Adolescent cannabinoid exposure rescues phencyclidine-induced social deficits through modulation of CA2 transmission.

Psychotic disorders entail intricate conditions marked by disruptions in cognition, perception, emotions, and social behavior. Notably, psychotic patients who use cannabis tend to show less severe deficits in social behaviors, such as the misinterpretation of social cues and the inability to interact with others. However, the biological underpinnings of this epidemiological interaction remain unclear. Here, we used the NMDA receptor blocker phencyclidine (PCP) to induce psychotic-like states and to study the impact of adolescent cannabinoid exposure on social behavior deficits and synaptic transmission changes in hippocampal area CA2, a region known to be active during social interactions. In particular, adolescent mice underwent 7 days of subchronic treatment with the synthetic cannabinoid, WIN 55, 212-2 (WIN) followed by one injection of PCP. Using behavioral, biochemical, and electrophysiological approaches, we showed that PCP persistently reduced sociability, decreased GAD67 expression in the hippocampus, and induced GABAergic deficits in proximal inputs from CA3 and distal inputs from the entorhinal cortex (EC) to CA2. Notably, WIN exposure during adolescence specifically restores adult sociability deficits, the expression changes in GAD67, and the GABAergic impairments in the EC-CA2 circuit, but not in the CA3-CA2 circuit. Using a chemogenetic approach to target EC-CA2 projections, we demonstrated the involvement of this specific circuit on sociability deficits. Indeed, enhancing EC-CA2 transmission was sufficient to induce sociability deficits in vehicle-treated mice, but not in animals treated with WIN during adolescence, suggesting a mechanism by which adolescent cannabinoid exposure rescues sociability deficits caused by enhanced EC-CA2 activity in adult mice.

Sex differences in neural projections of fear memory processing in mice and humans.

It remains unexplored in the field of fear memory whether functional neuronal connectivity between two brain areas is necessary for one sex but not the other. Here, we show that chemogenetic silencing of centromedial (CeM)-Tac2 fibers in the lateral posterior BNST (BNSTpl) decreased fear memory consolidation in male mice but not females. Optogenetic excitation of CeM-Tac2 fibers in the BNSTpl exhibited enhanced inhibitory postsynaptic currents in males compared to females. In vivo calcium imaging analysis revealed a sex-dimorphic fear memory engram in the BNSTpl. Furthermore, in humans, the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the Tac2 receptor (rs2765) (TAC3R) decreased CeM-BNST connectivity in a fear task, impaired fear memory consolidation, and increased the expression of the TAC3R mRNA in AA-carrier men but not in women. These sex differences in critical neuronal circuits underlying fear memory formation may be relevant to human neuropsychiatric disorders with fear memory alterations such as posttraumatic stress disorder.

The rs11684747 and rs55790676 SNPs of ADAM17 influence tuberculosis susceptibility and plasma levels of TNF, TNFR1, and TNFR2.

Introduction: The proteolytic activity of A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17) regulates the release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and TNF receptors (TNFRs) from cell surfaces. These molecules play important roles in tuberculosis (TB) shaping innate immune reactions and granuloma formation. Methods: Here, we investigated whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ADAM17 influence TNF and TNFRs levels in 224 patients with active TB (ATB) and 118 healthy close contacts. Also, we looked for significant associations between SNPs of ADAM17 and ATB status. TNF, TNFR1, and TNFR2 levels were measured in plasma samples by ELISA. Four SNPs of ADAM17 (rs12692386, rs1524668, rs11684747, and rs55790676) were analyzed in DNA isolated from peripheral blood leucocytes. The association between ATB status, genotype, and cytokines was analyzed by multiple regression models. Results: Our results showed a higher frequency of rs11684747 and rs55790676 in close contacts than ATB patients. Coincidentally, heterozygous to these SNPs of ADAM17 showed higher plasma levels of TNF compared to homozygous to their respective ancestral alleles. Strikingly, the levels of TNF and TNFRs distinguished participant groups, with ATB patients displaying lower TNF and higher TNFR1/TNFR2 levels compared to their close contacts. Conclusion: These findings suggest a role for SNPs of ADAM17 in genetic susceptibility to ATB.

