Evidence of the Existence of Site-Specific Female Contact Pheromones Involved in the Sexual Interaction Behavior of the Pacific Whiteleg Shrimp Penaeus vannamei.

Although the presence of female contact sex pheromones in P. vannamei has been hypothesized, to date its existence has not been proven. To gather more evidence of their existence, cuticular liposoluble extracts were obtained from the following samples of adult females to be used as the experimental treatments: (1) ventral exoskeleton of immature female (VI), (2) dorsolateral exoskeleton of immature female (DI), (3) ventral exoskeleton of mature female (VM), and (4) dorsolateral exoskeleton of mature female (DM). Polyvinyl chloride tubes (artificial females; AF) were coated with each extract and the behavior displayed by sexually mature males in contact with the AF was recorded and classified as follows: 0 = no response; 1 = contact; 2 = pushing; and 3 = prolonged contact (≥10 s). To test the hypothesis that the extracts collected from the ventral portion of the abdomen exoskeleton have a higher effect on the behavior of males than the extracts collected from the dorsolateral portion of the abdomen exoskeleton, the experiment was divided into two bioassays: Bioassay I (VI vs. DI) and Bioassay II (VM vs. DM). In each bioassay, all experimental treatments were significantly different (p > 0.05) from the CTL group (AF coated with hexane). Notably, the pushing behavior was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the VI treatment compared to the CTL and DI treatment. These results provide evidence of the existence of contact female sex pheromones with sexual recognition function located primarily in the ventral portion of the abdomen exoskeleton of P. vannamei.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of ANKK1, DDR4, and GRIN2B genes predict behavior in a prospective cohort of Mexican children and adolescents.

Numerous studies have established associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and various behavioral and neurodevelopmental conditions. This study explores the links between SNPs in candidate genes involved in central nervous system (CNS) physiology and their implications for the behavioral and emotional aspects in children and teenagers. A total of 590 participants, aged 7-15 years, from the Early Life Exposures In Mexico To Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) cohort study in Mexico City, underwent genotyping for at least one of 15 CNS gene-related SNPs at different timepoints. We employed multiple linear regression models to assess the potential impact of genetic variations on behavioral and cognitive traits, as measured by the Behavioral Assessment System for Children (BASC) and Conners parent rating scales. Significant associations were observed, including the rs1800497 TC genotype (ANKK1) with the Cognitive Problems/Inattention variable (p value = 0.003), the rs1800955 CT genotype (DDR4) with the Emotional Lability Global index variable (p value = 0.01), and the rs10492138 GA and rs7970177 TC genotypes (GRIN2B) with the Depression variable (p values 0.007 and 0.012, respectively). These finds suggest potential genetic profiles associated with "risk" and "protective" behaviors for these SNPs. Our results provide valuable insights into the role of genetic variations in neurobehavior and highlight the need for further research in the early identification and intervention in individuals at risk for these conditions.

HLA-B Matching Prolongs Allograft Survival in Islet Cell Transplantation.

Islet cell transplantation (ITx) is an effective therapeutic approach for selected patients with type 1 diabetes with hypoglycemia unawareness and severe hypoglycemia events. In organ transplantation, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatching between donor and recipient negatively impacts transplant outcomes. We aimed to determine whether HLA matching has an impact on islet allograft survival. Forty-eight patients were followed up after islet transplantation at our institution from 2000 to 2020 in a retrospective cohort. Patients underwent intrahepatic ITx or laparoscopic omental approach. Immunosuppression was dependent upon the protocol. We analyzed HLA data restricted to A, B, and DR loci on allograft survival using survival and subsequent multivariable analyses. Patients were aged 42.8 ± 8.4 years, and 64.3% were female. Diabetes duration was 28.6 ± 11.6 years. Patients matching all three HLA loci presented longer graft survival (P = 0.030). Patients with ≥1 HLA-B matching had longer graft survival compared with zero matching (P = 0.025). The number of HLA-B matching was positively associated with time of graft survival (Spearman's rho = 0.590; P = 0.034). Analyses adjusted for confounders showed that ≥1 matching for HLA-B decreased the risk of allograft failure (P = 0.009). Our data suggest that HLA-B matching between recipients and donors improved islet allograft survival. Matching all three HLA loci (A, B, and DR) was also associated with prolonged islet allograft survival. Prospective studies and a larger sample size are warranted to validate our findings.

