river plumes, whereas older individuals were prevalent on the shelf break and in oceanic waters. However, in years with a high age-1 proportion the younger individuals were also dominant in oceanic waters. These results could be used for management purposes, such as defining protected areas for particular age groups.

Boyra, G., Martínez, U., Cotano, U., Santos, M., Irigoien, X., and Uriarte, A. 2013. Acoustic surveys for juvenile anchovy in the Bay of Biscay: abundance estimate as an indicator of the next year's recruitment and spatial distribution patterns. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70: . A series of acoustic surveys (JUVENA) began in 2003 targeting juvenile anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) in the Bay of Biscay. A specific methodology was designed for mapping and estimating juvenile abundance annually, four months after the spawning season. After eight years of the survey, a consistent picture of the spatial pattern of the juvenile anchovy has emerged. Juveniles show a vertical and horizontal distribution pattern that depends on size. The younger individuals are found isolated from other species in waters closer to the surface, mainly off the shelf within the mid-southern region of the bay. The largest juveniles are usually found deeper and closer to the shore in the company of adult anchovy and other pelagic species. In these eight years, the survey has covered a wide range of juvenile abundances, and the estimates show a significant positive relationship between the juvenile biomasses and the one-year-old recruits of the following year. This demonstrates that the JUVENA index provides an early indication of the strength of next year's recruitment to the fishery and can therefore be used to improve the management advice for the fishery of this short-lived species.

Knowledge of species' ecological niches can be used to assess ecological interactions between different taxa. Sixteen species of cetaceans have been recorded in Galician waters and niche partitioning is expected to occur among these species in order to allow them to co-exist. In this study, the niches occupied by five of the most commonly encountered odontocete species off Galicia (NW Iberia) were compared, based on seven ecogeographic variables, using a PCA-based methodology and Classification trees. Significant differences in niche centres and niche widths were found among all the species. During the summer, the harbour porpoise occupied the narrowest and most differentiated niche when compared to the rest of the species. Three species could be compared during the winter, when long-finned pilot whales preferred colder and less variable water temperatures than did common dolphins. Seasonal differences in habitat preferences were found for bottlenose dolphins. A higher degree of specialisation was found during the summer, resulting in stronger differences in habitat use in this season, which may be related to an increment in resource availability during the upwelling period (April–September). The PCA-based methodology used in this study provides an effective multivariate approach to explore niche partitioning between co-existing species.

This study demonstrates the utility of trawl data, collected during acoustic surveys of pelagic fish stocks as a way of confirming fish identification, to characterize the pelagic community, as well as allowing description and prediction of fish distribution patterns, based on data from Spanish Atlantic Ocean shelf surveys during spring 2005-2011. The composition of the pelagic community is described, as well as spatial and temporal patterns of variation in both the community composition and the presence and importance of two of the main exploited pelagic species, sardine Sardina pilchardus and anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus. The most important species in terms of both frequency of occurrence and standardized mass in hauls were mackerel Scomber scombrus, hake Merluccius merluccius, horse mackerel Trachurus trachurus, S. pilchardus and bogue Boops boops. Multivariate analysis indicated significant effects of depth, geographical area and year on haul composition. Descriptive generalized additive models (GAM), with latitude, longitude and depth as predictors, identified clear spatial patterns in the occurrence and abundance of both S. pilchardus and E. encrasicolus, with abundance being highest closer to the coast and, in the case of E. encrasicolus, higher near the French and Portuguese borders. Further GAM analysis, using environmental variables to explain spatial patterns, revealed significant effects of depth and sea surface temperature (SST) gradient and depth on S. pilchardus importance, while E. encrasicolus importance was related to SST. The importance of both species in hauls was higher in the years of higher spawning stock biomass (SSB) and E. encrasicolus also appeared to expand its range when SSB was higher.

