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Background and Aim: Puerto Rico is experiencing a rapidly aging society. In old age, it is common to experience one or more chronic diseases that require special attention. If not properly addressed, these health conditions can reduce functionality in daily activities. Some risk factors that can affect health and functionality include sedentary lifestyle, social isolation, and unhealthy lifestyles. To reduce these risk factors, it is necessary to implement health promotion measures aimed at improving the well-being of older adults. Brain Dance has a positive impact on the health of older adults. Its benefits include increasing circulation, reorganizing the neurological system, reducing stress, maintaining joint flexibility, and being aware of the communication between body and mind. The aim was to promote the health of older adults through the 8 Movement Patterns of Brain Dance at CAMPEA, Santa Monica, Bayamón, during the months of March to May 2023. Methods: A collaboration agreement was established between the Geriatric Research and Education Center and CAMPEA to train older adults and service providers on the benefits of Brain Dance, and educational materials were provided to complement the activities. Results: The program was implemented as designed. A total of 12 older adults, 60+ practiced Brain Dance and 6 direct services providers were trained on the benefits of Brain Dance in older adults. An infographic with the Eight Movements Patterns was designed and distributed to older adults and services providers. Conclusions: Older adults reported that engaging in Brain Dance helped them to increase their confidence, bring back memories from the past, strengthen their group interactions, gain new knowledge, develop new skills, self- discover, pay greater attention to the connection between their mind and body, and achieve a state of joy.

Background and Aims: The growth of the elderly population poses challenges and opportunities in society. As we age, normal changes occur that can affect functionality and independence. Aging is associated with brain changes that result in cognitive decline. The most common cause of cognitive decline among the elderly is Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It is characterized by a progressive spectrum of memory problems that affect the functional capacity of the elderly and their ability to perform activities of daily living, increasing the level of dependence and the social, emotional, and economic burden on caregivers. Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States and the 4th leading cause of death in Puerto Rico. These challenges can only be addressed through clinical research for managing conditions, non-pharmacological treatments and therapies, and educational initiatives covering basic aspects of geriatrics aimed at healthcare professionals, direct service providers, and caregivers. These efforts will provide effective management alternatives when intervening with the elderly population and the public. The aims are: to discuss the educational initiative with Dominican caregivers, to review advances in Alzheimer’s disease research, to present the translation and cultural validation of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy as a non-pharmacological intervention for patients in the early stages of MCI and Alzheimer’s, and to raise awareness about the importance of physical literacy through the eight (8) Movement Patterns of Brain Dance for older adults.

Background Awake prone positioning (APP) reduces the intubation rate in COVID-19 patients treated by high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC). However, the lung aeration response to APP has not been addressed. We aimed to explore the lung aeration response to APP by lung ultrasound (LUS). Methods This two-center, prospective, observational study enrolled patients with COVID-19-induced acute hypoxemic respiratory failure treated by HFNC and APP. LUS score was recorded 5–10 min before, 1 h after APP, and 5–10 min after supine in the first APP session within the first three days. The primary outcome was LUS score changes in the first three days. Secondary outcomes included changes in SpO 2 /FiO 2 ratio, respiratory rate and ROX index (SpO 2 /FiO 2 /respiratory rate) related to APP, and the rate of treatment success (patients who avoided intubation). Results Seventy-one patients were enrolled. LUS score decreased from 20 (interquartile range [IQR] 19–24) to 19 (18–21) ( p  < 0.001) after the first APP session, and to 19 (18–21) ( p  < 0.001) after three days. Compared to patients with treatment failure ( n  = 20, 28%), LUS score reduction after the first three days in patients with treatment success ( n  = 51) was greater (− 2.6 [95% confidence intervals − 3.1 to − 2.0] vs 0 [− 1.2 to 1.2], p  = 0.001). A decrease in dorsal LUS score > 1 after the first APP session was associated with decreased risk for intubation (Relative risk 0.25 [0.09–0.69]). APP daily duration was correlated with LUS score reduction in patients with treatment success, especially in dorsal lung zones ( r  =  − 0.76; p  < 0.001). Conclusions In patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure due to COVID-19 and treated by HFNC, APP reduced LUS score. The reduction in dorsal LUS scores after APP was associated with treatment success. The longer duration on APP was correlated with greater lung aeration. Trial registration This study was prospectively registered on clinicaltrials.gov on April 22, 2021. Identification number NCT04855162 .

Lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) are allergens found in a wide range of plant-foods. Specifically, Pru p 3, the major allergen of peach, is commonly responsible for severe allergic reactions. The need for new alternatives to conventional food allergy treatments, like restrictive diets, suggests allergen immunotherapy as a promising option. It has been demonstrated that sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) with synthetic glycodendropeptides, such as D1ManPrup3, containing mannose and Pru p 3 peptides induced tolerance in mice and that the persistence of this effect depends on treatment dose (2nM or 5nM). Moreover, it produces changes associated with differential gene expression and methylation profile of dendritic cells, as well as phenotypical changes in regulatory T cells (Treg). However, there are no works addressing the study of epigenetic changes in terms of methylation in the cell subsets that sustain tolerant responses, Treg. Therefore, in this work, DNA methylation changes in splenic-Treg from Pru p 3 anaphylactic mice were evaluated. It was performed by whole genome bisulphite sequencing comparing SLIT-D1ManPrup3 treated mice: tolerant (2nM D1ManPrup3), desensitized (5nM D1ManPrup3), and sensitized but not treated (antigen-only), with anaphylactic mice. Most of the methylation changes were found in the gene promoters from both SLIT-treated groups, desensitized (1,580) and tolerant (1,576), followed by the antigen-only (1,151) group. Although tolerant and desensitized mice showed a similar number of methylation changes, only 445 genes were shared in both. Remarkably, interesting methylation changes were observed on the promoter regions of critical transcription factors for Treg function like , , , , and . In fact, was observed exclusively as hypomethylated in tolerant group, whereas was only hypomethylated in the desensitized mice. In conclusion, diverse D1ManPrup3 doses induce different responses (tolerance or desensitization) in mice, which are reflected by differential methylation changes in Tregs.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is applied as treatment to rise tolerance in patients with food allergies. Although AIT is thoroughly used, the underlying epigenetic events related to tolerant induction are still unknown. Thus, we aim to investigate epigenetic changes that could be related to tolerance in dendritic cells (DCs) from anaphylactic mice to lipid transfer proteins, Pru p 3, in the context of a sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) with a glycodendropeptide (D1ManPrup3) that has demonstrated tolerant or desensitization responses depending on the treatment dose. Changes in DNA methylation in CpG context were determined comparing Sensitized (Antigen-only) animals and two groups receiving SLIT with the D1ManPrup3 nanostructure (D1ManPrup3-SLIT): Tolerant (2nM D1ManPrup3) and Desensitized (5nM D1ManPrup3), against anaphylactic animals. DNA from lymph nodes-DCs were isolated and then, Whole Genome Bisulphite Sequencing was performed to analyze methylation. Most differentially methylated regions were found on the area of influence of gene promoters (DMPRs). Compared to the Anaphylactic group, the highest value was found in Desensitized mice (n = 7,713 DMPRs), followed by Tolerant (n = 4,091 DMPRs) and Sensitized (n = 3,931 DMPRs) mice. Moreover, many of these epigenetic changes were found in genes involved in immune and tolerance responses (Il1b, Il12b, Il1a, Ifng, and Tnf) as shown by functional enrichment (DCs regulation, B cell-mediated immunity, and effector mechanisms). In conclusion, different doses of D1ManPrup3-SLIT induce different DNA methylation changes, which are reflected in the induction of distinct responses, tolerance, or desensitization.

Somatic mutations in the ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 gene ( TET2) have been associated to hematologic malignancies. More recently, biallelic, and monoallelic germline mutations conferring susceptibility to lymphoid and myeloid cancer have been described. We report two unrelated autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome-like patients who presented with T-cell lymphoma associated with novel germline biallelic or monoallelic mutations in the TET2 gene. Both patients presented a history of chronic lymphoproliferation with lymphadenopathies and splenomegaly, cytopenias, and immune dysregulation. We identified the first compound heterozygous patient for TET2 mutations (P1) and the first ALPS-like patient with a monoallelic TET2 mutation (P2). P1 had the most severe form of autosomal recessive disease due to TET2 loss of function resulting in absent TET2 expression and profound increase in DNA methylation. Additionally, the immunophenotype showed some alterations in innate and adaptive immune system as inverted myeloid/plasmacytoid dendritic cells ratio, elevated terminally differentiated effector memory CD8 + T-cells re-expressing CD45RA, regulatory T-cells, and Th2 circulating follicular T-cells. Double-negative T-cells, vitamin B12, and IL-10 were elevated according to the ALPS-like suspicion. Interestingly, the healthy P1’s brother carried a TET2 mutation and presented some markers of immune dysregulation. P2 showed elevated vitamin B12, hypergammaglobulinemia, and decreased HDL levels. Therefore, novel molecular defects in TET2 confirm and expand both clinical and immunological phenotype, contributing to a better knowledge of the bridge between cancer and immunity.

The Pyrenean grey partridge (Perdix perdix hispaniensis) is an endangered and insufficiently studied galliform occurring in upland habitats dominated by shrublands in Spain, France, and Andorra. Aiming to develop tailored management to favour the species, we studied the effect of habitat management on a partridge population located in Zamora province within the Galician–Duero mountains as part of a long-term project promoted by the regional government (Junta Castilla y León). Management was based on carrying out conservation and recovery of optimal habitats through clearing shrublands (either plots or linear) distributed in a “core area” of 45 km2, conducting tracks with beaters and pointing dogs during autumn in three areas, and comparing the partridge abundance before (2000–2006) and after (2007–2023) management. Habitat management increased partridge abundance values in two areas (1.46 and 1.68 times higher) and had no effect on the remaining one. The pattern of grey partridge abundance during the study was irregular and not influenced by the weather, and the highest abundance values were reached 8–10 years after habitat measures were implemented for the first time. Habitat management allowed high autumn abundance to be reached (mean kilometre abundance values of 2.94 and 3.74 birds/km in two areas), while the mean number of birds per family group was not affected by management (nine birds/group). When aiming to recover Pyrenean grey partridge populations, habitat management should be based on the conservation and management of shrublands to provide mixed habitats in the medium and long term, ensuring regular partridge monitoring.

