ATR1 A1166C (rs5186), FII G20210A (rs1799963), FV G1691A (rs6025), FXIII 97G > T (rs11466016) and MTHFR A1298C (rs1801131) polymorphisms and the risk of ST-elevation myocardial infarction in young Mexican individuals.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies had identified genetic variants associated with Myocardial Infarction, but results are inconclusive. We examined the association between FII G20210A (rs1799963), FV G1691A (rs6025), FXIII 97G > T (rs11466016), ATR1 A1166C (rs5186) and MTHFR A1298C (rs1801131) polymorphisms and ST elevation Myocardial Infarction in young Mexican individuals. METHODS: We included a total of 350 patients with Myocardial Infarction <45 years old and 350 controls matched by age and gender. The polymorphisms were analyzed by PCR-RFLP using specific restriction enzymes. DNA fragments were separated by electrophoresis in 2% gel of agarose and visualized using SYBR green. RESULTS: The A1166C (p = 0.004) but not FXIII 97G > T (p = 0.19), G20210A (p = 0.32), G1691A (p = No significant) and A1298C (p = 0.21) polymorphisms were associated with increased risk for ST elevation Myocardial Infarction. Moreover, dyslipidemia, hypertension, smoking and family history of atherothrombotic disease were associated. CONCLUSIONS: We found that A1166C represented increased risk for ST elevation Myocardial Infarction. However, G20210A, G1691A, 97G > T, and A1298C were not associated. In addition, we had determined that Glu298Asp, PLA1/A2, TAFI Thr325Ile, ACE I/D, AGT M235T and PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphisms represented increased risk in the same group of patients. However, MTHFR C677T, AGT T174M, FV G1691A, TSP-1 N700S, MTHFR C677T and TAFI 174 M polymorphisms were no associated. Our results suggest that in young patients with ST Myocardial Infarction, those polymorphisms could contribute to premature endothelial dysfunction, atherothrombosis, vasoconstriction, increased platelet aggregation, muscle cell migration and proliferation. Further studies are required to try to better assess gene-gene and gene-modifiable factors interaction.

Anticoagulation in the cardiac patient: A concise review.

Anticoagulation has multiple roles in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, including in management of acute myocardial infarction, during percutaneous coronary intervention, as stroke prophylaxis in patients with atrial arrhythmias, and in patients with mechanical heart valves. Clinical anticoagulation choices in the aforementioned diseases vary widely, due to conflicting data to support established agents and the rapid evolution of evidence-based practice that parallels more widespread use of novel oral anticoagulants. This review concisely summarizes evidence-based guidelines for anticoagulant use in cardiovascular disease, and highlights new data specific to direct oral anticoagulants.

Dynamic predictive accuracy of electrocardiographic biomarkers of sudden cardiac death within a survival framework: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.

