Gestational hypothyroxinemia induces ASD-like phenotypes in behavior, proinflammatory markers, and glutamatergic protein expression in mouse offspring of both sexes

Background

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has significantly risen in the past three decades, prompting researchers to explore the potential contributions of environmental factors during pregnancy to ASD development. One such factor of interest is gestational hypothyroxinemia (HTX), a frequent condition in pregnancy associated with cognitive impairments in the offspring. While retrospective human studies have linked gestational HTX to autistic traits, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the development of ASD-like phenotypes remain poorly understood. This study used a mouse model of gestational HTX to evaluate ASD-like phenotypes in the offspring.

Methods

To induce gestational HTX, pregnant mice were treated with 2-mercapto-1-methylimidazole (MMI), a thyroid hormones synthesis inhibitor, in the tap-drinking water from embryonic days (E) 10 to E14. A separate group received MMI along with a daily subcutaneous injection of T4, while the control group received regular tap water during the entire pregnancy. Female and male offspring underwent assessments for repetitive, anxious, and social behaviors from postnatal day (P) 55 to P64. On P65, mice were euthanized for the evaluation of ASD-related inflammatory markers in blood, spleen, and specific brain regions. Additionally, the expression of glutamatergic proteins (NLGN3 and HOMER1) was analyzed in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.

Results

The HTX-offspring exhibited anxious-like behavior, a subordinate state, and impaired social interactions. Subsequently, both female and male HTX-offspring displayed elevated proinflammatory cytokines in blood, including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17A, and TNF-α, while only males showed reduced levels of IL-10. The spleen of HTX-offspring of both sexes showed increased Th17/Treg ratio and M1-like macrophages. In the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of male HTX-offspring, elevated levels of IL-17A and reduced IL-10 were observed, accompanied by increased expression of hippocampal NLGN3 and HOMER1. All these observations were compared to those observed in the Control-offspring. Notably, the supplementation with T4 during the MMI treatment prevents the development of the observed phenotypes. Correlation analysis revealed an association between maternal T4 levels and specific ASD-like outcomes.

Discussion

This study validates human observations, demonstrating for the first time that gestational HTX induces ASD-like phenotypes in the offspring, highlighting the need of monitoring thyroid function during pregnancy.

Comparison of two serological diagnosis tests for bovine paratuberculosis

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is the causal agent of paratuberculosis (PTBC), a chronic infectious granulomatous enteritis of ruminants. The PTBC diagnosis with commercial ELISA has limitations in sensitivity and specificity, and its results depend on the state of progress of the disease. This research aimed to evaluate two different ELISAs: (a) an "in-house" ELISA with a sonicated antigen obtained from a MAP I47 strain, and (b) a commercial ELISA. In total, the evaluated sample consisted of 394 bovine serum samples from 12 farms in Argentina with high (5-9%) and low (≤ 0.05%) prevalence of PTBC. The evaluation of the new antigen (2.5 µg/mL) was against a 1:50 dilution of the M. phlei faced sera. The cut-off point, sensitivity, and specificity determinations of both techniques were by ROC curve analysis. The area under the curve for the I47 ELISA was 0.9 (CI 95%, 0.93-0.97). With a cut-off point of 8.8%, the sensitivity was 84.3% and the specificity 96.6%. The agreement between both techniques was 0.7 (CI 95%, 0.6-0.8). These results indicate a high discriminative capacity to differentiate positive and negative bovine sera of MAP infection with the I47 ELISA. This result would represent an advantage to dispense with the imported kit.

Efficacy of the Vaccine Candidate Based on the P0 Peptide against Dermacentor nitens and Ixodes ricinus Ticks

The control of ticks through vaccination offers a sustainable alternative to the use of chemicals that cause contamination and the selection of resistant tick strains. However, only a limited number of anti-tick vaccines have reached commercial realization. In this sense, an antigen effective against different tick species is a desirable target for developing such vaccines. A peptide derived from the tick P0 protein (pP0) conjugated to a carrier protein has been demonstrated to be effective against the Rhipicephalus microplus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and Amblyomma mixtum tick species. The aim of this work was to assess the efficacy of this peptide when conjugated to the Bm86 protein against Dermacentor nitens and Ixodes ricinus ticks. An RNAi experiment using P0 dsRNA from I. ricinus showed a dramatic reduction in the feeding of injected female ticks on guinea pigs. In the follow-up vaccination experiments, rabbits were immunized with the pP0-Bm86 conjugate and challenged simultaneously with larvae, nymphs, and the adults of I. ricinus ticks. In the same way, horses were immunized with the pP0-Bm86 conjugate and challenged with D. nitens larva. The pP0-Bm86 conjugate showed efficacies of 63% and 55% against I. ricinus and D. nitens ticks, respectively. These results, combined with previous reports of efficacy for this conjugate, show the promising potential for its development as a broad-spectrum anti-tick vaccine.

