The branched mitochondrial respiratory chain from the jellyfish Stomolophus sp2 as a probable adaptive response to environmental changes.

During their long evolutionary history, jellyfish have faced changes in multiple environmental factors, to which they may selectively fix adaptations, allowing some species to survive and inhabit diverse environments. Previous findings have confirmed the jellyfish's ability to synthesize large ATP amounts, mainly produced by mitochondria, in response to environmental challenges. This study characterized the respiratory chain from the mitochondria of the jellyfish Stomolophus sp2 (previously misidentified as Stomolophus meleagris). The in-gel activity from isolated jellyfish mitochondria confirmed that the mitochondrial respiratory chain contains the four canonical complexes I to IV and F0F1-ATP synthase. Specific additional activity bands, immunodetection, and mass spectrometry identification confirmed the occurrence of four alternative enzymes integrated into a branched mitochondrial respiratory chain of Stomolophus sp2: an alternative oxidase and three dehydrogenases (two NADH type II enzymes and a mitochondrial glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase). The analysis of each transcript sequence, their phylogenetic relationships, and each protein's predicted models confirmed the mitochondrial alternative enzymes' identity and specific characteristics. Although no statistical differences were found among the mean values of transcript abundance of each enzyme in the transcriptomes of jellyfish exposed to three different temperatures, it was confirmed that each gene was expressed at all tested conditions. These first-time reported enzymes in cnidarians suggest the adaptative ability of jellyfish's mitochondria to display rapid metabolic responses, as previously described, to maintain energetic homeostasis and face temperature variations due to climate change.

Development and validation of a real-time PCR assay protocol for the specific detection and quantification of pelagiphages in seawater samples.

Earth is inhabited by numerous adaptations of cellular forms shaped by the persistent scrutiny of natural selection. Thus, as natural selection has fixed beneficial adaptations of functional traits, cellular life has conquered almost all environmental niches on our planet. However, cellular life succumbs in number and genetic diversity to viruses. Among all viruses, phages are highly prevalent in diverse environments, and due to their vast genetic diversity and abundance, their relevant role as significant players in several ecological processes is now fully recognized. Pelagiphages, bacteriophages infecting bacteria of the SAR11 clade, are the most abundant viruses in the oceans. However, the ecological contribution of pelagiphages on populations of Pelagibacterales remains largely underestimated. An essential aspect of estimating the impact of bacteriophages is their absolute and precise quantification, which provides relevant information about the host-virus interactions and the structure of viral assemblages. Consequently, due to its abundance and claimed influence in the biogeochemical cycling of elements, the accurate quantification of pelagiphages results in an essential task. This study describes the development and validation of a sensitive, specific, accurate and reproducible qPCR platform targeting pelagiphages. Moreover, this method allowed the detection and quantification of pelagiphages in the Gulf of California for the first time.

Consenso nacional sobre los contenidos de Grado en Fisioterapia cardiorrespiratoria: estudio Delphi / National consensus on cardiorespiratory physiotherapy curricula in Bachelor's degree programs: A Delphi study

Antecedentes y objetivos El plan de estudios del Grado en Fisioterapia debe dar respuesta a las demandas de los usuarios de Fisioterapia en las principales áreas de su práctica profesional y preparar a los fisioterapeutas para actuar en un entorno complejo y cambiante. El objetivo del presente estudio es elaborar y validar un listado de conocimientos (syllabus) de Fisioterapia cardiorrespiratoria en el título de Grado. Material y métodos Estudio Delphi con tres rondas de consulta realizadas entre febrero y marzo de 2021, mediante encuesta digital. Para ello, se formó un grupo de 14 expertos en Fisioterapia cardiorrespiratoria, de toda España, con diferentes perfiles profesionales. Para establecer el grado de acuerdo en las diferentes rondas se empleó el índice estadístico Free-Marginal Multirater Kappa, siendo necesario al menos un 70% de consenso. Para analizar la estabilidad en las respuestas se empleó el estadístico Kappa de Cohen (K). Resultados Se obtuvieron un 100% de respuestas en las tres rondas de consulta realizadas. Al final del proceso se alcanzó un syllabus formado por 11 bloques temáticos, con 48 ítems, con un porcentaje medio de acuerdo del 90,64%, y una estabilidad en las repuestas de K=0,57 (p<0,001), lo que equivale a una concordancia moderada. Conclusiones El syllabus validado por un grupo de 14 fisioterapeutas expertos y expertas en Fisioterapia respiratoria y cardíaca define los contenidos que deberían formar parte del Grado en Fisioterapia para poder dar respuesta a las necesidades asistenciales en afecciones cardiorrespiratorias, en un contexto complejo y cambiante, acorde a una intervención contemporánea (AU)

