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Abstract Fishmeal and fish oil have been the main sources of protein and fatty acid for aquaculture fish. However, their increasing price and low sustainability have led the aquafeed industry to seek sustainable alternative feedstuffs to meet the nutritional requirements of fish and improve their health and performance. Plant proteins have been successfully used to replace fishery derivatives in aquafeeds, but the presence of anti-nutritional substances is a potential drawback of this approach. Thus, it has been reported that phytate breakdown can be caused by feed supplementation with exogenous phytase. The inclusion of microalgae has been proposed to improve gut functionality in fish fed diets with a high vegetable protein content. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect on the growth and gut microbiota of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles of a diet containing a blend of microalgae (Arthrospira platensis and Nannochloropsis gaditana) and different concentrations of phytase. An 83-day feeding trial was conducted, comprising four experimental diets with 2.5% microalgae and 500, 1,000, 2,000, or 10,000 phytase units (FTU)/kg feed and a microalgae- and phytase-free control diet. At the end of the trial, a significantly increased body weight was observed in fish fed the diet with the highest phytase concentration (10,000 FTU/kg) versus controls, although the gut bacterial composition did not differ from controls in alpha or beta diversity with either majority (Weighted UniFrac) or minority bacterial strains (Unweighted UniFrac). In comparison to the control group, the groups fed diets with 1,000 or 2,000 FTU/kg diets had a lower alpha diversity (Shannon’s diversity index), while those fed diets with 500 FTU/kg or 1,000 FTU/kg showed distinct clusters in beta diversity (involving minority ASVs). According to these findings, the diet containing the 2.5% microalgae blend with 10,000 FTU/kg may be useful to increase the aquafeed quality and sustain the growth performance of juvenile European seabass.

Abstract Background Animal bacterial symbionts are established early in life, either through vertical transmission and/or by horizontal transmission from both the physical and the social environment, such as direct contact with con- or heterospecifics. The social environment particularly can influence the acquisition of both mutualistic and pathogenic bacteria, with consequences for the stability of symbiotic communities. However, segregating the effects of the shared physical environment from those of the social interactions is challenging, limiting our current knowledge on the role of the social environment in structuring bacterial communities in wild animals. Here, we take advantage of the avian brood-parasite system of Eurasian magpies (Pica pica) and great spotted cuckoos (Clamator glandarius) to explore how the interspecific social environment (magpie nestlings developing with or without heterospecifics) affects bacterial communities on uropygial gland skin. Results We demonstrated interspecific differences in bacterial community compositions in members of the two species when growing up in monospecific nests. However, the bacterial community of magpies in heterospecific nests was richer, more diverse, and more similar to their cuckoo nest-mates than when growing up in monospecific nests. These patterns were alike for the subset of microbes that could be considered core, but when looking at the subset of potentially pathogenic bacterial genera, cuckoo presence reduced the relative abundance of potentially pathogenic bacterial genera on magpies. Conclusions Our findings highlight the role of social interactions in shaping the assembly of the avian skin bacterial communities during the nestling period, as exemplified in a brood parasite—host system.

Abstract The heterogeneity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can be explained by epigenetic alterations that disrupt transcriptional programs mediating environmental and genetic risk. This study evaluated the epigenetic contribution to SLE heterogeneity considering molecular and serological subtypes, genetics and transcriptional status, followed by drug target discovery. We performed a stratified epigenome-wide association studies of whole blood DNA methylation from 213 SLE patients and 221 controls. Methylation quantitative trait loci analyses, cytokine and transcription factor activity - epigenetic associations and methylation-expression correlations were conducted. New drug targets were searched for based on differentially methylated genes. In a stratified approach, a total of 974 differential methylation CpG sites with dependency on molecular subtypes and autoantibody profiles were found. Mediation analyses suggested that SLE-associated SNPs in the HLA region exert their risk through DNA methylation changes. Novel genetic variants regulating DNAm in disease or in specific molecular contexts were identified. The epigenetic landscapes showed strong association with transcription factor activity and cytokine levels, conditioned by the molecular context. Epigenetic signals were enriched in known and novel drug targets for SLE. This study reveals possible genetic drivers and consequences of epigenetic variability on SLE heterogeneity and disentangles the DNAm mediation role on SLE genetic risk and novel disease-specific meQTLs. Finally, novel targets for drug development were discovered.

