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Background and Purpose Recent studies have suggested an association between dysfunction of the choroid plexus and the glymphatic system. However, information is inconclusive. Following a population-based study design, we aimed to assess the association between choroid plexus calcifications (CPCs)—as a surrogate of choroid plexus dysfunction—and severity and progression of putative markers of glymphatic dysfunction, including white matter hyperintensities (WMH) of presumed vascular origin and abnormally enlarged basal ganglia perivascular spaces (BG-PVS).Methods This study recruited community-dwellers aged ≥40 years living in neighboring Ecuadorian villages. Participants who had baseline head CTs and brain MRIs were included in cross-sectional analyses and those who additional had follow-up MRIs (after a mean of 6.4 ± 1.5 years) were included in longitudinal analyses. Logistic and Poisson regression models, adjusted for demographics and cardiovascular risk factors, were fitted to assess associations between CPCs and WMH and enlarged BG-PVS severity and progression.Results A total of 590 individuals were included in the cross-sectional component of the study, and 215 in the longitudinal component. At baseline, 25% of participants had moderate-to-severe WMH and 27% had abnormally enlarged BG-PVS. At follow-up, 36% and 20% of participants had WMH and enlarged BG-PVS progression, respectively. Logistic regression models showed no significant differences between CPCs volumes stratified in quartiles and severity of WMH and enlarged BG-PVS. Poisson regression models showed no association between the exposure and WMH and enlarged BG-PVS progression. Baseline age remained significant in these models.Conclusions Choroid plexus calcifications are not associated with putative markers of glymphatic system dysfunction.

To assess the association between sleep quality and all-cause mortality in community-dwelling adults living in rural Ecuador.

Home sleep testing has emerged over the past decade and become an intriguing option for patients and providers because it can be conducted in the home environment. However, appropriate application of this technology is key to ensure accurate and validated results to provide appropriate patient care. In this review, we will cover the current guidelines for the use of home sleep apnea tests, the types of testing available, and future directions of home testing.

Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) is an isothermal in vitronucleic acid amplification technique that has been adopted for simple, robust, rapid, reliable diagnostics of nematodes. In this study, the real-time RPA assay and RPA assay combined with lateral flow dipsticks (LF-RPA) have been developed targeting the ITS rRNA gene of the British root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne artiellia. The assay provided specific and rapid detection of this root-knot nematode species from crude nematode extracts without a DNA extraction step with a sensitivity of 0.125 second-stage juvenile (J2) specimen per a reaction tube for real-time RPA during 11 min and a sensitivity of 0.5 J2 specimens per a reaction tube for LF-RPA during 25 min. The RPA assays were validated with a wide range of non-target root-knot nematodes. The LF-RPA assay has great potential for nematode diagnostics in the laboratory having minimal available equipment.

Retrograde signaling at the synapse is a fundamental way by which neurons communicate and neuronal circuit function is fine-tuned upon activity. While long-term changes in neurotransmitter release commonly rely on retrograde signaling, the mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we identified adenosine/A2Areceptor (A2AR) as a retrograde signaling pathway underlying presynaptic long-term potentiation (LTP) at a hippocampal excitatory circuit critically involved in memory and epilepsy. Transient burst activity of a single dentate granule cell induced LTP of mossy cell synaptic inputs, a BDNF/TrkB-dependent form of plasticity that facilitates seizures. Postsynaptic TrkB activation released adenosine from granule cells, uncovering a non-conventional BDNF/TrkB signaling mechanism. Moreover, presynaptic A2ARs were necessary and sufficient for LTP. Lastly, seizure induction released adenosine in a TrkB-dependent manner,while removing A2ARs or TrkB from the dentate gyrus had anti-convulsant effects. By mediating presynaptic LTP, adenosine/A2AR retrograde signaling may modulate dentate gyrus-dependent learning and promote epileptic activity.

Es ampliamente reconocido que la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII) se asocia con una alta prevalencia de disfunción sexual (DS). Sin embargo, existe una notable escasez de publicaciones específicas en este ámbito. Esta falta de información repercute en diferentes aspectos, incluyendo la comprensión y atención integral de la DS en el contexto de la EII. Además, los propios pacientes expresan esta limitación dentro del tratamiento de su enfermedad, generando así una necesidad insatisfecha en términos de su bienestar.