Exogenous Volatile Organic Compound (EVOC®) Breath Testing Maximizes Classification Performance for Subjects with Cirrhosis and Reveals Signs of Portal Hypertension

Background: Cirrhosis detection in primary care relies on low-performing biomarkers. Consequently, up to 75% of subjects with cirrhosis receive their first diagnosis with decompensation when causal treatments are less effective at preserving liver function. We investigated an unprecedented approach to cirrhosis detection based on dynamic breath testing. Methods: We enrolled 29 subjects with cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A and B), and 29 controls. All subjects fasted overnight. Breath samples were taken using Breath Biopsy® before and at different time points after the administration of 100 mg limonene. Absolute limonene breath levels were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: All subjects showed a >100-fold limonene spike in breath after administration compared to baseline. Limonene breath kinetics showed first-order decay in >90% of the participants, with higher bioavailability in the cirrhosis group. At the Youden index, baseline limonene levels showed classification performance with an area under the roc curve (AUROC) of 0.83 ± 0.012, sensitivity of 0.66 ± 0.09, and specificity of 0.83 ± 0.07. The best performing timepoint post-administration was 60 min, with an AUROC of 0.91, sensitivity of 0.83 ± 0.07, and specificity of 0.9 ± 0.06. In the cirrhosis group, limonene bioavailability showed a correlation with MELD and fibrosis indicators, and was associated with signs of portal hypertension. Conclusions: Dynamic limonene breath testing enhances diagnostic performance for cirrhosis compared to static testing. The correlation with disease severity suggests potential for monitoring therapeutic interventions. Given the non-invasive nature of breath collection, a dynamic limonene breath test could be implemented in primary care.

Resonant Fragmentation of the Water Cation by Electron Impact: a Wave-Packet Study

We have investigated the dissociation of a resonant state that can be formed in low energy electron scattering from H2 O+ . We have chosen the second triplet resonance above theB ˜ 2 A ' ${{{\tilde{\rm {B}}}}\;^2 {\rm{A{^\prime}}}}$ ( B ˜ 2 B 2 ) ${{\rm{(\tilde{B}}}\;^2 {\rm{B}}_2 )}$ state of H2 O+ whose autoionization mainly produces H2 O+ (X ˜ 2 A ' ' ${{{\tilde{\rm {X}}}}\;^2 {\rm{A{^\prime}{^\prime}}}}$ ). We have considered both dissociation of the resonant state itself, dissociative recombination (DR), or the dissociation of the H2 O+ cation after autodetachment, dissociative excitation (DE). The time-evolution of a wave packet on the potential energy surfaces of the resonance and cationic states shows, for the initial conditions studied, that the probability for DR is about 38 % while the probability for DE is negligible.

Iodine Intake Based on a Survey from a Cohort of Women at Their Third Trimester of Pregnancy from the Bosque County Chile

Adequate iodine nutrition is fundamental for all humans and is critical during pregnancy and lactation due to iodine forms part of the structure of thyroid hormones (THs) and it is required for THs function. Iodine is a scarce micronutrient that must be obtained from the diet. Sufficient iodine can be found in the nature from seafood and given it is not frequently consumed by Chileans, public health policies state that table salt in Chile must be iodized. Health plans must be monitored to determine if the intake of iodine is being appropriated and the population has not fallen in deficiency or excess. The aim of this work was to evaluate iodine intake in 26 women at the third trimester of pregnancy. Pregnant women are resident from El Bosque a low-income County located in Santiago de Chile. These Chilean pregnant women were recruited by nutritionist at the Centros de Salud familiar (CESFAM). A 24 h dietary recall (24 h-DR) was applied to them to evaluate iodine intake. Samples of urine and blood were taken by health professionals to analyze parameters of thyroid function and to measure urine iodine concentration (UIC). The survey analysis showed that the iodine consumption in these pregnant women derived mainly from salt, bread and milk and not from seafood. The survey analysis indicated that iodine intake was above the requirements for pregnant women. However, the average UIC indicated that iodine intake was adequate, suggesting the need to find a better parameter to determine iodine intake in pregnant women.

Screening of COVID-19 cases through a Bayesian network symptoms model and psychophysical olfactory test

The sudden loss of smell is among the earliest and most prevalent symptoms of COVID-19 when measured with a clinical psychophysical test. Research has shown the potential impact of frequent screening for olfactory dysfunction, but existing tests are expensive and time consuming. We developed a low-cost ($0.50/test) rapid psychophysical olfactory test (KOR) for frequent testing and a model-based COVID-19 screening framework using a Bayes Network symptoms model. We trained and validated the model on two samples: suspected COVID-19 cases in five healthcare centers (n = 926; 33% prevalence, 309 RT-PCR confirmed) and healthy miners (n = 1,365; 1.1% prevalence, 15 RT-PCR confirmed). The model predicted COVID-19 status with 76% and 96% accuracy in the healthcare and miners samples, respectively (healthcare: AUC = 0.79 [0.75-0.82], sensitivity: 59%, specificity: 87%; miners: AUC = 0.71 [0.63-0.79], sensitivity: 40%, specificity: 97%, at 0.50 infection probability threshold). Our results highlight the potential for low-cost, frequent, accessible, routine COVID-19 testing to support society's reopening.