Abstract Background Some parasites use olfactory cues to detect their hosts and, since bacterial symbionts are partially responsible for animal odours, they could influence host parasitism. By autoclaving nest materials of hoopoe (Upupa epops) nests before reproduction started, we explored the hypothetical links between host-associated bacteria, volatiles and parasitism. During the nestling stage, we (i) estimated the level of ectoparasitism by chewing lice (Suborder Mallophaga) in adult hoopoe females and by Carnus haemapterus flies in nestlings, and (ii) characterized microbial communities and volatile profiles of nest environments (nest material and nest cavity, respectively) and uropygial secretions. Results Experimental nests had less diverse bacterial communities and more diverse volatile profiles than control nests, while occupants experienced lower intensity of parasitism in experimental than in control nests. The experiment also affected beta diversity of the microbial communities of nest material and of the volatiles of the nestling uropygial secretions. Moreover, microbial communities of uropygial secretions and of nest materials covaried with their volatile profiles, while the volatile profile of the bird secretions explained nest volatile profile. Finally, a subset of the volatiles and bacteria detected in the nest material and uropygial secretions were associated with the ectoparasitism intensity of both adult females and nestlings, and with fledging success. Conclusions These results show that a component of animal odours is linked with the microbial communities of the host and its reproductive environment, and emphasize that the associations between bacteria, ectoparasitism and reproductive success are partially mediated by volatiles of bacterial origin. Future work should focus on mechanisms underlying the detected patterns.

We present a liquid-crystal laser device based on the chiral ferroelectric nematic phase (NF*). The laser medium is obtained by mixing a ferroelectric nematic material with a chiral agent and a small proportion of a fluorescent dye. Notably, in the NF* phase very low electric fields perpendicular to the helical axis are able to reorient the molecules, giving rise to a periodic structure whose director profile is not single harmonic but contains the contribution of various Fourier components. This feature induces the appearance of several photonic bandgaps whose spectral ranges depend on the field, which can be exploited to build tunable laser devices. Here we report the characterization of home-made NF* lasers that can be tunable under low electric fields and present laser action in two of the photonic bands of the material. The obtained results open a promising route for the design of new and more versatile liquid-crystal based lasers.

Abstract Background Evidence on how menstrual characteristics may differ based on socioeconomic factors and self-rated health is significantly scarce. The main aim of this study was to investigate the associations between menstrual characteristics, sociodemographic factors and self-rated health among women and people who menstruate (PWM) aged 18–55 in Spain. Methods This cross-sectional study includes data from an online survey collected in March–July 2021 across Spain. Descriptive statistical analyses and multivariate logistic regression models were performed. Results The analyses included a total of 19,358 women and PWM. Mean age at menarche was 12.4 (SD = 1.5). While 20.3% of our participants experienced a menstrual abundance over 80 ml, 64.1% reported having menstrual blood clots; 6.4% menstruated for longer than 7 days. 17.0% had menstrual cycles that were shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days. Reports of moderate (46.3%) and high (22.7%) intensity menstrual pain were common. 68.2% of our participants experienced premenstrual symptoms in all or most cycles. The odds for lighter menstrual flow, shorter bleeding days and menstrual cycles were higher as age increased, and amongst participants with less educational attainment. Caregivers presented higher odds for abundant menstrual flow and longer menstruations. Reporting financial constraints and a poorer self-rated health were risk factors for abundant menstrual flow, menstrual blood clots, shorter/longer menstruations and menstrual cycles, premenstrual symptoms, moderate and intense menstrual pain. Conclusions This study suggests that age, educational attainment, caregiving, experiencing financial hardship and a poorer self-rated health may shape or mediate menstrual characteristics. It thus highlights the need to investigate and address social inequities of health in menstrual research.