BACKGROUND: The risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) is known to be dynamic. However, the accuracy of a dynamic SCD prediction is unknown. We aimed to measure the dynamic predictive accuracy of ECG biomarkers of SCD and competing non-sudden cardiac death (non-SCD). METHODS: Atherosclerosis Risk In Community study participants with analyzable ECGs in sinus rhythm were included (n = 15,716; 55% female, 73% white, age 54.2 ± 5.8 y). ECGs of 5 follow-up visits were analyzed. Global electrical heterogeneity and traditional ECG metrics (heart rate, QRS, QTc) were measured. Adjudicated SCD was the primary outcome; non-SCD was the competing outcome. Time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC(t) AUC) analysis was performed to assess the prediction accuracy of a continuous biomarker in a period of 3,6,9 months, and 1,2,3,5,10, and 15 years using a survival analysis framework. Reclassification improvement as compared to clinical risk factors (age, sex, race, diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke) was measured. RESULTS: Over a median 24.4 y follow-up, there were 577 SCDs (incidence 1.76 (95%CI 1.63-1.91)/1000 person-years), and 829 non-SCDs [2.55 (95%CI 2.37-2.71)]. No ECG biomarkers predicted SCD within 3 months after ECG recording. Within 6 months, spatial ventricular gradient (SVG) elevation predicted SCD (AUC 0.706; 95%CI 0.526-0.886), but not a non-SCD (AUC 0.527; 95%CI 0.303-0.75). SVG elevation more accurately predicted SCD if the ECG was recorded 6 months before SCD (AUC 0.706; 95%CI 0.526-0.886) than 2 years before SCD (AUC 0.608; 95%CI 0.515-0.701). Within the first 3 months after ECG recording, only SVG azimuth improved reclassification of the risk beyond clinical risk factors: 18% of SCD events were reclassified from low or intermediate risk to a high-risk category. QRS-T angle was the strongest long-term predictor of SCD (AUC 0.710; 95%CI 0.668-0.753 for ECG recorded within 10 years before SCD). CONCLUSION: Short-term and long-term predictive accuracy of ECG biomarkers of SCD differed, reflecting differences in transient vs. persistent SCD substrates. The dynamic predictive accuracy of ECG biomarkers should be considered for competing SCD risk scores. The distinction between markers predicting short-term and long-term events may represent the difference between markers heralding SCD (triggers or transient substrates) versus markers identifying persistent substrate.

Vectorcardiogram in athletes: The Sun Valley Ski Study.

BACKGROUND: Global electrical heterogeneity (GEH) is associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD) in adults of 45 years and above. However, GEH has not been previously measured in young athletes. The goal of this study was to establish a reference for vectorcardiograpic (VCG) metrics in male and female athletes. METHODS: Skiers (n = 140; mean age 19.2 ± 3.5 years; 66% male, 94% white; 53% professional athletes) were enrolled in a prospective cohort. Resting 12-lead ECGs were interpreted per the International ECG criteria. Associations of age, sex, and athletic performance with GEH were studied. RESULTS: In age and training level-adjusted analyses, male sex was associated with a larger T vector [T peak magnitude +186 (95% CI 106-266) µV] and a wider spatial QRS-T angle [+28.2 (17.3-39.2)°] as compared to women. Spatial QRS-T angle in the ECG left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) voltage group (n = 21; 15%) and normal ECG group did not differ (67.7 ± 25.0 vs. 66.8 ± 28.2; p = 0.914), suggesting that ECG LVH voltage in athletes reflects physiological remodeling. In contrast, skiers with right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) voltage (n = 26, 18.6%) had wider QRS-T angle (92.7 ± 29.6 vs. 66.8 ± 28.2°; p = 0.001), larger SAI QRST (194.9 ± 30.2 vs. 157.8 ± 42.6 mV × ms; p < 0.0001), but similar peak SVG vector magnitude (1976 ± 548 vs. 1939 ± 395 µV; p = 0.775) as compared to the normal ECG group. Better athletic performance was associated with the narrower QRS-T angle. Each 10% worsening in an athlete's Federation Internationale de' Ski downhill ranking percentile was associated with an increase in spatial QRS-T angle by 2.1 (95% CI 0.3-3.9) degrees (p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: Vectorcardiograpic adds nuances to ECG phenomena in athletes.

[Polimorfismos asociados a disfunción endotelial y a un estado protrombótico en jóvenes mexicanos con infarto cerebral].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the contribution the polymorphisms G20210A, G1691A and G10976A in the coagulation factors FII, FV, FVII, respectively; Glu298Asp and C677T in eNOS and 5,10 MTHFR in young Mexican population with cerebral infarction (CI). METHODS: 224 patients ≤ 45 years of age with CI and 224 controls matched by age and gender were recruited from 2006 and 2014. The polymorphisms were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: We identified a significant difference in the genotype distribution of Glu298Asp (p = 0.001) and C677T (p = 0.01) polymorphisms between CI patients and control groups. The genotype distribution in the FII G20210A, FV G1691A and FVII G10976A polymorphisms were similar. There were independent factors for ischemic stroke: Glu298Asp and C677T polymorphisms, smoking; hypertension, and familial history of thrombotic disease. CONCLUSIONS: The Glu298Asp and C677T, but not FII G20210A, FV G1691A and FVII G10976A polymorphisms were associated with CI. Our results suggest that endothelial dysfunction and the synergist interaction with other factors such as smoking and hypertension contribute to CI in young individuals.