Characterization of two Cuban colonies of Rhipicephalus microplus ticks

Rhipicephalus microplus (Canestrini, 1888) is one of the species with medical and economic relevance that has been reported in the list of Cuban tick species. Some morphological characterizations about the R. microplus species in Cuba have been published; however, molecular studies are lacking. Molecular phylogenetic analyses have grouped R. annulatus, R. australis and three clades of R. microplus in a complex named R. microplus. The present study aimed to characterize two R. microplus tick isolates, established as colonies at the Cuban National Laboratory of Parasitology. Morphological characterization of adult specimens was carried out by using Scanning Electron Microscopy. The sequences of mitochondrial genes: 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA and the subunit I of cytochrome c oxidase (coxI) and one nuclear sequence: internal transcribed spacer 2 (its2) were used for phylogenetic analyses. The life cycle under laboratory conditions for both isolates was also characterized. Tick specimens of both colonies showed morphological characteristics comparable with those distinctive for the R. microplus species. Phylogenies based on mitochondrial gene sequences identified congruently the Cuban tick colonies within the clade A of R. microplus. The life cycle of both isolates under laboratory conditions lasted 65 ± 5 days and the reproductive performance of female ticks of each colony also were similar with approximately 2500 larvae obtained from fully engorged female ticks. This study constitutes the first molecular characterization of ticks from the R. microplus species in Cuba.

A classical and semiclassical study of collisions between Xq+ ions and water molecules

Collisions of He²⁺, Li³⁺ and C³⁺ ions with water molecules are studied at energies ranging between 20 keV u^-1 and 500 keV u^-1. Three methods are employed: the classical trajectory Monte Carlo (CTMC), the expansion of the scattering wave function in terms of asymptotic frozen molecular orbitals (AFMO) and a lattice method to numerically solve the time-dependent Schrödinger equation (GridTDSE). Total cross sections for single ionization, single electron capture, transfer ionization and electron production are calculated and compared with previous close-coupling calculations and experiments. The fragmentation branching ratios are discussed.

Functional and Mass Spectrometric Evaluation of an Anti-Tick Antigen Based on the P0 Peptide Conjugated to Bm86 Protein

A synthetic 20 amino acid peptide of the ribosomal protein P0 from ticks, when conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin from Megathura crenulata and used as an immunogen against Rhipicephalus microplus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. species, has shown efficacies of around 90%. There is also experimental evidence of a high efficacy of this conjugate against Amblyomma mixtum and Ixodes ricinus species, which suggest that this antigen could be a good broad-spectrum anti-tick vaccine candidate. In this study, the P0 peptide (pP0) was chemically conjugated to Bm86 as a carrier protein. SDS-PAGE analysis of this conjugate demonstrated that it is highly heterogeneous in size, carrying from 1 to 18 molecules of pP0 per molecule of Bm86. Forty-nine out of the 54 lysine residues and the N-terminal end of Bm86 were found partially linked to pP0 by using LC-MS/MS analysis and the combination of four different softwares. Several post-translational modifications of Bm86 protein were also identified by mass spectrometry. High immunogenicity and efficacy were achieved when dogs and cattle were vaccinated with the pP0-Bm86 conjugate and challenged with R. sanguineus s.l. and R. microplus, respectively. These results encourage the development of this antigen with promising possibilities as an anti-tick vaccine.

Antennal Morphology and Localization of a Pheromone-Binding Protein of Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

In the sensory system of insects, olfactory sensilla constitute important functional elements for discriminating odors. Therefore, we used light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to investigate the morphology and distribution of sensilla in the antennae of Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller). In addition, we studied the expression of the gene encoding for pheromone-binding protein 1 (LbotPBP1) by in situ hybridization. Lobesia botrana antennae are filiform and are subdivided into three segments: scape, pedicel, and flagellum. The number of flagellum and their overall length were significantly higher and longer in males than in females. Six morphological types of sensilla (trichodea, chaetica, coeloconica, auricillica, basiconica, and styloconica) were identified on the antennae of both sexes. Trichodea sensilla were the most abundant on the antennae of L. botrana, and three subtypes, discerned by their lengths, were observed. However, sensilla trichodea subtype III was only present in male antennae. Moreover, LbotPBP1 expression was restricted to this type of sensilla, thus confirming its olfactory role, specifically under the context of sexual pheromone perception.