Abstract Background Menstrual research and policymaking have become imperative worldwide. It is necessary that these are informed by women and people who menstruate (PWM) alongside expert professionals and activists. Methods The main aim of this study was to identify and propose policies and community-based actions to address menstrual inequity and promote menstrual health in Catalonia (Spain). This study consisted of two qualitative studies: (a) 34 individual photoelicitation interviews with women and PWM, (b) a World Café study with 22 professionals and activists. Sampling for both studies was purposive and selective. Recruitment was conducted through healthcare centres, social media, key contacts, and snowball sampling techniques. Data were collected in December 2020-September 2022, and analysed using Framework Analysis. Results Participants considered the implementation of menstrual policies that address the taboo and stigma of menstruation to be crucial. They stressed the need for menstrual education, which should be integrated into formal education curricula. Participants, and especially women and PWM, highlighted the need to improve the access and quality of healthcare services, so that the menstrual cycle and menstruation are seen as health indicators. Health professionals should encourage agentic informed decisions, hence why both participant groups considered menstrual health education amongst health professionals to be pivotal. Taking action to improve the access and affordability of menstrual products was also imperative for participants, especially for socioeconomically vulnerable populations. Participants agreed on guaranteeing fully equipped menstrual management facilities, and and professionals discussed gender-neutral and sex-segregated bathrooms. Workplace menstrual policies to accommodate and ensure menstrual self-care were also suggested. Conclusions Our study highlights the need for multi-dimensional menstrual policies. These should include actions to address menstrual taboo and stigma, to promote menstrual education that goes beyond the hegemonic biomedical prism, to improve the access and quality of menstrual health services, along with policies ensuring adequate menstrual management facilities in public spaces and the access to menstrual products. Policymaking should also focus on how to ensure menstrual management and care in workplaces. Menstrual policies and community-based actions should be framed within intersectionality, to consider how societal structures of power and oppression influence menstrual experiences.

The consumption of raw or smoked fish entails significant microbiological risks, including contamination by pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause severe foodborne illnesses. This study explores the preservative use of piscicolin CM22, a novel bacteriocin derived from the psychrotolerant strain Carnobacterium maltaromaticum CM22, in two types of edible coatings (EC): chitosan-based and fish gelatin-based. An initial in vitro characterization of the technological and antimicrobial properties of these ECs with and without bacteriocin was conducted. The efficacy of the edible coatings was subsequently evaluated through shelf life and challenge tests against L. monocytogenes in raw and smoked fish products. The results demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity, with the chitosan-based coating containing piscicolin CM22 being the most effective in reducing microbial counts and maintaining pH and color stability. Furthermore, in the challenge test studies, both ECs effectively controlled L. monocytogenes, showing significant reductions in bacterial counts compared to the controls in fresh tuna, salmon, and smoked salmon. The ECs containing piscicolin CM22 reduced Listeria counts by up to 4 log CFU/g in raw and smoked fish samples, with effective control in smoked salmon for up to 15 days at refrigeration temperature. While further research is required to fully assess their preservation potential, these findings strongly indicate that piscicolin CM22-functionalized edible coatings hold significant potential for improving the quality and safety of fish products.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic led to a national lockdown and the interruption of all cancer preventive services, including cervical cancer screening. We aimed to assess the COVID-19 pandemic impact on opportunistic screening participation, abnormal cytology (ASCUS+) prevalence and screening interval in 2020 and 2021 within the Public Health System of Catalonia, Spain.MethodsIndividual data on cytology and HPV testing of women aged 25–65 from 2014 to 2021 were retrieved from the Information System for Primary Care Services (SISAP). Time-series regression models were used to estimate expected screening participation and abnormal cytology prevalence in 2020 and 2021. The impact was determined by comparing observed and expected values (ratios). Additionally, changes in screening interval trends between 2014 and 2021 were assessed by fitting a Piecewise linear regression model.ResultsCervical cancer screening participation decreased by 38.8% and 2.2% in 2020 and 2021, respectively, with the most significant impact on participation (-96.1%) occurring in April 2020. Among older women, participation was lower, and it took longer to recover. Abnormal cytology prevalence was 1.4 times higher than expected in 2020 and 2021, with variations by age (range=1.1–1.5). From June 2020 onwards, the screening interval trend significantly changed from an increase of 0.59 to 3.57 months per year, resulting in a median time of 48 months by December 2021.ConclusionsDuring the pandemic, fewer women have participated in cervical cancer screening, abnormal cytology prevalence has increased, and the screening interval is more prolonged than before. The potential cervical cancer lifetime risk implications highlight the need for organized HPV-based screening.

