Publications by authors named "Montero F"

The ubiquitin E2 variant domain of TSG101 (TSG101-UEV) plays a pivotal role in protein sorting and virus budding by recognizing PTAP motifs within ubiquitinated proteins. Disruption of TSG101-UEV/PTAP interactions has emerged as a promising strategy for the development of host-oriented broad-spectrum antivirals with low susceptibility to resistance. TSG101 is a challenging target characterized by an extended and flat binding interface, low affinity for PTAP ligands, and complex binding energetics.

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Parasitism involves diverse evolutionary strategies, including adaptations for blood feeding, which provides essential nutrients for growth and reproduction. (Polyopisthocotyla: Microcotylidae), an ectoparasitic flatworm, infects the gills of gilthead seabream (), significantly affecting fish health, welfare and Mediterranean cage farm profitability. Despite its impact, limited information exists on its feeding behaviour.

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  • The study focuses on the diplectanid monogenean, a common gill parasite of the gilthead seabream found in the Mediterranean Sea, aiming to understand its population structure and genetic diversity through molecular analysis.
  • Researchers analyzed samples from wild and cage-reared gilthead seabream across fifteen locations in Tunisia, Italy, and Spain, revealing that there is likely just one species of the parasite widespread throughout the region, with evidence of recent population expansion.
  • The study shows high haplotype diversity and significant genetic variation among the parasite populations, with notable differences between those in the Adriatic Sea and other areas, suggesting considerable gene flow due to host movement.
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Background: Injecting, smoking, and snorting heroin/synthetic opioids is each associated with unique health risks. It is unclear how route of administration (ROA) preferences have shifted during the opioid epidemic.

Methods: Using 2000-2021 admissions data from SAMHSA TEDS-A, we analyzed trends in heroin/synthetic opioid ROA preferences and factors associated with these preferences.

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The SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) epidemic remains globally active. The emergence of new variants of interest and variants of concern (VoCs), which are potentially more vaccine-resistant and less sensitive to existing treatments, is evident due to their high prevalence. The prospective spread of such variants and other coronaviruses with epidemic potential demands preparedness that can be met by developing fast-track workflows to find new candidates that target viral proteins with a clear and phenotype.

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  • * Affected fish exhibited abdominal swelling and necropsy revealed xenomas (tumor-like structures) that were attached to internal organs, leading to chronic inflammation and necrosis.
  • * The research included detailed ultrastructural and molecular analyses of the spores, finding that the new strain shared close genetic links with other Glugea species, particularly G. sardinellesis and G. thunni.
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Proper temperature regulation of photovoltaic (PV) modules increases their performance. Among various cooling techniques, phase change materials (PCMs) represent an effective thermal management route, thanks to their large latent heat at constant temperatures. Radiative cooling (RC) is also recently explored as a passive option for PV temperature regulation.

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Syntenin-1 is a multidomain protein containing a central tandem of two PDZ domains flanked by two unnamed domains. Previous structural and biophysical studies show that the two PDZ domains are functional both isolated and in tandem, occurring a gain in their respective binding affinities when joined through its natural short linker. To get insight into the molecular and energetic reasons of such a gain, here, the first thermodynamic characterization of the conformational equilibrium of Syntenin-1 is presented, with special focus on its PDZ domains.

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  • This research investigates how brain-encysting trematodes affect host fish behavior by mapping the distribution of metacercariae in both wild and farmed fish.
  • The study found that metacercariae primarily target specific brain regions, like the optic lobe and medulla oblongata, which could influence sensory and motor functions crucial for fish survival.
  • While the research provides valuable insights into the effects of these parasites on fish brains, further experiments are needed to determine if the observed brain occupancy causes behavioral changes in the hosts.
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  • Anelasma squalicola is a type of barnacle that attaches to sharks from various ocean regions, including the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and relies on the host's fluid for nutrition.
  • This study documents the first occurrence of Anelasma squalicola in the Mediterranean Sea, specifically found on a species of shark, Etmopterus spinax, during a survey in 2017.
  • The infection rate was low at 0.22%, and the health status index (HSI) of affected sharks suggested possible negative effects on their physiology compared to unaffected individuals.
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More than 65 species of the genus Van Beneden & Hesse, 1863, have been described to date, most of them infecting Perciformes. Among the scorpaenoids (Perciformes, formerly Scorpaeniformes) the species of the genus parasitize sebastids and scorpaenids worldwide. In this study, we provide new morphological and molecular data for spp.