The distribution of cadmium in soil and cacao beans in Peru.

Peru is the eighth largest producer of cacao beans globally, but high cadmium contents are constraining access to international markets which have set upper thresholds for permitted concentrations in chocolate and derivatives. Preliminary data have suggested that high cadmium concentrations in cacao beans are restricted to specific regions in the country, but to date no reliable maps exist of expected cadmium concentrations in soils and cacao beans. Drawing on >2000 representative samples of cacao beans and soils we developed multiple national and regional random forest models to develop predictive maps of cadmium in soil and cacao beans across the area suitable for cacao cultivation. Our model projections show that elevated concentrations of cadmium in cacao soils and beans are largely restricted to the northern parts of the country in the departments of Tumbes, Piura, Amazonas and Loreto, as well as some very localized pockets in the central departments of Huánuco and San Martin. Unsurprisingly, soil cadmium was the by far most important predictor of bean cadmium. Aside from the south-eastern to north-western spatial trend of increasing cadmium values in soils and beans, the most important predictors of both variables in nation-wide models were geology, rainfall seasonality, soil pH and rainfall. At regional level, alluvial deposits and mining operations were also associated with higher cadmium levels in cacao beans. Based on our predictive map of cadmium in cacao beans we estimate that while at a national level <20 % of cacao farming households might be impacted by the cadmium regulations, in the most affected department of Piura this could be as high as 89 %.

Changes in depressive and anxiety symptoms during COVID-19 in children from the PROGRESS cohort.

BACKGROUND: We assessed associations between maternal stress, social support, and child resiliency during the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to changes in anxiety and depression symptoms in children in Mexico City. METHODS: Participants included 464 mother-child pairs from a longitudinal birth cohort in Mexico City. At ages 8-11 (pre-COVID, 2018-2019) and 9-12 (during COVID, May-Nov 2020) years, depressive symptoms were assessed using the child and parent-reported Children's Depressive Inventory. Anxiety symptoms were assessed using the child-reported Revised Manifest Anxiety Scale. Linear regression models were used to estimate associations between maternal stress, social support, and resiliency in relation to changes in depressive and anxiety symptoms. We additionally assessed outcomes using clinically relevant cut-points. Models were adjusted for child age and sex and maternal socioeconomic status and age. RESULTS: Higher continuous maternal stress levels during the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with increases in depressive symptoms (ß: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.12, 1.31), and higher odds of clinically relevant depressive and anxiety symptoms in the children. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal stress during the pandemic may increase mental health symptoms in pre-adolescent children. Additional studies are needed that examine the long-term pandemic-related impacts on mental health throughout the adolescent years. IMPACT: In this longitudinal cohort study of children in Mexico City, we observed that depressive symptoms were higher from before to during the pandemic. Maternal stress surrounding the pandemic may increase mental health symptoms in pre-adolescent children. Child resiliency may help to protect against pandemic-related stressors.

Water quality and the CO2-carbonate system during the preconditioning of Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) in a recirculating aquaculture system.

The continued increase of the demand for seed of the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) has driven the aquaculture industry to produce land-based hatcheries using broodstock conditioning. This has led to the need to create closed systems to control the main factors involved in reproduction (temperature and food). Additionally, reproductive synchronization of broodstocks may be considered to ensure homogeneous maturation and spawning among the organisms. In this work, we synchronized the broodstock reproductive stage of Pacific oysters in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) using a "preconditioning" process and evaluated the effect of the water quality and the CO2-carbonate system on preconditioned broodstock. The oysters were kept at 12 °C for 45 days in a RAS containing a calcium reactor (C2) or without a calcium reactor (C1, control). Water quality parameters were measured daily, and the oyster's condition and reproductive development were monitored using condition index, biometrics, and histology, on Days 0, 20, and 45. C1 and C2 systems kept the water quality within the ranges reported as favorable for bivalves. The calcium reactor kept the pH (8.03-8.10), alkalinity (200 mg/L as CaCO3), CO32- (≤ 80 µmol/kg), and Ω aragonite (≤ 1) closer to the ranges reported as optimal for bivalves. However, no significant differences were detected in the total weight and the condition index in C1 and C2. The preconditioning allowed to maintain the organisms in early reproductive development, allowing gametogenesis synchronization to start maturation.