Microbiome in the nasopharynx: Insights into the impact of COVID-19 severity.

Background: The respiratory tract harbors a variety of microbiota, whose composition and abundance depend on specific site factors, interaction with external factors, and disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 severity and the nasopharyngeal microbiome. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study in Mexico City, collecting nasopharyngeal swabs from 30 COVID-19 patients and 14 healthy volunteers. Microbiome profiling was performed using 16S rRNA gene analysis. Taxonomic assignment, classification, diversity analysis, core microbiome analysis, and statistical analysis were conducted using R packages. Results: The microbiome data analysis revealed taxonomic shifts within the nasopharyngeal microbiome in severe COVID-19. Particularly, we observed a significant reduction in the relative abundance of Lawsonella and Cutibacterium genera in critically ill COVID-19 patients (p < 0.001). In contrast, these patients exhibited a marked enrichment of Streptococcus, Actinomyces, Peptostreptococcus, Atopobium, Granulicatella, Mogibacterium, Veillonella, Prevotella_7, Rothia, Gemella, Alloprevotella, and Solobacterium genera (p < 0.01). Analysis of the core microbiome across all samples consistently identified the presence of Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, and Streptococcus. Conclusions: Our study suggests that the disruption of physicochemical conditions and barriers resulting from inflammatory processes and the intubation procedure in critically ill COVID-19 patients may facilitate the colonization and invasion of the nasopharynx by oral microorganisms.

Pharmacotherapeutic value of inflammatory and neurotrophic biomarkers in bipolar disorder: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The various pharmacological interventions, ranging from mood stabilizers and antipsychotics to antidepressants, reflect the diff/iculty of treating depressive/manic symptomatology of bipolar disorder (BD). Among a broad range of mechanisms implicated, immune dysregulation may contribute to the increased inflammation that influences the course of BD. Inflammatory, neurotrophic and oxidative stress factors may be identified as promising peripheral biomarkers in brain functioning, perhaps serving as predictors of an effective response to treatment for BD. The present systematic review aimed to examine the evidence supporting the pharmacotherapeutic value of inflammatory and neurotrophic biomarkers in BD. METHODS: PubMed, PsychINFO, Scopus and Web of Science were searched from inception to May 2024 by two independent reviewers. A total of 40 studies with 3371 patients with diagnosis and intervention of BD were selected. RESULTS: Inconsistencies in the effects of pharmacological treatments on the connection between the expected anti-inflammatory response and symptomatologic improvement were identified. Mood stabilizers (lithium), antipsychotics (quetiapine), antidepressants (ketamine) or their combination were described to increase both pro-inflammatory (TNFα, IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-8) factors. Other medications, such as memantine and dextromethorphan, autoimmune (infliximab) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (aspirin, celecoxib) drugs, antidiabetics (pioglitazone), and even dietary supplementation (omega-3), or their combination, clearly decrease inflammatory factors (TNFα, IL-6, IL-1ß, C-reactive protein) and/or increase the neurotrophic factor BDNF in BD patients. CONCLUSION: Inflammation in BD requires further investigation to understand the underlying immunologic mechanism, to identify predictors of treatment response, and to make informed decisions about the use and development of more effective pharmacological interventions for BD.

Is it possible to diagnose therapeutic adherence in mild cognitive impairment and dementia patients in clinical practice?

