Temporal analysis of hippocampal CA3 gene coexpression networks in a rat model of febrile seizures

Complex febrile seizures during infancy constitute an important risk factor for development of epilepsy. However, little is known about the alterations induced by febrile seizures that make the brain susceptible to epileptic activity. In this context, the use of animal models of hyperthermic seizures (HS) could allow the temporal analysis of brain molecular changes that arise after febrile seizures. Here, we investigated temporal changes in hippocampal gene coexpression networks during the development of rats submitted to HS. Total RNA samples were obtained from the ventral hippocampal CA3 region at four time points after HS at postnatal day (P) 11 and later used for gene expression profiling. Temporal endpoints were selected for investigating the acute (P12), latent (P30 and P60) and chronic (P120) stages of the HS model. A weighted gene coexpression network analysis was used to characterize modules of coexpressed genes, as these modules might contain genes with similar functions. The transcriptome analysis pipeline consisted of building gene coexpression networks, identifying network modules and hubs, performing gene-trait correlations and examining changes in module connectivity. Modules were functionally enriched to identify functions associated with HS. Our data showed that HS induce changes in developmental, cell adhesion and immune pathways, such as Wnt, Hippo, Notch, Jak-Stat and Mapk. Interestingly, modules involved in cell adhesion, neuronal differentiation and synaptic transmission were activated as early as 1 day after HS. These results suggest that HS trigger transcriptional alterations that could lead to persistent neurogenesis, tissue remodeling and inflammation in the CA3 hippocampus, making the brain prone to epileptic activity.

Summary: We carried out a temporal analysis of hippocampal gene coexpression networks to identify relevant genes in a rat model of hyperthermic seizures. These genes were mostly related to immune response, cell adhesion and neurogenesis.

Wild rabbit restocking: Suitable acclimation conditions foster adaptive behaviour and improve survival of captive reared rabbits

Wild rabbit is a very important species in the Mediterranean region. Its relevance is both ecological, being a keystone species —prey for several predators— and economic, as it is the most important and the most managed small game species among mammals in the Iberian Peninsula. Although both researchers and game managers claim restocking operations have moderate to low success, it is still one of the management measures often used by conservationists and hunters to recover or boost wild rabbit populations. The high mortality usually verified in the first days after release is the main limiting factor in rabbit restocking. Based on practical research, protocols have improved, pointing out good practices and suggestions to increase success. Adopting soft instead of hard-release protocols has been proven to increase short-term survival after liberation. Aware that purchased rabbits seldom display a quick adaptation to the field, we performed two restocking experiments with different conditions (acclimation period and park size) in order to compare the outcomes in terms of survival rate. The rabbit batch that experienced a longer acclimation period in a larger park showed higher survival rates, as well as more frequent and much larger spatial movements. These results suggest that proper conditions during acclimation may contribute to the success of wild rabbit restocking operations.

Infection of the muscle tissue of the filter-feeding cichlid, Chaetobranchopsis orbicularis Steindachner, 1875, by Kudoa orbicularis (Myxozoa: Multivalvulidae) on Marajó Island in the Brazilian Amazon region

ABSTRACT This study describes aspects of infections caused by the myxosporidian Kudoa orbicularis in filter-feeding cichlids, Chaetobranchopsis orbicularis, caught in the Arari River in the municipality of Cachoeira do Arari, on Marajó Island, Pará, Brazil. The parasite forms pseudocysts scattered throughout the striated epaxial and hypaxial muscles. Samples embedded in paraffin were analyzed histologically using hematoxylin-eosin, Gömöri, Ziehl-Neelsen, and Giemsa staining. Necropsy of the C. orbicularis specimens revealed that 100% (50/50) were infected with K. orbicularis. The specimens presented grossly abnormal muscle texture, resulting in extensive inconsistencies and weakness. Progressive softening of the muscles was observed during necropsy, indicating the rapid enzymatic autolysis of the tissue. The parasite found in the muscle tissue of C. orbicularis was identified as K. orbicularis, with clinical signs of disease being observed in the fish. The necropsy revealed extensive damage to the host organism, with well-established fibrocystic infections in the muscle fibers, associated with post mortem myoliquefaction.