OBJETIVO: Examinar la contribución de los polimorfismos G20210A, G1691A y G10976A en los factores de coagulación FII, FV y FVII respectivamente; Glu298Asp y C677T en la óxido nítrico sintasa endotelial y 5,10 metilentetrahidrofolato reductasa, en población joven mexicana con infarto cerebral (IC). MÉTODO: Se incluyeron 224 pacientes ≤ 45 años de edad con diagnóstico de IC y 224 controles pareados por edad y sexo, de 2006 a 2014. Los polimorfismos fueron determinados por la técnica de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa-polimorfismos de longitud de fragmentos de restricción. RESULTADOS: Identificamos una diferencia significativa en la distribución genotípica de los polimorfismos Glu298Asp (p = 0.001) y C677T (p = 0.01) entre el grupo de pacientes con IC y el control. La distribución genotípica de los polimorfismos FII G20210A, FV G1691A y FVII G10976A fue similar entre ambos grupos. Se identificaron como factores independientes de IC los polimorfismos Glu298Asp y C677T, el tabaquismo, la hipertensión y el antecedente de familiar de enfermedad trombótica. CONCLUSIONES: Los polimorfismos Glu298Asp y C677T, pero no FII G20210A, FV G1691A y FVII G10976A, se asociaron con IC. Nuestros resultados sugieren que la disfunción endotelial en interacción sinérgica con otros factores de riesgo, como tabaquismo e hipertensión, contribuye al IC en individuos jóvenes.

Effect of palmitic acid on the mitigation of milk fat depression syndrome caused by trans-10, cis-12-conjugated linoleic acid in grazing dairy cows.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of adding protected palmitic acid (PA) to the ration of grazing dairy cows supplemented with protected conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on milk production, chemical composition and fat profile. Six cows were used, 3/4 American Swiss × Zebu, under a rotational grazing system in a mixed sward with Cynodon plectostachyus, Brachiaria decumbens and Brachiaria brizantha. Furthermore, each cow received daily 4 kg concentrates and 8 kg sorghum silage, which made up the basal diet. The cows were distributed into three two-cow groups. Three treatments were randomly assigned to the groups, using a cross design: (1) control (basal diet), (2) basal diet + CLA (50 g/d) and (3) basal diet + CLA (50 g/d) + PA (412 g/d). The following variables were evaluated: forage intake, milk production, protein, fat and lactose concentration in milk, and milk fatty acid (FA) profile. There were no differences in forage intake between treatments; however, there were differences in milk production, protein, fat and lactose yield and fat concentration, which increased significantly in group CLA + PA when compared with group CLA. The concentration of FA synthesised de novo was lower when PA was included in the diet. Adding PA to the diet of grazing cows mitigates the milk fat decline caused by including trans-10, cis-12 CLA in the diet.

Nutraceutic effect of free condensed tannins of Lysiloma acapulcensis (Kunth) benth on parasite infection and performance of Pelibuey sheep.

Forty-five Pelibuey sheep were experimentally infested with nematodes to evaluate the effect of three free condensed tannin (FCT) levels of Lysiloma acapulcensis on fecal egg counts (FECs), packed cell volumes (PCV), ocular mucosa colors (OMC), average daily gain (ADG), and adult nematode count. Five treatments were used: 12.5, 25.0, and 37.5 mg of FCT kg-1 of body weight (BW); sterile water (control); and ivermectine (0.22 mg kg-1 of BW) as chemical group. The data were processed through repeated measurement analysis. Even though the three FCT doses decreased (P < 0.05) the FEC, the highest reduction was obtained with 37.5 mg kg-1 of BW. No differences were observed in PCV and OMC. Higher ADG (P < 0.05) was observed with 37.5 mg kg-1 of BW of FCT. The count of adult nematodes (females and males) in the higher dose of FCT was similar to chemical treatment. Dose of 37.5 mg kg-1 of BW decreased the parasite infection and improved the lamb performance. Therefore, this dose could be used as a nutraceutic product in sheep production.