The Role of the Rodent Insula in Anxiety

The human insula has been consistently reported to be overactivated in all anxiety disorders, activation which has been suggested to be proportional to the level of anxiety and shown to decrease with effective anxiolytic treatment. Nonetheless, studies evaluating the direct role of the insula in anxiety are lacking. Here, we set out to investigate the role of the rodent insula in anxiety by either inactivating different insular regions via microinjections of glutamatergic AMPA receptor antagonist CNQX or activating them by microinjection of GABA receptor antagonist bicuculline in rats, before measuring anxiety-like behavior using the elevated plus maze. Inactivation of caudal and medial insular regions induced anxiogenic effects, while their activation induced anxiolytic effects. In contrast, inactivation of more rostral areas induced anxiolytic effects and their activation, anxiogenic effects. These results suggest that the insula in the rat has a role in the modulation of anxiety-like behavior in rats, showing regional differences; rostral regions have an anxiogenic role, while medial and caudal regions have an anxiolytic role, with a transition area around bregma +0.5. The present study suggests that the insula has a direct role in anxiety.

Ionization and Single and Double Electron Capture in Proton-Ar Collisions

Total cross sections for formation of H and H^-, and electron production, in H⁺ + Ar collisions have been calculated at energies between 100 eV and 200 keV by employing two methods: for E < 10 keV, a semiclassical treatment with an expansion in a basis of electronic wave functions of the ArH⁺ quasimolecule and, for E > 10 keV, the switching-classical-trajectory-Monte Carlo method (s-CTMC). The semiclassical calculation involves transitions to molecular autoionizing states, calculated by applying a block-diagonalization technique. The s-CTMC method is adept to treat two-electron processes and yields total cross sections for H^- formation in reasonably good agreement with the experimental data. Cross sections for electron- and H-production processes, which are dominated by one-electron transitions, are in good agreement with the experimental data.

Nonadiabatic fragmentation of H2O+ and isotopomers. Wave packet propagation using ab initio wavefunctions

The nonadiabatic fragmentation of excited water cations (and isotopomers) is studied by propagating wave packets on ab initio potential energy surfaces.

Factors affecting treatment adherence to atomoxetine in ADHD: a systematic review

The purpose of this paper was to systematically review the literature related to research about the factors affecting treatment adherence and discontinuation of atomoxetine in pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Medline was systematically searched using the following prespecified terms: "ADHD", "Adherence", "Compliance", "Discontinuation", and "Atomoxetine". We identified 31 articles that met all inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings from this review indicate that persistence and adherence to atomoxetine treatment were generally high. Factors found to influence adherence and nonadherence to atomoxetine treatment in ADHD in this review include age, sex, the definition of response used, length of treatment, initial dose of treatment, comorbid conditions, and reimbursement. Tolerability was cited as an important reason for treatment discontinuation. More research is needed to understand those factors that can help to identify patients at risk for poor adherence and interventions that could improve treatment adherence early in the stage of this illness to secure a better long-term prognosis.

High efficacy of a 20 amino acid peptide of the acidic ribosomal protein P0 against the cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus

Current strategies to control cattle ticks use integrated control programs (ICP) that include vaccination. Reduction in the use of chemicals and in the cost of tick control, the delay or elimination of acaricide resistance and the decreasing of environmental pollution are the advantages of using these programs. This integrated program is potentially applicable to all genotypes of chemical resistant ticks. However, the problem here is to improve the efficacy of anti-tick vaccines. The P0 protein is a structural component of the ribosome of all organisms. We have identified an immunogenic region of ribosomal protein P0 from Rhipicephalus spp. ticks that is not very conserved compared to the orthologous protein in their hosts. A synthetic 20 amino acid peptide from this sequence was effective as a vaccine against Rhipicephalus sanguineus infestations in an immunization and challenge experiment using rabbits. In this paper, the same peptide used as vaccine against the cattle tick Rhipicephalus Boophilus microplus shows a significant diminution in the number of engorged females recovered, in the weight of females and the weight of egg masses. The number of eggs hatched was also significantly reduced for the vaccinated group, with an overall effectivity for the antigen pP0 of 96%. These results, together with the conserved sequence of the P0 peptide among ticks, suggest that this antigen could be a good broad spectrum vaccine candidate. It would be expected to be active against many species of ticks and thus has promise in an ICP for effective control of ticks and thereby to improve the efficiency and productivity of the livestock industry.

[Prevalence of Gilbert syndrome and its genetic determinants in Chile]

BACKGROUND

In Europeans the TATA box TA7 repeat promoter variant in the UGT1A1 gene (UGT1A1*28) is the major determinant of bilirubin levels.

AIM

To study the prevalence of Gilbert Syndrome (GS) and its genetic determinants in Chile.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Three different studies were conducted. The prevalence of GS in Chile was assessed in 991 subjects with normal liver tests (ALT and GGT) from the 2nd National Health Survey. We defined GS as a total bilirubin (TB) between 1.4-5mg/dL. The second study assessed the genotype prevalence of SNP rs6742078 (in LD with UGT1A1*28) and rs4149056 in 500 DNA samples of non-related Hispanics. Finally, a case-control study was designed to assess the phenotype-genotype correlation. UGT1A1*28 and rs4149056 variants were determined by direct sequencing and allelic discrimination assays (TaqMan), respectively.

