Chemical signals act as the main reproductive barrier between sister and mimetic Heliconius butterflies.

Colour pattern is the main trait that drives mate recognition between Heliconius species that are phylogenetically close. However, when this cue is compromised such as in cases of mimetic, sympatric and closely related species, alternative mating signals must evolve to ensure reproductive isolation and species integrity. The closely related species Heliconius melpomene malleti and H. timareta florencia occur in the same geographical region, and despite being co-mimics, they display strong reproductive isolation. In order to test which cues differ between species, and potentially contribute to reproductive isolation, we quantified differences in the wing phenotype and the male chemical profile. As expected, the wing colour pattern was indistinguishable between the two species, while the chemical profile of the androconial and genital males' extracts showed marked differences. We then conducted behavioural experiments to study the importance of these signals in mate recognition by females. In agreement with our previous results, we found that chemical blends and not wing colour pattern drive the preference of females for conspecific males. Also, experiments with hybrid males and females suggested an important genetic component for both chemical production and preference. Altogether, these results suggest that chemicals are the major reproductive barrier opposing gene flow between these two sister and co-mimic species.

[Leptin sexual dimorphism, insulin resistance, and body composition in normal weight prepubescent]. / Dimorfismo sexual de la leptina, resistencia a la insulina y composición corporal en prepúberes normopeso.

INTRODUCTION: The prepubertal stage is a critical period of body fat development, in which leptin and insulin re sistance has been associated, however, there are few studies in normal-weight prepubescents. Ob jective: To assess the relationship between leptin and body composition and insulin resistance in a group of normal-weight prepubescents. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Analytical cross-sectional study with 128 healthy prepubescents of normal weight, aged between 6 and 10 years. Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BFP), waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC) were measured. Plasma leptin (ng/mL) and insulin (mU/L) were evaluated by immunoassay and glycemia (mmol/L) by enzymatic method. HOMA-IR was calculated. A comparison study and correlation analysis by sex were performed. RESULTS: Females presented higher values than males of leptin (6.8 ± 5 vs 3.3 ± 3.7; p = 0.000), insulin (7.1 ± 4.5 vs 5.2 ± 2.5; p = 0.016), BFP (22.4 ± 4.3 vs 18.6 ± 3.9; p = 0.000), and HC (67 ± 5.7 vs 65.0 ± 4.5; p = 0.019), and a lower waist/hip ratio (0.84 ± 0.04 vs 0.88 ± 0.04; p = 0.000). Leptin correlations with anthropometric variables were significant in both sexes, with greater association in females. The association of HOMA-IR with leptin was similar in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: in normal-weight prepubescents aged between 6-10 years, there are sex differences in adiposity and leptin levels not associated with differences in BMI or insulin resistance. The greater association of leptin with adiposity in girls could be related to a high rate of adipogenesis induced by this hormone.

Autonomic dysfunction in hereditary spastic paraplegia type 4.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: SPAST mutations are the most common cause of hereditary spastic paraplegia (SPG4-HSP), which is characterized by progressive lower limb weakness, spasticity and hyperreflexia. There are few studies about non-motor manifestations in this disease and none about autonomic involvement. Therefore, the aim was to determine the frequency and pattern of autonomic complaints in patients with SPG4-HSP, as well as to determine the clinical relevance and the possible factors associated with these manifestations. METHODS: Thirty-four molecularly confirmed SPG4 patients were recruited in a multicenter cross-sectional study, of whom 26 underwent detailed neurophysiological testing (heart rate variability, sympathetic skin response and the Quantitative Sudomotor Axonal Reflex Test). The Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease - Autonomic Questionnaire (SCOPA-AUT) was applied to quantify the severity of autonomic symptoms. Results were compared with 44 age- and gender-matched healthy controls using non-parametric tests. P values <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: In the SPG4-HSP group, there were 18 men with a mean age of 47.7 ± 12.6 years. SCOPA-AUT scores were similar between patients and controls (P = 0.238). Only the urinary domain subscore was significantly higher amongst patients (4 vs. 2.5, P = 0.05). Absent sympathetic skin response in the hands and feet was more frequent amongst patients (20% vs. 0%, P < 0.001, and 64% vs. 0%, P = 0.006, respectively). Quantitative Sudomotor Axonal Reflex Test responses were also smaller throughout all recording regions in the SPG4-HSP group. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that SPG4-HSP patients have sudomotor dysfunction caused by damaged small post-ganglionic cholinergic fibers. Damage in SPG4-HSP extends to the peripheral nervous system.