Ultrasonografía del diámetro de la vaina del nervio óptico en paciente con meningoencefalitis complicada / Ultrasonography of the optic nerve sheath diameter in patient with complicated meningoencephalitis

RESUMEN La ultrasonografía del diámetro de la vaina del nervio óptico es un método no invasivo para monitorizar la presión intracraneal. Se ha utilizado en múltiples patologías neurocríticas, incluyendo la infección complicada del sistema nervioso central. Se presenta el caso de una paciente femenina de 47 años, quien ingresó en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos luego de presentar progresión al estado comatoso secundario a cuadro de meningoencefalitis bacteriana. Al ingreso se constata midriasis bilateral arreactiva, ausencia parcial de reflejos del tallo encefálico y bradicardia. Ante la sospecha clínica de hipertensión intracraneal, se indica ultrasonografía del diámetro de la vaina del nervio óptico en plano axial. Se realizaron tres mediciones para cada ojo, mostrando un valor de 6,3, 6,6 y 6,00 mm en ojo derecho, y 6,8, 6,6 y 6,8 mm en el izquierdo (promedio biocular: 6,5 mm). Con esta medición se complementó el diagnóstico sospechado. Esta técnica representa un proceder seguro y no invasivo. Su uso completa los datos recogidos en el examen clínico. El punto de corte universalmente aceptado para el diagnóstico es de 5,0 mm o más para un valor de presión intracraneal > 20 mmHg.

ABSTRACT The optic nerve sheath ultrasonography is a non-invasive method for monitoring intracranial pressure. It has been used in multiple neurocritical pathologies, including the complicated infection of the central nervous system. The case of a 47-year-old female patient is presented; she was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit after presenting progression to comatose state secondary to bacterial meningoencephalitis. On admission, bilateral arreactive mydriasis, partial absence of brainstem reflexes and bradycardia are confirmed. Given the clinical suspicion of intracranial hypertension, ultrasonography of the optic nerve sheath diameter in the axial plane is indicated. Three measurements were made for each eye, showing a value of 6.3, 6.6 and 6.00 in the right eye, and 6.8, 6.6 and 6.8 in the left one (biocular average: 6.5 mm). With this measurement the suspected diagnosis was completed. This technique represents a secure and non-invasive procedure. Its use completes the data collected in the clinical examination. The universally accepted cut-off point for diagnosis is 5.0 mm or more for an intracranial pressure value of > 20 mmHg.

The influence of maternal anxiety and cortisol during pregnancy on childhood anxiety symptoms.

BACKGROUND: The etiology of child and adolescent anxiety remains poorly understood. Although several previous studies have examined associations between prenatal maternal psychological functioning and infant and child health outcomes, less is known about the impact of maternal anxiety specific to pregnancy and cortisol during pregnancy on childhood anxiety outcomes. METHODS: Participants included 496 mother-child pairs from the PROGRESS longitudinal birth cohort in Mexico City. Anxiety symptoms were assessed at age 8-11 years during 2018-2019 using the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale. Pregnancy-specific anxiety was assessed using an expanded version of the Pregnancy Anxiety Scale. Maternal biological stress response during pregnancy was assessed using salivary cortisol measures (area under the curve, cortisol awakening response, and diurnal slope). Linear regression models were used to estimate associations between maternal anxiety and cortisol in relation to continuous child anxiety symptom T-scores. Models were adjusted for maternal age, socioeconomic status, child sex and age, and gestational age at saliva collection. RESULTS: We found that higher levels of pregnancy-specific anxiety in the mother were associated with higher anxiety symptoms in the child (ß: 1.30, 95% CI: 0.19, 2.41). We additionally observed an association between higher maternal total cortisol output during pregnancy and higher anxiety symptoms in the child (ß: 1.13, 95% CI: 0.25, 2.01). DISCUSSION: These findings highlight the importance of screening for maternal pregnancy-specific anxiety and the need to identify interventions and support for mothers during pregnancy in order to promote healthy outcomes for mothers and their children.