RESULTS

Prevalence of GS in the general Chilean population was 2.6% (4.5% in males and 0.5% in female). No correlation with age, educational level or home location was found. Genotypes for UGT1A1*28 (TA6/6 50.5%, TA6/7 37.8%, TA7/7 11.7%) and rs4149056 (TT 74.1%, CT 22.8%, and CC 3.1%) variants were similar to Europeans. In the case-control study, most patients with GS were homozygotes for UGT1A1*28 (TA7/7, 74%). Of note, 44% of patients with intermediate TB levels were also TA7/7, compared to 7% in normal subjects. SLCO1B1 genotype was not correlated with TB levels.

CONCLUSIONS

While the prevalence of GS was lower in Chile compared to Europeans (~5%), the prevalence of UGT1A1*28 homozygotes was similar (~12%). In Chilean Hispanics, the UGT1A1*28 variant explain 75% of GS phenotype.

Postoperative surgical complications after lung transplantation

This is a review article on the main postoperative complications after lung transplantation: airways complications, vascular complications, pleural complications, surgical wound complications, and abdominal complications. Incidence data, severity, and major management regimens are reported. Postoperative complications after lung transplantation result in a significantly increased morbidity and mortality, with early diagnosis and therapy being extremely important.

Nonadiabatic Quantum Dynamics Predissociation of H2O(+)(B̃ (2)B2)

A quantum-mechanical study of the predissociation of H2O(+) (B̃ (2)B2) is carried out by using wave packet propagations on ab initio potential energy surfaces connected by nonadiabatic couplings. The simulations show that within the first 30 fs 80% of the initial wave packet is transferred from the B̃ (2)B2 to the à (2)A1 electronic state through a conical intersection. A much slower transfer (in the ps time scale) from the à(2)A1 to the X̃ (2)B1 state due to a Renner-Teller coupling determines the fragmentation branching ratios, which are in accordance with the experimental measurements.

WITHDRAWN:Postoperative surgical complications after lung transplantation

This article has been withdrawn for editorial reasons because the journal will be published only in English. In order to avoid duplicated records, this article can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rppnen.2014.09.007. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy.

Growth of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella Enteritidis during Preparation and Storage of Yogurt

The purpose of this study was to determine the viability of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Salmonella Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) during preparation and refrigerated storage of yogurt. Three yogurts were prepared using pasteurized commercial milk. Each yogurt was artificially contaminated with (1) MAP, (2) E. coli + S. Enteritidis, and (3) MAP + E. coli + S. Enteritidis. Samples were taken during and after the fermentation process until day 20 after inoculation. MAP was not detected during their preparation and short-term storage but was recuperated after starting at 180 min after inoculation storage. Live bacterial counts of E. coli, and S. Enteritidis increased during the first 24 hours, followed by a slight decrease towards the end of the study. In this study it was shown how MAP, E. coli, and S. Enteritidis resisted the acidic conditions generated during the preparation of yogurt and low storage temperatures. This work contributes to current knowledge regarding survival of MAP, E. coli, and S. Enteritidis during preparation and refrigerated storage of yogurt and emphasizes the need to improve hygiene measures to ensure the absence of these pathogenic microorganisms in dairy products.

New light shed on charge transfer in fundamental H+ + H2 collisions

There is no consensus on the magnitude and shape of the charge transfer cross section in low-energy H+ + H2 collisions, in spite of the fundamental importance of these collisions. Experiments have thus been carried out in the energy range 15≤E≤5000  eV. The measurements invalidate previous recommended data for E≤200  eV and confirm the existence of a local maximum around 45 eV, which was predicted theoretically. Additionally, vibrationally resolved cross sections allow us to investigate the evolution of the underlying charge transfer mechanism as a function of E.

A systematic review of combination therapy with stimulants and atomoxetine for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, including patient characteristics, treatment strategies, effectiveness, and tolerability

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article was to systematically review the literature on stimulant and atomoxetine combination therapy, in particular: 1) Characteristics of patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) given combination therapy, 2) treatment strategies used, 3) efficacy and effectiveness, and 4) safety and tolerability.

METHODS

Literature databases (MEDLINE(®), EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Science Citation Index Expanded, and SciVerse Scopus) were systematically searched using prespecified criteria. Publications describing stimulant and atomoxetine combination therapy in patients with ADHD or healthy volunteers were selected for review. Exclusion criteria were comorbid psychosis, bipolar disorder, epilepsy, or other psychiatric/neurologic diseases that could confound ADHD symptom assessment, or other concomitant medication(s) to treat ADHD symptoms.