Contrasting thermal strategies of montane Neotropical bats at high elevations.

In the Neotropics, captive vespertilionid bats substantially reduce their metabolic rate at low ambient temperatures, similar to their temperate counterparts, whereas the ability of phyllostomids to lower metabolic rate seems to be more limited, even in mountain species. Nevertheless, field data on the thermal behaviour of syntopic individuals from these two families is lacking. Consequently, we aimed to test whether torpor was more common and deeper in vesper bats compared to leaf-nosed bats by studying skin temperature (Tsk) variation in individuals experiencing the same environmental conditions at a mountain area. Bats experienced ambient temperatures below 15 °C. Average Tsk was 10 °C in Myotis oxyotus gardneri (Vespertilionidae) during the day, while Sturnira burtonlimi (Phyllostomidae) regulated diurnal Tsk above 30 °C. Constant food availability may explain why diurnal Sturnira burtonlimi pay the high energetic cost required to remain normothermic and to defend a wide Ta-Tsk gap but further studies are needed to elucidate additional strategies that may be employed by these bats to reduce the energetic demands of normothermy. Our study shows that the contrasting thermal strategies and torpor use adopted by vespertilionid insectivores and phyllostomid frugivores in captive settings also occur in free-ranging conditions, thus providing a basis to develop further studies with predictions more accurately rooted in field data.

What shapes the continuum of reproductive isolation? Lessons from Heliconius butterflies.

The process by which species evolve can be illuminated by investigating barriers that limit gene flow between taxa. Recent radiations, such as Heliconius butterflies, offer the opportunity to compare isolation between pairs of taxa at different stages of ecological, geographical, and phylogenetic divergence. Here, we report a comparative analysis of existing and novel data in order to quantify the strength and direction of isolating barriers within a well-studied clade of Heliconius Our results highlight that increased divergence is associated with the accumulation of stronger and more numerous barriers to gene flow. Wing pattern is both under natural selection for Müllerian mimicry and involved in mate choice, and therefore underlies several isolating barriers. However, pairs which share a similar wing pattern also display strong reproductive isolation mediated by traits other than wing pattern. This suggests that, while wing pattern is a key factor for early stages of divergence, it may become facultative at later stages of divergence. Additional factors including habitat partitioning, hybrid sterility, and chemically mediated mate choice are associated with complete speciation. Therefore, although most previous work has emphasized the role of wing pattern, our comparative results highlight that speciation is a multi-dimensional process, whose completion is stabilized by many factors.

Myosin XI is associated with fitness and adaptation to aridity in wild pearl millet.

Phenotypic changes in plants can be observed along many environmental gradients and are determined by both environmental and genetic factors. The identification of alleles associated with phenotypic variations is a rapidly developing area of research. We studied the genetic basis of phenotypic variations in 11 populations of wild pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) on two North-South aridity gradients, one in Niger and one in Mali. Most of the 11 phenotypic traits assessed in a common garden experiment varied between the populations studied. Moreover, the size of the inflorescence, the number of flowers and aboveground dry mass co-varied positively with a decrease in rainfall. To decipher the genetic basis of these phenotypes, we used an association mapping strategy with a mixed model. We found two SNPs on the same myosin XI contig significantly associated with variations in the average number of flowers. Both the allele frequency of the two SNPs and the average number of flowers co-varied with the rainfall gradient on the two gradients. Interestingly, this gene was also a target of selection during domestication. The Myosin XI gene is thus a good candidate for fitness-related adaptation in wild populations.

Sweat sodium loss influences serum sodium concentration in a marathon.