Prolonged Islet Allograft Function is Associated With Female Sex in Patients After Islet Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Islet transplantation (ITx) has proved to be effective in preventing severe hypoglycemia and improving metabolic control in selected subjects with type 1 diabetes. Long-term graft function remains a challenge. Estrogens have been shown to protect ß cells from metabolic stresses and improve revascularization of transplanted human islets in the mouse. We aimed to evaluate the influence of sex in allograft survival of ITx recipients. METHODS: We analyzed a retrospective cohort of ITx recipients (n = 56) followed-up for up to 20 years. Allograft failure was defined as a stimulated C-peptide <0.3 ng/mL during a mixed-meal tolerance test. Subjects were divided into recipients of at least 1 female donor (group 1) and recipients of male donors only (group 2). RESULTS: Group 1 subjects (n = 25) were aged 41.5 ± 8.4 years and group 2 subjects (n = 22) 45.9 ± 7.3 years (P = 0.062). Female recipient frequency was 44.8% (n = 13) in group 1 and 55.2% (n = 16) in group 2 (P = 0.145). Group 2 developed graft failure earlier than group 1 (680 [286-1624] vs 1906 [756-3256] days, P = 0.038). We performed additional analyses on female recipients only from each group (group 1, n = 16; group 2, n = 20). Female recipients in group 1 exhibited prolonged allograft function compared with group 2, after adjustment for confounders (odds ratio, 28.6; 95% CI, 1.3-619.1; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Recipients of islets from at least 1 female donor exhibited prolonged graft survival compared with recipients of islets from exclusively male donors. In addition, female recipients exhibited prolonged survival compared with male recipients following ITx of at least 1 female donor.

Riesgos biológicos, condiciones de trabajo y efectos psicológicos del COVID-19 en personal de enfermería / Biological risks, working conditions and psychological effects of COVID-19 in nursing personnel

Los profesionales de enfermería están relacionados con la atención directa del paciente con Covid- 19, dejándolos expuestos a riesgos biológicos y condiciones de trabajo modificadas que podrían causar efectos psisociales significativos. Como objetivo, se realizo una revisión bibliográfica para determinar las condiciones de trabajo y efectos psicológicos del COVID-19 en personal de enfermería durante el período 2020-2021. El estudio fue descriptivo, con una muestra de 39 articulos resultantes de la aplicación criterios de exclusión, las fuentes de datos utilizados fueron: EBSCO Host, Hinari, ProQuest, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Wiley Online, Library, Redalyc, SciELO; se incluyó la búsqueda de palabras clave mediante los tesauros en DeCS y MeSH, las cuales se formularon ecuaciones con los operadores boléanos AND y OR con descriptores de búsqueda como: WorkingCondition/Labor condition, Covid-19/ SARS-CoV-2/ Coronavirus Infections, Nurse emotions/emotion/emotions/emotional/Feelings/Regrets, Nurse/nurses/nursing, y Method/ Methodology/ Model. Como resultado, a nivel de riesgo biológico, las condiciones inseguras repercutían en deficiencia y escases de equipos de protección personal, infraestructura y equipamiento, así mismo, las condiciones laborales a nivel organizacionales aludían a ausencia de políticas y directrices, bajos salarios, carga e inestabilidad laboral, además de esto, los efectos psicológicos del COVID-19 en personal de enfermería se pudieron evidenciar de manera positiva a través de decisión, motivación y orgullo y, negativa con ansiedad, depresión, estrés, inseguridad, molestia y temor. Como conclusión, es indispensable ofrecer infraestructura, condiciones y equipamiento al personal de enfermería, además de actividades de descanso para disminuir el estrés y la presión que generan agotamiento y efectos psicosociales(AU)

