Neural underpinnings of ethical decisions in life and death dilemmas in naïve and expert firefighters.

When a single choice impacts on life outcomes, faculties to make ethical judgments come into play. Here we studied decisions in a real-life setting involving life-and-death outcomes that affect others and the decision-maker as well. We chose a genuine situation where prior training and expertise play a role: firefighting in life-threatening situations. By studying the neural correlates of dilemmas involving life-saving decisions, using realistic firefighting situations, allowed us to go beyond previously used hypothetical dilemmas, while addressing the role of expertise and the use of coping strategies (n = 47). We asked the question whether the neural underpinnings of deontologically based decisions are affected by expertise. These realistic life-saving dilemmas activate the same core reward and affective processing network, in particular the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens and amygdala, irrespective of prior expertise, thereby supporting general domain theories of ethical decision-making. We found that brain activity in the hippocampus and insula parametrically increased as the risk increased. Connectivity analysis showed a larger directed influence of the insula on circuits related to action selection in non-experts, which were slower than experts in non rescuing decisions. Relative neural activity related to the decision to rescue or not, in the caudate nucleus, insula and anterior cingulate cortex was negatively associated with coping strategies, in experts (firefighters) suggesting practice-based learning. This shows an association between activity and expert-related usage of coping strategies. Expertise enables salience network activation as a function of behavioural coping dimensions, with a distinct connectivity profile when facing life-rescuing dilemmas.

Vanilla from Brazilian Atlantic Forest: In vitro and in silico toxicity assessment and high-resolution metabolomic analysis of Vanilla spp. ethanolic extracts.

The natural vanilla market, which generates millions annually, is predominantly dependent on Vanilla planifolia, a species characterized by low genetic variability and susceptibility to pathogens. There is an increasing demand for natural vanilla, prized for its complex, authentic, and superior quality compared to artificial counterparts. Therefore, there is a necessity for innovative production alternatives to ensure a consistent and stable supply of vanilla flavors. In this context, vanilla crop wild relatives (WRs) emerge as promising natural sources of the spice. However, these novel species must undergo toxicity assessments to evaluate potential risks and ensure safety for consumption. This study aimed to assess the non-mutagenic and non-carcinogenic properties of ethanolic extracts from V. bahiana, V. chamissonis, V. cribbiana, and V. planifolia through integrated metabolomic profiling, in vitro toxicity assays, and in silico analyses. The integrated approach of metabolomics, in vitro assays, and in silico analyses has highlighted the need for further safety assessments of Vanilla cribbiana ethanolic extract. While the extracts of V. bahiana, V. chamissonis, and V. planifolia generally demonstrated non-mutagenic properties in the Ames assay, V. cribbiana exhibited mutagenicity at high concentrations (5000 µg/plate) in the TA98 strain without metabolic activation. This finding, coupled with the dose-dependent cytotoxicity observed in WST-1 (Water Soluble Tetrazolium) assays, a colorimetric method that assesses the viability of cells exposed to a test substance, underscores the importance of concentration in the safety evaluation of these extracts. Kaempferol and pyrogallol, identified with higher intensity in V. cribbiana, are potential candidates for in vitro mutagenicity. Although the results are not conclusive, they suggest the safety of these extracts at low concentrations. This study emphasizes the value of an integrated approach in providing a nuanced understanding of the safety profiles of natural products, advocating for cautious use and further research into V. cribbiana mutagenicity.

Quantitative cellular pathology of the amygdala in temporal lobe epilepsy and correlation with magnetic resonance imaging volumetry, tissue microstructure, and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: Amygdala enlargement can occur in temporal lobe epilepsy, and increased amygdala volume is also reported in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Apnea can be induced by amygdala stimulation, and postconvulsive central apnea (PCCA) and generalized seizures are both known SUDEP risk factors. Neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) has recently provided additional information on altered amygdala microstructure in SUDEP. In a series of 24 surgical temporal lobe epilepsy cases, our aim was to quantify amygdala cellular pathology parameters that could predict enlargement, NODDI changes, and ictal respiratory dysfunction. METHODS: Using whole slide scanning automated quantitative image analysis methods, parallel evaluation of myelin, axons, dendrites, oligodendroglia, microglia, astroglia, neurons, serotonergic networks, mTOR-pathway activation (pS6) and phosphorylated tau (pTau; AT8, AT100, PHF) in amygdala, periamygdala cortex, and white matter regions of interest were compared with preoperative magnetic resonance imaging data on amygdala size, and in 13 cases with NODDI and evidence of ictal-associated apnea. RESULTS: We observed significantly higher glial labeling (Iba1, glial fibrillary acidic protein, Olig2) in amygdala regions compared to cortex and a strong positive correlation between Olig2 and Iba1 in the amygdala. Larger amygdala volumes correlated with lower microtubule-associated protein (MAP2), whereas higher NODDI orientation dispersion index correlated with lower Olig2 cell densities. In the three cases with recorded PCCA, higher MAP2 and pS6-235 expression was noted than in those without. pTau did not correlate with SUDEP risk factors, including seizure frequency. SIGNIFICANCE: Histological quantitation of amygdala microstructure can shed light on enlargement and diffusion imaging alterations in epilepsy to explore possible mechanisms of amygdala dysfunction, including mTOR pathway activation, that in turn may increase the risk for SUDEP.