Background and objectives The curricula of the Bachelor's degree in physiotherapy must respond to the current demands of physiotherapy clients in the main areas of their professional practice and prepare physiotherapists to act in a challenging and complex context. The aim of this study is to elaborate and validate a list of knowledge (syllabus) about cardiorespiratory physiotherapy in Bachelor's degree programs. Material and methods A digital survey conducted a three-round Delphi study between February and March 2021. A group of 14 experts in cardiorespiratory physiotherapy from all over Spain and with different professional profiles were contacted. To establish the degree of agreement in the consultation rounds, the free-marginal multirater kappa statistical index was used, requiring at least 70% of consensus. Cohen's kappa statistic (K) was used to analyze the responses’ stability. Results Hundred percentage of responses were obtained in the three rounds of consultation conducted with the expert panel. At the end of the process, a syllabus made up of 11 thematic sections and 48 items was reached. An average of 90.64% of agreement and a stability in the responses of K=0.57 (p<0.001), which equates to moderate agreement, was achieved. Conclusions This syllabus validated by 14 respiratory and cardiac physiotherapy experts, determines the contents that should be part of physiotherapy in Bachelor's degree programs. This knowledge is crucial to address the rehabilitation necessities of cardiorespiratory alterations in a challenging and complex context, according to a contemporary approach of physiotherapy (AU)

The genus Gautieria (Gomphales) in Europe and the Mediterranean Basin: a morphological and phylogenetic taxonomic revision.

Type material and additional collections of 11 taxa of Gautieria described in Europe and North Africa have been studied, namely G. dubia, G. graveolens, G. morchelliformis var. globispora, G. morchelliformis var. magnicellaris, G. morchelliformis var. morchelliformis, G. morchelliformis var. stenospora, G. otthii, G. pseudovestita, G. retirugosa, G. trabutii and G. villosa. At the same time, morphological and genetic studies on recent and herbarium collections from several European countries have been carried out. This enabled clarification of sections within Gautieria and differentiation of 28 taxa, of which 21 are new to science. However, the deeper relationships and nomenclature changes related to the phylogenetic position of the genus Gautieria within Gomphaceae will not be addressed in this study because they would require a more complete molecular analysis together with that of related genera, e.g., Gomphus, Turbinellus, and the four subgenera of Ramaria. In addition, a lectotype for G. villosa var. villosa and reference specimens for G. graveolens and G. morchelliformis var. morchelliformis are selected, and the new combination G. morchelliformis var. dubia is proposed. Detailed descriptions, macro- and microphotographs and distribution maps of all taxa are provided, as well as extensive information on their ecology, chorology and phylogeny. A key is included to facilitate identification of taxa. Citation: Vidal JM, Cseh P, Merényi Z, et al. 2023. The genus Gautieria (Gomphales) in Europe and the Mediterranean Basin: a morphological and phylogenetic taxonomic revision. Persoonia 50: 48 -122. https://doi.org/10.3767/persoonia.2023.50.03.

Association of phenylthiocarbamide perception with anthropometric variables and intake and liking for bitter vegetables.

Phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) sensitivity, a sensory trait mediated by the bitter taste receptor 38 (TAS2R38), has been described as a promising biomarker of health status or disease risk. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the influence of PTC phenotypes on (1) individual anthropometric and clinical history variables; (2) other basic taste recognition thresholds (RTs), and (3) the hedonic perception and habitual intake of Brassicaceae vegetables in a young adult population (18.9 ± 1.7 years old). The PTC phenotype was determined by the quantitative measure of the PTC recognition threshold (non-tasters, 24.1%; tasters, 52.3%; and super tasters, 23.6%). No significant differences in smoking habits, oral and nasal disorders, family antecedents of diseases related to metabolic syndrome, and Brassicaceae vegetable hedonic perception and consumption were found between the PTC phenotype groups. The average BMI of super-taster females and males was significantly lower compared to non-tasters. In addition, the PTC taster status was a predictor of lower scores for other basic taste RTs. Overall, the defined PTC super-taster cohort could be differentiated from the non-tasters by variables related to weight control such as BMI and sucrose RT.

Clinical characteristics of vulnerable populations hospitalized and diagnosed with COVID-19 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

There is not in Argentina publications regarding the presentation of patients with COVID-19 requiring hospitalized and emergency care in vulnerable populations (lower incomes and less education tend at greater risk for poor health status and healthcare access), and it has few reports in developing countries. The objective is to determine whether in the care of vulnerable patients, to succeed against COVID-19, multiple public health tools and interventions will be needed to minimize morbidity and mortality. The study is a prospective cohort investigation of patients with lab-confirmed COVID-19, who required to any of the Health Centers response from April 8, 2020, to August 18, 2020. In Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area (AMBA), April 8, 2020 the virus was identified in patients hospitalized in the "Southeast Network" (SN), AMBA. SN covering an area of 661 square kilometers, with 1.8 million inhabitants residing in urban, and rural areas. A total of 14 health centers with different levels of care complexity provide care to patients in the region. The information of each patient with COVID-19 evaluated by SN, was incorporated in an Epidemiological Dashboard. The investigation was designed and reported with consideration of observational studies in epidemiology. We describe the hospitals presentation and care of persons who required SN response and were ultimately diagnosed with COVID-19. From April 8, 2020, to August 18, 2020, were included 1495 patients with lab-confirmed COVID-19 in SN. A total of 58% patients were men, and the mean age (SD) was 48.9 (15.59) years. Eighty one percent patients with pre-existing diseases, most frequent hypertension and diabetes, but hypertension, chronic lung disease, and cardiovascular disease presented higher risk. A total of 13% were hospitalized in Intensive Therapy Unit. The mortality of the cohort was 9.77%. Mortality was higher for patients aged 65 or more (OR 5.09), and for those had some pre-existing disease (OR 2.61). Our observations are consistent with reports demonstrating older persons, and those with comorbidities have the highest risk of mortality related to COVID-19. However, unlike other reports from developed or some developing countries, the mortality in our study is lower. This finding may be related to age of our cohort is younger than other published. Also, the health system was able to respond to the demand.

TLR4 expression and functionality are downregulated in glioblastoma cells and in tumor-associated macrophages: A new mechanism of immune evasion?

Glioblastoma (GB) is the most common and aggressive form of primary brain tumor, in which the presence of an inflammatory environment, composed mainly by tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), is related to its progression and development of chemoresistance. Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs) are key components of the innate immune system and their expression in both tumor and immune-associated cells may impact the cell communication in the tumor microenvironment (TME), further modeling cancer growth and response to therapy. Here, we investigated the participation of TLR4-mediated signaling as a mechanism of induced-immune escape in GB. Initially, bioinformatics analysis of public datasets revealed that TLR4 expression is lower in GB tumors when compared to astrocytomas (AST), and in a subset of TAMs. Further, we confirmed that TLR4 expression is downregulated in chemoresistant GB, as well as in macrophages co-cultured with GB cells. Additionally, TLR4 function is impaired in those cells even following stimulation with LPS, an agonist of TLR4. Finally, experiments performed in a cohort of clinical primary and metastatic brain tumors indicated that the immunostaining of TLR4 and CD45 are inversely proportional, and confirmed the low TLR4 expression in GBs. Interestingly, the cytoplasmic/nuclear pattern of TLR4 staining in cancer tissues suggests additional roles of this receptor in carcinogenesis. Overall, our data suggest the downregulation of TLR4 expression and activity as a strategy for GB-associated immune escape. Additional studies are necessary to better understand TLR4 signaling in TME in order to improve the benefits of immunotherapy based on TLR signaling.