Despite the evolution of treatments in the past decade, acute inflammatory autoimmune diseases of the peripheral nervous system are still a concern due to their considerable morbidity and mortality [1]. Guillain-Barr e syndrome (GBS) is an acute inflammatory disorder. The study of experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN), the experimental model of GBS, has provided most of the knowledge regarding GBS disease mechanisms. Inflammatory lesions are primarily located in the sciatic nerves and the cauda equina of EAN-affected Lewis rats [2]. Lesions are characterized by an accumulation of inflammatory cells, primarily T cells, and macrophages. The inflammatory response during EAN is characterized mainly by the migration of neuritogenic cells into the peripheral nerves and by the production and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IFNc, TNFa, IL-6, and IL-17 [3]. During the last years, hematopoietic factors, such as erythropoietin, granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor and granulocyte–colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), have been successfully used to modify experimental autoimmune diseases [4,5]. Moreover, G-CSF has an important and strong tolerogenic function. This cytokine recruits immature dendritic cells (DCs), which induce tolerance through the enhancement of regulatory T cells [5]. In this study, we investigated the effects of short-term G-CSF treatment on the evolution of EAN. EAN was induced using the neuritogenic peptide P253-78 as previously described [6]. The clinical signs of EAN were significantly reduced by the in vivo administration of G-CSF in a short-term treatment regimen (Figure 1A). The development of EAN is characterized by the sensitization and activation of neuritogenic T cells in the peripheral immune organs. These cells migrate into peripheral nerves and release inflammatory mediators, which may contribute directly or indirectly to the destruction of the myelin sheath. We observed a significant reduction in the specific proliferative response of T cells from Lewis rats with EAN treated with G-CSF compared with the cells from the control animals (Figure 1B). Moreover, G-CSF treatment reduced the mononuclear cell infiltration into the sciatic nerve (Figure 1C). The EAN autoaggressive response is characterized by the expression and release of Th1 and/or Th17 cytokines. Therefore, we evaluated the expression, by real-time PCR (Figure S1), of Th1 and Th17 cytokines and transcription factors, in the lymph nodes 10 days after immunization, prior to the migration of the neuritogenic cells from the periphery to the target tissue. We observed a consistent downregulation in the expression of the Th1 (T-bet) and Th17 (RORa and RORct) transcription factors in the G-CSFtreated group compared with control group (Figure 1D). Corroborating the changes in the transcription factors expression profile, the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IFNc, IL-17A, IL17E, and IL-6) was reduced in the G-CSF-treated group compared with the control group. G-CSF treatment also led to an increase in the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-10 and

Escherichia coli Vacuolating Factor (ECVF) is a heat-labile, vacuolating cytotoxin produced by avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) isolated from avian cellulitis lesions. In this report, we intend to demonstrate that purified ECVF induces the inflammatory process of cellulitis. Our group is the first to demonstrate the effect of ECVF in a histological analysis by in situ inoculation of broiler chickens with purified ECVF. The animals were inoculated with the APEC AC53 and with purified ECVF subcutaneously on their ventral surface (in the sternum region). The histological analysis showed different grades of an acute inflammatory response in the epidermis, dermis and panniculus. An increase in mRNA expression of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α was also demonstrated in the inflamed tissue. When ECVF was systemically administered, increased levels of TNF-α and IL-10 were observed in the serum. These results suggest that ECVF plays a key role in the inflammatory process associated with cellulitis that is mainly mediated by TNF-α. In addition, this inflammation can be downregulated by the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.

11 páginas, 4 tablas, 5 figuras.-- Paula Méndez Fernández ... et al., Concentrations of thirty two polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in the blubber of five sympatric species of odontocetes stranded or by-caught along the Northwest coast of the Iberian Peninsula: common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas), harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) and bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Multivariate analyses were applied to evaluate the ability of PCB patterns to discriminate these sympatric species and to determine which eco-biological factors influence these patterns, thus evaluating the relevance of PCB concentrations as biogeochemical tracers of feeding ecology. The five species could be separated according to their PCB patterns. Different exposure to these contaminants, a consequence of their different dietary preferences or habitats, together with potentially dissimilar metabolic capacities, likely explain these results; sex, age, habitat and the type of prey eaten were the most important eco-biological parameters of those tested. Although, no single congener has been specifically identified as a tracer of feeding ecology, 4 congeners from the 22 analysed seemed to be the most useful and around 12 congeners appear to be enough to achieve good discrimination of the cetaceans studied. Therefore, this study suggests that PCB patterns can be used as tracers for studying the feeding ecology, sources of contamination or even population structure of cetacean species from the Northwest Iberian Peninsula, P. Méndez- Fernandez was supported during the research period through a PhD grant from the Fundação do Ministério de Ciência e Tecnologia de Portugal and ANIMATE project (SFRH/BD/36766/2007) and through a Science Without Borders (CSF) young talent postdoctoral grant of the Brazilian government. G. J. Pierce acknowledges support from the EU ANIMATE project (MEXC-CT-2006-042337), University of Aveiro and Caixa Geral de Depósitos (Portugal).

