Publications by authors named "M Porras"

Article Synopsis
  • The study investigates the genetic factors linked to severe COVID-19, specifically focusing on hospitalized cases in admixed Americans.
  • Researchers conducted the largest genome-wide association study (GWAS) for COVID-19 hospitalization in this population, identifying four significant genetic associations, including two novel loci found in Latin Americans.
  • The findings highlight the importance of including diverse populations in genomic research, aiming to improve understanding of genetic risks associated with COVID-19 across different ethnic groups.
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Article Synopsis
  • A specific type of bacteria, 'Candidatus Endonucleobacter', infects the nuclei of deep-sea mussels, multiplying to over 80,000 bacteria per nucleus and causing significant swelling.
  • The bacteria obtain nutrients not from the host's genetic material but by upregulating genes that help them import and digest sugars, lipids, and proteins from the mussels.
  • To avoid triggering cell death (apoptosis) in the host, 'Candidatus Endonucleobacter' produces unique inhibitors of apoptosis that it acquired from the host through a rare process known as horizontal gene transfer.
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Eye tracking technology is a high-potential tool for different mathematic cognition research areas. Moreover, there is a dire need for more studies that provide detailed information on the quality of registered eye data. This study aimed to illustrate the applicability of eye tracking in the examination of mathematical cognition, focusing specifically on primary school students completing a computerized mental arithmetic task.

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The synthesis and pharmacological activity of a new series of thieno[2,3-]pyrimidin-4(3)-one derivatives as sigma-1 receptor (σR) ligands are reported. A hit from a high-throughput screening program was evolved into a highly potent and selective σR agonist () that contains a free NH group as positive ionizable moiety, not fulfilling the usual pharmacophoric features of the σR. The compound shows good physicochemical and ADMET characteristics, displays an agonist profile in the binding immunoglobulin protein/σR association assay, induces neuron viability in an in vitro model of β-amyloid peptide intoxication, and presents positive results against recognition memory impairment induced by hippocampal injection of Aβ peptide in rats after oral treatment, altogether making (WLB-87848) an interesting candidate for neuroprotection.

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Maternal deprivation, as a result of the artificial rearing (AR) paradigm, disturbs electrophysiological and histological characteristics of the peripheral sensory sural (SU) nerve of infant and adult male rats. Such changes are prevented by providing tactile or social stimulation during isolation. AR also affects the female rat's brain and behavior; however, it is unknown whether this early adverse experience also alters their SU nerve development or if tactile stimulation might prevent these possible developmental effects.

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