Background: Non-adherence is common and contributes to adverse health outcomes, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare expenditure. The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic validity to estimate the prevalence of non-adherence in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia using two self-reported methods (SRMs) that are useful and easy in clinical practice, considering the pill count as a reference method (RM). Methods: The cohort study was nested in a multicenter randomized controlled trial NCT03325699. A total of 387 patients from 8 health centers were selected using a non-probabilistic consecutive sampling method. Inclusion criteria were as follows: a score of 20-28 points on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE); older than 55 years; taking prescribed medication; and are in charge of their own medication use. Participants were followed up for 18 months after the baseline visit, i.e., 6, 12, and 18 months. Variables related with treatment adherences were measured in all visits. The variables included age, sex, treatment, comorbidities, and the MMSE test. Adherences included pill counts and Morisky-Green test (MGT) and Batalla test (BT) as SRMs. Statistical analysis included descriptive analysis and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The diagnostic validity included the following: 1) open comparison statistical association between SRMs and RMs and 2) hierarchy comparison: the RM as the best method to assess non-adherence, kappa value (k), sensitivity (S), specificity (Sp), and likelihood ratio (PPV/PPN). Results: A total of 387 patients were recruited with an average age of 73.29 years (95% CI, 72.54-74.04), of which 59.5% were female. Comorbidities were 54.4% HTA, 35.9% osteoarticular pathology, and 24.5% DM. The MMSE mean score was 25.57 (95% CI, 25.34-25.8). The treatment adherence for the RM oscillates between 22.5% in the baseline and 26.3%, 14.8%, and 17.9% in the follow-up visits. For SRMs, the treatment adherence oscillates between 43.5% in the baseline and 32.4%, 21.9%, and 20.3% in the follow-up visits. The kappa value was statistically significant in all the comparison in all visits with a score between 0.16 and 035. Regarding the diagnostic validity, for the MGT, the sensibility oscillated between 0.4 and 0.58, and the specificity oscillated between 0.68 and 0.87; for the BT, the sensibility oscillated between 0.4 and 0.7, and the specificity oscillated between 0.66 and 0.9; and when both tests were used together, the sensibility oscillated between 0.22 and 0.4, and the specificity oscillated between 0.85 and 0.96. Conclusion: SRMs classify non-adherent subjects correctly. They are very easy to use and yield quick results in clinical practice, so SRMs would be used for the non-adherence diagnosis in patients with MCI and mild dementia.

Problematic smartphone use and academic achievement: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background and aims: The present study aimed to synthesize existing quantitative evidence on the relationship between problematic smartphone use (PSU) and academic achievement with a focus on quantifying its magnitude and examining its potential moderators. Methods: Eligible studies were searched for up to February 10, 2023 in six different databases (i.e., MEDLINE, Current Contents Connect, PsycINFO, Web of Science, SciELO, and Dissertations & Theses Global). Studies were considered eligible if they provided information derived from self-report instruments that allowed statistical calculation of the relationship between PSU and academic achievement. Pooled effect sizes (r) were computed using a random-effects model. Meta-regressions were conducted to test the influence of study-level moderators on the relationship of interest. Influence analyses and a three-parameter selection model (3PSM) were conducted to examine the robustness of the results and publication bias, respectively. Results: A total of 33 effect sizes from 29 studies (n = 48,490) were retrieved. Results showed a small effect size (r = -0.110), which tended to be larger in samples consisting of students from elementary and middle schools. Discussion and Conclusions: Findings from the present study contribute to the understanding of a potential determinant of decreased academic achievement by providing evidence that PSU may be one of them.

Optimizing the releasing strategy used for the biological control of the sugarcane borer Diatraea saccharalis by Trichogramma galloi with computer modeling and simulation.

One of the challenges in augmentative biological control programs is the definition of releasing strategy for natural enemies, especially when macro-organisms are involved. Important information about the density of insects to be released and frequency of releases usually requires a great number of experiments, which implies time and space that are not always readily available. In order to provide science-based responses for these questions, computational models offer an in silico option to simulate different biocontrol agent releasing scenarios. This allows decision-makers to focus their efforts to more feasible options. The major insect pest in sugarcane crops is the sugarcane borer Diatraea saccharalis, which can be managed using the egg parasitoid Trichogramma galloi. The current strategy consists in releasing 50,000 insects per hectare for each release, in three weekly releases. Here, we present a simulation model to check whether this releasing strategy is optimal against the sugarcane borer. A sensitive analysis revealed that the population of the pest is more affected by the number of releases rather than by the density of parasitoids released. Only the number of releases demonstrated an ability to drive the population curve of the pest towards a negative growth. For example, releasing a total of 600,000 insects per hectare in three releases led to a lower pest control efficacy that releasing only 250,000 insects per hectare in five releases. A higher number of releases covers a wider range of time, increasing the likelihood of releasing parasitoids at the correct time given that the egg stage is short. Based on these results, it is suggested that, if modifications to the releasing strategy are desired, increasing the number of releases from 3 to 5 at weekly intervals is most likely preferable.