Magnetic ionic liquids (MILs) with metal-containing cations are promising extraction solvents that provide fast and high efficiency extraction of DNA. Hydrophobic MILs can be generated in situ in a methodology called in situ dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction. To consolidate the sample preparation workflow, it is desirable to directly use the DNA-enriched MIL microdroplet in the subsequent analytical detection technique. Fluorescence-based techniques employed for DNA detection often utilize SYBR Green I, a DNA binding dye that exhibits optimal fluorescence when bound to double-stranded DNA. However, the MIL may hinder the fluorescence signal of the SYBR Green I-dsDNA complex due to quenching. In this study, MILs with metal-containing cations were selected and their fluorescence quenching effects evaluated using Fӧrster Resonance Energy Transfer and quantified using Stern-Volmer models. The MILs were based on N-substituted imidazole ligands (with butyl- and benzyl- groups as substituents) coordinated to Ni2+ or Co2+ metal centers as cations, and paired with chloride anions. The effects of NiCl2 and CoCl2 salts and of the 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ionic liquid on the fluorophore complex were also studied to understand the components of the MIL structure that are responsible for quenching. The metal within the MIL chemical structure was found to be the main component contributing to fluorescence quenching. Fӧrster critical distances between 11.9 and 18.8 Å were obtained for the MILs, indicating that quenching is likely not due to non-radiative energy transfer but rather to spin-orbit coupling or excited-state electron transfer. The MILs were able to be directly used in qPCR and fluorescence emission measurements using a microplate reader for detection, demonstrating their applicability in fluorescence-based detection methods.

Four different crosslinked polymeric ionic liquid (PIL)-based sorbent coatings were evaluated in an automated direct-immersion solid-phase microextraction method (automated DI-SPME) in combination with gas chromatography (GC). The crosslinked PIL coatings were based on vinyl-alkylimidazolium- (ViC n Im-) or vinylbenzyl-alkylimidazolium- (ViBzC n Im-) IL monomers, and di-(vinylimidazolium)dodecane ((ViIm) 2 C 12 -) or di-(vinylbenzylimidazolium)dodecane ((ViBzIm) 2 C 12 -) dicationic IL crosslinkers. In addition, a PIL-based hybrid coating containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was also studied. The studied PIL coatings were covalently attached to derivatized nitinol wires and mounted onto the Supelco assembly to ensure automation when acting as SPME coatings. Their behavior was evaluated in the determination of a group of water pollutants, after proper optimization. A comparison was carried out with three common commercial SPME fibers. It was observed that those PILs containing a benzyl group in their structures, either in the IL monomer and crosslinker (PIL–1–1) or only in the crosslinker (PIL–0–1), were the most efficient sorbents for the selected analytes. The validation of the overall automated DI-SPME-GC-flame ionization detector (FID) method gave limits of detection down to 135 μg · L −1 for p -cresol when using the PIL–1–1 and down to 270 μg · L −1 when using the PIL–0–1; despite their coating thickness: ~2 and ~5 μm, respectively. Average relative recoveries with waters were of 85 ± 14 % and 87 ± 15 % for PIL–1–1 and PIL–0–1, respectively. Precision values as relative standard deviation were always lower than 4.9 and 7.6 % (spiked level between 10 and 750 μg · L −1 , as intra-day precision). Graphical Abstract Automated DI–SPME–GC–FID using crosslinked–PILs sorbent coatings for the determination of waterpollutants

The leading cause of gastroenteritis among young children worldwide is the Group A rotaviruses (RV), which produce a wide range of symptoms, from a limited diarrhea to severe dehydration and even death. After an RV infection, immunity is not complete and less severe re-infections usually occur. These infections could be ameliorated by nutritional interventions with bioactive compounds, such as prebiotics. The aim of this research was to study the impact of a particular galactooligosaccharide (B-GOS) on the RV symptomatology and immune response during two consecutive infections. Lewis neonatal rats were inoculated with SA11 (first RV infection) on day 6 of life and with EDIM (second RV infection) on day 17 of life. B-GOS group was administered by oral gavage with a daily dose of B-GOS between days three to nine of life. Clinical and immunological variables were assessed during both infective processes. In the first infection, after the prebiotic intervention with B-GOS, a lower incidence, duration, and overall severity of the diarrhea (p < 0.05) was observed. In addition, it improved another severity indicator, the fecal weight output, during the diarrhea period (p < 0.05). The second RV infection failed in provoking diarrhea in the groups studied. The immune response during first infection with SA11 was not affected by B-GOS administration and had no impact on second infection, but the prebiotic intervention significantly increased IFN-γ and TNF-α intestinal production after the second infection (p < 0.05). In summary, B-GOS supplementation is able to reduce the incidence and severity of the RV-associated diarrhea and to influence the immune response against RV infections.