Nursing professionals are related to the direct care of patients with Covid-19, leaving them exposed to biological risks and modified working conditions that could cause significant psychosocial effects. As an objective, a bibliographic review was carried out to determine the working conditions and psychological effects of COVID-19 on nursing personnel during the 2020-2021 period. The study was descriptive, with a sample of 39 articles resulting from the application of exclusion criteria, the data sources used were: EBSCO Host, Hinari, ProQuest, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Wiley Online, Library, Redalyc, SciELO; the search for keywords was included using the DeCS and MeSH thesauri, which were formulated with Boolean operators AND and OR with search descriptors such as: WorkingCondition/Labor condition, Covid-19/ SARS-CoV-2/ Coronavirus Infections , Nurse emotions/emotion/emotions/emotional/Feelings/Regrets, Nurse/nurses/nursing, and Method/ Methodology/ Model. As a result, at the level of biological risk, the unsafe conditions affected deficiency and scarcity of personal protective equipment, infrastructure and equipment, likewise, the working conditions at the organizational level alluded to the absence of policies and guidelines, low wages, workload and instability. In addition to this, the psychological effects of COVID-19 on nursing staff could be evidenced positively through decision, motivation and pride, and negatively with anxiety, depression, stress, insecurity, annoyance and fear. In conclusion, it is essential to offer infrastructure, conditions and equipment to nursing staff, as well as rest activities to reduce stress and pressure that generate exhaustion and psychosocial effects(AU)

Ultrasonografía del diámetro de la vaina del nervio óptico en el monitoreo de la presión intracraneal / Ultrasound of optic nerve sheath diameter for monitoring intracranial pressure

Introducción: El neuromonitoreo no invasivo en pacientes críticos representa una opción de primera línea para el manejo de complicaciones fatales derivadas del aumento de la presión intracraneal. En esta modalidad se incluye la ultrasonografía del diámetro de la vaina del nervio óptico, la cual representa una técnica rápida, fácil de realizar y disponible a la cabecera del paciente. Objetivos: Describir aspectos fundamentales y actualizados sobre el uso de la ultrasonografía en el monitoreo de la presión intracraneal a través de la medición del diámetro de la vaina del nervio óptico en los diferentes escenarios neuroclínicos. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión de la literatura publicada en bases de datos como: PubMed/Medline, SciELO y Google académico entre los meses mayo y julio de 2020. Se revisaron publicaciones en inglés y español. Se seleccionaron 46 bibliografías que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Se describen aspectos fundamentales como la anatomía ecográfica del nervio óptico, descripción de la técnica y su uso en entidades neurocríticas como el traumatismo craneoencefálico, ictus, muerte encefálica, entre otros. Conclusiones: La ecografía de la vaina del nervio óptico representa una alternativa no invasiva ampliamente aceptada para la medición del incremento de la presión intracranial. Con un diámetro de 5,0 hasta 5,9 mm o más se puede asumir el diagnóstico de hipertensión intracraneal con alta sensibilidad y especificidad, aunque debe individualizarse su uso en cada patología neurocrítica. La curva de aprendizaje para la realización del proceder es de breve tiempo y satisface las habilidades necesarias(AU)

Introduction: Noninvasive neuromonitoring in critically ill patients is a first-line option for the management of fatal complications derived from increased intracranial pressure. This modality includes ultrasound of optic nerve sheath diameter, which is a quick technique, easy to perform and available at the bedside. Objectives: To describe significant and state-of-the-art aspects regarding the use of ultrasound for monitoring intracranial pressure through measurement of the optic nerve sheath diameter in different neuroclinical settings. Methods: A review was carried out, between May and July 2020, of the literature published in databases such as PubMed/Medline, SciELO and Google Scholar. Publications in English and Spanish were reviewed. Forty-six bibliographic sources were chosen, as long as they met the inclusion criteria. Fundamental aspects are described, such as the ultrasound anatomy of the optic nerve, the technique procedures and its use in neurocritical entities such as head trauma, stroke and brain death, among others. Conclusions: Ultrasound of the optic nerve sheath is a widely accepted noninvasive choice for measurement of increased intracranial pressure. With a diameter of 5.0 to 5.9 mm or more, the diagnosis of intracranial hypertension can be assumed with high sensitivity and specificity, although its use should be individualized in each neurocritical pathology. The learning curve for carrying out the procedure is short and satisfies the necessary skills(AU)