In this work, we sought to identify and characterize three strains of Enterococcus isolated from camel milk and fermented wheat, based on the capacity to produce bacteriocins and the probiotic potential. Polymerase chain reaction analyses were used to identify bacterial isolates and structural genes of bacteriocins, and also to detect potential enterococcal virulence genes (cylA, esp, gelE, efaAfs, hyl, ace, asa1, vanA, and vanB). The antimicrobial activity of the strains was investigated in solid media by the agar spot method against several pathogenic bacteria. The probiotic potential of the strains was also analysed using low pH (pH 3.0), bile salt resistance, DNAase, and antibiotic susceptibility assays. The strains were identified using rRNA16S sequencing gene, showing their belonging to E. faecium species. Based on PCR results, E. faecium CM9 and CM18 strains included in the genome the structural gene of enterocin A, enterocin B, and enterocin P, while E. faecium H3 possessed enterocin MR10A/B structural gene. The sequence analysis revealed that the H3 strain included in the genome the structural gene of enterocin L50A/B. All the pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were inhibited by the three strains E. faecium CM9, CM18, and H3. In the well diffusion test, the supernatants of the three strains exhibited inhibitory activity against Listeria monocytogenes CECT 4032. The strains showed high tolerance to low pH and bile salts, did not possess DNase, were susceptible to the majority of antibiotics assayed, and did not possess any of the virulence genes analyzed in this study. A promising candidate strains were identified as potential probiotics with anti-bacterial action against pathogenic bacteria.

Abstract Microbes live within complex communities of interacting populations, either free-living in waters and soils or symbionts of animals and plants. Their interactions include the production of antimicrobial peptides (bacteriocins) to antagonize competitors, and these producers must carry their own immunity gene for self-protection. Whether other coexisting populations are sensitive or resistant to the bacteriocin producer will be key for the population dynamics within the microbial community. The immunity gene frequently consists of an ABC transporter to repel its own bacteriocin but rarely protects against a nonrelated bacteriocin. A case where this cross-resistance occurs mediated by a shared ABC transporter has been shown between enterocins MR10A/B and AS-48. The first is an L50-like leaderless enterocin, while AS-48 is a circular enterocin. In addition, L50-like enterocins such as MR10A/B have been found in E. faecalis and E. faecium, but AS-48 appears only in E. faecalis. Thus, using the ABC transporter of the enterocin MR10A/B gene cluster of Enterococcus faecalis MRR10-3 as a cross-resistance model, we aimed to unravel to what extent a particular ABC transporter can be shared across multiple bacteriocinogenic bacterial populations. To this end, we screened the MR10A/B-ABC transporters in available microbial genomes and analyzed their sequence homologies and distribution. Overall, our main findings are as follows: (i) the MR10A/B-ABC transporter is associated with multiple enterocin gene clusters; (ii) the different enterocins associated with this transporter have a saposin-like fold in common; (iii) the Mr10E component of the transporter is more conserved within its associated enterocin, while the Mr10FGH components are more conserved within the carrying species. This is the least known component of the transporter, but it has shown the greatest specificity to its corresponding enterocin. Bacteriocins are now being investigated as an alternative to antibiotics; hence, the wider or narrower distribution of the particular immunity gene should be taken into account for clinical applications to avoid the selection of resistant strains. Further research will be needed to investigate the mechanistic interactions between the Mr10E transporter component and the bacteriocin as well as the specific ecological and evolutionary mechanisms involved in the spread of the immunity transporter across multiple bacteriocins.

Abstract Background Drugs targeting the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), such as inhibitors of Aurora kinase B (AURKB) and dual specific protein kinase TTK, are in different stages of clinical development. However, cell response to SAC abrogation is poorly understood and there are no markers for patient selection. Methods A panel of 53 tumor cell lines of different origins was used. The effects of drugs were analyzed by MTT and flow cytometry. Copy number status was determined by FISH and Q-PCR; mRNA expression by nCounter and RT-Q-PCR and protein expression by Western blotting. CRISPR-Cas9 technology was used for gene knock-out (KO) and a doxycycline-inducible pTRIPZ vector for ectopic expression. Finally, in vivo experiments were performed by implanting cultured cells or fragments of tumors into immunodeficient mice. Results Tumor cells and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) sensitive to AURKB and TTK inhibitors consistently showed high expression levels of BH3-interacting domain death agonist (BID), while cell lines and PDXs with low BID were uniformly resistant. Gene silencing rendered BID-overexpressing cells insensitive to SAC abrogation while ectopic BID expression in BID-low cells significantly increased sensitivity. SAC abrogation induced activation of CASP-2, leading to cleavage of CASP-3 and extensive cell death only in presence of high levels of BID. Finally, a prevalence study revealed high BID mRNA in 6% of human solid tumors. Conclusions The fate of tumor cells after SAC abrogation is driven by an AURKB/ CASP-2 signaling mechanism, regulated by BID levels. Our results pave the way to clinically explore SAC-targeting drugs in tumors with high BID expression.

