A genome-wide association study identifies novel gene associations with facial skin wrinkling and mole count in Latin Americans.

BACKGROUND: Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified genes influencing skin ageing and mole count in Europeans, but little is known about the relevance of these (or other genes) in non-Europeans. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a GWAS for facial skin ageing and mole count in adults < 40 years old, of mixed European, Native American and African ancestry, recruited in Latin America. METHODS: Skin ageing and mole count scores were obtained from facial photographs of over 6000 individuals. After quality control checks, three wrinkling traits and mole count were retained for genetic analyses. DNA samples were genotyped with Illumina's HumanOmniExpress chip. Association testing was performed on around 8 703 729 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the autosomal genome. RESULTS: Genome-wide significant association was observed at four genome regions: two were associated with wrinkling (in 1p13·3 and 21q21·2), one with mole count (in 1q32·3) and one with both wrinkling and mole count (in 5p13·2). Associated SNPs in 5p13·2 and in 1p13·3 are intronic within SLC45A2 and VAV3, respectively, while SNPs in 1q32·3 are near the SLC30A1 gene, and those in 21q21·2 occur in a gene desert. Analyses of SNPs in IRF4 and MC1R are consistent with a role of these genes in skin ageing. CONCLUSIONS: We replicate the association of wrinkling with variants in SLC45A2, IRF4 and MC1R reported in Europeans. We identify VAV3 and SLC30A1 as two novel candidate genes impacting on wrinkling and mole count, respectively. We provide the first evidence that SLC45A2 influences mole count, in addition to variants in this gene affecting melanoma risk in Europeans.

Mimicking the temperature gradient between the sow's oviduct and uterus improves in vitro embryo culture output.

This work was designed to determine temperature conditions within the reproductive tract of the female pig and study their impact on ARTs. Temperatures were recorded using a laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery assisted approach and a miniaturized probe. Sows and gilts were used to address natural cycle and ovarian stimulation treatments, respectively. According to in vivo values, IVF was performed at three temperature conditions (37.0°C, 38.5°C and 39.5°C) and presumptive zygotes were cultured in these conditions for 20 h, while further embryo culture (EC) (21-168 h post-insemination) was maintained at 38.5°C. After 20 h, different fertility parameters were assessed. During EC, cleavage and blastocyst stages were evaluated. Sperm membrane fluidity at the experimental temperatures was studied by using differential scanning calorimetry and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching techniques. An increasing temperature gradient of 1.5°C was found between the oviduct and uterus of sows (P < 0.05) and when this gradient was transferred to pig in vitro culture, the number of poly-nuclear zygotes after IVF was reduced and the percentage of blastocysts was increased. Moreover, the temperature transition phase for the boar sperm membrane (37.0°C) coincided with the temperature registered in the sow oviduct, and sperm membranes were more fluid at 37.0°C compared with those of sperm incubated at higher temperatures (38.5°C and 39.5°C). These data suggest that there may be an impact of physiological temperature gradients on human embryo development.

Mimicking physiological O2 tension in the female reproductive tract improves assisted reproduction outcomes in pig.