During a survey in Golestan province, north Iran, two populations belonging to the family Tylenchidae were recovered in association with Quercussp., and a rotten wood sample of an unidentified forest tree. The first recovered species was mainly characterized by having a disc-like differentiation in the frontal end under the light microscope (LM), proposing it as a tentative member of the genus Discotylenchus. Detailed morphological studies using scanning electron microscope (SEM), however, did not reveal a true disc, but showing the smooth cephalic region, and a narrow annulus behind the cephalic plate. Based upon the cephalic region structure, and by lacking a true disc, the species was identified as a member of the genus Filenchus. This population was further characterized by 555 to 618 μm long females, lateral fields with four incisures, 9 to 10 μm long stylet, spermatheca large, including spheroid sperm, post-vulval uterine sac (PUS) 8 to 12 µm long and gradually tapering to an elongate conoid tail with pointed tip. It was compared with relevant species of Filenchushaving four incisures in the lateral fields and similar general morphology. By having a disc-like differentiation in the frontal end under the LM, it was further compared with three similar known species of Discotylenchus. The morphological comparisons with species under two aforementioned genera showed the recovered population belongs to an unknown species, described herein as Filenchus pseudodiscusn. sp. The molecular phylogenetic relationships of the new species using partial small and large subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU and LSU D2-D3 rDNA) sequences were reconstructed and discussed. Malenchus gilanensis, the second recovered and studied species was originally established based upon traditional criteria. An updated LSU phylogeny of the genus Malenchusby including M. gilanensiswas also presented and its results were discussed.

Two stunt nematode species, Geocenamus brevidensand Quinisulcius capitatus, were recovered from the potato growing regions of southern Alberta, described and characterized based on integrative taxonomy. Morphometrics, distribution, and host associations of both species are discussed. The Canadian populations of both species displayed minor variations in morphometrical characteristics (viz., slightly longer bodies and tails) from the original descriptions. The populations of G. brevidensand Q. capitatusspecies examined in this study are proposed as standard and reference populations for each respective species until topotype specimens become available and molecularly characterized. Phylogenetic analyses, based on partial 18S, 28S, and ITS sequences, placed both species with related stunt nematode species. The present study updates the taxonomic records of G. brevidensand Q. capitatusfrom a new location, southern Alberta, Canada, and will aid in the decision whether these stunt nematodes should be included in nematode management programs.

The Family Criconematidae is commonly referred as ring nematodes that include some members with economic importance as plant parasites. During a recent nematode inventory survey at Zhejiang Province, China, a new species of genus Nothocriconemoideswas detected in the rhizosphere of elm tree. Nothocriconemoides hangzhouensisn. sp. can be characterized by the female body having annuli with fine longitudinal striations and 2 to 3 anastomoses at the posterior half of the body. The first cephalic annulus is rounded and expanded enclosing the lip region, and the second annulus is narrow, offset, collar like. En faceview shows a central elevated labial disk bearing four distinct equal-sized submedian lobes and “I” shaped oral aperture. Excretory pore is located 3–4 annuli posterior to esophageal bulb. Vagina is straight and vulva closed. The ventral side of postvulval annuli is inverted, in majority of individuals. Anus is indistinct and located on the next annuli posterior to vulva. Tail is short, conoid, with forked or branched terminus. Juveniles are devoid of collar-shaped annuli in the lip region. The cephalic region has two rounded annuli where the first annulus shows slight depression in the middle. Body annuli are finely crenated. Anus is indistinct and located 3 to 4 annuli from tail terminus. Tail is short ending in a single lobed terminus. Phylogenetic studies based on analysis of the D2–D3 expansion segments of the 28 S rRNA, ITS rRNA, partial 18 S rRNA, and coxI gene revealed that the new species formed a separate clade from other criconematid species, thereby supporting its status as a new species of the genus. The new species showed close relationships with Discocriconemella sinensis. Additionally, this is the first record of genus Nothocriconemoidesfrom China.