Abstract Background Available research suggests that menstrual inequity has an impact on (menstrual) health outcomes and emotional wellbeing. It is also a significant barrier to achieve social and gender equity and compromises human rights and social justice. The aim of this study was to describe menstrual inequities and their associations with sociodemographic factors, among women and people who menstruate (PWM) aged 18–55 in Spain. Methods A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted in Spain between March and July 2021. Descriptive statistical analyses and multivariate logistic regression models were performed. Results A total of 22,823 women and PWM were included in the analyses (Mean age = 33.2, SD = 8.7). Over half of the participants had accessed healthcare services for menstruation (61.9%). The odds for accessing menstrual-related services were significantly higher among participants with university education (aOR: 1.48, 95% CI, 1.13–1.95). Also, 57.8% reported having had partial or no menstrual education pre-menarche, with odds being higher among participants born in non-European or Latin American countries (aOR: 0.58, 95% CI, 0.36–0.93). Lifetime self-reported menstrual poverty was between 22.2–39.9%. Main risk factors for menstrual poverty were identifying as non-binary (aOR: 1.67, 95% CI, 1.32–2.11), being born in non-European or Latin American countries (aOR: 2.74, 95% CI, 1.77–4.24), and not having a permit to reside in Spain (aOR: 4.27, 95% CI, 1.94–9.38). Completed university education (aOR: 0.61, 95% CI, 0.44–0.84) and no financial hardship

La aparente similitud entre las técnicas de extracción, así como el estudio de materiales pretéritos, parece que es lo que ha marcado la unidad del Patrimonio Paleontológico y Arqueológico en la normativa cultural. Sin embargo, debemos tener en cuenta las diferencias entre ellos y que su unidad en la legislación puede provocar una indefensión legal en algunos casos por la falta de ajuste a las necesidades concretas de cada tipo de Bien. Para realizar este estudio sobre la protección de un material tan sensible como es el Patrimonio Paleontológico, se han examinado las normas y las figuras de protección aprobadas por los convenios internacionales y nacionales de Patrimonio Cultural y Natural; así como la legislación autonómica castellano manchega y se han revisado los códigos profesionales. La conclusión a la que se ha llegado es que existe una clara indefinición en las distintas legislaciones que afecta negativamente al Patrimonio Paleontológico. En consecuencia, es necesario promulgar aquellas leyes y reglamentos que se ajusten a las características específicas de dicho patrimonio para garantizar, legalmente, una adecuada protección y conservación de este.

Genetic associations with severe COVID-19 have been discovered, but epigenetic associations are not as well described. Here, the authors perform a genome-wide epigenetic analysis of COVID-19 patients, discovering an interaction between environmental exposure, genetics, and epigenetics which might play a role in severe disease.

Background: Available evidence suggests that menstrual health and management have been impaired during the COVID-19 syndemic. However, research in this area is scarce, and it is failing to voice the experiences of women and people who menstruate regarding their menstrual experiences. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the experiences of menstrual health and menstrual management among women and people who menstruate in the Barcelona area (Spain) during the COVID-19 syndemic. Design: This is a qualitative study, conducted taking a critical feminist approach, is embedded in the ‘Equity and Menstrual Health in Spain’ project. Methods: It includes photo-elicitation individual interviews with 34 women and people who menstruate in the area of Barcelona (Spain). Data were collected in person and through telephone calls between December 2020 and February 2021. Analyses were performed using Thematic Analysis. Results: Main findings navigated through the menstrual changes experienced by some participants, especially women living with long COVID-19, and the barriers to access healthcare and menstrual products during COVID-19. While some participants experienced menstrual poverty, this did not appear to be exacerbated during COVID-19. Instead, access to menstrual products was compromised based on products’ availability and mobility restrictions. Menstrual management and self-care were generally easier, given that menstrual experiences were almost exclusively relegated to private spaces during lockdown periods. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the need to further research and policy efforts towards promoting menstrual health and equity, considering social determinants of health, and taking intersectional and gender-based approaches. These strategies should be further encouraged in social and health crises such as the COVID-19 syndemic.