The aim of this investigation was to determine the influence of sweat electrolyte concentration on body water and electrolyte homeostasis during a marathon. Fifty-one runners completed a marathon race in a warm and dry environment (24.4 ± 3.6 °C). Runners were classified as low-salt sweaters (n = 21; <30 mmol/L of sweat Na+ concentration), typical sweaters (n = 20; ≥30 and <60 mmol/L of sweat Na+ concentration), and salty sweaters (n = 10; ≥60 mmol/L of sweat Na+ concentration). Before and after the race, body mass and a sample of venous blood were obtained. During the race, sweat samples were collected by using sweat patches, and fluid and electrolyte intake were recorded by using self-reported questionnaires. Low-salt, typical and salty sweaters presented similar sweat rates (0.93 ± 0.2, 0.92 ± 0.29, 0.99 ± 0.21 L/h, respectively), body mass changes (-3.0 ± 1.0, -3.3 ± 1.0, -3.2 ± 0.8%), total Na+ intake (12.7 ± 8.1, 11.5 ± 9.7, 14.5 ± 16.6 mmol), and fluid intake (1.3 ± 0.8, 1.2 ± 0.8, 1.2 ± 0.6 L) during the race. However, salty sweaters presented lower post-race serum Na+ concentration (140.8 ± 1.3 vs 142.5 ± 1.1, 142.4 ± 1.4 mmol/L; P < 0.01) and serum osmolality (297 ± 6 vs 299 ± 5, 301 ± 6 mOsm/kg; P < 0.05) than low-salt and typical sweaters. Sweat electrolyte concentration could influence post-race serum electrolyte concentration in the marathon. However, even the saltiest sweaters did not develop exercise-associated hyponatremia or associated symptoms.

Effects of oral salt supplementation on physical performance during a half-ironman: A randomized controlled trial.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of oral salt supplementation to improve exercise performance during a half-ironman triathlon. Twenty-six experienced triathletes were matched for age, anthropometric data, and training status, and randomly placed into the salt group (113 mmol Na(+) and 112 mmol Cl(-)) or the control group (cellulose). The experimental treatments were ingested before and during a real half-ironman triathlon competition. Pre- and post-race body mass, maximal force during a whole-body isometric strength test, maximal height during a countermovement jump, were measured, and blood samples were obtained. Sweat samples were obtained during the running section. Total race time was lower in the salt group than in the control group (P = 0.04). After the race, whole-body isometric strength (P = 0.17) and jump height (P = 0.49) were similarly reduced in both groups. Sweat loss (P = 0.98) and sweat Na(+) concentration (P = 0.72) were similar between groups. However, body mass tended to be less reduced in the salt group than in the control group (P = 0.09) while post-race serum Na(+) (P = 0.03) and Cl(-) (P = 0.03) concentrations were higher in the salt group than in the control group. Oral salt supplementation was effective to lessen body mass loss and increase serum electrolyte concentration during a real half-ironman.

CFTR genotype-related body water and electrolyte balance during a marathon.

The aim of this investigation was to determine the influence of CFTR genotype on body water and electrolyte balance during a marathon. Fifty-one experienced runners completed a marathon race. Before and after the race, body mass and a sample of venous blood were obtained. During the race, sweat samples were collected using sweat patches, and fluid and electrolyte intake were obtained using self-reported questionnaires. Thirty-eight participants (74.5% of the total) were 7T/7T homozygotes, 11 (21.6%) were 7T/9T heterozygotes, and one participant presented the rare genotype 5T/7T. Another participant with 9T/9T presented the mutation p.L206W. Participants with 7T/7T showed higher sweat sodium concentrations (42.2 ± 21.6 mmol/L) than 7T/9T (29.0 ± 24.7 mmol/L; P = 0.04). The runner with the 5T/7T genotype (10.2 mmol/L) and the participant with the p.L206W mutation (20.5 mmol/L) exhibited low-range sweat sodium concentrations. However, post-race serum sodium concentration was similar in 7T/7T and 7T/9T (142.1 ± 1.3 and 142.4 ± 1.6 mmol/L, respectively; P = 0.27) and did not show abnormalities in participants with the 5T/7T genotype (140.0 mmol/L) and the p.L206W mutation (143.0 mmol/L). Runners with the CFTR-7T/7T genotype exhibited increased sweat sodium concentrations during a marathon. However, this phenotype was not related with increased likelihood of suffering body water and electrolyte imbalances during real competitions.

Molecular cloning of Salmo salar Toll-like receptors (TLR1, TLR22, TLR5M and TLR5S) and expression analysis in SHK-1 cells during Piscirickettsia salmonis infection.