Genetic structure and diversity in an isolated population of an endemic mole salamander (Ambystoma rivulare Taylor, 1940) of central Mexico.

Human activities are affecting the distribution of species worldwide by causing fragmentation and isolation of populations. Isolation and fragmentation lead to populations with lower genetic variability and an increased chance of inbreeding and genetic drift, which results in a loss of biological fitness over time. Studies of the genetic structure of small and isolated populations are critically important for management and conservation decisions. Ambystoma rivulare is a micro-endemic Mexican mole salamander from central Mexico. It is found in the most ecologically disturbed region in Mexico, the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. The goal of this study of the population genetics of the micro-endemic mole salamander was to provide information to be used as a basis for future research and conservation planning of this species and other species of the Ambystoma genus in Mexico. The structural analysis found two subpopulations, one for each river sampled, with no signs of admixture and very high levels of genetic differentiation. Medium to high levels of heterozygosity and few alleles and genotypes were observed. Evidence of an ancestral genetic bottleneck, low values of effective population size, small inbreeding coefficients, and low gene flow were also found.

Atrial Fibrillation Predictors: Importance of the Electrocardiogram.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in adults and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Substantial interest has developed in the primary prevention of AF, and thus the identification of individuals at risk for developing AF. The electrocardiogram (ECG) provides a wealth of information, which is of value in predicting incident AF. The PR interval and P wave indices (including P wave duration, P wave terminal force, P wave axis, and other measures of P wave morphology) are discussed with regard to their ability to predict and characterize AF risk in the general population. The predictive value of the QT interval, ECG criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy, and findings of atrial and ventricular ectopy are also discussed. Efforts are underway to develop models that predict AF incidence in the general population; however, at present, little information from the ECG is included in these models. The ECG provides a great deal of information on AF risk and has the potential to contribute substantially to AF risk estimation, but more research is needed.

Partial substitution of soybean meal by Gliricidia sepium or Guazuma ulmifolia leaves in the rations of growing lambs.

The partial substitution of soybean meal by Gliricidia sepium or Guazuma ulmifolia leaves in the rations of growing lambs was evaluated at an experimental station in the dry tropics of Mexico. Sixteen weaned crossbred male Pelibuey × Blackbelly lambs (initial weight 19 ± 1.66 kg), distributed in a completely randomized design, were assigned to the following protein sources: (a) 100% soybean meal, (b) 50% soybean meal + 50% G. sepium, (c) 50 % soybean meal + 25% G. ulmifolia + 25% G. sepium, and (d) 50% soybean meal + 50% G. ulmifolia in isoproteic rations. The lambs were housed in individual pens and fed ad libitum. Substitution of protein from soybean meal with G. ulmifolia did not affect gain, intake, or feed conversion; however, the inclusion of G. sepium reduced (linear effect, P < 0.01) gain and intake and impaired feed conversion (linear effect, P < 0.01). Partial substitution up to 50% of soybean meal with 50% G. ulmifolia leaves resulted in similar growth and lamb performance, but inclusion of G. sepium leaves adversely affected lamb growth, presumably due to other factors not related to the protein content.

Genetic diversity and genetic structure of an endemic Mexican Dusky Rattlesnake (Crotalus triseriatus) in a highly modified agricultural landscape: implications for conservation.