Given the low detection rates of CSF IgG-Oligoclonal bands (IgG-OCB) in non-European Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients and higher specificity of the MRZH-reaction, we evaluated whether associating MRZH-reaction to CSF IgG-OCB detection improved investigation of suspected MS. Paired CSF and sera were analyzed for IgG-OCB and polyspecific viral antibodies. IgG-OCB were detected in 72% of MS patients and an MRZH-reaction in 67%. Combining IgG-OCB and MRZH raised detection of IgG abnormalities to 97% of studied MS patients. Detection of IgG-OCB and/or ≥2 MRZH antibodies showed sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 92% for MS, versus 72% and 96% for IgG-OCB alone.

Exposure to silica dust has been examined as a possible risk factor for autoimmune diseases, including scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Since CTLA-4 [CD152] and PD-1 [CD279] are important for the maintenance of peripheral tolerance by regulating T cell responsiveness, we evaluated the expression of these molecules on the surface of CD4 and CD8 T cells, as well as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in CTLA-4 and PDCD1 genes, of 70 silica-exposed workers and 30 non-exposed, age-, ethnically- and sex-matched controls. Expression of CTLA-4 was significantly (P

The induction of autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in Lewis rats results in a period of exacerbation followed by complete recovery. Therefore, this model is widely used for studying the evolution of multiple sclerosis. In the present investigation, differentially expressed proteins in the spinal cord of Lewis rats during the evolution of EAE were assessed using the combination of 2DE and MALDI-TOF MS. The majority of the differentially expressed proteins were identified during the acute phase of EAE, in relation to naïve control animals. On the other hand, recovered rats presented a similar protein expression pattern in comparison with the naïve ones. This observation can be explained, at least in part, by the intense catabolism existent in acute phase due to nervous tissue damage. In recovered rats, we have described the upregulation of proteins that are apparently involved in the recovery of damaged tissue, such as light and medium neurofilaments, glial fibrillary acidic protein, tubulins subunits, and quaking protein. These proteins are involved mainly in cell growth, myelination, and remyelination as well as in astrocyte and oligodendrocyte maturation. The present study has demonstrated that the inflammatory response, characterized by an increase of the proliferative response and infiltration of autoreactive T lymphocytes in the central nervous system, occurs simultaneously with neurodegeneration.

Lassalle, G., Gascuel, D., Le Loc'h, F., Lobry, J., Pierce, G. J., Ridoux, V., Santos, M. B., Spitz, J., and Niquil, N. 2012. An ecosystem approach for the assessment of fisheries impacts on marine top predators: the Bay of Biscay case study. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 925–938. A number of marine mammal populations is currently threatened by their interactions with fisheries. The present study aimed to provide insights into the severity of potential impacts of operational and biological interactions between top predators and fisheries, in the Bay of Biscay region. Our approach was to modify an Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) model describing the overall structure and function of the ecosystem by including landings and discards of exploited stocks and estimations of the bycatch of non-target compartments. Second, a set of ecological indices and a trophic level (TL)-based model (EcoTroph, ET) were derived from the EwE model. ET was used to simulate the effects of increasing fishing pressure on the ecosystem and, more particularly, on top predators. The Bay of Biscay was demonstrated to be not far from overexploitation at the current fishing rate, this phenomenon being particularly noticeable for the highest TLs. Within the toothed cetacean community, bottlenose dolphins appeared the most sensitive to resource depletion, whereas common dolphins and harbour porpoises were most impacted by their incidental captures in fishing gears. This study provides a methodological framework to assess the impacts of fisheries on ecosystems for which EwE, or other ecosystem models, already exist.

The far-field patterns of InAs-based plasmon-waveguide interband cascade lasers are experimentally and theoretically investigated. It is shown that different ridge waveguide structures and metal contact configurations lead to distinctive far-field patterns. With the commonly adopted center metal contact on the top of the ridge waveguide, an undesirable double-lobe far-field pattern along the lateral direction is exhibited, while with two metal contacts near the edges of the ridge or a broad-area metal contact on the mesa structure, the more desirable single lobe far-field pattern is observed. These characteristic far-field patterns and their implications are discussed with the aid of a theoretical model which is in good agreement with our experimental results.