Corrigendum: A conceptual view of cognitive intervention in older adults with and without cognitive decline-a systemic review.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2022.844725.].

Compressed fluid-based technology for downstream isolation of bluish anthocyanin-derived pigments obtained from blueberry surplus.

A dynamic compressed fluid-based separation process combining carbon dioxide and ethanol was explored to isolate portisins previously hemi-synthesized from blueberry surplus anthocyanins. The influence of process parameters such as pressure (100-500 bar), temperature (40-60 °C), and ethanol content in the compressed fluid mixture (20-50 wt%) on extraction yield, portisins yield, and portisins content in the extract was investigated. The two-step isolation process includes (1) a first step at 100 bar, 60 °C, and 20 wt% ethanol content in the compressed fluid mixture to remove the low polarity compounds; and (2) a second step at 500 bar, 40 °C, and 100 wt% ethanol to recover portisins, resulting in a 1.5-fold increase in portisins content. The performance of the two-step separation process was compared to centrifugal partitional chromatography and conventional reverse phase liquid chromatography already reported in terms of portisins content in the extract, process throughput, process efficiency, and total solvent used. The two-step separation process decreased the total solvent used, although with a decrease in the throughput and efficiency. Nevertheless, the choice of the best separation technology depends on the application, as these techniques result in different portisins purities. Overall, this study contributed to a scalable and more sustainable process for natural colorant production, specifically focusing on blue pigments, with several industrial applications.

Human versus Artificial Intelligence: Validation of a Deep Learning Model for Retinal Layer and Fluid Segmentation in Optical Coherence Tomography Images from Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Artificial intelligence (AI) models have received considerable attention in recent years for their ability to identify optical coherence tomography (OCT) biomarkers with clinical diagnostic potential and predict disease progression. This study aims to externally validate a deep learning (DL) algorithm by comparing its segmentation of retinal layers and fluid with a gold-standard method for manually adjusting the automatic segmentation of the Heidelberg Spectralis HRA + OCT software Version 6.16.8.0. A total of sixty OCT images of healthy subjects and patients with intermediate and exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were included. A quantitative analysis of the retinal thickness and fluid area was performed, and the discrepancy between these methods was investigated. The results showed a moderate-to-strong correlation between the metrics extracted by both software types, in all the groups, and an overall near-perfect area overlap was observed, except for in the inner segment ellipsoid (ISE) layer. The DL system detected a significant difference in the outer retinal thickness across disease stages and accurately identified fluid in exudative cases. In more diseased eyes, there was significantly more disagreement between these methods. This DL system appears to be a reliable method for accessing important OCT biomarkers in AMD. However, further accuracy testing should be conducted to confirm its validity in real-world settings to ultimately aid ophthalmologists in OCT imaging management and guide timely treatment approaches.

Physical Activity, Anxiety, Depression, and Body Image in Trans Individuals: An Exploratory Study.

Physical activity (PA), mental health, and body image are some important health topics in the transgender population that have been recently discussed and appear to play a crucial role in the quality of life of the trans population. This study aims to elucidate the complex interplay of these variables and their implications for the well-being of trans individuals. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 75 Portuguese transgender individuals (M = 23.68; SD ± 6.59) were recruited to participate in this study. The participants completed three questionnaires related to the assessment of physical activity (IPAQ), depressive and anxious symptomatology (HADS), and satisfaction with body image (BISQp). RESULTS: Trans individuals showed a total energy expenditure of 3316.40 metabolic equivalent tasks (METS), had a moderate level of anxiety symptomatology, and low levels of satisfaction with body image. Satisfaction with body image was negatively associated with anxiety (r = -0.441, p < 0.01) and depression symptomatology (r = -0.600, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of inclusive programs that promote body acceptance and coping strategies, particularly within the context of physical exercise, may help alleviate distress related to body image dissatisfaction while also addressing underlying anxiety and depression symptoms.