STUDY QUESTION: Is O2 tension in the pig oviduct and uterus affected by the estrous cycle stage and the animal's age, and can the outcome of in vitro embryo development be improved by mimicking these physiological values? SUMMARY ANSWER: O2 tension within the pig reproductive organs is affected by the animal's age, and values close to those measured in vivo have a positive impact on embryo development and quality when used during IVF and embryo culture (EC). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: To obtain a healthy embryo in vitro, it is necessary to adopt a culture microenvironment that approximates physiological conditions. Despite advances in surgical procedures and sensitive probes that allow accurate assessment of in vivo O2 tension, few such studies have been conducted recently in mammals. In addition, no reference values of physiological O2 tension in the reproductive tract exist for large animal models such as pig, and the effect of O2 tension on ART outcomes is unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This study was conducted in pigs. We measured oviductal and uterine O2 tension (n = 29 and 13, respectively) and then examined how the use of the physiological values in pig IVF and EC affected pig ART output (n = 1447 oocytes). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: The oviductal and uterine O2 tension at the different stages of the estrous cycle was monitored using a laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) assisted approach along with a flexible and thin miniaturized luminescent probe. Two groups of pigs, Large-white × Landrace breed, were used: for the first group, 16 pre-pubertal gilts (5 months old and 95 kg) were induced to ovulate with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG); in the second group 13 mature sows (24-48 months and 185 kg) were used. IVF and EC were performed at two different O2 tensions: Atmospheric O2 (20%) and the mean in vivo value measured (7%). At 18-20 h post-insemination (hpi), a small sample of presumptive zygotes were fixed, stained and examined under epifluorescence microscopy to assess the fertilization rates. At 48 hpi, cleavage was evaluated under the stereomicroscope. Finally, at 180 hpi, development to the blastocyst stage was quantified, blastocyst morphology was assessed, and embryos were fixed and stained to count the mean cell number per blastocyst. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The mean O2 content within the pig oviduct and uterus was always lower than in ambient air. The average O2 percentage was higher in gilts (10.0%) than in sows (7.6%) (P < 0.0001). The cleavage rate of porcine in vitro fertilized embryos maintained under 7% O2 during IVF and EC was significantly higher (60.0 ± 2.3) compared with those cultured under 20% O2 (32.0 ± 2.2) (P < 0.05). An increase in the number of cells in embryos cultured under the low O2 concentration (88.9 ± 5.9) was observed compared to those cultured under 20% O2 (59.0 ± 5.0) (P < 0.05). LARGE SCALE DATA: None. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Although minimally invasive surgery was used the effect of anesthesia and manipulations on O2 tension within the organs are unknown. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Using physiological oxygen concentrations in IVF/EC could improve ART outcomes. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S): This study was funded by Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) and European Regional Development Fund (FEDER). Grants AGL2012-40180-C03-01 and AGL2015-66341-R. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Correction to: Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of eight pediatric PROMIS® item banks into Spanish and German.

In the original publication of the article, two of the author names "L. A. Schröder, F. Metzner" and email address of the authors "J. Devine, J. Moon, A. C. Haller" were missed out. The correct author group with affiliations are provided in this correction.

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of eight pediatric PROMIS® item banks into Spanish and German.

PURPOSE: The Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded initiative to develop reliable, valid, and normed item banks to measure health. We describe the first large-scale translation and cross-cultural adaptation effort to German and Spanish of eight pediatric PROMIS item banks: Physical activity (PAC), subjective well-being (SWB), experiences of stress (EOS), and family relations (FAM). METHODS: We utilized methods outlined in the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) PRO Translation Task Force recommendations. Ten professional translators performed a translatability assessment and generated forward translations. Forward Translations were compared within a country and cross-culturally to identify problems and to produce a consensus-derived version, which was then back translated, evaluated, and revised where necessary. Reconciled versions were evaluated in cognitive interviews with 126 children before finalization. RESULTS: Eight resulting pediatric PROMIS® item banks were translated: Two PAC banks (22 total items), three SWB banks (125 total items), two EOS banks (45 total items), and one FAM bank (47 total items). Up to 92% of all items raised no or only minor translation difficulties, 0-5.6% were difficult to translate. Up to 20% item revisions were necessary to ensure conceptual equivalence and comprehensibility. Cognitive interviews indicated that 91-94% of the final items were appropriate for children (8-17 years). CONCLUSIONS: German and Spanish translations of eight PROMIS Pediatric item banks were created for clinical trials and routine pediatric health care. Initial translatability assessment and rigorous translation methodology helped to ensure conceptual equivalence and comprehensibility. Next steps include cross-cultural validation and adaptation studies.

Molecular detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and semen quality of sexual partners of infertile women.

Chlamydia trachomatis is considered as the bacterium that is more sexually transmitted as cause of male urethritis, epididymitis, orchitis and infertility. A total of 116 semen samples of men whose couples are infertile women were analysed. The quality of the semen was measured by standard procedures recommended by WHO while C. trachomatis was detected by the PCR assay. Thirty-seven semen samples were positive for C. trachomatis (31.9%). Regarding semen analysis, no different values were observed between positive and negative samples to C. trachomatis. However, the presence of leucocytes and erythrocytes suggests an inflammatory process; however, these were high in negative samples to C. trachomatis. Furthermore, an association between low seminal volume at 1, 5 ml and the positivity to C. trachomatis was observed (OR=2, 1; CI95 % 1,16-3,07). The total semen volume is a contribution by the various accessory glands (this reflects the secretory activity of the glands); a low semen volume could be due to an obstruction of the ejaculatory duct or infection of accessory glands by C. trachomatis. More studies are necessary to identify the causes of a reduced semen volume.