In fish, the innate immune system is the primary response against infection. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize pathogens through pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), and some target molecules of TLRs are homologous between fish and mammals. Piscirickettsia salmonis is one of the main pathogens affecting the salmon industry in Chile. Better knowledge of mechanisms underlying its invasive capacity and recognition of target cells is crucial for vaccine development. Therefore, Salmo salar L. TLR1, TLR22, membrane TLR5M and soluble TLR5S sequences were cloned, and expression kinetics were analysed by RT-qPCR in salmon head kidney cells (SHK-1) infected with three different P. salmonis preparations: alive, formaldehyde treated, extract. Clearly, all analysed TLRs were expressed and transcription level changes were revealed at 2 hpi, 12 or 16 hpi and 24 hpi depending on P. salmonis infection scheme. Increased IL1-beta expression confirmed TLR pathway response. Furthermore, significant expression modulations of several members of the TLR pathway in this in vitro model suggest that P. salmonis extract rather than formaldehyde-inactivated bacteria might strengthen the salmon immune system.

Low-Volume High-Intensity Interval Training as a Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes.

Our purpose was to investigate the effects of low-volume, high-intensity interval training (HIT) on cardiometabolic risk and exercise capacity in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Sedentary overweight/obese T2DM women (age=44.5±1.8 years; BMI=30.5±0.6 kg/m(2)) were randomly assigned to a tri-weekly running-based HIT program (n=13) or non-exercise control follow-up (CON; n=10). Glycemic control, lipid and blood pressure levels, endurance performance, and anthropometry were measured before and after the follow-up (16 weeks) in both groups. Medication intake was also assessed throughout the follow-up. Improvements (P<0.05) on fasting glucose (14.3±1.4%), HbA1c (12.8±1.1%), systolic blood pressure (3.7±0.5 mmHg), HDL-cholesterol (21.1±2.8%), triglycerides (17.7±2.8%), endurance performance (9.8±1.0%), body weight (2.2±0.3%), BMI (2.1±0.3%), waist circumference (4.0±0.5%) and subcutaneous fat (18.6±1.4%) were found after HIT intervention. Patients of HIT group also showed reductions in daily dosage of antihyperglycemic and antihypertensive medication during follow-up. No changes were found in any variable of CON group. The HIT-induced improvements occurred with a weekly time commitment 56-25% lower than the minimal recommended in current guidelines. These findings suggest that low-volume HIT may be a time-efficient intervention to treat T2DM women.

Jump Training in Youth Soccer Players: Effects of Haltere Type Handheld Loading.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a jump training program, with or without haltere type handheld loading, on maximal intensity exercise performance. Youth soccer players (12.1±2.2 y) were assigned to either a jump training group (JG, n=21), a jump training group plus haltere type handheld loading (LJG, n=21), or a control group following only soccer training (CG, n=21). Athletes were evaluated for maximal-intensity performance measures before and after 6 weeks of training, during an in-season training period. The CG achieved a significant change in maximal kicking velocity only (ES=0.11-0.20). Both jump training groups improved in right leg (ES=0.28-0.45) and left leg horizontal countermovement jump with arms (ES=0.32-0.47), horizontal countermovement jump with arms (ES=0.28-0.37), vertical countermovement jump with arms (ES=0.26), 20-cm drop jump reactive strength index (ES=0.20-0.37), and maximal kicking velocity (ES=0.27-0.34). Nevertheless, compared to the CG, only the LJG exhibited greater improvements in all performance tests. Therefore, haltere type handheld loading further enhances performance adaptations during jump training in youth soccer players.

Stapled transanal longitudinal posterior proctectomy (STALPP) in total rectal prolapse: a 7-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Surgical management of complete rectal prolapse is challenging. We present our results with the novel technique stapled transanal longitudinal posterior proctectomy (STALPP) in patients with complete rectal prolapse. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study in two hospitals from January 2005 to December 2012. Twenty-one patients with complete rectal prolapse were included. In all patients, STALPP was performed. The study variables were operative time, intraoperative bleeding, number of cartridges used, length of rectum prolapsed through the anus, length of rectal wall resected, length of hospital stay and preoperative and postoperative Wexner continence score and manometric measurement of anal canal resting tone and squeeze pressure. RESULTS: The median length of prolapsed tissue was 13 cm; the mean Wexner score in the preoperative and postoperative period was 15.95 and 4.95, respectively (p = 0.025). The mean resting tone improved from 23.3 to 32.85 mmHg postoperatively (p = 0.03), as did maximal squeeze pressure from 31 to 62.7 mmHg (p = 0.003). Median operative time was 65 min; median intraoperative bleeding was 12 ml; there was no postoperative bleeding, and no reinterventions were required. The median number of cartridges used was 4. The median length of resected wall in the right posterolateral sector was 8 and 6 cm in the left. The median length of hospital stay was 4 days, and the mean follow-up period was 2 years. No mortality was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Stapled transanal longitudinal posterior proctectomy is a safe and feasible surgical alternative for patients with complete rectal prolapse.

