Journals
2025 EN
Toy Jason A. · Oulès Arthur · Longo Gary
+2 more
ABSTRACT The black surfperch, Embiotoca jacksoni , exhibits limited dispersal due to its lack of a pelagic larval stage and offers a unique model for studying local adaptation and potential cryptic speciation in marine species. This study employs medium‐coverage whole genome resequencing to explore population structure, local adaptation, and genetic divergence across a latitudinal gradient from central California to Baja California, Mexico, including offshore islands. We identify strong genetic differentiation between five distinct groups: a coastal group and four island groups (Santa Catalina Island, San Clemente Island, Isla Guadalupe, and Isla San Jerónimo), from Principal Components Analysis (PCA), Fst estimation, ancestry (sNMF), and phylogenetic analyses. For coastal populations, genetic structure correlates with geographic distance, following isolation‐by‐distance (IBD) expectations. Further, we identify numerous outlier loci associated with adaptive traits, particularly genes linked to reproductive isolation, such as Spermine oxidase, Izumo sperm‐egg fusion protein 1, and SPAG1, which are involved in fertilisation success. These loci suggest that reproductive barriers are contributing to divergence among genetic groups. The presence of signatures of both genetic drift and selective pressures, particularly in genes governing fertilisation, indicates that these distinct populations may represent incipient or cryptic species. Our findings highlight the role of low dispersal in fostering local adaptation and speciation in marine systems and underscore the potential for rapid evolutionary responses to environmental gradients. This research provides insights into the complex processes of speciation in marine vertebrates, particularly those with limited gene flow, and offers a baseline for monitoring genetic shifts in response to climate change.
Journals
2025 EN
Brasil Leandro Schlemmer · Silvério Divino Vicente · Silva José Orlando de Almeida
+5 more
Abstract Climate change is projected to profoundly alter global biodiversity with significant implications for vector‐borne disease dynamics. In tropical regions, rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns influence the distribution and behaviour of insect disease vectors, thereby affecting disease transmission cycles. Chagas disease, caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted by triatomine bugs, is a major public health concern in Latin America. Brazil is particularly vulnerable to climate‐driven vector redistribution due to its vast land area, diverse ecosystems and rapid land‐use changes. Using ecological niche modelling and 11,640 unique occurrence records, we assessed the potential geographic displacement of 55 triatomine species under two climate scenarios: a moderate warming scenario (SSP2‐4.5) and a high‐emissions scenario (SSP5‐8.5) for 2050 and 2080. While projections for 2050 suggest stability in vector distributions, our models indicate a substantial shift by 2080, with increasing suitability for vector populations in the Brazilian Amazon, particularly in the deforestation arc. This expansion could exacerbate Chagas disease risk in previously unaffected regions, where socioeconomically vulnerable populations face poor housing conditions that facilitate vector‐human contact. Our findings underscore the urgent need for proactive vector surveillance, public health interventions and climate‐adaptive disease prevention strategies to mitigate potential epidemiological risks associated with climate change.
Journals
2025 EN
SánchezAced Érika · MoyaLlamas Borja · Aumatell Escabias Joaquim
+13 more
ABSTRACT Aims In Alzheimer's disease ( AD ), the pathological accumulation of tau in synapses contributes to synapse dysfunction and loss. However, the small and complex structure of synapses limits the investigation when using conventional techniques. In this work, we describe the combination of array tomography (AT) with two‐colour direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM) to enhance lateral resolution for resolving synaptic terminals in human postmortem brain. Methods We applied this combination to study synapses in brain samples (from biopsy and postmortem) from healthy subjects and pathological synaptic tau (aggregates and oligomers) in samples from AD patients. Results AT combined with dSTORM allowed the characterisation of the orientation and shape of the synaptic terminals and the synaptic cleft. In addition, this combination confirmed the presence of oligomeric tau in synaptic terminals in AD . Conclusions Overall, we found that the combination of AT and two‐colour dSTORM provides optimal resolution to detect pathological synaptic tau and its spatial relationship with presynaptic and postsynaptic terminals.
Journals
2025 EN
Euzébio Mayara F. · Silva Felipe L. T. · Hoffmann Iva L.
+12 more
ABSTRACT Paediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumours are the second most common childhood malignancy and the leading cause of cancer‐related mortality in this age group. Histopathological diagnosis can be challenging, particularly for rare or ambiguous tumours, and may result in misclassification. To evaluate the utility of DNA methylation profiling in a middle‐income country, we performed the Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip (Illumina) on tumours from 182 paediatric patients treated at a reference centre for paediatric oncology in Campinas, state of São Paulo, Brazil. Data were analysed using the DKFZ/Heidelberg CNS tumour classifier (v12.8). After excluding control tissue, 163 samples (89.6%) were suitable for classification; 135 (74.2%) achieved a calibrated score ≥ 0.9 and were assigned to a methylation class family. Methylation profiling resulted in a tumour subtype for 88 cases (65.7%) and changed the diagnosis in 28 cases (20.9%), identifying several rare tumour subtypes that were identified solely through methylation analysis, confirming the value of this method in improving diagnostic accuracy. This study highlights the utility of DNA methylation profiling for paediatric CNS tumours in a resource‐limited setting and provides a cohort from an underrepresented middle‐income population to international molecular databases.