Laura Medina-Perucha,1,2 Tomàs López-Jiménez,1,2 Anna Sofie Holst,1,3 Constanza Jacques-Aviñó,1,2 Jordina Munrós-Feliu,4,5 Cristina Martínez-Bueno,5,6 Carme Valls-Llobet,7 Diana Pinzón-Sanabria,8 Mª Mercedes Vicente-Hernández,5 Anna Berenguera1,2,9 1Fundació Institut Universitari per a la recerca a l’Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain; 2Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain; 3Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; 4Atenció a la Salut Sexual i Reproductiva (ASSIR) Muntanya/La Mina, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain; 5Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Research Group (GRASSIR), Barcelona, Spain; 6Servei d’Atenció a la Salut Sexual i Reproductiva (ASSIR), Direcció Assistencial d’Atenció Primària, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain; 7Centro de Análisis y Programas Sanitarios (CAPS), Barcelona, Spain; 8SomiArte Taller, Barcelona, Spain; 9Departament d’Infermeria, Universitat de Girona, Girona, SpainCorrespondence: Laura Medina-Perucha, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 587 attic, Barcelona, 08007, Spain, Tel +34 934824253, Email lmedina@idiapjgol.orgIntroduction: Available evidence suggests that there might be an association between the stressors experienced during the COVID-19 syndemic and changes in menstrual patterns. The aim of this study was to assess self-reported menstrual alterations during the COVID-19 syndemic among women and people who menstruate aged 18– 55 in Spain.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional online survey-based study was conducted (March–July 2021). Descriptive statistics were calculated and multivariate logistic regression models were constructed. This study was conducted as part of the “Equity and Menstrual Health in Spain” research project.Results: Among participants (N=17,455), 39.4% reported menstrual alterations since the start of the syndemic. Participants self-reporting long COVID-19 presented higher odds of menstrual alterations (aOR: 1.34, 95% CI, 1.15-1.57). In participants with no history of COVID-19, the risk for self-reported menstrual alterations was significantly higher based on employment situation, among participants experiencing financial issues (eg, financial issues always/many times < 12 months: aOR: 1.68, 95% CI, 1.48– 1.90), poorer self-perceived health (eg, poor: aOR: 2.00, 95% CI, 1.31– 3.07), and those diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (aOR: 1.13, 95% CI, 1.02– 1.26). Among participants with a self-reported COVID-19 diagnosis, factors that significantly increased the odds for menstrual alterations were experiencing financial strains (eg, financial issues always/many times < 12 months: aOR: 1.53, 95% CI, 1.09– 2.14), poorer self-perceived health (eg, poor: aOR: 3.09, 95% CI, 1.01– 9.52). Overall, factors that decreased the odds of reporting menstrual alterations included age > 25, being a carer, not having a gynecological condition and using hormonal contraception.Discussion and conclusions: Findings suggest an impact of the COVID-19 syndemic on menstrual patterns. Social inequities in reporting menstrual alterations were identified. While the risk of reporting menstrual alterations was higher among participants with long COVID-19, evidence is not conclusive. Further research on menstrual health in the context of COVID-19 is needed, also to inform policy and practice.Keywords: menstruation, COVID-19, long COVID-19, menstrual health, menstrual inequity, women’s health