RESULTS

Of the 16 publications included for review, 14 reported findings from 3 prospective studies (4 publications), 7 retrospective studies, and 3 narrative reviews/medication algorithms of patients with ADHD. The other two publications reported findings from two prospective studies of healthy volunteers. The main reason for prescribing combination therapy was inadequate response to previous treatment. In the studies of patients with ADHD, if reported, 1) most patients were children/adolescents and male, and had a combined ADHD subtype; 2) methylphenidate was most often used in combination with atomoxetine for treatment augmentation or switch; 3) ADHD symptom control was improved in some, but not all, patients; and 4) there were no serious adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Published evidence of the off-label use of stimulant and atomoxetine combination therapy is limited because of the small number of publications, heterogeneous study designs (there was only one prospective, randomized controlled trial), small sample sizes, and geographic bias. Existing evidence suggests, but does not confirm, that this drug combination may benefit some, but not all, patients who have tried several ADHD medications without success.

A novel tick antigen shows high vaccine efficacy against the dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus

Ticks are acaridae ectoparasites that, while taking a blood meal, can transmit viruses, bacteria, protozoa and filarial nematodes, which cause a variety of human and animal illnesses. The use of chemical pesticides constitutes the primary measure for control of these ectoparasites. However, the intensive use of these chemicals has drawbacks such as the contamination of food, environmental pollution and development of resistance by ectoparasites. Vaccination is considered a promising alternative for controlling infestations by ectoparasites. Although emerging tick proteins have been identified recently, and have been proposed as potential targets for generating protective molecules, only a limited number of them have been evaluated in vaccine trials. More than 80 proteins are found in eukaryotic ribosomes. The protein P0 is essential for the assembly of the 60S ribosomal subunit. We have identified an immunogenic region of the ribosomal protein P0 from Rhipicephalus sp. ticks that is not very conserved compared to host P0. The efficacy of a 20 amino acid synthetic peptide from this sequence was assayed as a vaccine antigen against Rhipicephalus sanguineus infestations in an immunization and challenge experiment on rabbits. A remarkable diminution in the viability of newly molted nymphs from larvae fed on vaccinated rabbits was observed. The number of adults and the number of eggs hatching were significantly reduced, with an overall efficacy of 90%. Our results demonstrated that immunization with an immunogenic peptide of tick protein P0 greatly reduced survival of ticks, suggesting that it has promise as an effective tick control agent.

Influence of nuclear exchange on nonadiabatic electron processes in H(+)+H2 collisions

H(+)+H(2) collisions are studied by means of a semiclassical approach that explicitly accounts for nuclear rearrangement channels in nonadiabatic electron processes. A set of classical trajectories is used to describe the nuclear motion, while the electronic degrees of freedom are treated quantum mechanically in terms of a three-state expansion of the collision wavefunction. We describe electron capture and vibrational excitation, which can also involve nuclear exchange and dissociation, in the E = 2-1000 eV impact energy range. We compare dynamical results obtained with two parametrizations of the potential energy surface of H(3)(+) ground electronic state. Total cross sections for E > 10 eV agree with previous results using a vibronic close-coupling expansion, and with experimental data for E < 10 eV. Additionally, some prototypical features of both nuclear and electron dynamics at low E are discussed.

Two initial vaccinations with the Bm86-based Gavacplus vaccine against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus induce similar reproductive suppression to three initial vaccinations under production conditions

BACKGROUND

The cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, affects livestock production in many regions of the world. Up to now, the widespread use of chemical acaricides has led to the selection of acaricide-resistant ticks and to environmental contamination. Gavacplus is a subunit vaccine based on the recombinant Bm86 tick antigen expressed in yeast, capable to control infestations of R. microplus under controlled and production conditions. The vaccine constitutes the core element of broad control programs against this ectoparasite, in which acquired immunity in cattle to Bm86 is combined with a rational use of acaricides. At present, the conventional vaccine scheme consists of three doses that should be administered at weeks 0, 4 and 7, followed by a booster every six months.

RESULTS

In this study we assayed a reduction in the number of the initial doses of Gavacplus, evaluated the time course and the level of bovine anti-Bm86 antibodies elicited, and analyzed the vaccine effect on ticks engorging on immunized cattle under production conditions. Following three different immunization schemes, the bovines developed a strong and specific immune response characterized by elevated anti-Bm86 IgG titers. A reduction in the weight of engorging female ticks, in the weight of the eggs laid and also in R. microplus viable eggs percentage was obtained by using only two doses of Gavacplus administered at weeks 0 and 4, followed by a booster six months later. This reduction did not differ from the results obtained on ticks engorging on cattle immunized at weeks 0, 4 and 7. It was also demonstrated that anti-Bm86 antibody titers over 1:640, measured in bovines immunized at weeks 0 and 4, were sufficient to affect weight and reproductive potential of female ticks as compared with ticks engorging on unvaccinated animals. In addition, no statistically significant differences were detected in the average weight of eggs laid by ticks engorged on immunized cattle that showed anti-Bm86 specific titers in the range of 1:640 to 1:81920.