T1-Weighted Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MR Perfusion Imaging Characterizes Tumor Response to Radiation Therapy in Chordoma

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Chordomas notoriously demonstrate a paucity of changes following radiation therapy on conventional MR imaging. We hypothesized that dynamic contrast-enhanced MR perfusion imaging parameters of chordomas would change significantly following radiation therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eleven patients with pathology-proved chordoma who completed dynamic contrast-enhanced MR perfusion imaging pre- and postradiation therapy were enrolled. Quantitative tumor measurements were obtained by 2 attending neuroradiologists. ROIs were used to calculate vascular permeability and plasma volume and generate dynamic contrast-enhancement curves. Quantitative analysis was performed to determine mean and maximum plasma volume and vascular permeability values, while semiquantitative analysis on averaged concentration curves was used to determine the area under the curve. A Mann-Whitney U test at a significance level of P < .05 was used to assess differences of the above parameters between pre- and postradiation therapy.

RESULTS

Plasma volume mean (pretreatment mean = 0.82; posttreatment mean = 0.42), plasma volume maximum (pretreatment mean = 3.56; posttreatment mean = 2.27), and vascular permeability mean (pretreatment mean = 0.046; posttreatment mean = 0.028) in the ROIs significantly decreased after radiation therapy (P < .05); this change thereby demonstrated the potential for assessing tumor response. Area under the curve values also demonstrated significant differences (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma volume and vascular permeability decreased after radiation therapy, suggesting that these dynamic contrast-enhanced MR perfusion parameters may be useful for monitoring chordoma growth and response to radiation therapy. Additionally, the characteristic dynamic MR signal intensity-time curve of chordoma may provide a radiographic means of distinguishing chordoma from other spinal lesions.

PTSD And Quality of Life Among Firefighters and Municipal Police Forces

Research has shown that PTSD is prevalent among firefighters and police forces and that Quality of Life (QoL) is seriously compromised in individuals suffering from PTSD. However, QoL studies with these professionals are scarce. This study results from a screening program held by the Portuguese Red Cross (PRC) aiming to analyze predictors of QoL. Participants were 95 firefighters and municipal police officers. They answered the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5) in order to evaluate the prevalence of PTSD symptoms, as well as measures of social support (3-Item Oslo Social Support Scale) and QoL (EUROHIS-QOL-8). From the results, there were no group differences regarding total PTSD, social support or QoL and 10% of participants reported enough symptoms to PTSD diagnostic. Social Support and PTSD explained 25% of QoL variance, PTSD symptoms explaining 10% (negative beta) and, in the second step, social support explained 15%. The results suggest that it would be important to include QoL as an outcome measure in clinical and research work in these populations, with special attention to PTSD and social support.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Recommendations for the neuropsychological assessment supporting the diagnosis of dementia in the Luxembourgish context (NP-DiaDem)

The diagnosis of neurocognitive disorders such as mild cognitive impairments and dementia is a challenging endeavour. On behalf of the neuropsychologists of the Luxembourgish Society of Psychology (SLP), the authors develop a common framework for the neuropsychological diagnosis of dementia in the Luxembourgish context (NP-DiaDem) and promote the role of the neuropsychologist in this process. The paper's aim is threefold: (I) highlighting the role of the neuropsychological evaluation to support the medical diagnosis of neurodegenerative cognitive disorders; (II) providing recommendations for the neuropsychological assessment, based on recently published international guidelines; and (III) providing a new diagnostic process, facilitating the differentiation between mild and more severe states of cognitive decline. An important heterogeneity in the evaluation of cognitive performances and assessments instruments exists, partly due to the multicultural and multilingual context of the population living in Luxembourg. Prior applying the present recommendations, a note on the specific Luxembourgish context is provided as it influences directly the diagnostic process. The absence of validated and culturally adapted assessment tools for the Luxembourgish context is a serious problem in the diagnosis of cognitive deficits of either origin. The taskforce therefore strongly recommends and supports the development of a large database of cognitive performance data and hence population-specific norms for some of the most basic diagnostic tools.

Exploratory study comparing dysautonomia between asthmatic and non-asthmatic elite swimmers

BACKGROUND

Dysautonomia has been independently associated with training and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. In addition, neurogenic airway inflammation was recently associated with swimmers-asthma. We aimed to assess the relation between autonomic nervous system and airway responsiveness of asthmatic elite swimmers.