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  • The study focuses on Sparicotyle chrysophrii, a parasite affecting the gilthead sea bream, which can lead to disease and death in aquaculture.
  • It investigates genetic variation and population structure using two molecular markers (28S rRNA and COI), analyzing samples from both wild and farmed fish in Italy and Spain.
  • Findings indicate low genetic diversity within S. chrysophrii from S. aurata, potential identification of a sister species from another host, and initial evidence of parasite transfer between wild and farmed populations.
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Anisakis spp. (Nematoda, Anisakidae) are parasites known by their economic and health impacts, as their L3 larval stages infect a variety of fish species, many of them commercial species, sometimes causing zoonotic episodes due to consumption of raw or undercooked fish. The aim of this study is to determine the infection process and the potential impact of A.

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  • Some studies show people felt less anxious and depressed during COVID-19, but most were done in richer countries with strict lockdowns.
  • In Uruguay, where there weren't many COVID cases and the lockdown was mild, researchers looked at how time and moving around affected mental health.
  • They found that over time, people reported feeling better, especially older ones, and as people started going out more, their feelings of sadness decreased.
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Transmission and infection strategies are critical for completing the life cycles of trematode parasites, which are characterized by complex life cycles involving multiple hosts and stages. Transmission between the first and second intermediate hosts typically relies on cercariae, a free-swimming larval stage that displays a series of behaviors to efficiently disperse, locate, attach to, and infect the next host. The aim of this study is to provide detailed information on behaviors used by furcocercariae (bifurcated tail) during its transmission from the snail to the fish host, using the laboratory-established model of Cardiocephaloides longicollis (Strigeidae).

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The microcotylid is a pathogenic monogenean infecting , a candidate for species diversification in the Mediterranean aquaculture. Life-history stages of commonly co-occur in field infections, but to date, morphological data have only been provided for oncomiracidia and adults although identifying life-history stages can be useful in infection management. A total of 114 specimens of were analysed to characterize the developmental events and to assess morphological and morphometric variations before and after maturity.

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Objective: To assess the accuracy of ultrasound (US) versus fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) to identify extracranial involvement in large vessel vasculitis (LVV).

Methods: A retrospective observational study of patients with suspected LVV. All patients underwent US exam within 24 h per protocol.

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Objectives: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of post-COVID-19 (PC) in fibromyalgia (FM) patients.

Methods: Retrospective, multi-centric, observational study, comparing a group of FM patients (FM group) with another group of patients with other rheumatic diseases (RD group). COVID-19 diagnosis was established by positive polymerase chain reaction or antigen during acute infection or by positive antibodies thereafter.

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One of the most promising aquaculture species is the Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) with high market value; disease control is crucial to prevent and reduce mortality and monetary losses. Microsporidia (Fungi) are a potential source of damage to bluefin tuna aquaculture. A new microsporidian species is described from farmed bluefin tunas from the Spanish Mediterranean.

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Background: Sharp exacerbations of the US overdose crisis are linked to polysubstance use of synthetic compounds. Xylazine is a veterinary tranquilizer, long noted in the street opioid supply of Puerto Rico, and more recently Philadelphia. Yet its national trends, geographic distribution, and health risks are poorly characterized.

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Multiple transformations-referred to as "waves" in a panoply of recent public health and law enforcement publications-have rendered North American drug markets increasingly toxic since the early 2010s. The introduction of exceptionally potent synthetic sedatives and stimulants is initiating a new generation of drug injectors into co-use of opioids and methamphetamine, catapulting rates of deadly overdoses and infectious diseases. Drawing on extensive participant-observation research in Philadelphia (2007-present) and Tijuana (2018-present), we document the experience of street-based drug users across these two North American cities to focus on regional shifts in narcotics supplies and endpoint user preferences.

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