Due to the recent expansion of the motor fuel ethanol industry, which is largely based upon traditional food and feed crops, supplies of ruminant feeds have become limited in many areas of the world thereby creating a need for alternatives. Rice straw, a substantial biomass source worldwide, could fill this role if its nutritional value was higher. Our aims were to determine changes in the nutritive value of rice straw during long term storage, and short term field drying, as well as the voluntary DM intake of rice straw by heifers before, during and immediately after field drying. In Experiment I, rice straw was macerated and stored for 82 days after baling, but there was no effect on chemical components or 30 h in vitro fermentability of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) due to maceration or storage time. In Experiment II, samples of a late maturity tall (M401) and an early maturity short (M202) rice straw variety were collected prior to harvest, during simulated field drying and when fully dried. The M401 had higher acid detergent fiber (473 versus 445 g/kg dry matter (DM); P

Recent studies have shown that major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) expression directly influences the stability of nerve terminals. Also, the acute phase of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) has shown a significant impact on inputs within the spinal cord. Therefore, the present work investigated the synaptic covering of motoneurons during the induction phase of disease and progressive remissions of EAE. EAE was induced in C57BL/6J mice, which were divided into four groups: normal, peak disease, first remission, and second remission. The animals were killed and their lumbar spinal cords processed for in situ hybridization (IH), immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results indicated an increase in glial reaction during the peak disease. During this period, the TEM analysis showed a reduction in the synaptic covering of the motoneurons, corresponding to a reduction in synaptophysin immunolabeling and an increase in the MHC I expression. The IH analysis reinforced the immunolabeling results, revealing an increased expression of MHC I mRNA by motoneurons and nonneuronal cells during the peak disease and first remission. The results observed in both remission groups indicated a return of the terminals to make contact with the motoneuron surface. The ratio between excitatory and inhibitory inputs increased, indicating the potential for development of an excitotoxic process. In conclusion, the results presented here indicate that MHC I up-regulation during the course of EAE correlates with the periods of synaptic plasticity induced by the infiltration of autoreactive immune cells and that synaptic plasticity decreases after recurrent peaks of inflammation. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:990–1007, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Essential oils (EO) have been shown to positively impact in vitro ruminal fermentation, but there are few in vivo studies that have examined animal responses. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of an EO complex (Agolin Ruminant from AGOLIN SA, Biere, Switzerland), which contained eugenol, geranyl acetate and coriander oil as major components, on the production of lactating dairy cows, measures of efficiency of use of dietary N as well as whole tract digestion of nutrients. Two pens of approximately 310 early lactation multiparous cows were used in a 2 × 2 factorial experiment with treatment reversed 28-day periods. Cows were fed a totally mixed ration (TMR) twice daily for ad libitum intake based on (g/kg TMR DM): wheat silage (137), maize grain (122), alfalfa hay and fresh chop alfalfa (182) and corn silage (66), with numerous other ingredients. The basal TMR was the same for both treatment groups, and differed only in that the EO complex was added to the TMR of the EO assigned pen. Feed premixes, TMR and ingredients were sampled on days 21 and 26 of each experimental period. Cows were milked three times daily with milk yield and components measured at the end of each period. Urine samples were collected at the end of each period from 24 cows/pen that voluntarily urinated, with fecal collections from these same cows 24 h later. The actual refusals corrected EO intake was 0.85 g/cow/d. The TMR contained 547 g/kg DM, 164 g/kg crude protein (CP), 62 g/kg ether extract, 322 g/kg neutral detergent fibre (i.e., aNDFom) and 120 g/kg starch. The DM intake was numerically (i.e., P=0.13) lower with EO feeding (i.e., 26.0 versus 27.4 kg/d) but milk yield was not impacted (mean 49.2 kg/d). However milk fat production (1.63 versus 1.66 kg/d; P=0.02) and milk fat proportion (33.2 versus 33.9 g/kg; P