Journals
2025 EN
Siboni Stefano · De Maron Roberta · Pasta Andrea
+15 more
ABSTRACT Background & Aims The straight leg raise (SLR) is a provocative maneuver used to assess the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) barrier function during high‐resolution manometry (HRM) and is part of the Milan Score (MS). The Chicago Classification 4.0 (CCv4.0) protocol requires patients to perform a supine‐upright transition (SUT), increasing intra‐abdominal pressure (IAP). The aim of this study was to compare the SUT and SLR maneuvers for efficacy in increasing IAP and in predicting pathologic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Methods Consecutive adult patients with persistent GERD symptoms undergoing HRM and pH‐impedance were prospectively enrolled. After completion of the supine swallows of the CCv4.0 protocol, the SLR maneuver was performed and the patients were asked to get up to the upright position (SUT). IAP and intra‐esophageal pressure (IEP) were recorded at baseline and during the maneuvers. GERD was defined as acid exposure time > 6% according to Lyon 2.0. Results Among the 110 patients included (age 55 years; 59.1% female, BMI 25.4 kg/m 2 ) SUT was effective in 94 and SLR in 85. SUT was more sensitive than SLR (77.4% vs. 71.0%) but less specific (63.5% vs. 79.6%) in predicting GERD. On ROC analysis, the AUC of the MS‐SUT was 0.825 and MS‐SLR 0.854. When both maneuvers were effective (73 patients) SUT predicted GERD in 69.9%, SLR in 76.7% ( p = 0.192). When concordant (52 patients) sensitivity and specificity were 88% and 80%, and the AUC of the MS was 0.872. Conclusions SUT is comparable to SLR, with higher sensitivity but lower specificity. When both are concordant, the SUT can strengthen confidence in SLR and increase the accuracy of the Milan Score.
Journals
2025 EN
Bernardi Luca · Rico Guillem · Anduiza Eva
Abstract In this paper, we investigate whether symptoms of depression affect the relationship between partisanship—one of the most important predictors of electoral behavior—and vote choice. Building on research from mood and depressive realism, we argue that symptoms of depression reduce the association between the strength of partisanship and vote choice because depressed mood can lead to better, clearer thinking. We evaluate and find support for this hypothesis using survey data from Britain, Spain, and the Netherlands. Our findings improve our understanding of the political consequences of depression, one of the most prevalent mental health problems in contemporary democracies.
Journals
2025 EN
Bernardi Emanuele · Lorenzi Tommaso · Sensi Mattia
+1 more
ABSTRACT We develop a general modeling framework for compartmental epidemiological systems structured by continuous variables which are linked to the levels of expression of compartment‐specific traits. We start by formulating an individual‐based model that describes the dynamics of single individuals in terms of stochastic processes. Then, we formally derive: (i) the mesoscopic counterpart of this model, which is formulated as a system of integrodifferential equations for the distributions of individuals over the structuring‐variable domains of the different compartments; (ii) the corresponding macroscopic model, which takes the form of a system of ordinary differential equations for the fractions of individuals in the different compartments and the mean levels of expression of the traits represented by the structuring variables. We employ a reduced version of the macroscopic model to obtain a general formula for the basic reproduction number,R 0 $_0$ , in terms of key parameters and functions of the underlying microscopic model, so as to illustrate how such a modeling framework makes it possible to draw connections between fundamental individual‐level processes and population‐scale dynamics. Finally, we apply the modeling framework to case studies based on classical compartmental epidemiological systems, for each of which we report on Monte Carlo simulations of the individual‐based model as well as on analytical results and numerical solutions of the macroscopic model.
Journals
2025 EN
NogueiraSilva Leandra C. · Bordin José O. · Abbas Samira A.