Molecular phylogenetic relationships reveal contrasting evolutionary patterns in Gorgoniidae (Octocorallia) in the Eastern Pacific.

The description and delimitation of species in an evolutionary framework is essential for understanding patterns of biodiversity and distribution, and in the assessment of conservation strategies for natural resources. This study seeks to clarify the evolutionary history and genetic variation within and between closely related octocoral species that are fundamental to benthic marine ecosystems for harbouring a high diversity of associated fauna. For our study system, we focused on members of the Gorgoniidae family in the Eastern Pacific, particularly of the Ecuadorian littoral, a less studied marine ecosystem. According to our results, the diagnosis of the genus Pacifigorgia is here amended to include species previously considered in the genus Leptogorgia. The genera Leptogorgia and Eugorgia are included within a single clade, and neither are recovered as monophyletic. In this case, according to the priority rule of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN), our proposal is to include the species considered in these two genera in Leptogorgia. In addition, we found evidence of interesting speciation patterns: morphological differentiation with no apparent genetic differentiation (in Pacifigorgia), and inconsistencies between mitochondrial and nuclear data that suggest a hybridisation phenomenon (in Leptogorgia). In the first case, recent radiation, ancient hybridisation, sympatric speciation, and in the second, reticulate evolution may have contributed to the evolutionary history of the studied taxa. Therefore, incongruences observed between morphological and molecular evidences in these octocorals, and in corals in general, may reveal the types of events/patterns that have influenced their evolution.

The International Mood Network (IMN) Nosology Project: differentiating borderline personality from bipolar illness.

OBJECTIVE: The differential diagnosis of bipolar illness vs. borderline personality is controversial. Both conditions manifest impulsive behavior, unstable interpersonal relationships, and mood symptoms. This study examines whether and which mood clinical features can differentiate between both conditions. METHOD: A total of 260 patients (mean ± standard deviation age 41 ± 13 years, 68% female) attending to a mood clinic were examined for diagnosis of bipolar illness and borderline personality disorder using SCID-I, SCID-II, and clinical mood criteria extracted from Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ). They were analyzed using diagnoses as dependent variables. Predictors of bipolar and borderline diagnoses were identified by multivariable logistic regressions, and predictive validity of models was assessed using ROC curve analysis. RESULTS: Bipolar illness was strongly predicted by elevated mood (OR = 4.02, 95% CI: 1.80-9.15), increased goal-directed activities (OR = 3.90, 95% CI: 1.73-8.96), and episodicity of mood symptoms (OR = 3.48, 95% CI 1.49-8.39). This triad model predicted bipolar illness with 88.7% sensitivity, 81.4% specificity, and obtained an auROC of 0.91 (95% CI: 0.76-0.96) and a positive predictive value of 85.1%. For borderline personality disorder, only female gender was a statistically significant predictor (OR = 3.41, 95% CI: 1.29-13.7), and the predictive model obtained an auROC of 0.67 (95% CI: 0.53-0.74). CONCLUSION: In a mood disorder clinic setting, manic criteria and episodic mood course distinguished bipolar illness from borderline personality disorder.

Patterns of ambulatory dispersal in Tetranychus urticae can be associated with host plant specialization.

Dispersal can be an essential factor affecting the biological control of pests. Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) is a cosmopolitan and polyphagous species that may reach the pest status in many cropping systems including clementine orchards, where it may be found both in the trees and the associated flora. In a previous study, we demonstrated that the use of a ground cover of Festuca arundinacea Schreber (Poaceae) offered a better regulation of T. urticae populations than traditional alternatives (bare soil, multifloral wild cover). Therefore, we decided to study the ambulatory dispersal of mites crawling up and down tree trunks in a clementine mandarin orchard grown in association with a F. arundinacea cover for one season. The highest ambulatory migration rate was upward from the cover to the canopy. Multivariate regressions showed that the dynamics of T. urticae populations in the trees was strongly related to that of Phytoseiidae mites, their main natural predators. Surprisingly, canopy populations were not related to those on the ground cover or to those dispersing from it. When T. urticae individuals collected from the ground cover, the tree trunk, and the canopy were subjected to molecular analyses, the optimal number of genetic clusters (demes) was two. One clustergrouped individuals dispersed from the ground cover (e.g. collected on tree trunks) and 27.5% of individuals collected in the ground cover. The second cluster grouped all the individuals collected from trees and 72.5% of those collected in the cover. Interestingly, none of the individuals collected from the tree canopies was grouped with the first deme. This result may be taken as indicative that grass-adapted T. urticae individuals are unable to satisfactorily colonize and establish on the trees and provides evidence that host adaptation can hamper dispersal and establishment of the ground cover deme on trees, contributing to a better natural regulation of this pest species in citrus.

Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with within-flock transmission of Leptospira interrogans in transhumant farming systems in Mexico.

A number of recent reports emphasize the risk of zoonotic diseases and the high degree of prevalence of asymptomatic animals infected with Leptospira interrogans. This report sought to assess the prevalence of antibodies to certain serovars of L. interrogans, and to describe the association between seropositivity and risk factors associated with within-flock transmission in a mountainous region of Mexico. Overall seroprevalence to L. interrogans was 54·5% (95% confidence interval 48·3-60·7); the most frequent serovar was Icterohaemorrhagiae. The accumulation of placentas and fetuses at a site close to lambing paddocks can play a significant role as a risk factor for within-flock transmission of L. interrogans in transhumant farming systems in the municipality of Xalatlaco. The high prevalence of L. interrogans antibodies supports the hypothesis that natural foci of this zoonosis are present in sheep flocks in this area. These findings emphasize the need for planning and implementation of control programmes for ovine leptospirosis in Mexico and elsewhere.

[Role of pediatric urologist in the treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia: a study of satisfaction and psychosocial aspects]. / Papel del urólogo pediátrico en el tratamiento de la hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita: estudio de satisfacción y aspectos psicosociales.

OBJECTIVE: Study the role of the pediatric urologist in the treatment of CAH and the satisfaction of families and patients to identify the psychosocial aspects that we can improve. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study in girls with CAH treated in our center. We reviewed the medical records, analyzing the variables: place of birth, age at diagnosis, surgery, complications and follow up. Analysis of satisfaction and psychosocial aspects by telephone survey. RESULTS: Between 1975-2011, 25 girls with CAH have been treated in our center. Cystoscopy and vaginoscopy was performed before clitoroplasty in 68% (16 girls), adding vulvovaginoplasty in 40% and vaginal descent in the 20%. The mean age was 8.78 +/- 2.30 months. Vaginal stenosis was the main complication (36%), performing introitus plasty in two girls, vaginal expansion in other 2 and dilation of the rest. 15 surveys were made, all expressed satisfaction with treatment, and only 6.67% reported shortages information. With the aesthetic results of the genitoplasty 20% showed dissatisfaction. The family concern was constant at 60%, and sporadic in the rest. 13.3% required psychological support. Currently 80% have normal psychosocial life. CONCLUSION: The HSC requires a multidisciplinary approach right from birth to allow adequate psychosocial development. The pediatric urologist has an important weight in the multidisciplinary treatment. Realizing early feminizing genitoplasty decreases family impact and increases satisfaction. The prolonged follow-up will allow the detection and treatment of complications.

Microvascular quantitative metrics in retinitis pigmentosa using optical coherence tomography angiography.