The tea plant is native to China; the country has the greatest tea production areas in the world. In an attempt to investigate the nematode biodiversity associated with the tea plantations of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, a population of stunt nematode was detected. This group of nematodes is comprised of migratory ecto-parasites of roots and can subsist on a variety of host plants. Therefore, the detected population was studied carefully using the integrative taxonomy approach and identified as a new species of genus Geocenamus. Geocenamus chengin. sp. can be characterized by females having six incisures in the lateral field; labial region is dome shaped and slightly offset from the rest of the body having four to five annuli; head framework is weakly developed; deirids are absent; excretory pore is located at the anterior region of basal pharyngeal bulb. Under SEM, the vulva is a transverse slit, vulval lips are elongated and ellipsoidal with epiptygma. The tail is annulated, elongated, and conical having bluntly pointed tip and a terminal hyaline region that forms 21 to 33% of the tail length. Spicule is 22 to 25 μm long, gubernaculum is saucer shaped; bursa is crenated covering the tail until the hyaline tail region. Morphologically, the species is close to G. circellus, G. joctus, G. loofi, G. ordinarius, G. processus, G. tetyllus, and G. tortilis. Phylogenetic relationships of the new species based on D2-D3 expansion domains of 28 S, ITS, and 18 S rRNA genes indicated that G. chengin. sp. clustered in a separate clade with G. vietnamensis.

To our knowledge, the characteristics and burden of childhood arthritis have never been studied on a worldwide basis. We aimed to investigate, with a cross-sectional study, the prevalence of disease categories, treatment methods, and disease status in patients from across different geographical areas and from countries with diverse wealth status.

Cultivated Cretan mountain tea or Malotira (Sideritis syriacaL.) was found to be infected by Meloidogyne haplaand Meloidogyne javanicain the island of Crete. The authors provide the first molecular characterization of M. haplain Greece and the first report of Cretan mountain tea or Malotira as a host of Meloidogynespecies worldwide. In addition, Meloidogyne hispanicawas found infecting aloe (Andros island) and corn (Drama, North Greece) consisting the first reports of natural infection of these plants by M. hispanicain Europe. Furthermore, infection of corn by M. incognitaand soybean by M. javanica(Drama, North Greece) are reported for the first time in Greece. Integrative taxonomical approach based on perineal pattern and EP/st ratio, as well as the region of the mitochondrial genome between the cytochrome oxidase subunit II (coxII) and 16S rRNA mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genes was used to differentiate Meloidogynespecies.

Three populations of Xiphinemanon-americanumgroup species were detected in agricultural and natural ecosystems, during routine surveys for plant-parasitic nematodes in Spain. Based on morphological and molecular analyses, the species were identified as Xiphinema histriaeand Xiphinema lapidosum, being this the first record and molecular characterization of both species in Spain. The morphometrics and morphology of the Spanish populations agree with those of the original description and paratype specimens and the present study provided a first description of the second to fourth juvenile stages of both species. A detailed study on the morphology in the Spanish populations of X. histriae, as well as in paratypes, showed a pseudo-Z-organ with weakly muscularized wall and containing numerous small dense granular bodies, which was different to the original description by Lamberti et al. (1993). This new finding suggests that X. histriaemust be considered a member of the morphospecies Group 5 of X.non-americanum. Phylogenetic analysis based on D2 to D3 expansion segments of 28S gene, ITS1 and partial CoxI gene indicated that X. histriaeand X. lapidosumare phylogenetically related with other Xiphinemanon-americanumgroup spp. reported from Spain. Considering the pathological and economic importance of this group of nematodes, the combination of morphological characters, measurements, and molecular analysis is crucial for accurate identification of these species.

The rice root-knot nematode Meloidogyne graminicolais a severe pest of rice. In China, it was first reported from Hainan Province, and later from several other provinces. In the present study, a rice root-knot nematode population found from the rice cultivation areas of Zhejiang Province, China is characterized viamolecular analysis using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (coxII)-16S rRNA genes and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations of males and the second-stage juveniles. Morphometric data and molecular sequence comparisons for all M. graminicolapopulations occurring in China are also provided. The overall morphology of M. graminicolafound in Zhejiang match well with the original description, though males have a slightly longer body and stylet, and a shorter tail, while the second-stage juvenile is also slightly longer than in the original description. This is the first report of M. graminicolafrom Zhejiang. Phylogenetic studies based on coxIIsuggest that all the Chinese populations belong to Type B. This study expands knowledge of the increasing distribution and phylogenetic relationships of M. graminicolathat occur in China.