Prospective cohort study on the management and complications of peripheral venous catheter in patients hospitalised in internal medicine.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse compliance with the recommendations on the insertion-maintenance of peripheral venous catheter (PVC) and the incidence of complications according to the healthcare department that inserted the PVCs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort follow-up study of PVCs, from their insertion in the emergency or internal medicine (IM) department until their withdrawal. RESULTS: We monitored 590 PVCs, 274 from the emergency department and 316 from IM. In terms of compliance with the process indicators, there was a cannulation rate in the antecubital fossa of 3.5 and 1.6 per 100 catheters-day (p < .001) in the emergency and IM departments, respectively. The sterile placement rates were 1.6 and 12.4 (p < .001), and the rate for transparent dressing was 2.1 and 11.5 (p < .001) per 100 catheters-day in the emergency and IM departments, respectively. The complications rates showed no differences between the departments. The most common complication was phlebitis (95 cases, 16.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Compliance with the insertion-maintenance recommendations for PVC showed differences between the departments; however, the incidence of complications was similar.

Estudio de cohortes prospectivo sobre el manejo y las complicaciones del catéter venoso periférico en pacientes ingresados en Medicina Interna / Prospective cohort study on the management and complications of peripheral venous catheter in patients hospitalised in Internal Medicine

Objetivo Analizar la adherencia a las recomendaciones de inserción-mantenimiento del catéter venoso periférico (CVP) y la incidencia de complicaciones según el servicio asistencial de inserción. Pacientes y métodos Estudio de cohortes prospectivo de seguimiento del CVP desde su inserción en Urgencias o Medicina Interna (MI) hasta su retirada. Resultados Se monitorizaron 590 CVP: 274 de Urgencias y 316 de MI. Entre la adherencia a indicadores de proceso destaca la tasa de canalización en fosa antecubital de 3,5 vs. 1,6 por 100 catéteres-día (p <0,001) en Urgencias y MI, respectivamente. La tasa de fijación estéril fue 1,6 vs. 12,4 (p <0,001) y el apósito transparente de 2,1 vs. 11,5 (p <0,001) por 100 catéteres-día en Urgencias y MI, respectivamente. Las tasas de complicaciones no mostraron diferencias entre los servicios. La más frecuente fue la flebitis 95 (16,1%). Conclusiones La adherencia a las recomendaciones de inserción-mantenimiento del CVP mostró diferencias entre servicios; sin embargo, la incidencia de complicaciones fue similar (AU)

Objective To analyse compliance with the recommendations on the insertion-maintenance of peripheral venous catheter (PVC) and the incidence of complications according to the healthcare department that inserted the PVCs. Patients and methods We conducted a prospective cohort follow-up study of PVCs, from their insertion in the emergency or internal medicine (IM) department until their withdrawal. Results We monitored 590 PVCs, 274 from the emergency department and 316 from IM. In terms of compliance with the process indicators, there was a cannulation rate in the antecubital fossa of 3.5 and 1.6 per 100 catheters-day (P<.001) in the emergency and IM departments, respectively. The sterile placement rates were 1.6 and 12.4 (P<.001), and the rate for transparent dressing was 2.1 and 11.5 (P<.001) per 100 catheters-day in the emergency and IM departments, respectively. The complications rates showed no differences between the departments. The most common complication was phlebitis (95 cases, 16.1%). Conclusions Compliance with the insertion-maintenance recommendations for PVC showed differences between the departments; however, the incidence of complications was similar (AU)