AIMS: To describe the changes in vessel density (VD) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) of the different sectors in the macular area between retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients and controls. METHODS: Observational case-control study. We initially included 22 patients with RP and 21 controls. We obtained 6 × 6 OCTA images of the macular area using Angio-OCT SS-DRI-Triton 1.22 (Topcon, Japan), together with visual acuity, biomicroscopy, visual field and optical coherence tomography examination. We compared the VD values in both groups for both superficial (SVP) and deep vascular plexus (DVP). Correlation between VD and macular thickness was also calculated. RESULTS: The mean visual field index (VFI) in the RP group was 26.11% (±17.29). VD was significantly lower in the RP group compared with healthy controls in all sectors of the DVP (Superior 43.48 ±â€¯3.79 vs 48.86 ±â€¯2.62, P < .0001; Nasal 40,52 ±â€¯4.30 vs 46,01 ±â€¯3.23, P = .0002; Inferior 42.76 ±â€¯5.26 vs 50.10 ±â€¯3.36, P < .0001; Temporal 40.42 ±â€¯4.46 vs 46.09 ±â€¯2.91, P = .0001) and in all but nasal sector in the SVP (Superior 39.86 ±â€¯4.46 vs 46.47 ±â€¯2.61, P < .0001; Nasal 40.35 ±â€¯4.56 vs 44.09 ±â€¯2.87, P = .0067; Inferior 40.74 ±â€¯4.61 vs 46.58 ±â€¯3.26, P = .0002; Temporal 39.98 ±â€¯5.07 vs 44.78 ±â€¯3.28, P = .0024). Correlation between VD and macular thickness was positive and significant (RP: r = 0.59, P = .043; controls r = 0.51, P = .018). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with advanced forms of RP have less vessel density in the macular area than healthy subjects. These differences are present in all four quadrants in the DVP and three in the SVP.

Plant-based beverages as milk alternatives? Nutritional and functional approach through food labelling.

Plant-based beverages (PBB) market is largely growing. In this study, 136 beverages made of soy, oat, almond, rice, tigernut, and others (mixtures of various plant materials), from the Spanish market were evaluated through labelling information. Energy value and fat content were intermediate between skimmed and whole cow milk; while fatty acids profile was quite different. Carbohydrate content was usually higher than cow milk, and highly dependent on the addition of sugars. All products provided some dietary fibre. With the exception of soy-based drinks, samples presented lower protein and calcium content than milk (1/3 samples studied were Ca-fortified), and 23% were vitamin D enriched. The claim "No added sugars" was in more than 50% samples. A right labelling and nutritional education of consumers is essential to make adequate choices, since the appearing of many claims is not always indicative of a better-quality product. Plant-based beverages cannot be considered as an alternative to milk, but as a different product, with their own nutritional and functional entity. Their inclusion in a diversified balanced diet can provide interesting functional components, such as soluble fibre or unsaturated fatty acids (mainly soybean and almond drink), which can help improve the health status of the population.

Differences and similarities between COVID-19 related-headache and COVID-19 vaccine related-headache. A case-control study. / Diferencias y similitudes entre la cefalea relacionada con la COVID-19 y la cefalea relacionada con la vacuna de la COVID-19. Un estudio de casos y controles.

INTRODUCTION: Headache is a frequent symptom at the acute phase of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and also one of the most frequent adverse effects following vaccination. In both cases, headache pathophysiology seems linked to the host immune response and could have similarities. We aimed to compare the clinical phenotype and the frequency and associated onset symptoms in patients with COVID-19 related-headache and COVID-19 vaccine related-headache. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A case-control study was conducted. Patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection and COVID-19-vaccine recipients who experienced new-onset headache were included. A standardised questionnaire was administered, including demographic variables, prior history of headaches, associated symptoms and headache-related variables. Both groups were matched for age, sex, and prior history of headache. A multivariate regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 238 patients fulfilled eligibility criteria (143 patients with COVID-19 related-headache and 95 subjects experiencing COVID-19 vaccine related-headache). Patients with COVID-19 related-headache exhibited a higher frequency of arthralgia, diarrhoea, dyspnoea, chest pain, expectoration, anosmia, myalgia, odynophagia, rhinorrhoea, cough, and dysgeusia. Further, patients with COVID-19 related-headache had a more prolonged daily duration of headache and described the headache as the worst headache ever experienced. Patients with COVID-19 vaccine-related headache, experienced more frequently pain in the parietal region, phonophobia, and worsening of the headache by head movements or eye movements. CONCLUSION: Headache caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination related-headache have more similarities than differences, supporting a shared pathophysiology, and the activation of the innate immune response. The main differences were related to associated symptoms.