O sisal (Agave sisalana Perrine ex Engelm.) é a principal fonte de extração de fibras duras vegetais do mundo. No Brasil, o cultivo ocupa extensa área de solos pobres na região semi-árida dos Estados da Bahia, Paraíba e Rio Grande do Norte, em regiões com escassa ou nenhuma alternativa para exploração de outras culturas. Tendo em vista a propriedade inibitória dos extratos vegetais sobre o desenvolvimento de fungos, avaliou-se o efeito inibitório do extrato vegetal de alho (Allium sativum L.) sobre o fungo Aspergillus niger isolados da cultura do sisal. O extrato vegetal foi incorporado ao meio BDA fundente, aproximadamente 45ºC, nas concentrações 0, 500, 1000, 2000, 50000, 10000 e 50000 mg L-1. Os resultados demonstraram que a dose de 50000 mg L-1 de alho foi eficiente na inibição do crescimento do fungo Aspergillus niger "extraídos" da cultura do sisal.Sisal (Agave sisalana Perrine ex Engelm.) is the main source of plant hard fiber extraction in the world. In Brazil, its cultivation occupies a large area of poor soils in the semi-arid region of Bahia, Paraiba and Rio Grande do Norte States, and in regions with scarce or no alternative to explore other crops. Based on the inhibitory property of plant extracts on fungal development, the inhibitory effect of garlic (Allium sativum L.) extract was evaluated on the fungus Aspergillus niger isolated from sisal crop. The plant extract was incorporated into melting PDA medium around 45ºC, at the following concentrations: 0, 500, 1000, 2000, 50000, 10000, and 50000 mg L-1. (OBS: M. Elena, há duas doses repetidas; creio que a primeira seja 5000). The concentration 50000 mg L-1 garlic extract was effective in inhibiting the growth of the fungus Aspergillus niger extracted from sisal crop.

Background: Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) are pleiotropic molecules with widespread action in autoimmune diseases. Objective: This study characterizes the distribution of iNOS and TNF-α in the spinal nerve roots, dorsal root ganglia and sciatic nerve of Lewis rats during experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN). Methods: Macrophages and neutrophils were identified by immunofluorescence as cellular sources of iNOS and TNF-α at various stages of EAN induced by synthetic peptide 26. Results: As the disease progressed, iNOS- and TNF-α-bearing cells gradually infiltrated the cauda equina, dorsal root ganglia, Th12–L3 spinal roots, and the sciatic nerve. A severer EAN profile developed when more iNOS- and TNF-α-bearing cells were present, and the recovery from EAN was related to the disappearance of these cells and the regeneration of nerve fibers. Conclusions: This is the first report to show iNOS- and TNF-α-immunoreactive cells in dorsal root ganglia during EAN, suggesting an underlying pathology for the neuropathic pain behavior in EAN. Our results suggest that the cells bearing iNOS and TNF-α in the different parts of the peripheral nervous system are involved in the development of the clinical signs observed at each stage of EAN.

In this study the spatial distribution of eggs, larvae and juveniles of European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) was followed in 2004 and 2005 during three consecutive cruises each year in spring–summer to test what the limits of retention are in a non-upwelling area. Eggs, small larvae and large juveniles were mainly distributed over the shelf, whereas large larvae and small juveniles were found mainly off the shelf. Although overall distributions were similar, the 2 yr differed in that there was more of a coastal distribution of individuals in 2004, whereas in 2005 more individuals were found off the shelf. There were no significant differences in the length–weight relationships for individuals found on and off the shelf or between years. The correspondence in circulation patterns and the lack of difference in the length–weight relationships suggest that a single population is present, larvae drifting off the shelf due to currents and returning as mobile juveniles. Quantile regression analysis of the long-term recruitment index suggests that transport off the shelf may favour good recruitments. This would suggest that in non-upwelling regions the retention area resulting in good recruitment may not be restricted to the shelf.