The use of cosmetic substances in communication is widespread in animals. Birds, for instance, use their uropygial secretion as a cosmetic in scenarios of sexual selection and parent-offspring communication. This secretion harbours symbiotic bacteria that could mediate the synthesis of pigments for cosmetic colouration. Here, we investigate the association between bacteria and the conspicuous yellow secretion used by spotless starling (Sturnus unicolor) nestlings to stain their mouths, and hypothesize a possible role of bacteria in the colour production. We also experimentally explore how nestling oxidizing condition influences the microbiota, suggesting that the possible bacterial-mediated coloured secretion acts as a reliable honest signal. An antioxidant supplementation experiment, previously known to affect secretion and mouth colouration, was conducted to assess its impact on the microbial community of secretions from control and experimental siblings. Antioxidant supplementation increased richness and phylogenetic diversity of the secretion's microbiota. Moreover, the microbiota's alpha and beta diversity, and the abundance of two bacterial genera (Parabacteroides and Pseudogracilibacillus), correlated with secretion colour. These findings demonstrate that antioxidant condition influences the gland microbiota of starling nestlings, and suggest a link between bacteria and the colouration of their cosmetic secretion. Alternative explanations for the detected links between bacteria and colouration are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies and the occurrence of thrombotic events and pregnancy complications. Our study aimed to identify novel genetic susceptibility loci associated with PAPS. Methods: We performed a genome‐wide association study comprising 5,485 individuals (482 affected individuals) of European ancestry. Significant and suggestive independent variants from a meta‐analysis of approximately 7 million variants were evaluated for functional and biological process enrichment. The genetic risk variability for PAPS in different populations was also assessed. Hierarchical clustering, Mahalanobis distance, and Dirichlet Process Mixtures with uncertainty clustering methods were used to assess genetic similarities between PAPS and other immune‐mediated diseases. Results: We revealed genetic associations with PAPS in a regulatory locus within the HLA class II region near HLA‐DRA and in STAT1‐STAT4 with a genome‐wide level of significance; 34 additional suggestive genetic susceptibility loci for PAPS were also identified. The disease risk allele near HLA‐DRA is associated with overexpression of HLA‐DRB6, HLA‐DRB9, HLA‐DQA2, and HLA‐DQB2 in immune cells, vascular tissue, and nervous tissue. This association is independent of the association between PAPS and HLA‐DRB1*1302. Functional analyses highlighted immune‐related pathways in PAPS‐associated loci. The comparison with other immune‐mediated diseases revealed a close genetic relatedness to neuromyelitis optica, systemic sclerosis, and Sjögren syndrome, suggesting co‐localized causal variations close to STAT1‐STAT4, TNPO3, and BLK. Conclusion: This study represents a comprehensive large‐scale genetic analysis for PAPS and provides new insights into the genetic basis and pathophysiology of this rare disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consumption of raw or smoked fish entails significant microbiological risks, including contamination by pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause severe foodborne illnesses. This study explores the preservative use of piscicolin CM22, a novel bacteriocin derived from the psychrotolerant strain Carnobacterium maltaromaticum CM22, in two types of edible coatings (EC): chitosan-based and fish gelatin-based. An initial in vitro characterization of the technological and antimicrobial properties of these ECs with and without bacteriocin was conducted. The efficacy of the edible coatings was subsequently evaluated through shelf life and challenge tests against L. monocytogenes in raw and smoked fish products. The results demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity, with the chitosan-based coating containing piscicolin CM22 being the most effective in reducing microbial counts and maintaining pH and color stability. Furthermore, in the challenge test studies, both ECs effectively controlled L. monocytogenes, showing significant reductions in bacterial counts compared to the controls in fresh tuna, salmon, and smoked salmon. The ECs containing piscicolin CM22 reduced Listeria counts by up to 4 log CFU/g in raw and smoked fish samples, with effective control in smoked salmon for up to 15 days at refrigeration temperature. While further research is required to fully assess their preservation potential, these findings strongly indicate that piscicolin CM22-functionalized edible coatings hold significant potential for improving the quality and safety of fish products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteria have been suggested as being partially responsible for avian nest odours and, thus, volatiles from their metabolism could influence the intensity of selection pressures due to parasites detecting olfactory cues of their hosts. Here, we tested this hypothesis by exploring intraspecific and interspecific variability in microbial environments, volatile profiles and intensity of ectoparasitism by Carnus hemapterus in the nests of 10 avian species. As expected, we found that (i) alpha and beta diversity of microbial and volatile profiles were associated with each other. Moreover, (ii) alpha diversity of bacteria and volatiles of the nest environment, as well as some particular bacteria and volatiles, was associated with the intensity of parasitism at early and late stages of the nestling period. Finally, (iii) alpha diversity of the nest microbiota, as well as some particular bacteria and volatiles, was correlated with fledging success. When considering them together, the results support the expected links between the microbial environment and nest odours in different bird species, and between the microbial environment and both ectoparasitism intensity and fledging success. Relative abundances of particular volatiles and bacteria predicted ectoparasitism and/or fledging success. Future research should prioritise experimental approaches directed to determine the role of bacteria and volatiles in the outcomes of host–ectoparasite interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar radiation and the incorporation of compost into soil is a practice for disinfecting soil that could have some other effects on spinach cultivation. The quality of spinach leaves after two types of soil disinfection, non-amended soil (NAS) and compost-amended soil (CAS), was compared in order to find biomarkers of both types of disinfection. These practices did not show significant differences in nutrient composition (N-P-K) compared to the control soil (CS). However, the amount of harmful nutrients such as NO2− was significantly lower in CAS (65.74 mg kg−1 FW) and NAS (49.99 mg kg−1 FW) than in CS (114.39 mg kg−1 FW). In addition, NO3− levels did not exceed the EU-recommended limit (−1 FW). Both types of disinfected soils produced higher concentrations of total phenols and more individual flavonoids in spinach leaves than the control. Combined chemometric analysis of the HRAMS data showed different clustering depending on the type of disinfection (NAS and CAS). Fifteen metabolite compounds could be identified, seven of which are beneficial for health and were more abundant in spinach grown in CAS compared to that grown in NAS or CS. Such beneficial metabolites measured with non-target analysis as markers of CAS-grown spinach. However, more studies are necessary in order to determine the differences between the metabolites of spinach grown in NAS or CAS.