Long-term potentiation (LTP), a well-characterized form of synaptic plasticity, is believed to underlie memory formation. Hebbian, postsynaptically expressed LTP requires TARPγ-8 phosphorylation for synaptic insertion of AMPA receptors (AMPARs). However, it is unknown whether TARP-mediated AMPAR insertion alone is sufficient to modify behavior. Here, we report the development of a chemogenetic tool, ExSYTE (Excitatory SYnaptic Transmission modulator by Engineered TARPγ-8), to mimic the cytoplasmic interaction of TARP with the plasma membrane in a doxycycline-dependent manner. We use this tool to examine the specific role of synaptic AMPAR potentiation in amygdala neurons that are activated by fear conditioning. Selective expression of active ExSYTE in these neurons potentiates AMPAR-mediated synaptic transmission in a doxycycline-dependent manner, occludes synaptically induced LTP, and mimics freezing triggered by cued fear conditioning. Thus, chemogenetic controlling of the TARP-membrane interaction is sufficient for LTP-like synaptic AMPAR insertion, which mimics fear conditioning.

AbstractIn engineering, quality control in systems development ensures that products and services meet expectations. There is an increasing need to develop strategies to ensure asset quality and reduce the risk of unexpected costs. Ensuring the desired service quality with minimum interruptions requires maintenance actions when the risk of service impairment, interruption or losses in life-cycle costs reach predefined levels, which are based on performance indicators. This paper analyses a digital image correlation (DIC) system and its ability to assess performance indicators such as crack patterns, crack openings and vertical and horizontal deformation. The obtained values are then compared to goals so that structural performance assessment strategies can be implemented in an efficient and sustainable way. In particular, the system is used to obtain valuable information about the shear transfer mechanisms of reinforced concrete beams. This contribution focuses on prestressed precast beams loaded in shear following a sequence of loading and unloading cycles before the load is ultimately increased until failure. The obtained results include a load-dependent photogrammetric documentation of crack patterns, a continuous quantification of crack openings and an accurate measurement of vertical and horizontal deformation. These findings are basic elements for the enhancement and assessment of existing analytical formulations.

Nematode samplings in cultivated and wild olive in Crete, Greece, yielded the presence of Bitylenchus hispaniensis, Helicotylenchus microlobus, Helicotylenchus vulgaris, Merlinius brevidens, and Pratylenchoides alkani. With the exception of H. microlobusand M. brevidens, reports of these plant-parasitic nematode species constitute new records for Greece. Bitylenchus hispaniensisis also reported for first time in a country outside of Spain, where it was originally described. Pratylenchoides alkaniis herein reported for the second time in the Mediterranean area and for the first time in association with olive. Two further populations of H. microlobusand H. vulgaris, from walnut and goji berry from Greece, were identified. Molecular data for all of these nematode species are provided, resulting in the first integrative identification of these Greek populations.

Longidorids are economically important plant-parasitic nematodes because several species are virus vectors. Populations of Paralongidorus saliand Longidorus jonesi, isolated from woody perennials of Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China, were characterized molecularly and morphologically. The morphometric data of the Chinese populations of both species were compared with other populations. The present study provided a first record of the occurrence of Paralongidorusin China coupled with description of the first-stage Juvenile and male of L. jonesi. Phylogenetic analysis based on 18S and D2–D3 expansion segments of 28S gene indicated that L. jonesiclustered with L. jonesireported from Japan and P. saligrouped with P. bikanerensisfrom Iran. Considering the pathological and economic importance of this group of nematodes, the study emphasized the need of updated descriptions from accurately identified specimens, isolation of sufficient material for examination, and molecular and phylogenetic analysis for a better understanding and diagnostics of Longidorid nematodes.

A new species from the family Tylenchidae was recovered in the grasslands of Isfahan province, Iran, and is herein described based on morphological and molecular data. Ottolenchus isfahanicusn. sp. is mainly characterized by having a faintly annulated cuticle; elongated, slightly sigmoid amphidial apertures developed metacorpus with distinct valve under LM; vulva located at 69.472.3% of body length; large spermatheca about 2.75 times of corresponding body width; and elongated conoid tail with broadly rounded tip. SEM observations showed that the lip region is smooth; the amphidial apertures are elongated, slightly sigmoid slits; and the lateral field is a simple band. It is further characterized by 477-to-515-μm-long females with delicate 5.7-to-6.9-μm-long stylets with small, slightly posteriorly sloping knobs, as well as functional males, in the population. The new species closely resembles O. facultativus, but is separated from it based on morphological and molecular data. It was further morphologically compared with O. discrepans, O. fungivorus, and O. sinipersici. The phylogenetic relationships of the new species with other relevant genera and species were reconstructed using near-full-length sequences of small subunit and D2-D3 expansion segments of large subunit (SSU and LSU D2-D3). In the inferred SSU phylogeny, the newly generated sequence of Ottolenchus isfahanicusn. sp. formed a clade with two sequences of O. sinipersiciand sequences assigned to O. facultativusand O. fungivorus. In the inferred LSU phylogeny, the three newly generated sequences of the new species and LSU sequences of O. sinipersiciand O. discrepansformed a clade.