Latent profiles of emotion regulation among university students: links to repetitive negative thinking, internet addiction, and subjective wellbeing.

Recent years have seen a deterioration in the mental health of university students and notable surge in the need for psychological support. Due to its links to psychopathology and high-risk behaviors, difficulty in emotion regulation frequently serves as a transdiagnostic dimension. This cross-sectional study used a person-centered analytical approach (latent profile analysis; LPA) to identify groups of Portuguese university students with similar profiles of emotion regulation difficulties (N = 261; Mage = 22.5 ± 1.2 years; n = 213 female) and describe how these groups differ in their presentation of repetitive negative thinking, internet addiction, and subjective wellbeing. The analyses identified four latent profiles: 14.5% of students showed global dysregulation (the Low Emotion Regulation Profile), 23% were moderately dysregulated with elevated problems in goal-directed behavior (the Moderate Emotion Regulation Profile), 8% showed specific difficulties with low emotional awareness and clarity (the Low Insight Profile), and 54.4% showed adaptive emotion regulation (the High Emotion Regulation Profile). As anticipated, the Low Emotion Regulation Profile had the lowest subjective wellbeing and the highest prevalence of repetitive negative thinking and internet addiction. Students with a Low Insight Profile also showed low subjective wellbeing, but less repetitive negative thinking compared to the Low Emotion Regulation Profile. Our findings suggest that interventions aimed at improving health and wellbeing among university students should consider each student's unique set of emotion regulation difficulties, rather than focusing on particular strategies. Further research may help determine whether emotion regulation profiles can serve as predictive indicators of varying mental health trajectories and subjective wellbeing in university students.

Application of three-dimensional imaging software to map carcinomatosis in recurrent ovarian cancer.

The treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer has been based on systemic therapy. The role of secondary cytoreductive surgery has been addressed recently in several trials. Imaging plays a key role in helping the surgical team to decide which patients will have resectable disease and benefit from surgery. The role of staging laparoscopy and several imaging and clinical scores has been extensively debated in the field. In other surgical fields there have been reports of using 3D imaging software and 3D printed models to help surgeons better plan the surgical approach. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first case of a patient with recurrent ovarian cancer undergoing 3D modeling before secondary cytoreductive surgery. The 3D modeling was of most value to evaluate the extension of the disease in our patient who underwent a successful secondary cytoreductive surgery and is currently free of the disease.

Efficacy of monthly treatment with oral fluralaner (Bravecto® 1-Month) against Tunga penetrans in dogs in Brazil: a randomized, double-blind, controlled field study.

BACKGROUND: Tungiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the adult female sand flea (Tunga penetrans). Dogs are considered important reservoirs of T. penetrans in Brazil. The aim of this study was to determine the monthly insecticidal efficacy of a single oral administration of fluralaner at a dose of 10-18 mg/kg (Bravecto® 1-Month, also registered as Defenza® in some countries; MSD Animal Health) in dogs naturally infested with T. penetrans. METHODS: This clinical trial was conducted in a rural community located in Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil. A total of 64 dogs were selected and distributed in a completely randomized design between a treated group (TG) that received one single dose of Bravecto® 1-Month (Defenza®) and a negative control group (CG) that received no treatment. Each group was composed of 32 dogs. The evaluations took place on days 0, 7 ± 2, 14 ± 2, 21 ± 2, 28 ± 2, 35 ± 2, and 42 ± 2 post treatment, in which the dogs were inspected to evaluate the infestation stage and classify lesions associated with tungiasis. The primary efficacy was determined from the percentage of treated dogs free of fleas (stage II and III lesions) after administration of the formulation at each evaluation time. Secondary efficacy was based on the number of active lesions (stages II and III) in each group at each evaluation time. The clinical condition of the animals was defined based on the Severity Score for Acute Dog Tungiasis (SCADT), which is related to the number and severity of lesions. RESULTS: The primary efficacy of the product was greater than 95.0% from days 7 to 21 and reached 100.0% between days 28 and 42, with a significant association between treatment and infestation decline (P < 0.025) between days 7 and 42. Secondary drug efficacy was greater than 99.9% from days 7 to 21, reaching 100.0% between days 28 and 42 (P < 0.05). The treated dogs also scored lower on the SCADT than the control animals did during the entire clinical evaluation period (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A single administration of Bravecto® 1-Month (Defenza®) was effective in eliminating Tunga penetrans infestations, as well as in preventing parasitism for at least 42 days after treatment.