C-reactive protein level in morbidly obese patients before and after bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Human obesity is associated with a proinflammatory state and an elevated level of mediators, such as C-reactive protein (CRP). OBJECTIVES: To establish CRP levels as baseline preoperative values and then at 6 months after bariatric surgery, as well as to determine the changes in weight, body mass index (BMI), leukocytes, and glycemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational, analytical, retrospective, longitudinal, and open study was conducted. Serum CRP values were measured in 36 adults presenting with morbid obesity, and their baseline relation to weight, BMI, leukocytes, and glycemia was determined; the relation to the same parameters was established again, 6 months after bariatric surgery. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviation of preoperative and postoperative CRP (mg/L) was 1.15±0.86 and 0.34±0.28, respectively with p<0.0001; weight (kg) 112.10±22.91 and 84.82±17.11, p=0.0443; BMI (kg/m(2)) 42.48±5.97 and 32.2±4.79, p=0.0988; glucose (mg/dL) 100.58±17.82 and 87.11±8.49, p<0.0001, and leukocytes (× 10(3)/mm(3)) 8.62±1.69 and 6.99±1.56, p=0.3192. Baseline CRP only correlated with weight and BMI (p=0.047 and p=0.027 respectively) and there was no correlation between postoperative CRP and the evaluated parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative CRP had a significant lineal relation to weight and body mass index. Patients who underwent bariatric surgery had a significant decrease in CRP, weight, and fasting glucose at 6 months after surgery.

Neurologic comorbidity in psychiatric inpatients: evidence from neurologic consultations in a Spanish center. / Comorbilidad neurológica en pacientes psiquiátricos ingresados: evidencia sobre interconsultas de neurología en un centro español.

INTRODUCTION: The presence of psychiatric comorbidity in some neurological disorders is common. A bi-directional influence between some psychiatric and neurological disorders has been discussed, but not widely studied. There is an absence of literature on the typology and rates of neurology consultations in different types of psychiatric inpatients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study based on real world data on patients who had a neurological consultation during hospitalization on a psychiatric ward. RESULTS: The most frequent reasons for visits to neurologists in our study were cluster 'Epilepsy/other types of non-epileptic seizures' (n = 177, 36.44%), followed by cluster 'Movement disorders' (n = 77, 20.48%), 'Cognitive disorder' (n = 69, 18.35%), and finally cluster 'Neuropathy' (n = 21, 5.59%). The most frequent type of psychiatric patient who required neurologic consultation presented a psychotic disorder (n = 100, 26.60%), follow by problem behavior (n = 82, 21.81%), bipolar disorder (n = 78, 20.78%), depressive disorder (n = 42, 11.17%) and autism spectrum disorder (n = 20, 5.32%). We found a statistically significant relationship between (problem behavior and intellectual disability) and neurologic consultation for epilepsy/other types of non-epileptic seizures, and between (depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability) and neurologic consultation for movement disorders. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study in the literature which analyzes the rates and typology of neurologic consultations in people hospitalized with psychiatric disorders. A deep knowledge of epilepsy, movement disorders and cognitive disorders should be required for health professionals to treat psychiatric inpatients appropriately. Patients with particular psychiatric disorders seem to require a higher number of neurologic consultations than others during their hospitalization.