Smoking Cessation Support in the Context of Other Social and Behavioral Needs in Community Health Centers.

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking rates remain disproportionately high among low income populations with unmet social and behavioral health needs. To address this problem, we sought to develop and evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a novel smoking cessation program for community health centers that serve these populations. METHODS: We implemented a randomized pilot trial of two smoking cessation programs in three county operated community health center (CHC) sites: (1) a systematic assessment of smoking habits and standard tools to assist with smoking cessation counseling ("Enhanced Standard Program" or ESP), and (2) another that added a structured assessment of social and behavioral barriers to smoking cessation, ("Connection to Health for Smokers" or CTHS). Clinical outcomes were evaluated between 10 to 16 weeks, supplemented with interviews of patient participants and health care team members. RESULTS: 141 adults were randomized and 123 completed the intervention (61 in ESP, 62 in CTHS). At follow-up, over half of participants reported ≥1 quit attempts (59.7% ESP and 56.5% CTHS; adjusted p = .66) while more in ESP (24.6% vs. 12.9%) were documented as not smoking in the last 7 days (adjusted p = 0.03). In addition to being in ESP, predictors of smoking cessation included higher baseline confidence in ability to quit (p = 0.02) and more quit attempts during the study (p = 0.04). Health care teams, however, generally preferred the more comprehensive approach of CTHS. CONCLUSION: Lessons learned from this pilot study may inform the development of effective smoking cessation programs for CHCs that combine elements of both interventions.

Comparison of perioperative outcomes in obese and non-obese patients subjected to open lumbar spine surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity is a global epidemic affecting developing countries. The relationship between obesity and perioperative outcomes during elective lumbar spine surgery remains controversial, especially in those without morbid disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively revised the medical records of patients with lumbar spine degeneration subjected to elective surgery. The data retrieved included demographic and clinical characteristics, body mass index (BMI), obesity status (BMI ≥ 30), surgical interventions, estimated blood loss (EBL), operative time, length of stay (LOS), and post-operative complications. Perioperative outcomes were compared between Grade I-II obese and non-obese individuals. RESULTS: We enrolled 53 patients, 18 with Grade I-II obesity. Their median age was 51, with no differences in gender, comorbidities, laboratory parameters, and surgical procedures received between groups. No clinically relevant differences were found between grade I-II obese and non-obese participants in EBL (300 mL vs. 250 mL, p = 0.069), operative time (3.2 h vs. 3.0 h, p = 0.037), and LOS (6 days vs. 5 days, p = 0.3). Furthermore, BMI was not associated with the incidence of significant bleeding and long stay but showed a modest correlation with operative time. CONCLUSION: Grade I-II obesity does not increase surgical complexity nor perioperative complications during open lumbar spine surgery.