The dilution evaluation as a corrective measure for interference in the white blood cell scattergram in Beckman Coulter DxH 900.

BACKGROUND: The Beckman Coulter DxH 900 is a haematological analyser capable of counting and sizing blood cells, and obtaining a complete blood cell count (CBC). This analyses different parameters of red blood cells (RBC), platelets and white blood cells/leukocytes. Some automated CBC counters present limitations due to specimen characteristics, abnormal cells or both factors. In the presence of abnormalities, the DxH 900 has a flagging system, warning the laboratory technician that something needs to be verified. In the present work, we evaluated samples from oncologic patients, presenting a population erroneously perceived as being lymphocytes. The most common explanations for this situation are RBC resistant to lysis or serum hyperbilirubinaemia. METHODS: In an attempt to solve and understand what the cause of this problem might be, we diluted our samples (1:3) and analysed the serum total bilirubin. To identify cells' abnormalities, the samples were also analysed by manual DLC counts. During the study, we also checked the different flags presented by the equipment. RESULTS: The results evidenced that the major interference was due to RBC lysis resistance, corresponding to 94.7% of the cases, while hyperbilirubinaemia was only present in 73.4%. Besides, we determined that some samples with normal bilirubin levels also presented interference, suggesting that hyperbilirubinaemia was not the main cause of the error. The most recurrent flag observed was "High event rate". CONCLUSION: The dilution solved all of the observed interferences. The results between diluted and manual counts showed a strong correlation, leading us to introduce dilution in our laboratory routine.

Body Condition Scores in Cats and Associations with Systolic Blood Pressure, Glucose Homeostasis, and Systemic Inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Feline obesity is the most common nutritional disease in cats. This study aimed to investigate the differences between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and circulating concentrations of glucose, fructosamine, and serum amyloid-A (SAA) in ideal-weight, overweight, and obese cats. METHODS: The animals were divided into three groups: ideal-weight (BCS 5, N = 20), overweight (BCS 6, N = 20), and obese cats (BCS ≥ 7, N = 20). SBP, circulating concentrations of glucose, fructosamine, and SAA were evaluated. RESULTS: The SBP values of the ideal-weight, overweight, and obese cats were 140.0 mmHg, 160.0 mmHg, and 160.0 mmHg, respectively. The blood glucose and fructosamine levels for the ideal, overweight, and obese cats were 104.0 mg/dL and 245.0 µmol/L, 123.0 mg/dL and 289.0 µmol/L, and 133.0 mg/dL and 275.0 µmol/L, respectively, for each group. The SAA values were <5 ug/mL in all the groups. The SBP values of the cats with ideal BCS were significantly lower compared to overweight (p = 0.019) and obese (p = 0.001) cats. The blood glucose values of obese cats were higher than those of ideal-weight cats (p = 0.029). There was no statistical difference between the groups for fructosamine and SAA. CONCLUSIONS: Obese cats had significantly higher SBP and blood glucose concentrations than ideal-weight cats, showing the effect of BSC on these parameters.

Neural inhibition as implemented by an actor-critic model involves the human dorsal striatum and ventral tegmental area.

Inhibition is implicated across virtually all human experiences. As a trade-off of being very efficient, this executive function is also prone to many errors. Rodent and computational studies show that midbrain regions play crucial roles during errors by sending dopaminergic learning signals to the basal ganglia for behavioural adjustment. However, the parallels between animal and human neural anatomy and function are not determined. We scanned human adults while they performed an fMRI inhibitory task requiring trial-and-error learning. Guided by an actor-critic model, our results implicate the dorsal striatum and the ventral tegmental area as the actor and the critic, respectively. Using a multilevel and dimensional approach, we also demonstrate a link between midbrain and striatum circuit activity, inhibitory performance, and self-reported autistic and obsessive-compulsive subclinical traits.

Comparing the Chemistry of Malvidin-3-O-glucoside and Malvidin-3,5-O-diglucoside Networks: A Holistic Approach to the Acidic and Basic Paradigms with Implications in Biological Studies.