+8 more
Abstract Background Fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia ( FNAIT ) and neonatal alloimmune neutropenia ( NAIN ) result from maternal alloantibodies targeting fetal human platelet antigen ( HPA ) and human neutrophil antigen ( HNA ) antigens, respectively. However, increasing evidence supports the pathogenic role of HLA class I alloantibodies in these conditions. Since the simultaneous occurrence of FNAIT and NAIN has not been systematically investigated, this study aimed to determine its prevalence, characterize the specificity and strength of associated alloantibodies, and correlate findings with neonatal cell counts. Study Design and Methods In this cross‐sectional study, 10,000 umbilical cord blood samples were analyzed for platelet and neutrophil counts. Neonates with thrombocytopenia and neutropenia were selected. Genotyping for HPA, HNA, and HLA class I was performed in mother‐infant pairs to assess incompatibilities. Maternal sera were tested for anti‐HPA, anti‐HNA, and anti‐HLA antibodies. Results Ten cases (0.1%) of concurrent cytopenias were identified. Alloantibodies were detected in four cases: one with combined anti‐HPA‐5b, HNA‐2, and HLA‐A2 antibodies; and three with isolated high‐mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) HLA antibodies (anti‐HLA‐A2, HLA‐A3, HLA‐B7). Anti‐HLA‐A2 was linked to the lowest neutrophil counts, and anti‐HLA‐B7 to severe thrombocytopenia. The estimated prevalence of simultaneous FNAIT and NAIN was 0.04% (1 in 2500 neonates). Discussion This is the first large‐scale study to document the co‐occurrence of FNAIT and NAIN. Our findings explore the serological and molecular features of these immune syndromes and underscore the potential pathogenic role of maternal anti‐HLA class I antibodies, even in the absence of detectable anti‐HPA or anti‐HNA, and support including HLA testing in the diagnostic workup of neonatal cytopenias.
Journals
2025 EN
Pinheiro Jeiza F. · Silva Lanna K. · Fonseca Naldirene N.
+4 more
Abstract To simultaneously determine the non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs ketoprofen, nimesulide, diclofenac and ibuprofen in river water, a simple and cost‐effective solidified floating organic drop microextraction method coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography was developed. Through multivariate optimization, the variables extracting volume, dispersive volume, sample pH and ionic strength were optimized by a full factorial design 2 4 and Doehlert matrix. The optimized experimental conditions were 30 μL of extracting solvent (1‐dodecanol), 300 μL of dispersive solvent (acetonitrile) and sample pH of 2. The optimized method showed low limits of detection (0.05 to 0.09 μg L −1 ), satisfactory recoveries (up to 118%) and enrichment factors ranging from 67 to 197. The optimized method applied in river water samples showed low matrix effects, making it possible to apply this method successfully for the quantification of four NSAIDs in river water samples.
Journals
2025 EN
Dablainville Valentin · Mornas Adèle · NormandGravier Tom
+13 more
Abstract Cryotherapy is a popular strategy for the treatment of skeletal muscle injuries. However, its effect on post‐injury human muscle regeneration remains unclear. In contrast, promising results recently emerged using heat therapy to facilitate recovery from muscle injury. This study aimed to examine the effect of three different thermal treatments on muscle recovery and regeneration following a simulated injury in humans. Thirty‐four participants underwent a muscle damage protocol induced by electrically stimulated eccentric contractions triggering regenerative processes following myofibre necrosis. Thereafter, participants were exposed to daily lower body water immersion for 10 days in cold (CWI, 15 min at 12°C), thermoneutral (TWI, 30 min at 32°C) or hot water immersion (HWI, 60 min at 42°C). Muscle biopsies were sampled before and at +5 (D5) and +11 (D11) days post‐damage. None of the water immersions differed in recovery of force‐generating capacity ( P = 0.108). HWI induced a lower perceived muscle pain than TWI ( P = 0.035) and lower levels of circulating creatine kinase ( P ≤ 0.012) and myoglobin ( P < 0.001) than TWI and CWI. Contrary to our hypothesis, CWI did not improve perceived muscle pain or reduce circulating markers of muscle damage ( P ≥ 0.207). Expression of heat shock proteins 27 and 70 was significantly increased in HWI ( P < 0.038) at D11 and appeared blunted using CWI. Furthermore, nuclear factor‐κB expression significantly increased in all conditions except HWI, while interleukin‐10 was upregulated only in HWI at D11 ( P = 0.014). In conclusion, our results support the use of HWI but not cold, to improve muscle regeneration following an injury.Key points Cryotherapy and heat therapy are popular strategies in the treatment of skeletal muscle injury; however, existing literature is equivocal, and their effects on human muscle regeneration remain unknown. We investigated the effect of three thermal treatments (cold water immersion (CWI): 15 min at 12°C; thermoneutral water immersion (TWI): 30 min at 32°C; or hot water immersion (HWI): 60 min at 42°C) performed daily for 10 days following electrically stimulated eccentric muscle damage inducing regenerative mechanisms. CWI did not improve chronic perceived muscle pain nor reduce circulating markers of muscle damage. HWI limited chronic perceived pain and circulating markers of muscle damage, potentially influenced inflammatory mechanisms, and increased the expression of heat shock proteins. HWI appears more beneficial than CWI in improving muscle regeneration after a muscle injury.