Since the description of autoimmune encephalitis (AE) associated with N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibodies (anti-NMDARE) in 2007, more than 12 other clinical syndromes and antibodies have been reported. In this article, we review recent advances in pathophysiology, genetics, diagnosis pitfalls, and clinical phenotypes of AE associated with cell surface antibodies and anti-GAD associated neurological syndromes. Genetic studies reported human leukocyte antigen (HLA) associations for anti-LGI1, anti-Caspr2, anti-IgLON5, and anti-GAD.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare autoimmune disease most frequently characterized by a neuromyelitis optica (NMO) phenotype, comprising both simultaneous or sequential optic neuritis (ON) and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM). Symptoms of brainstem, diencephalic and cerebral involvement may also occur. While most NMOSD patients test positive for serum aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibodies, some seronegative patients test positive for oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-IgG (MOG-IgG).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground And Aims: Genomic changes triggered by polyploidy, chromosomal rearrangements, and/ or environmental stress are among factors that affect the activity of mobile elements, particularly Long Terminal Repeats Retrotransposons (LTR-RTs) and DNA transposons. Because these elements can proliferate and move throughout host genomes, altering the genetic, epigenetic and nucleotypic landscape, they have been recognized as a relevant evolutionary force. Beaksedges (Rhynchospora) stand out for their wide cosmopolitan distribution, high diversity (~400 spp.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFValorization of azorean demersal fish species must focus quality. This study aims to assess the nutritional value, sodium content and fat quality index of seven commercially relevant demersal fish species from the Azores Region: blackspot seabream (), blackbelly rosefish (), splendid alfonsino (), alfonsino (), forkbeard (), offshore rockfish () and common mora (). Moisture, ash, crude protein, total sugars, total fat, fatty acid profile, sodium and salt content were assessed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Uncertainty exists about the beneficial effects of delivering pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) during exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (ECOPD). This study explored the short-term effects and self-reported impact of a home-based PR programme for people with outpatient-managed ECOPD.
Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods randomised controlled trial in people with outpatient-managed ECOPD.