The kinetics, thermodynamics, and degradation of malvidin mono- and diglucosides were studied following a holistic approach by extending to the basic medium. In acidic conditions, the reversible kinetics of the flavylium cation toward the equilibrium is controlled by the hydration and cis-trans isomerization steps, while in the basic medium, the OH- nucleophilic addition to the anionic quinoidal bases is the slowest step. There is a pH range (transition pHs), between the acidic and basic paradigms, that includes physiological pH (7.4), where degradation reactions occur faster, preventing the system from reaching the equilibrium. The transition pH of the diglucoside is narrower, and in contrast with the monoglucoside, there is no evidence for the formation of colored oligomers among the degradation products. Noteworthy, OH- addition in position 4 to form B42-, a kinetic product that decreases the overall equilibration rate, was observed only for the diglucoside.

Identification and structural characterization of a novel (+)-catechin-caffeic acid adduct present in wines.

A new compound with a molecular ion mass of m/z 467 in the negative ion mode was found to occur in a white wine aged 30 months in bottle. In this latter, fragment ions compatible with the loss of a carboxylic acid (-44 a.m.u.), a caffeic acid unit (-178 a.m.u.), and a Retro-Diels Alder (-152 a.m.u.) were observed. The present work reports the synthesis of a (+)-catechin-caffeic acid adduct resulting from the condensation reaction between caffeic acid and (+)-catechin. The structural characterization by NMR showed that this adduct is formed by the linkage between carbon 8 at ring A from (+)-catechin and carbon 9 from caffeic acid. In addition, the similarity in the HPLC retention time and UV-Visible spectra of the synthesized compound with the one detected in white wine and the bottling experiments, confirms the presence of this novel (+)-catechin-derived compound in those matrices.

Ocular severe involvement in oculofaciocardiodental syndrome: Description of a case series.

BACKGROUND: Oculofaciocardiodental (OFCD) syndrome is a rare genetic disorder affecting ocular, facial, dental, and cardiac systems, being an X-linked condition caused by pathogenic variants in the BCL-6 corepressor gene (BCOR). We report a case series of three female patients with OFCD syndrome with severe glaucoma. RESULTS: Three female patients with OFCD syndrome with different variants involving BCOR gene, in heterozygosity: a seven-years-old girl with an insertion (c.2037_2038dupCT), a nine years-old girl with a microdeletion in the X (p21.2-p11.4)) spanning the BCOR gene; and a 25 years-old female with a deletion (c.3858_3859del). Systemic involvement is variable among patients ranging from one patient mainly with ocular and dental involvement to one with associated intra-auricular and intra-ventricular defects. All the patients presented with congenital cataracts diagnosed in the first days of life. Cataract surgery was performed without incidents between 6 and 16 weeks of age in all the patients. Postoperatively, the three patients developed ocular hypertension and glaucoma with the need for surgical interventions, including trabeculectomy, Ahmed valve implantation, and cyclophotocoagulation. CONCLUSION: OFCD syndrome characterizes by a severe ocular involvement with glaucoma as a characteristic feature. Ocular hypertension after cataract surgery in these patients is challenging, almost always needing surgery during childhood. Therefore, we consider BCOR disruption may predispose to a higher incidence of glaucoma due to its aggressiveness and early onset on our case series. The awareness of these complications is crucial to an adequate follow-up of the patients.

Mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder in firefighters: an integrated analysis from an action research study.

Introduction: The presence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology in firefighters is an ever-pressing issue that requires close attention for adequate interventions. The present study investigated PTSD and global psychopathology prevalence in a sample of highly risk-exposed Portuguese firefighters, collected after the widespread deadly wildfires in 2017 that ravaged the country. Following an action research approach, the aim of this study was to depict this sample and examine the impact of cumulative adverse experiences on their mental health, which is a phenomenon worth attention. Method: From an initial sample of 283 firefighters who manifested interest in participating, a total of 139 firefighters from the Coimbra District, of whom 130 unequivocally experienced a potentially traumatic/adverse event as a firefighter, completed BSI (to obtain indicators on psychopathology), QEPAT (an inventory of adverse events possibly experienced as a firefighter), and PCL-5 (a measure of PTSD symptomatology) through an online survey during the year 2018 by the Regional Medical Organization, as proposed and supervised by the local Centre for Prevention and Treatment of Psychological Trauma (CPTTP). Results: We found a global prevalence of 8.6% of possible PTSD and 14.4% of possible psychopathology (n = 139). When considering only firefighters who unequivocally reported a potentially traumatic/adverse event as a firefighter (n = 130), 9.2% present possible PTSD, and 13.8% present possible global psychopathology. This sample experienced a mean of 28 adverse events during firefighting work. Linear regressions (n = 118) demonstrated that the perceived severity of the most traumatic event reported and the experience of more adverse events were both related to an increase in PTSD symptomatology. Global psychopathology was associated with PCL-5 scores, with an emphasis on paranoid ideation, hostility, depression, anxiety, and phobic anxiety. Discussion: The severe wildfires of 2017 did not impact PTSD scores in this sample (collected the year after), suggesting that cumulative adverse events are more important than particular episodes. However, the number of reported events was related to PTSD scores. These results can be used to develop interventions that target all firefighters by addressing risk and protective factors. This action research study motivated specialized aid for firefighters involved in this study.