METHODS

Twenty-seven elite swimmers, 11 of whom had asthma, were enrolled in this exploratory cross-sectional study. All performed spirometry with bronchodilation, skin prick tests and methacholine challenge according to the guidelines. Pupillometry was performed using PLR-200™ Pupillometer. One pupil light response curve for each eye was recorded and the mean values of pupil's maximal and minimal diameters, percentage of constriction, average and maximum constriction velocities (parasympathetic parameters), dilation velocity, and total time to recover 75% of the initial size (sympathetic parameters) were used for analysis. Asthma was defined using IOC-MC criteria; subjects were divided into airway hyperesponsiveness (AHR) severity according to methacholine PD20 in: no AHR, borderline, mild, moderate and severe AHR. Differences for pupillary parameters between groups and after categorization by AHR severity were assessed using SPSS 20.0 (p ≤ 0.05). In individuals with clinically relevant AHR, correlation between PD20 and pupillary parameters was investigated with Spearman's correlation test.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were observed between asthmatic and non-asthmatic swimmers regarding parasympathetic parameters. When stratified by AHR, maximal and minimal diameters and percentage of constriction were significantly lower among those with severe AHR. Among swimmers with clinically relevant AHR (n = 18), PD20 correlated with parasympathetic activity: maximal (r = 0.67, p = 0.002) and minimal diameters (r = 0.75, p<0.001), percentage of constriction (r = -0.59, p = 0.011) and latency (r = 0.490, p = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONS

No significant differences were observed between asthmatic and non-asthmatic swimmers regarding parasympathetic parameters, but among those with relevant AHR an association was found. Although limited by the sample size, these findings support the relation between dysautonomia and AHR in asthmatic swimmers.

Multiple nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome associated with congenital orbital teratoma, caused by a PTCH1 frameshift mutation

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome, or nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS), is a rare autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in the PTCH1 gene and shows a high level of penetrance and variable expressivity. The syndrome is characterized by developmental abnormalities or neoplasms and is diagnosed with 2 major criteria, or with 1 major and 2 minor criteria. Here, we report a new clinical manifestation associated with this syndrome in a boy affected by NBCCS who had congenital orbital teratoma at birth. Later, at the age of 15 years, he presented with 4 major and 4 minor criteria of NBCCS, including multiple basal cell carcinoma and 2 odontogenic keratocysts of the jaw, both confirmed by histology, more than 5 palmar pits, calcification of the cerebral falx, extensive meningeal calcifications, macrocephaly, hypertelorism, frontal bosses, and kyphoscoliosis. PTCH1 mutation analysis revealed the heterozygous germline mutation c.290dupA. This mutation generated a frameshift within exon 2 and an early premature stop codon (p.Asn97LysfsX43), predicting a truncated protein with complete loss of function. Identification of this mutation is useful for genetic counseling. Although the clinical symptoms are well-known, our case contributes to the understanding of phenotypic variability in NBCCS, highlighting that PTCH1 mutations cannot be used for predicting disease burden and reinforces the need of a multidisciplinary team in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of NBCCS patients.

Antifungal Activity of Amphotericin B and Itraconazole against Filamentous Fungi: Comparison of the Sensititre Yeast OneŴ and NCCLS M38-A Reference Methods

The susceptibilities of 81 clinical isolates of Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., and Scedosporium spp., to amphotericin B and itraconazole were determined by the colorimetric microdilution method Sensititre and the reference microdilution method of NCCLS standard M38-A for filamentous fungi. No major discrepancies were found and agreement ranged between 86.4% to 84% and 69.1% to 86.4% for amphotericin B and itraconazole respectively at 48 h and 72 h of incubation by using the recommended endpoints. Within two two-fold dilutions, high levels of agreement were found in general for amphotericin B at 48 or 72 h (86.4 to 87.7%) and itraconazole (91.4 to 93.8%). Relatively better agreement was found for itraconazole at 72 h of incubation and 48 for amphotericin B.

Evaluation of the potential of squash pumpkin by-products (seeds and shell) as sources of antioxidant and bioactive compounds

The transformation of byproducts and wastes generated by agro-food companies is of high importance since only a small portion of plant material is utilized directly for human consumption. Squash pumpkin is greatly used in Portugal and as by-products of its processing are generated tons of shell and seeds. In this study we aim to evaluate the potential of these wastes as sources of beneficial and bioactive compounds (antioxidants and antimicrobials), studying the effect of different extraction solvents and drying methods. The samples (fresh and cooked) were freeze-dried and oven-dried followed by extraction with different solvents that revealed the following decreasing order of efficiency: 70 % ethanol, 70 % methanol, 70 % acetone, ultra-pure water and 100 % dichloromethane. The oven-dried samples showed higher values of antioxidant activity and phenolic content, with exception of the values of phenolics for the seeds material. The shell samples presented higher values (1.47 - 70.96 % inhibition) of antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (2.00 - 10.69 mg GAE/g DW). A positive correlation was found between these two parameters on the shell samples, however the squash seeds revealed a negative correlation between the phenolic content and the antioxidant activity. The results show that these industrial agro-food residues are potentially good sources of bioactive compounds with health benefits.