TITLE: Diferencias y similitudes entre la cefalea relacionada con la COVID-19 y la cefalea relacionada con la vacuna de la COVID-19. Un estudio de casos y controles.Introducción. La cefalea es un síntoma frecuente en la fase aguda de la enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) y también uno de los efectos adversos más comunes tras la vacunación. En ambos casos, la fisiopatología de la cefalea parece estar relacionada con la respuesta inmunitaria del huésped y podría presentar similitudes. Nuestro objetivo fue comparar el fenotipo clínico y la frecuencia de los síntomas asociados y los síntomas de inicio en pacientes con cefalea relacionada con la COVID-19 y cefalea relacionada con la vacuna de la COVID-19. Sujetos y métodos. Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles. Se incluyó a pacientes con infección confirmada por COVID-19 y receptores de la vacuna de la COVID-19 que experimentaron un nuevo inicio de cefalea. Se administró un cuestionario estandarizado que incluyó variables demográficas, antecedentes previos de cefaleas, síntomas asociados y variables relacionadas con la cefalea. Ambos grupos se emparejaron por edad, sexo y antecedentes previos de cefaleas. Se realizó un análisis de regresión multivariante. Resultados. Un total de 238 pacientes cumplieron con los criterios de elegibilidad (143 pacientes con cefalea relacionada con la COVID-19 y 95 sujetos con cefalea relacionada con la vacuna de la COVID-19). Los pacientes con cefalea relacionada con la COVID-19 presentaron una mayor frecuencia de artralgia, diarrea, disnea, dolor torácico, expectoración, anosmia, mialgia, odinofagia, rinorrea, tos y disgeusia. Además, los pacientes con cefalea relacionada con la COVID-19 experimentaron una duración diaria más prolongada de la cefalea y describieron la cefalea como la peor que habían experimentado. Los pacientes con cefalea relacionada con la vacuna de la COVID-19 experimentaron con más frecuencia dolor en la región parietal, fonofobia y empeoramiento de la cefalea por movimientos de la cabeza o de los ojos. Conclusión. La cefalea causada por la infección por el SARS-CoV-2 y la cefalea relacionada con la vacunación de la COVID-19 presentan más similitudes que diferencias, lo que respalda una fisiopatología compartida y la activación de la respuesta inmunitaria innata. Las principales diferencias estuvieron relacionadas con los síntomas asociados.

Evidence for biological nitrification inhibition in Brachiaria pastures.

Nitrification, a key process in the global nitrogen cycle that generates nitrate through microbial activity, may enhance losses of fertilizer nitrogen by leaching and denitrification. Certain plants can suppress soil-nitrification by releasing inhibitors from roots, a phenomenon termed biological nitrification inhibition (BNI). Here, we report the discovery of an effective nitrification inhibitor in the root-exudates of the tropical forage grass Brachiaria humidicola (Rendle) Schweick. Named "brachialactone," this inhibitor is a recently discovered cyclic diterpene with a unique 5-8-5-membered ring system and a gamma-lactone ring. It contributed 60-90% of the inhibitory activity released from the roots of this tropical grass. Unlike nitrapyrin (a synthetic nitrification inhibitor), which affects only the ammonia monooxygenase (AMO) pathway, brachialactone appears to block both AMO and hydroxylamine oxidoreductase enzymatic pathways in Nitrosomonas. Release of this inhibitor is a regulated plant function, triggered and sustained by the availability of ammonium (NH(4)(+)) in the root environment. Brachialactone release is restricted to those roots that are directly exposed to NH(4)(+). Within 3 years of establishment, Brachiaria pastures have suppressed soil nitrifier populations (determined as amoA genes; ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and ammonia-oxidizing archaea), along with nitrification and nitrous oxide emissions. These findings provide direct evidence for the existence and active regulation of a nitrification inhibitor (or inhibitors) release from tropical pasture root systems. Exploiting the BNI function could become a powerful strategy toward the development of low-nitrifying agronomic systems, benefiting both agriculture and the environment.

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers in Tetranychus urticae and cross amplification in other Tetranychidae and Phytoseiidae species of economic importance.

Tetranychus urticae Koch is a cosmopolitan phytophagous mite considered as the most polyphagous species among spider mites. Population genetic studies using molecular markers such as microsatellites have proven to be extremely informative to address questions about population structure, phylogeography and host preferences. The aim of this study was to increase the available molecular tools to gain insight into the genetic structure of T. urticae populations of citrus orchards, which might help in their management. Five microsatellite DNA libraries were developed using probes with the motifs CT, CTT, GT and CAC following the FIASCO protocol. Positive clones, those that included the insert with the microsatellite, were detected using the PIMA-PCR technique. Combinations of primers were designed on 22 out of 32 new microsatellites loci and their polymorphism was tested in four populations sampled along the eastern coast of Spain. Eleven successful amplifications were obtained. Cross amplification was tested in the tetranychids Aphlonobia histricina, Eutetranychus banksi, E. orientalis, Oligonychus perseae, Panonychus citri, Tetranychus evansi, T. okinawanus and T. turkestani, and the phytoseiids Amblyseius swirskii, A. cucumeris, A. andersoni, Euseius stipulatus, Neoseiulus barkeri, N. californicus, Phytoseiulus persimilis and Typhlodromus phialatus. Eight successful cross amplifications were obtained.