Functional capacity, lung function, and muscle strength in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a treatment for benign and malignant hematological diseases. These aggressive treatments cause reduced levels of physical activity, decreased lung function, and worse quality of life. Alterations in pulmonary function tests before HSCT are associated with the risk of respiratory failure and early mortality. The objective of this study was to evaluate functional capacity and lung function before and after HSCT and identify the predictors of mortality after 2 years. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was carried out with individuals with oncohematological diseases. The evaluations were carried out in two moments during hospitalization and at hospital discharge. Follow-up was carried out after 48 months. Assessments were carried out on 34 adults, using spirometry, manovacuometry, 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Handgrip Strength Test, and 30-Second Chair Stand Test (30-s CST). RESULTS: There was a statistically significant reduction for the variables in forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume predicted in the 1st second, Tiffeneau index, handgrip strength, and distance covered (% predicted) on the 6MWT (p < .05). There was a significant difference in the 30-s CST when individuals were compared according to the type of transplant. We found that a 10% reduction in the values of maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) can predict an increased risk for mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals undergoing HSCT have reduced functional capacity, lung function, and muscle strength during the hospitalization phase. Reduction in the values of MIP increases the risk of nonrelapse mortality.

Medical education from the point of view of medical students: Results from four participatory Delphi panels in Quito, Ecuador.

BACKGROUND: Medical curricula have historically been designed in a top-down approach, usually excluding students. While Delphi panels have been used as a tool for medical education curricula design, none have been conducted in Ecuador. In addition, no such approach has ever included students both as panelists and researchers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four Delphi panels were developed and conducted using a participatory approach that allowed medical students to take part both as expert panelists and researchers: specifically, students developed the questionnaire and conducted a qualitative synthesis. Questionnaire responses were anonymized and dispatched online to panelists. The information was organized and collected to develop the qualitative syntheses and prepare the final statements. RESULTS: Thirty-two medical students participated between February and May 2018. A total of 32 questions were developed, corresponding to five different categories. For some questions, consensus was reached; for other questions, general statements were obtained.Discussion and conclusion: Developing the questionnaire, responding to it and analyzing the answers allowed students to raise significant concerns regarding medical education topics proposing relevant policy and curricula change. Participatory Delphi panels can be an efficient tool to obtain organized feedback, improve student class involvement, and promote research skills.

Prospective cohort study on the management and complications of peripheral venous catheters in patients hospitalised in Internal Medicine. / Estudio de cohortes prospectivo sobre el manejo y las complicaciones del catéter venoso periférico en pacientes ingresados en Medicina Interna.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse compliance with the recommendations on the insertion-maintenance of peripheral venous catheters (PVC) and the incidence of complications according to the healthcare department that inserted the PVCs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort follow-up study of PVCs, from their insertion in the emergency or internal medicine (IM) department until their withdrawal. RESULTS: We monitored 590 PVCs, 274 from the emergency department and 316 from IM. In terms of compliance with the process indicators, there was a cannulation rate in the antecubital fossa of 3.5 and 1.6 per 100 catheters-day (P<.001) in the emergency and IM departments, respectively. The sterile placement rates were 1.6 and 12.4 (P<.001), and the rate for transparent dressing was 2.1 and 11.5 (P<.001) per 100 catheters-day in the emergency and IM departments, respectively. The complications rates showed no differences between the departments. The most common complication was phlebitis (95 cases, 16.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Compliance with the insertion-maintenance recommendations for PVC showed differences between the departments; however, the incidence of complications was similar.

Analytical gradients and derivative couplings for dynamically weighted complete active space self-consistent field.

We recently introduced a Dynamically Weighted Complete Active Space Self-Consistent Field (DW-CASSCF) electronic structure for excited-state dynamics. In this Communication, we reformulate analytical gradients at this level of theory using a Lagrangian approach, thereby reducing the required number of coupled-perturbed CASSCF calculations to one per state gradient. In addition, we derive and implement derivative couplings at the DW-CASSCF level for the first time. We demonstrate the new formulation of DW-CASSCF gradients by optimizing a conical intersection for the p-hydroxybenzylidene-imidazolinone anion, the green fluorescent protein chromophore, to shed light on its observed radiationless decay dynamics in the ultraviolet region.

A phylogenetic and taxonomic revision of sequestrate Russulaceae in Mediterranean and temperate Europe.