Resumen Introducción La salud y la inequidad menstrual no han sido bien atendidas en las esferas social, económica, sanitaria y política. Aunque la evidencia disponible es escasa, ya sugiere un vínculo entre experiencias de inequidad menstrual (relativa a las dificultades sistemáticas para el acceso a la salud y educación menstrual, productos menstruales y espacios de manejo menstrual, entre otros aspectos) y la salud menstrual. El objetivo de este estudio fue explorar las experiencias de salud e inequidad menstrual en mujeres y personas que menstrúan (18–55 años) en Barcelona y alrededores (España). Métodos Estudio cualitativo desde una perspectiva feminista crítica. El muestreo fue intencionado y selectivo. El reclutamiento se realizó en centros de salud sexual y reproductiva, redes sociales y a través de técnicas de bola de nieve. Se realizaron 34 entrevistas semi-estructuradas utilizando foto-elicitación, entre diciembre de 2020 y febrero de 2021. Las entrevistas se llevaron a cabo en centros de salud sexual y reproductiva, espacios públicos y por teléfono. Los datos se analizaron mediante Análisis Temático Reflexivo. Resultados Se identificaron tres categorías: “Descuido sistemático de la menstruation y el cycle menstrual”, “Candy “lo privacy” se vuelve public: manejo menstrual” y “Navegando la salad menstrual: entree la medicalización y la agencia”. Las participantes compartieron diversas experiencias de inequidad menstrual. Diversas participantes compartieron experiencias de pobreza menstrual, al no poder acceder o escoger productos menstruales debido a su precio y disponibilidad. Según las participantes, los aprendizajes menstruales son escasos. Estos suelen darse a través de la experiencia propia y el autoaprendizaje, o de familiares y amigas. La menstruación y el ciclo menstrual parecen tener un impacto significativo en el día a día, incluyendo el impacto de tener que ocultar la menstruación y las barreras para manejar la menstruación en los espacios públicos. Se identificaron barreras para acceder y utilizar el sistema sanitario. Las participantes también reportaron la prescripción sistemática de anticonceptivos hormonales como panacea para abordar la salud menstrual. Conclusiones Es necesario desarrollar e implementar políticas estructurales y multidimensionales para promover la agencia de las mujeres y personas que menstrúan, así como de las comunidades, para generar oportunidades para aprender sobre la menstruación, acceder a productos menstruales y servicios de atención sanitaria, así como a espacios adecuados para el manejo menstrual. Fomentar la formación de profesionales de la salud es también crucial para mejorar el acceso y la calidad de la servicios para la salud menstrual. Estas políticas deben incluir a las personas trans y no binarias, así como a poblaciones más vulnerables.