[Design and validation of a training model on paediatric and neonatal surgery]. / Diseño y validación de un programa formativo en cirugía laparoscópica pediátrica y neonatal.

We present our experience in the design and development of a training program in paediatric and neonatal laparoscopic surgery, and the determination of face validity by the attendants. Data included in the present study was obtained from five consecutive editions of our Neonatal and Paediatric Laparoscopic Surgery Course. Our training model, with a total duration of 21 hours, begins with acquisition of knowledge in ergonomics and instrument concepts, after which the attendants develop basic laparoscopic dexterity through the performance of hands-on physical simulator tasks. During the second and third days of the course, surgeons undertook various surgical techniques hands-on animal model. At the end of the training program, a subjective evaluation questionnaire was handed out to the attendants, in which different didactic and organizational aspects were considered. We obtained a highly positive score on all questions concerning the different topics and techniques included in the training program (> or = 9 points over 10). 78,5% of the 54 attendants was in accordance with the course total duration, whilst 21,5% considered that it should be of longer duration. Regarding abilities' self assessment, 79,1% considered themselves capacitated to perform trained procedures on live patients. The presented training model has obtained a very positive valuation score, leading to an increase in the attendants' self confidence in the application of learned techniques to their clinical practice.

[Urethroplasty with lateral pedunculated flap for complicated hypospadias]. / Uretroplastia con colgajo lateral pediculado para las hipospadias complicadas.

UNLABELLED: With the modern techniques, we can resolve almost the totallity of hypospadias. But there are patients with recurrent fistulas associated to uretral stenosis that can finish all the surgical possibilities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective review. Lateral based flap uretroplasty consists in the exposition of the uretra, to reconstruct in one-stage the original neourethra with the lateral skin of the penis. RESULTS: From 2008, we have correct 5 patients with a mean age of 12,1 years (9-15) and a weight of 55,34 kg (22-98 kg). All of them were previously corrected 3 to 7 times, with recurrent fistulas. At the office, stenosis urethral was verified. Surgical correction was made in 90-110 minutes and results were positive in all patients, correcting the stenosis after a follow-up of more than a year. Only the oldest two patients had present minimally glans fistula. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral based flap urethroplasty is a useful technique for the correction of the complicated fistulas, allowing the correction of the fistulas and the stenosis of the urethra.

Adsorption kinetics and Box-Behnken design optimization for organic dyes on tungsten oxide.

Transition metal oxides have been applied to degrade organic dyes found in water bodies via photocatalysis. To do it, however, is essential that the dye molecules adsorb onto the metal oxide surface. Thus, optimizing the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent increases the probability of reaction between oxidation radicals and organic dye molecules and maximizes the effectiveness per gram of photocatalyst. With this in mind, we studied the adsorption behavior of Methylene Blue (MB) and Acid Orange 7 (AO7), two commonly found pollutants, as a function of dilution's pH, WO3 load, and initial dye concentration. We found out that WO3 adsorbs up to 80% of MB at pH = 6, and 13% of AO7 at pH = 2, although it is unable to adsorb AO7 at the natural pH of the dye dilution. Assuming a pseudo-second order kinetics model for the analysis of the MB adsorption amount, we determined a rate constant k2 = 6 × 10-2(g · mg-1)/min for the adsorption process. We put forward a molecular model for adsorption, driven by concentration gradients and electrostatic interactions. Finally, from a statistical analysis, we determined that pH is the most significant factor for the adsorption of MB and AO7 on WO3, reinforcing the notion that electrostatic interactions are the main mechanism driving the adsorption process. The Box-Behnken design optimization also evinces the key playing role of WO3 load in the adsorption percentage of AO7 and let us establish the optimal load required to maximize adsorption.