A comprehensive morphological and genetic study of type material and new collections of sequestrate Russulales species formerly belonging to the genera Arcangeliella, Elasmomyces, Gymnomyces, Hydnangium, Hymenogaster, Macowanites, Martellia, Secotium and Zelleromyces is here undertaken, for the purpose of providing a complete taxonomical revision of sequestrate Russulaceae species in the Mediterranean and temperate regions of Europe. As a result, seven distinct taxa in the genus Lactarius and 18 in the genus Russula are identified. Six of them are new species: L. populicola, L. subgiennensis, R. bavarica, R. candidissima, R. hobartiae and R. mediterraneensis, and seven represent new combinations: L. josserandii (≡ Zelleromyces josserandii), L. soehneri (≡ Hydnangium soehneri), R. candida (≡ Hydnangium candidum), R. cerea (≡ Hydnangium cereum), R. messapica var. messapicoides (≡ Macowanites messapicoides), R. meridionalis (≡ Zelleromyces meridionalis) and R. neuhoffii (≡ Hydnangium neuhoffii). Twenty-two of the 25 taxa are illustrated, while descriptions, microscopy images, as well as extensive information on the ecology, chorology and phylogeny for all taxa are provided. A key is further included to facilitate their identification.

Análisis comparativo de los valores de las presiones respiratorias máximas con los valores de referencia en una población adulta sana / Comparative analysis of maximal respiratory pressures with the reference values of a healthy adult population

Antecedentes y objetivo: La determinación de las presiones respiratorias máximas es un procedimiento no invasivo de gran utilidad clínica para la evaluación de la fuerza de los músculos respiratorios. El objetivo es analizar en qué medida las ecuaciones predictivas existentes para población española, se ajustan a los valores observados de presión inspiratoria y espiratoria máximas (PEM y PIM) en una muestra de sujetos adultos sanos. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo observacional de corte transversal en el que se reclutaron 63 sujetos sanos mediante muestreo probabilístico aleatorizado simple entre la comunidad universitaria de la Universidade da Coruña. Las presiones respiratorias máximas se efectuaron con un transductor de presiones conectado a una boquilla de submarinista, siguiendo las recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Neumología y Cirugía Torácica (SEPAR). Se compararon los resultados con las ecuaciones de Morales de 1997. Resultados: Se presentan los datos de 24 mujeres y 39 hombres (45,94 ± 16,71 años). Existe una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en las mujeres de -19,08 ± 23,57 cmH2O y de -28,13 ± 29,93 cmH2O para la PIM y la PEM, respectivamente, entre el valor observado y el valor predicho. Asimismo, en el caso de los hombres se observó una diferencia estadísticamente significativa de -25,18 ± 24,31 cmH2O para la PIM y de -39,53 ± 44,38 cm H2O para la PEM. Conclusiones: Las ecuaciones predictivas disponibles para las presiones respiratorias máximas sobreestiman considerablemente los valores alcanzados de la PIM y la PEM. Los resultados del presente estudio ponen de manifiesto la necesidad de realizar nuevas ecuaciones de referencia a través de un estudio multicéntrico representativo de toda la población española

Background and aim: The determination of maximal respiratory pressures is a non-invasive process of high clinical value for assessing respiratory muscle strength. The aim is to analyse to what extent the existing predictive equations for the Spanish population are adjusted to the maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP) values observed in a sample of healthy adult subjects. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 63 healthy subjects recruited from the A Coruña University community using a simple random probabilistic method. Maximal respiratory pressures were performed using a pressure transducer connected to a scuba mouthpiece according to the standards of Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR). The results were compared with predictive equations proposed by Morales in 1997. Results: The study included the results from 24 females and 39 males (45.94 ± 16.71 years). Females showed a statically significant difference between the observed and predictive values, with -19.08 ± 23.57 cm H2O and -28.13 ± 29.93 cm H2O for MIP and MEP. A statistically significant difference was also observed for males with -25.18 ± 24.31 cm H2O for MIP and -39.53 ± 44.38 cm H2O for MEP. Conclusions: Predictive equations to calculate the theoretical values of maximal respiratory pressures in a healthy Spanish adult population overestimate considerably the real values of MIP and MEP. The results of this study highlight the need to create new reference equations by conducting a multicentre study representative of the entire Spanish population