Signo de la arteria cerebral media hiperdensa e ictus isquémico con transformación hemorrágica / Hyperdense Middle Cerebral Artery Sign and Ischemic Stroke with Hemorrhagic Transformation

RESUMEN El signo de la arteria cerebral media hiperdensa es un patrón imagenológico que tiene una incidencia de un 30 a un 40 % de las oclusiones de esta arteria demostrada angiográficamente. Representa un signo temprano de ictus isquémico de mala evolución. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 56 años de edad que comenzó con manifestaciones clínicas de afasia y hemiparesia derecha a predominio crural. En la tomografía al ingreso se observó hiperdensidad del trayecto de la arteria cerebral media izquierda que correspondió con un ictus isquémico extenso con conversión hemorrágica en escaneo evolutivo a las 72 horas. Se presenta el caso por lo poco frecuente que resulta realizar este diagnóstico a partir de los resultados hallados en la tomografía axial monocorte y porque hubo correlación entre las imágenes encontradas y el deterioro clínico posterior del paciente.

ABSTRACT The hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign is an imaging pattern that has an incidence from 30 to 40 % of occlusions of this artery demonstrated angiographically. It represents an early sign of poorly progressive ischemic stroke. A 56-year-old patient who began with clinical manifestations of aphasia and right hemiparesis, predominantly femoral it is presented. On admission tomography, hyperdensity of the left middle cerebral artery trajectory was observed, corresponding to an extensive ischemic stroke with hemorrhagic conversion in evolutionary scan at 72 hours. The case is presented because of how infrequent it is to make this diagnosis based on the results found in the single slice axial tomography and because there was a correlation between the images found and the subsequent clinical deterioration of the patient.

Influence of Vitamin D on Islet Autoimmunity and Beta-Cell Function in Type 1 Diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease leading to immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic beta cells, resulting in the need for insulin therapy. The incidence of T1D is increasing worldwide, thus prompting researchers to investigate novel immunomodulatory strategies to halt autoimmunity and modify disease progression. T1D is considered as a multifactorial disease, in which genetic predisposition and environmental factors interact to promote the triggering of autoimmune responses against beta cells. Over the last decades, it has become clear that vitamin D exerts anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, apart from its well-established role in the regulation of calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism. Importantly, the global incidence of vitamin D deficiency is also dramatically increasing and epidemiologic evidence suggests an involvement of vitamin D deficiency in T1D pathogenesis. Polymorphisms in genes critical for vitamin D metabolism have also been shown to modulate the risk of T1D. Moreover, several studies have investigated the role of vitamin D (in different doses and formulations) as a potential adjuvant immunomodulatory therapy in patients with new-onset and established T1D. This review aims to present the current knowledge on the immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D and summarize the clinical interventional studies investigating its use for prevention or treatment of T1D.

Correction to: Aspergillus loretoensis, a single isolate from marine sediment of Loreto Bay, Baja California Sur, México resulting as a new obligate halophile species.

In the original publication the Figs. 3 and 4 are published inappropriately. The correct version of Figs. 3 and 4 is provided in this correction.

Breakfast Nutritional Quality and Cognitive Interference in University Students from Mexico City.

Skipping breakfast might have an impact on cognitive functions, such as interference, which is a basic capacity of executive functions that denotes the possibility of controlling an automated response. This study aimed to analyze the association between nutritional quality of breakfast and cognitive interference in a sample of university students. A cross-sectional study was conducted, a total of 422 students between 18 and 25 years participated. Cognitive interference was assessed with the Stroop Test. Breakfast was assessed with a questionnaire assigning a score for each serving of each food group that was consumed. Logistic regression models were performed. The performance in cognitive tasks was slower in those who had a poor breakfast (32.9 ± 6 vs 29.3 ± 6 s, p < 0.050). Poor cognitive interference was greater in students with poor breakfast (53% versus 23%, p = 0.001). A slower word reading was associated with skipping vegetables (OR: 2.78, 95% CI: 0.09-2.13), and cereals (OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.03-2.81). Wrong color identification was associated with skipping fruits (OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.43-1.99) and animal protein sources (OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.07-2.49). Skipping fat-rich cereals was a protector factor (OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.36-0.85). Difficulty in the ability to inhibit interference was associated with skipping vegetables (OR: 2.72, 95% CI: 1.25-4.80) and cereals (OR: 2.65, 95% CI: 1.28-4.68). The nutritional quality of breakfast was associated with the time spent answering the Stroop test, but not with cognitive interference.