Altered amygdala volumes and microstructure in focal epilepsy patients with tonic-clonic seizures, ictal, and post-convulsive central apnea.

OBJECTIVES: Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a leading cause of death for patients with epilepsy; however, the pathophysiology remains unclear. Focal-to-bilateral tonic-clonic seizures (FBTCS) are a major risk factor, and centrally-mediated respiratory depression may increase the risk further. Here, we determined the volume and microstructure of the amygdala, a key structure that can trigger apnea in people with focal epilepsy, stratified by the presence or absence of FBTCS, ictal central apnea (ICA), and post-convulsive central apnea (PCCA). METHODS: Seventy-three patients with focal impaired awareness seizures without FBTC seizures (FBTCneg group) and 30 with FBTCS (FBTCpos group) recorded during video electroencephalography (VEEG) with respiratory monitoring were recruited prospectively during presurgical investigations. We acquired high-resolution T1-weighted anatomic and multi-shell diffusion images, and computed neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) metrics in all patients with epilepsy and 69 healthy controls. Amygdala volumetric and microstructure alterations were compared between three groups: healthy subjects, FBTCneg and FBTCpos groups. The FBTCpos group was further subdivided by the presence of ICA and PCCA, verified by VEEG. RESULTS: Bilateral amygdala volumes were significantly increased in the FBTCpos cohort compared to healthy controls and the FBTCneg group. Patients with recorded PCCA had the highest increase in bilateral amygdala volume of the FBTCpos cohort. Amygdala neurite density index (NDI) values were decreased significantly in both the FBTCneg and FBTCpos groups relative to healthy controls, with values in the FBTCpos group being the lowest of the two. The presence of PCCA was associated with significantly lower NDI values vs the non-apnea FBTCpos group (p = 0.004). SIGNIFICANCE: Individuals with FBTCpos and PCCA show significantly increased amygdala volumes and disrupted architecture bilaterally, with greater changes on the left side. The structural alterations reflected by NODDI and volume differences may be associated with inappropriate cardiorespiratory patterns mediated by the amygdala, particularly after FBTCS. Determination of amygdala volumetric and architectural changes may assist identification of individuals at risk.

Microalgae to Bioenergy: Optimization of Aurantiochytrium sp. Saccharification.

Microalgae are a promising feedstock for bioethanol production, essentially due to their high growth rates and absence of lignin. Hydrolysis-where the monosaccharides are released for further fermentation-is considered a critical step, and its optimization is advised for each raw material. The present study focuses on the thermal acid hydrolysis (with sulfuric acid) of Aurantiochytrium sp. through a response surface methodology (RSM), studying the effect of acid concentration, hydrolysis time and biomass/acid ratio on both sugar concentration of the hydrolysate and biomass conversion yield. Preliminary studies allowed to establish the range of the variables to be optimized. The obtained models predicted a maximum sugar concentration (18.05 g/L; R2 = 0.990) after 90 min of hydrolysis, using 15% (w/v) biomass/acid ratio and sulfuric acid at 3.5% (v/v), whereas the maximum conversion yield (12.86 g/100 g; R2 = 0.876) was obtained using 9.3% (w/v) biomass/acid ratio, maintaining the other parameters. Model outputs indicate that the biomass/acid ratio and time are the most influential parameters on the sugar concentration and yield models, respectively. The study allowed to obtain a predictive model that is very well adjusted to the experimental data to find the best saccharification conditions for the Aurantiochytrium sp. microalgae.