OBJETIVO: La obesidad es una epidemia mundial que afecta a países subdesarrollados. Su relación con los resultados de la cirugía de columna lumbar electiva sigue siendo controvertida, especialmente en obesos sin enfermedad mórbida. MÉTODOS: Se revisaron los expedientes de pacientes con degeneración de la columna lumbar sometidos a cirugía. Los datos recuperados incluyeron características demográficas y clínicas, índice de masa corporal (IMC), estado de obesidad (IMC > 30), intervenciones quirúrgicas, sangrado estimado, tiempo operatorio, tiempo de estancia y complicaciones. Los resultados se compararon entre individuos obesos grado I-II y controles. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 53 pacientes, 18 con obesidad de grado I-II. La edad media fue de 51 años, sin diferencias en el sexo, las comorbilidades, los parámetros de laboratorio y los procedimientos quirúrgicos recibidos entre grupos. No se encontraron diferencias relevantes entre los participantes obesos y los no obesos en sangrado (300 vs. 250 mL, p = 0.069), tiempo operatorio (3.2 vs. 3.0 horas, p = 0.037) y estancia (6 vs. 5 días, p = 0.3). El IMC no se asoció con hemorragia y larga estancia, pero mostró una correlación modesta con el tiempo operatorio. CONCLUSIONES: La obesidad grado I-II no predispone a complicaciones durante la cirugía de columna lumbar.

Gender differences and risk of readmission in hospitalizations with a diagnosis of psychotic spectrum disorders.

BACKGROUND: Gender differences in psychosis are a topic that has been studied considering different aspects. Although some available evidence would point to a possible better prognosis in women, this claim is far from conclusively established. METHODS: We propose an analysis of gender differences in the risk of readmission to an acute hospitalization unit, an indicator related to prognosis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We found that although the risk of readmission at 1 year is lower in women, this seems to be explained by other confounding factors.

Fine-mapping genomic loci refines bipolar disorder risk genes.

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a heritable mental illness with complex etiology. While the largest published genome-wide association study identified 64 BD risk loci, the causal SNPs and genes within these loci remain unknown. We applied a suite of statistical and functional fine-mapping methods to these loci, and prioritized 22 likely causal SNPs for BD. We mapped these SNPs to genes, and investigated their likely functional consequences by integrating variant annotations, brain cell-type epigenomic annotations, brain quantitative trait loci, and results from rare variant exome sequencing in BD. Convergent lines of evidence supported the roles of SCN2A, TRANK1, DCLK3, INSYN2B, SYNE1, THSD7A, CACNA1B, TUBBP5, PLCB3, PRDX5, KCNK4, AP001453.3, TRPT1, FKBP2, DNAJC4, RASGRP1, FURIN, FES, YWHAE, DPH1, GSDMB, MED24, THRA, EEF1A2, and KCNQ2 in BD. These represent promising candidates for functional experiments to understand biological mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Additionally, we demonstrated that fine-mapping effect sizes can improve performance and transferability of BD polygenic risk scores across ancestrally diverse populations, and present a high-throughput fine-mapping pipeline (https://github.com/mkoromina/SAFFARI).

Analysis of Mercury in Aquifers in Gold Mining Areas in the Ecuadorian Amazon and Its Associated Risk for Human Health.

Gold mining activity is a source of supply in many areas of the world, and especially in developing countries, it is practiced illegally and by applying unsafe techniques. Particularly in Ecuador, artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is widespread, and it is based on the use of toxic substances, such as mercury (Hg), in gold recovery. Hg is a heavy metal that is water-insoluble, which, once mobilized, poses a threat to both the environment and human health. This study analyzes Hg concentrations in the six provinces of Napo, Sucumbíos, Orellana, Pastaza, Morona Santiago, and Zamora Chinchipe of the Ecuadorian Amazon region to conduct a human health risk assessment. Significant differences in Hg levels were found between provinces, but concentrations were below MPL imposed by Ecuadorian regulations everywhere. Nevertheless, a worrisome picture emerges, especially with regard to the most vulnerable receptors represented by the child population. There are multiple factors of incidence that may affect the possible future development of the phenomenon, and with reference to the social, economic, and environmental context of the region, it can be concluded that it may be appropriate to plan further investigation to arrive at a more comprehensive assessment. The results of this study can be used by decision makers to plan further investigation and to implement monitoring networks, risk mitigation strategies, and groundwater protection measures.

Elucidation of temperature-induced water structuring on cellulose surfaces for environmental and energy sustainability.