TITLE: Comorbilidad neurológica en pacientes psiquiátricos ingresados: evidencia sobre interconsultas de neurología en un centro español.Introducción. La presencia de comorbilidad psiquiátrica en algunos trastornos neurológicos es frecuente. Se ha discutido sobre una influencia bidireccional entre algunos trastornos psiquiátricos y neurológicos, pero este hecho no se ha estudiado ampliamente. Existe escasa información en la bibliografía sobre la tipología y la prevalencia de las interconsultas de neurología en los diferentes tipos de pacientes psiquiátricos hospitalizados. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal basado en datos reales sobre pacientes que necesitaron una interconsulta de neurología durante su hospitalización en salud mental. Resultados. Los motivos más frecuentes que requirieron una interconsulta de neurología en nuestro estudio fueron el clúster 'Epilepsia/otros tipos de crisis no epilépticas' (n = 177; 36,44%), seguido del clúster 'Trastornos del movimiento' (n = 77; 20,48%), el clúster 'Trastorno cognitivo' (n = 69; 18,35%) y, por último, el clúster 'Neuropatía' (n = 21; 5,9%). El tipo más frecuente de paciente psiquiátrico que requirió consulta neurológica presentó un trastorno psicótico (n = 100; 26,6%), seguido de problemas de conducta (n = 82; 21,81%), trastorno bipolar (n = 78; 20,78%), trastorno depresivo (n = 42; 11,17%) y trastorno del espectro autista (n = 20; 5,32%). Se encontró una relación estadísticamente significativa entre problemas de conducta y discapacidad intelectual e interconsulta de neurología por epilepsia/otros tipos de crisis no epilépticas, y entre trastorno depresivo, trastorno bipolar, trastorno del espectro autista y discapacidad intelectual e interconsulta de neurología por trastornos del movimiento. Conclusiones. Éste es el primer estudio en la bibliografía que analiza la frecuencia y la tipología de las interconsultas de neurología en personas hospitalizadas con trastornos psiquiátricos. Debe requerirse a los profesionales que traten a pacientes de salud mental hospitalizados un conocimiento profundo en epilepsia, trastornos del movimiento y trastornos cognitivos. Algunos pacientes con determinados trastornos psiquiátricos parecen necesitar un mayor número de interconsultas de neurología que otros durante su hospitalización.

Alzheimer's Disease Biomarker Decision-Making among Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Their Care Partners.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarker tests can be ordered as part of the diagnostic workup of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Little is known about how patients with MCI and their care partners decide whether to pursue testing. OBJECTIVE: To examine factors that influence AD biomarker testing decisions among patients with MCI and their care partners. DESIGN: We performed structured research interviews with patients with MCI and their study partners to assess the importance of eight factors in the decision whether to undergo AD biomarker testing (6-point Likert scale; 1-extremely unimportant to 6-extremely important): cost, fear of testing procedures, learning if AD is the cause of cognitive problems, concern about health insurance, instructing future planning, informing treatment decisions, family members' opinions, and doctor recommendation. SETTING: Two researchers administered interviews with participants in-person (i.e., participant home, research center) or remotely (i.e., telephone, video-conference). PARTICIPANTS: We completed interviews with 65 patients with a diagnosis of MCI and 57 study partners, referred by dementia specialist clinicians from the University of California, Irvine health system. MEASUREMENTS: We used generalized estimating equations (GEE) to examine the mean importance of each factor among patients and study partners, and the mean difference in importance of each factor within dyads. RESULTS: One third of participants reported the patient had previously undergone AD biomarker testing. Fifty-five percent of patients and 65% of study partners who reported no previous testing indicated a desire for the patient to be tested. GEE analyses found that patients and study partners rated the following factors with highest importance: informing treatment decisions (mean score 5.29, 95% CI: 5.06, 5.52 for patients; mean score 5.56, 95% CI: 5.41, 5.72 for partners); doctor recommendation (4.94, 95% CI: 4.73, 5.15 for patients; 5.16, 95% CI: 4.97, 5.34 for partners); and instructing future planning (4.88, 95% CI: 4.59, 5.16 for patients; 5.11, 95% CI: 4.86, 5.35 for partners). High dyadic agreement was observed for all factors except fear of testing, which patients rated with lower importance than their study partners. CONCLUSIONS: Biomarker testing for AD in patients with MCI is a rapidly evolving practice and limited data exist on patient perspectives. In this study, most patients and their care partners were interested in testing to help inform treatment decisions and to plan for the future. Participants placed high importance on clinician recommendations for biomarker testing, highlighting the need for clear communication and education on the options, limitations, risks, and benefits of testing.

A meta-analysis of observational epidemiological studies of Newcastle disease in African agro-systems, 1980-2009.