CONCLUSION

The administration of two initial doses of Gavacplus containing 100 μg of Bm86 antigen to non-immunized cattle under production conditions is sufficient to affect the weight and the reproductive capacity of R. microplus engorging females. According to these results, cattle herds' manipulation and vaccine costs could be potentially reduced with a positive impact on the implementation of integrated control programs against R. microplus.

A study of conical intersections for the H3(+) system

A parametrization of the three asymptotic conical intersections between the energies of the H3(+) ground state and the first excited singlet state is presented. The influence of an additional, fourth conical intersection between the first and second excited states at the equilateral geometry on the connection between the three conical regions is studied, for both diatomics-in-molecules and ab initio molecular data.

Study of ab initio molecular data for inelastic and reactive collisions involving the H3+ quasimolecule

The lowest two ab initio potential energy surfaces (PES), and the corresponding nonadiabatic couplings between them, have been obtained for the H3+ system; the molecular data are compared to those calculated with the diatomic in molecules (DIM) method. The form of the couplings is discussed in terms of the topology of the molecular structure of the triatomic. The method of Baer is employed to generate "diabatic" states and the residual nonadiabatic couplings are calculated. The ab initio results for these are markedly different from the corresponding DIM data, and show the need to consider the third PES.

Sign-consistent dynamical couplings betweenab initiothree-center wave functions

We present a method to ensure the sign consistency of dynamical couplings between ab initio three-center wave functions. The method also allows to systematically "diabatize" avoided crossings between two potential energy surfaces, including conical intersections. Illustrations are presented for H(3)(+), LiH(2)(+), and NH(2)(5+) quasimolecules.

Trace metals in tissues of gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) carcasses from the Northern Pacific Mexican Coast

Samples of liver, lung, heart, muscle, and blubber tissue from the carcasses of juvenile gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) found stranded on the coast off the Sea of Cortez, México were analyzed for a range of trace metals (Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Cd). The highest concentrations of copper, iron, zinc, and manganese were found in liver; nickel and lead in heart, and cadmium in kidney. In all tissues analyzed, iron, zinc and copper were present in the highest concentrations; however, some whales also showed high levels of cadmium in the kidney which could be related to their diet. Elevated concentrations of copper were found only in the liver of one whale. In general, where low levels of iron were found in the liver, they were associated with poor nutrition. Lead, nickel, manganese and zinc levels in liver were within the normal range, indicating that these whales had not been exposed to high levels of these metals.

[Cognitive deficit and schizophrenia]

INTRODUCTION

In the present paper, the results of a number of different studies that have tried to establish the characteristics of the cognitive deficit in schizophrenia are discussed. The principal objective of this study was to ascertain whether exist statistically significative differences in such deficit in schizophrenic patients in relation with their preponderant symptomathology (positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and disorganization) or their degree of defectual symptoms.

METHODOLOGY

Sixty three schizophrenic patients under treatment in a Day Hospital were divided in groups using the dimensions of Liddie and the Scale for assessing the Deficit Syndrome in Schizophrenia. Cognitive deficit was assessed by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST).

RESULTS

Our results show that education and gender has no relation with the cognitive deficit exhibited, whereas there is a direct relation with age and years suffering the illness. Patients who exhibited preponderant disorganization symptoms and those describes as defectual syndrome schizophrenics showed more cognitive deficit in the WCST. The number of preservations in the WCST seems to be the main deficit.

CONCLUSIONS

The concept of planning in suggested as a schizophrenic marker in the frame of theories that claim there is a failure in the neurodevelopment of these patients.

Control of ticks resistant to immunization with Bm86 in cattle vaccinated with the recombinant antigen Bm95 isolated from the cattle tick, Boophilus microplus

The recombinant Bm86-containing vaccine Gavac(TM) against the cattle tick Boophilus microplus has proved its efficacy in a number of experiments, especially when combined with acaricides in an integrated manner. However, tick isolates such as the Argentinean strain A, show low susceptibility to this vaccine. In this paper we report on the isolation of the Bm95 gene from the B. microplus strain A, which was cloned and expressed in the yeast Pichia pastoris producing a glycosylated and particulated recombinant protein. This new antigen was effective against different tick strains in a pen trial, including the B. microplus strain A, resistant to vaccination with Bm86. A Bm95-based vaccine was used to protect cattle against tick infestations under production conditions, lowering the number of ticks on vaccinated animals and, therefore, reducing the frequency of acaricide treatments. The Bm95 antigen from strain A was able to protect against infestations with Bm86-sensitive and Bm86-resistant tick strains, thus suggesting that Bm95 could be a more universal antigen to protect cattle against infestations by B. microplus strains from different geographical areas.