During a nematological survey in southern Iran, a population belonging to the family Tylenchidae was recovered from a tomato field in Bushehr province. The recovered population belongs to the genus Filenchus,was described and illustrated herein as F. multistriatusn. sp. It is mainly characterized by having a wide and low annulated lip region continuous with adjacent body; amphidial openings confined to the labial plate; four lines in lateral fields forming three bands, with the two outer bands broken by transverse, and the inner one broken by both transverse and longitudinal lines; and median bulb oval with visible valve and elongate-conoid tail uniformly and gradually narrowing toward the distal region, ending in a widely rounded tip. Its morphological and morphometric differences with three closely similar species were discussed. The phylogenetic relationships of the new species with other relevant genera and species were reconstructed using partial sequences of small, and large subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU and LSU rDNA) sequences. Morphometric and morphological data were also provided for an Iranian population of F. sandnerirecovered from Bushehr province. Both populations were characterised using SEM data.

Seven needle nematode species of the genus Longidorushave been reported in Ukraine. Nematological surveys for needle nematodes were carried out in Ukraine between 2016 and 2017 and two nematode species of Longidorus(L. caespiticolaand L. poessneckensis) were collected from natural and anthropogenically altered habitats on the territory of Opillia and Zakarpattia in Ukraine. Nematodes were extracted from 500 cm3of soil by modified sieving and decanting method. Extracted specimens were processed to glycerol and mounted on permanent slides and subsequently identified morphologically and molecularly. Nematode DNA was extracted from single individuals and PCR assays were conducted as previously described for D2–D3 expansion segments of 28S rRNA. Sequence alignments for D2–D3 from L. caespiticolashowed 97%–99% similarity to other sequences of L. caespiticoladeposited in GenBank from Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Russia, Slovenia, and Scotland. Similarly, D2–D3 sequence alignments from L. poessneckensis, showed 99% to other sequences of L. poessneckensisdeposited in GenBank from Slovakia and Czech Republic. Morphology, morphometry, and molecular data obtained from these samples were consistent with L. caespiticolaand L. poessneckensisidentification. To our knowledge, these are the first reports of L. caespiticolaand L. poessneckensisin Ukraine, extending the geographical distribution of these species.

Plant-parasitic nematodes such as Longidorus euonymusand Helicotylenchus multicintctusare species widely distributed in central Europe as well as in Mediterranean area. In Greece, both species have been previously reported but no morphometrics or molecular data were available for these species. Nematode surveys in the rhizosphere of grapevines in Athens carried out in 2016 and 2017, yielded a Longidorusspecies identified as Longidorus euonymus. Similarly, a population of Helicotylenchus multicinctuswas detected infecting banana roots from an outdoor crop in Tertsa, Crete. For both species, morphometrics and molecular data of Greek populations were provided, resulting in the first integrative identification of both nematode species based on morphometric and molecular markers, confirming the occurrence of these two nematodes in Greece as had been stated in earlier reports.

Presynaptic boutons in the mammalian brain are typically small and difficult to manipulate and study. Here, we present a protocol applying HaloTag self-labeling technology to detect de novo local protein synthesis in intact presynaptic mossy fiber boutons from acute mouse hippocampal slices. We describe stereotaxic injection of HaloTag-expressing virus into the brain region of interest, followed by brain slice preparation. We then detail the labeling of HaloTag-fused protein and image acquisition to visualize the labeled protein in an intact circuit.

Nematode samplings in various areas and crops of Greece were carried out and the recovered nematode species were characterized using morphological and molecular data. Seven species of plant-parasitic nematodes were recovered, three of which are reported for the first time in Greece, including Hemicycliophora poranga, Helicotylenchus dihysteraand Tylenchorhynchus zeae. Four other recovered species had already been reported in Greece, including Bitylenchus hispaniensis, Helicotylenchus microlobus, Nanidorus minorand Scutellonema brachyurus. D2–D3 segments of 28S rRNA gene for all of these nematode species are provided.