Newcastle disease (ND) is one of the most important and widespread avian pests. In Africa, backyard poultry production systems are an important source of protein and cash for poor rural livelihoods. ND mortality in these production systems is important and seriously disrupts benefits derived from it. This study undertook an African continental approach of ND epidemiology in backyard poultry. After a systematic literature review of studies published from 1980 to 2009, a meta-analysis of spatio-temporal patterns of serological prevalence and outbreak occurrence was performed. Average ND serological prevalence was estimated at 0·67 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0·58-0·75] in regions characterized by humid ecosystems, high human and poultry densities and low altitudes; 0·36 (95% CI 0·30-0·41) in dry ecosystems at intermediate altitude where human and poultry densities are low and 0·27 (95% CI 0·19-0·38) in mountain ecosystems where human and poultry densities are intermediate. In terms of seasonality, ND outbreaks occur mostly during the dry seasons in Africa, when environmental conditions are likely to be harshest for backyard poultry. In addition, a phylogeographical analysis revealed the regionalization of ND virus strains, their potential to evolve towards a higher pathogenicity from the local viral pool and suggests a risk for vaccine strains to provide new wild strains. These results present for the first time a continent-wide approach to ND epidemiology in Africa. More emphasis is needed for ND management and control in rural African poultry production systems.

Genetic diversity of Vietnamese domestic chicken populations as decision-making support for conservation strategies.

The aims of this study were to assess the genetic diversity of 17 populations of Vietnamese local chickens (VNN) and one Red Jungle Fowl population, together with six chicken populations of Chinese origin (CNO), and to provide priorities supporting the conservation of genetic resources using 20 microsatellites. Consequently, the VNN populations exhibited a higher diversity than did CNO populations in terms of number of alleles but showed a slightly lower observed heterozygosity. The VNN populations showed in total seven private alleles, whereas no CNO private alleles were found. The expected heterozygosity of 0.576 in the VNN populations was higher than the observed heterozygosity of 0.490, leading to heterozygote deficiency within populations. This issue could be partly explained by the Wahlund effect due to fragmentation of several populations between chicken flocks. Molecular analysis of variance showed that most of genetic variation was found within VNN populations. The Bayesian clustering analysis showed that VNN and CNO chickens were separated into two distinct groups with little evidence for gene flow between them. Among the 24 populations, 13 were successfully assigned to their own cluster, whereas the structuring was not clear for the remaining 11 chicken populations. The contributions of 24 populations to the total genetic diversity were mostly consistent across two approaches, taking into account the within- and between-populations genetic diversity and allelic richness. The black H'mong, Lien Minh, Luong Phuong and Red Jungle Fowl were ranked with the highest priorities for conservation according to Caballero and Toro's and Petit's approaches. In conclusion, a national strategy needs to be set up for Vietnamese chicken populations, with three main components: conservation of high-priority breeds, within-breed management with animal exchanges between flocks to avoid Wahlund effect and monitoring of inbreeding rate.

[Clinical and endoscopic features of a selected population with serrated colorectal adenomas in a private clinic in Lima - Peru]. / Características clínicas y endoscópicas de una población seleccionada con adenomas aserrados de colon en una clínica privada de Lima - Perú

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and endoscopic caracteristics of a population that has only serrated polyps of colon (mainly sessile serrated adenomas) in a private clinic in Lima, Perú, from 2009-2011. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study conducted at the endoscopy center of Clinic Ricardo Palma, Lima, Peru. Olympus colonoscope was used with high definition, including NBI (narrow band imaging) and electronic magnification. Patients had pathologic diagnosis of â€Å“polyps and / or colorectal serrated adenomas” and excluded those with synchronous tubular or villous adenomas. Images were evaluated by two endoscopists and then by a third gastroenterologist. RESULTS: We found 201 serrated polyps in 108 patients. Women were 60.2% and overweight predominated. Eighty (74.1%) had only one serrated adenoma and 23 (21.3%) with at least one synchronous hyperplastic polyp. The average size of sessile serrated adenomas was 5.12 mm (± 3.87 DS) and the flat type was 91 (58.7%). There were significant differences in the diameter of sessile serrated adenomas between the distal and proximal colon (4.47 mm ± 2.23 vs. 6.90 mm ± 6.25; p<0.000). The common features of sessile serrated adenomas were: White (31/36, 86.1%), smooth (28/36, 77.8%) and regular margins (26/36, 72.2%). There was a relationship between vascular pattern according NBI and serrated polyp histology (p=0.024). CONCLUSION: The endoscopic features of sessile serrated adenomas can evade detection to white light. NBI is a useful tool to define some features of these lesions.