Optimizing drying energy in the forest products industry is critical for integrating lignocellulosic feedstocks across all manufacturing sectors. Despite substantial efforts to reduce thermal energy consumption during drying, further enhancements are possible. Cellulose, the main component of forest products, is Earth's most abundant biopolymer and a promising renewable feedstock. This study employs all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to explore the structural dynamics of a small Iß-cellulose microcrystallite and surrounding water layers during drying. Molecular and atomistic profiles revealed localized water near the cellulose surface, with water structuring extending beyond 8 Å into the water bulk, influencing solvent-accessible surface area and solvation energy. With increasing temperature, there was a ∼20 % reduction in the cellulose surface available for interaction with water molecules, and a ∼22 % reduction in solvation energy. The number of hydrogen bonds increased with thicker water layers, facilitated by a "bridging" effect. Electrostatic interactions dominated the intermolecular interactions at all temperatures, creating an energetic barrier that hinders water removal, slowing the drying processes. Understanding temperature-dependent cellulose-water interactions at the molecular level will help in designing novel strategies to address drying energy consumption, advancing the adoption of lignocellulosics as viable manufacturing feedstocks.

Community-based art groups in mental health recovery: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.

INTRODUCTION: Though the evidence of the role of the arts in mental health is growing, no systematic review has focused on the impact of art groups in non-clinical settings in the process of recovery following the CHIME framework. AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of engaging in community-based art groups in mental health recovery. METHOD: A search in five electronic databases for relevant research using quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods published between 2000 and 2019 identified nine eligible studies. RESULTS: While there was great methodological heterogeneity, most studies were qualitative, used visual arts, facilitated by artists and assessed by mental health nurses, and took place in community locations or artistic venues. Quantitative outcomes, though few, provided evidence of increased well-being, and qualitative outcomes corresponded mostly with the recovery process of Connectedness. Additional outcomes related to the settings were a sense of safety and to the intervention: self-expression, development of skills and achievements, and the impact of final exhibitions and peer leadership. DISCUSSION: Studies should aim at prospective designs following mixed methods approaches, with larger and gender-sensitive samples, control groups and follow-up assessments, and evaluate cost-effectiveness. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Community-based art groups which increase well-being and promote connectedness should be key in recovery-action planning.

Community engagement in the development of health-related data visualizations: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aims to address a gap in the literature on community engagement in developing data visualizations intended to improve population health. The review objectives are to: (1) synthesize literature on the types of community engagement activities conducted by researchers working with community partners and (2) characterize instances of "creative data literacy" within data visualizations developed in community-researcher partnerships. METHODS: Using the 2018 PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines, the review focuses on peer-reviewed journal articles from 2010 to 2022 in PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. A community engagement tool was applied to the studies by independent reviewers to classify levels of community engagement, social determinants, and vulnerable populations. RESULTS: Twenty-seven articles were included in the scoping review. Twelve articles worked with vulnerable populations. Four articles attempted to alleviate barriers to representation in their respective studies, with addressing language barriers being the most prevalent approach. Thirteen articles considered social determinants of health. Sixteen studies engaged in iterative approaches with intended users when developing the visualization or tool. DISCUSSION: Only a few significant examples of creative data literacy are incorporated in the studies. We recommend a specific focus on engaging intended users at every step of the development process, addressing language and cultural differences, and empowering intended users as data storytellers. CONCLUSIONS: There is room for deeper and more meaningful community involvement in the development of health-related data visualizations geared towards them.

Domestication signatures in the non-conventional yeast Lachancea cidri.