Aspergillus loretoensis, a single isolate from marine sediment of Loreto Bay, Baja California Sur, México resulting as a new obligate halophile species.

An obligate halophile fungal was isolated from 275 m deep marine sediments and is characterized here for the first time. Its optimal growth was at 15% NaCl even though it was able to grow at 25% and is incapable of growth with no NaCl. Based on its morphological characteristics as conidia chain production in a single phialide, the fungal is related to the genus Aspergillus, subgenus Polypaecilum. Phylogenetic molecular analysis using several markers (ITS1-2; RPB1; RPB2; Cct8; TSR1; CaM; BenA) places the fungal isolate closer to Aspergillus salinarus and A. baarnensis. However, its morphological and molecular differences establish it as a new species, Aspergillus loretoensis sp. nov.

Characterization and localization of primordial germ cells in Totoaba macdonaldi.

The totoaba, Totoaba macdonaldi, is an endangered fish of the Gulf of California with high economic and ecological potential. Therefore, our purpose was to characterize the Primordial Germ Cells (PGCs) of this Sciaenid with two objectives: (1) to provide the basis for PGCs cryopreservation to preserve the genetic resources and (2) to take the first step to know the gonadal genesis and sex differentiation of totoaba. Immunofluorescence analysis performed from 2-cell stage to 8-day after hatch (DAH) shows that Vasa protein is specific for PGCs. These cells were first observed in the peripheral and dorsal regions of the blastodisc at approximately the 50%-epiboly stage and migrated to both sides of embryo body during the development. Finally, at 7 DAH the PGCs of the hatching embryo reached the place where the gonad will be developed. Histology analysis of larvae showed a genital ridge with enclosed PGCs on the dorsal side of the peritoneum at 9 DAH, gonadal primordium growth was observed at 11 DAH as a result of the interaction between PGCs and somatic cells derived from the peritoneum. Results of qPCR showed that vasa expression was restricted to the embryonic and early larval development, highest values were observed in 2-cell and mid-blastula stage suggesting the maternal inheritance of vasa mRNA. These findings support the hypothesis of preformation in T. macdonaldi PGCs. The migration pattern of PGCs allow us to recommend the isolation and subsequent cryopreservation of these cells before 7 DAH when the embryonic and larval development is given at 21 °C.

Seed Endophyte Microbiome of Crotalaria pumila Unpeeled: Identification of Plant-Beneficial Methylobacteria.

Metal contaminated soils are increasing worldwide. Metal-tolerant plants growing on metalliferous soils are fascinating genetic and microbial resources. Seeds can vertically transmit endophytic microorganisms that can assist next generations to cope with environmental stresses, through yet poorly understood mechanisms. The aims of this study were to identify the core seed endophyte microbiome of the pioneer metallophyte Crotalaria pumila throughout three generations, and to better understand the plant colonisation of the seed endophyte Methylobacterium sp. Cp3. Strain Cp3 was detected in C. pumila seeds across three successive generations and showed the most dominant community member. When inoculated in the soil at the time of flowering, strain Cp3 migrated from soil to seeds. Using confocal microscopy, Cp3-mCherry was demonstrated to colonise the root cortex cells and xylem vessels of the stem under metal stress. Moreover, strain Cp3 showed genetic and in planta potential to promote seed germination and seedling development. We revealed, for the first time, that the seed microbiome of a pioneer plant growing in its natural environment, and the colonisation behaviour of an important plant growth promoting systemic seed endophyte. Future characterization of seed microbiota will lead to a better understanding of their functional contribution and the potential use for seed-fortification applications.