During 1992–2003, 52 striped dolphin strandings were recorded in Scotland (UK). Although strandings were recorded in every month of the year, highest numbers were found in January–March and August. Striped dolphins were stranded all around the Scottish coast, but the majority were recovered from the west coast. Necropsies were carried out on 33 of these animals: 29 had live-stranded and cause of death was not established for four animals. Stomach contents were analysed for 20 animals: whiting and Trisopterus were the main prey species in the diet (both by number and by reconstructed biomass). Females had a higher average number of Trisopterus in their stomachs than did males. Trisopterus eaten in winter were larger than Trisopterus eaten in summer and both Trisopterus and whiting eaten on the east coast were bigger than those eaten on the west coast. The reproductive status was determined for six females and six males during 2001–2003, with the majority being immature but the sample included one pregnant female and one sexually active mature male. We calculated the length–weight relationship for this species in Scottish waters. In addition, age data were collected from samples obtained during necropsies on six striped dolphins: the oldest dolphin sampled was around 14 y old but the majority were 2–7 y old. Although the numbers are low, the regular occurrence of stranded striped dolphins in recent years around Scotland, suggests that this warm water species may now be considered resident in Scottish waters.

Information on the migration patterns of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in the North Atlantic is preserved in historical strandings records, particularly for the North Sea, where sperm whale strandings have been documented since the 16th century, reflecting general public interest in large whales ashore. Most strandings in this area occur during or following the southward migration from the feeding grounds, when some animals enter the North Sea (in which they are thought to have difficulty navigating) instead of following their usual route through deep water to the west of the British Isles. There was much speculation about the causes of the high incidence of strandings on North Sea coasts in the 1990s, among which a recently published analysis of long-term trends in strandings indicated an effect of sunspot cycle length. We show that long-term interannual variation in the incidence of sperm whale strandings on North Sea coasts is related to positive temperature anomalies: the incidence of strandings was higher in warmer periods. The effect of temperature anomalies explains between 8 and 9% of variation in the strandings series. Inclusion of sunspot cycle length as an additional predictor did not significantly improve this model. It is suggested that this link with positive temperature anomalies may reflect changes in the distribution of the sperm whales’ main squid prey. © 2007 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the white matter of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by focal areas of demyelination. Interferon-beta (IFN-beta) provides an effective treatment that lessens the frequency and severity of exacerbations in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), but the mechanisms by which IFN-beta is efficient remain uncertain. The data presented here demonstrate that IFN-beta impairs the proliferative response to myelin basic protein (MBP) and myelin, as well as increasing the expression of the CTLA4 intracellular molecule. Moreover, this treatment increases the expression of surface Fas molecules and of the soluble form of these molecules. Our hypothesis is that the increase in Fas and CTLA4 molecules in MS patients may lead to lymphocyte apoptosis, which suggests possible mechanisms underlying the therapeutic response to IFN-beta.

The present study investigates the socioeconomic sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture in the South Evoikos Gulf. The results show poor labour mobility between fisheries and aquaculture. Internal geographical mobility, relatively high salaries and the relatively high educational level of the aquaculture workers contribute to the sustainability for the aquaculture sector. There is a high probability of young, low-educated individuals entering the fishing industry. Furthermore, earnings and professional training prevent people from exiting the fisheries sector, and this may act as a means towards fisheries' sustainability. Grants and subsidies do not seem to influence fishermen's decision to remain or exit the sector. On average more fishermen than aquaculture workers perceive that their profession is supported by the local community and tourist industry.

We describe the diet of bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in Galician waters, north-western Spain, based on 82 non-empty stomachs recovered and analysed from stranded animals between 1990 and 2005, quantifying interannual and seasonal variation in the diet, as well as dietary variation related to sex and size. The most important prey species (in terms of numerical importance and biomass) were blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) and hake (Merluccius merluccius), both of high commercial importance in Galician waters. Most blue whiting eaten by dolphins were mature fish but the estimated total consumption was relatively low (around 10%) compared to Spanish fishery landings of this species. In contrast, most hake eaten by dolphins were probably immature but the estimated total consumption is more than 20% of current annual fishery landings. The diet of by-caught animals, which made up around one third of the sample, was very similar to that in the overall sample. Although bottlenose dolphins are often seen close inshore, evidence from the diet suggests that they feed at the shelf edge. Evidence was found of ontogenetic dietary shifts and differences between diets of male and female dolphins. There were also clear changes in average diet over the 16-year study period, although there was no evidence that they were in response to changes in fish abundance. The amount of hake in the diet remained stable against a background of falling local abundance while the amount of blue whiting declined despite an increase in spawning stock size.