Evaluating domestication signatures beyond model organisms is essential for a thorough understanding of the genotype-phenotype relationship in wild and human-related environments. Structural variations (SVs) can significantly impact phenotypes playing an important role in the physiological adaptation of species to different niches, including during domestication. A detailed characterization of the fitness consequences of these genomic rearrangements, however, is still limited in non-model systems, largely due to the paucity of direct comparisons between domesticated and wild isolates. Here, we used a combination of sequencing strategies to explore major genomic rearrangements in a Lachancea cidri yeast strain isolated from cider (CBS2950) and compared them to those in eight wild isolates from primary forests. Genomic analysis revealed dozens of SVs, including a large reciprocal translocation (~16 kb and 500 kb) present in the cider strain, but absent from all wild strains. Interestingly, the number of SVs was higher relative to single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the cider strain, suggesting a significant role in the strain's phenotypic variation. The set of SVs identified directly impacts dozens of genes and likely underpins the greater fermentation performance in the L. cidri CBS2950. In addition, the large reciprocal translocation affects a proline permease (PUT4) regulatory region, resulting in higher PUT4 transcript levels, which agrees with higher ethanol tolerance, improved cell growth when using proline, and higher amino acid consumption during fermentation. These results suggest that SVs are responsible for the rapid physiological adaptation of yeast to a human-related environment and demonstrate the key contribution of SVs in adaptive fermentative traits in non-model species.IMPORTANCEThe exploration of domestication signatures associated with human-related environments has predominantly focused on studies conducted on model organisms, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, overlooking the potential for comparisons across other non-Saccharomyces species. In our research, employing a combination of long- and short-read data, we found domestication signatures in Lachancea cidri, a non-model species recently isolated from fermentative environments in cider in France. The significance of our study lies in the identification of large array of major genomic rearrangements in a cider strain compared to wild isolates, which underly several fermentative traits. These domestication signatures result from structural variants, which are likely responsible for the phenotypic differences between strains, providing a rapid path of adaptation to human-related environments.

SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and respiratory disease disability claims in Mexico City Metropolitan Area.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in workers from an essential large-scale company in the Greater Mexico City Metropolitan Area using point prevalence of acute infection, point prevalence of past infection through serum antibodies and respiratory disease short-term disability claims (RD-STDC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four randomized surveys, three during 2020 before and one after (December 2021) vaccines' availability. OUTCOMES: point prevalence of acute infection through saliva PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing, point prevalence of past infection through serum antibodies against Covid-19, RD-STDC and prevalence of symptoms during the previous six months. RESULTS: Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 cases was 1.29-4.88%, on average, a quarter of participants pre-vaccination were seropositive; over half of participants with a RD-STDC had antibodies. The odds of having antibodies were 6-7 times more among workers with an RD-STDC. CONCLUSIONS: High antibody levels against Covid-19 in this study population reflects that coverage is high among workers in this industry. STDCs are a useful tool to track workplace epidemics.

Impulsivity, decision-making, and risk behavior in bipolar disorder and major depression from bipolar multiplex families.

OBJECTIVES: Bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are characterized by specific alterations of mood. In both disorders, alterations in cognitive domains such as impulsivity, decision-making, and risk-taking have been reported. Identification of similarities and differences of these domains in BD and MDD could give further insight into their etiology. The present study assessed impulsivity, decision-making, and risk-taking behavior in BD and MDD patients from bipolar multiplex families. METHODS: Eighty-two participants (BD type I, n = 25; MDD, n = 26; healthy relatives (HR), n = 17; and healthy controls (HC), n = 14) underwent diagnostic interviews and selected tests of a cognitive battery assessing neurocognitive performance across multiple subdomains including impulsivity (response inhibition and delay aversion), decision-making, and risk behavior. Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used to analyze whether the groups differed in the respective cognitive domains. RESULTS: Participants with BD and MDD showed higher impulsivity levels compared to HC; this difference was more pronounced in BD participants. BD participants also showed lower inhibitory control than MDD participants. Overall, suboptimal decision-making was associated with both mood disorders (BD and MDD). In risk-taking behavior, no significant impairment was found in any group. LIMITATIONS: As sample size was limited, it is possible that differences between BD and MDD may have escaped detection due to lack of statistical power. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that alterations of cognitive domains-while present in both disorders-are differently associated with BD and MDD. This underscores the importance of assessing such domains in addition to mere diagnosis of mood disorders.