Sequence variations in the Boophilus microplus Bm86 locus and implications for immunoprotection in cattle vaccinated with this antigen

Cattle tick infestations constitute a major problem for the cattle industry in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Traditional control methods have been only partially successful, hampered by the selection of chemical-resistant tick populations. The Boophilus microplus Bm86 protein was isolated from tick gut epithelial cells and shown to induce a protective response against tick infestations in vaccinated cattle. Vaccine preparations including the recombinant Bm86 are used to control cattle tick infestations in the field as an alternative measure to reduce the losses produced by this ectoparasite. The principle for the immunological control of tick infestations relies on a polyclonal antibody response against the target antigen and, therefore, should be difficult to select for tick-resistant populations. However, sequence variations in the Bm86 locus, among other factors, could affect the effectiveness of Bm86-containing vaccines. In the present study we have addressed this issue, employing data obtained with B. microplus strains from Australia, Mexico, Cuba, Argentina and Venezuela. The results showed a tendency in the inverse correlation between the efficacy of the vaccination with Bm86 and the sequence variations in the Bm86 locus (R2 = 0.7). The mutation fixation index in the Bm86 locus was calculated and shown to be between 0.02 and 0.1 amino acids per year. Possible implications of these findings for the immunoprotection of cattle against tick infestations employing the Bm86 antigen are discussed.

Vaccination against ticks (Boophilus spp.): the experience with the Bm86-based vaccine Gavac

The control of tick infestations and the transmission of tick-borne diseases remain a challenge for the cattle industry in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Traditional control methods have been only partially successful and the parasites continue to result in significant losses for the cattle industry. Recently, vaccines containing the recombinant B. microplus gut antigen Bm86 have been developed. Our vaccine formulation (Gavac, Heber Biotec S.A., Havana, Cuba) has been registered and is commercially available in Cuba, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Brazil and Mexico. In controlled pen trials, Gavac has been effective for the control of artificial infestations of B. annulatus, B. decoloratus and chemical-sensitive and resistant B. microplus strains from Australia, Africa, America and Iran. In controlled field trials in Cuba, Brazil, Argentina and Mexico, Gavac has shown a 55-100% efficacy in the control of B. microplus infestations in grazing cattle 12-36 weeks after the first vaccination. Field trials under production conditions have been conducted in Cuba, Colombia, Brazil and Mexico in pure and cross-bred cattle herds. The application of Gavac has increased the time between acaricide treatments by an average of 32 /-21 days (P = 0.0005) resulting in important savings for the cattle industry. In Cuba, a cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted in more than 260000 animals. The cost-effectiveness analysis showed a 60% reduction in the number of acaricide treatments, together with the control of tick infestations and transmission of babesiosis, which resulted in savings of 23.4 dollars animal(-1) year (-1). These results clearly demonstrate the advantage of vaccination and support the application of Gavac for the control of Boophilus spp. infestations.

Effect of particulation on the immunogenic and protective properties of the recombinant Bm86 antigen expressed in Pichia pastoris

The recombinant Bm86 tick antigen expressed in Pichia pastoris is obtained in a highly particulated form, as a distinguish feature of this expression system. This particulated protein, the active principle of the recombinant vaccine Gavac against the cattle tick, have shown high immunogenic and protective properties, probably associated with its own characteristics. To evaluate the effects of particulation on the properties of Bm86, three groups of calves were immunized with particulated or non-particulated recombinant Bm86 and the anti-Bm86 antibody response determined. Animals were challenged with a controlled tick infestation and the protective capacities of both proteins assessed. Humoral immune response and protection in cattle vaccinated with the particulated antigen were higher. These experiments suggested that particulation of the Bm86 expressed in P. pastoris is an important feature for the protective properties of the antigen in vaccine preparations.

Field studies and cost-effectiveness analysis of vaccination with Gavac against the cattle tick Boophilus microplus

The control of tick infestations and the transmission of tick-borne diseases remains a challenge for the cattle industry in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Traditional control methods have been only partially successful and the parasites continue to result in significant losses for the cattle industry. Recently, vaccines containing the recombinant Boophilus microplus gut antigen Bm86 have been developed. These vaccines have been shown to control tick infestations in the field. However, extensive field studies investigating the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of vaccination have not been reported and are needed to appraise the effect of this new approach for tick control. Here is reported the results of the application of Gavac in a field trial including more than 260,000 animals in Cuba. In this study the correlation between the antibody response to vaccination and the effect on ticks fertility is determined. Physiological status of the animals was found to affect the primary response to vaccination but not the antibody titers after revaccination. A cost-effectiveness analysis showed a 60% reduction in the number acaricide treatments, together with the control of tick infestations and transmission of babesiosis, which resulted in savings of $23.4 animal-1 year-1. These results clearly demonstrate the advantage of vaccination and support the application of Gavac for tick control.