Stomach contents were analysed from three species of beaked whales which mass-stranded shortly after a naval exercise conducted in the Canary Islands in September 2002. Animals from such mass strandings often contain freshly ingested food in their stomachs and can provide a more reliable guide to feeding habits than other strandings. Food remains recovered from seven Cuvier's beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) consisted mainly of oceanic cephalopods, the most numerous being Taonius pavo, Histioteuthis sp., Mastigoteuthis schmidti and Octopoteuthis sicula. Many of the cephalopod species found in the diet appear to undertake daily vertical migrations, being found in shallower waters during the night and moving to deeper waters during the day. Single specimens of Blainville's beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris) and Gervais' beaked whale (Mesoplodon europaeus) had eaten both fish and cephalopod prey. The most numerous prey remains belonged to gadid fish and viperfish (Chauliodus sp.) respectively. These results are consistent with the limited published data on diet in these species, with Mesoplodon species having a relatively higher proportion of fish in the diet whereas Ziphius specialises on cephalopods.

Skulls of odontocetes (toothed whales, including dolphins and porpoises) are typified by directional asymmetry, particularly in elements associated with the airway. Generally, it is assumed this asymmetry is related to biosonar production. However, skull asymmetry may actually be a by-product of selection pressure for an asymmetrically positioned larynx. The odontocete larynx traverses the pharynx and is held permanently in place by a ring of muscle. This allows prey swallowing while remaining underwater without risking water entering the lungs and causing injury or death. However, protrusion of the larynx through the pharynx causes a restriction around which prey must pass to reach the stomach. The larynx and associated hyoid apparatus has, therefore, been shifted to the left to provide a larger right piriform sinus (lateral pharyngeal food channel) for swallowing larger prey items. This asymmetry is reflected in the skull, particularly the dorsal openings of the nares. It is hypothesized that there is a relationship between prey size and skull asymmetry. This relationship was examined in 13 species of odontocete cetaceans from the northeast Atlantic, including four narrow-gaped genera (Mesoplodon, Ziphius, Hyperoodon, and Kogia) and eight wide-gaped genera (Phocoena, Delphinus, Stenella, Lagenorhynchus, Tursiops, Grampus, Globicephala, and Orcinus). Skulls were examined from 183 specimens to assess asymmetry of the anterior choanae. Stomach contents were examined from 294 specimens to assess prey size. Results show there is a significant positive relationship between maximum relative prey size consumed and average asymmetry relative to skull size in odontocete species (wide-gape species: R2 = 0.642, P = 0.006; narrow-gape species: R2 = 0.909, P = 0.031). This finding provides support for the hypothesis that the directional asymmetry found in odontocete skulls is related to an aquatic adaptation enabling swallowing large, whole prey while maintaining respiratory tract protection.

The involvement of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which plays various roles in the progression of autoimmune diseases, was studied in iNOS knockout (KO) mice and wild-type (WT) controls with respect to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The iNOS (KO) mice presented a less severe form of the disease than the WT control mice. Although the levels of TNFα decreased in the periphery in both groups, an increase in the number of TNFα-positive cells was detected in the central nervous system during the acute phase of EAE in the WT mice, but not in the KO mice. These findings suggest that NO and TNFα contribute to the pathogenesis of acute EAE.

OT is a relevant biological pathway for generating peripheral tolerance against both self and external antigens with minimal side effects (fig. 3). This route might, therefore, contain promising potential for the treatment of autoimmune and allergic diseases in the human (fig. 3). Thus, oral administration of autoantigens suppresses experimental autoimmune diseases (EAE, EAU, AA, collagen-induced arthritis, NOD diabetes) in a disease- and antigen-specific manner, and oral administration of alloantigens has led to increase of allograft survival. OT might be important in treatment of immune complex diseases and food allergies. OT is mediated by T lymphocytes using at least two nonmutually exclusive mechanisms: suppression and anergy. Suppression can be adoptively transferred by CD8+ T lymphocytes which act by releasing TGF-beta and IL-4 following antigen-specific triggering. Antigen-driven tissue-directed suppression occurs following oral administration of an antigen from the target organ, even if it is not the disease-inducing antigen (bystander suppression). Thus, synthetic peptides can induce OT, and tolerogenic epitopes of antigen may be different from the autoreactive epitope. Due to the promising results in animal models, OT is being tested in clinical trials in multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and uveitis [193, 194].