It is necessary to determine genetic diversity of fragmented populations in highly modified landscapes to understand how populations respond to land-use change. This information will help guide future conservation and management strategies. We conducted a population genetic study on an endemic Mexican Dusky Rattlesnake (Crotalus triseriatus) in a highly modified landscape near the Toluca metropolitan area, in order to provide crucial information for the conservation of this species. There was medium levels of genetic diversity, with a few alleles and genotypes. We identified three genetically differentiated clusters, likely as a result of different habitat cover type. We also found evidence of an ancestral genetic bottleneck and medium values of effective population size. Inbreeding coefficients were low and there was a moderate gene flow. Our results can be used as a basis for future research and C. triseriatus conservation efforts, particularly considering that the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt is heavily impacted by destructive land-use practices.

GLU298ASP and 4G/5G Polymorphisms and the Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Young Individuals.

BACKGROUND: Polymorphisms in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and in the plasminogen activator inhibitor -1 (PAI-1) genes have been implicated in stroke pathogenesis but results are still controversial. The aim of this study was to examine the possible contribution of Glu298Asp in the eNOS and 4G/5G in the PAI-1polymorphisms with ischemic stroke in a young Mexican population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a case-control study, conducted between January 2006 and June 2010, 204 patients ≤45 years of age with ischemic stroke and 204 controls matched by age and gender, were recruited. The Glu298Asp and 4G/5G polymorphisms were determined in all participants by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the Glu298Asp genotype distribution (P=0.001) and allele frequency between the two groups (P=0.001). The 4G/5G genotype distribution (P=0.40) and the allele frequency was similar between groups; (P=0.13). There were independent factors for ischemic stroke: Asp carriage (GluAsp+AspAsp) (P=0.02); smoking (P=0.01); hypertension (P=0.03), and familial history of atherothrombotic disease (P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The Asp allele from the Gu298Asp gene represents an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke in a young Mexican population. In contrast, the 4G/5G was not associated with an increased risk for this disease in the same group of patients, as previously has been demonstrated in other populations.

Supplementation with rumen-protected L-arginine-HCl increased fertility in sheep with synchronized estrus.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of L-arginine-HCl supplementation on ovulation rate, fertility, prolificacy, and serum VEGF concentrations in ewes with synchronized oestrus. Thirty Suffolk ewes with a mean body weight of 45 ± 3 kg and a mean body condition score (BCS) of 2.4 ± 0.28 were synchronized for estrus presentation with a progestin-containing sponge (20 mg Chronogest® CR) for 9 days plus PGF2-α (Lutalyse; Pfizer, USA) on day 7 after the insertion of the sponge. The ewes were divided into two groups; i.e., a control group (n = 15) that was fed on the native pasture (basal diet) and an L-arginine-HCl group (n = 15) that received 7.8 g of rumen-protected L-arginine-HCl from day 5 of the sponge insertion until day 25 after mating plus the basal diet. The L-arginine-HCl was administered daily via an esophageal probe between days 5 and 9 of the synchronization protocol and every third day subsequently. Blood samples were drawn from the jugular vein every 6 days throughout the entire experimental period. The results revealed that the L-arginine-HCl supplementation increased fertility during the synchronized estrus (P = 0.05). However, no effects were observed on the final BCS (P = 0.78), estrus presentation (P = 0.33), multiple ovulations (P = 0.24), prolificacy (P = 0.63), or serum VEGF concentration. In conclusion, L-arginine-HCl supplementation during the period used in this study increased fertility in sheep with synchronized estrus possibly due to improved embryo-fetal survival during early pregnancy.

Evaluation of Increasing Dietary Concentrations of a Multi-Enzyme Complex in Feedlot Lambs' Rations.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of the M-E complex (xylanase, glucanase, cellulase, and invertase) Optimax E® on the performance of growing lambs, their digestibility, and their rumen microbiota, and to estimate NEm, NEg, and ruminal methane levels. Forty lambs (Katahdin x Dorset; 22.91 ± 4.16 kg) were randomly assigned to dietary concentrations of ME (0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8% DM) and fed individually for 77 days. Increasing M-E improved feed conversion (p < 0.05) as well as NEm and NEg (p < 0.05), which were associated with increased in vivo DM and NDF digestion (linear and quadratic p < 0.01). Few microbial families showed abundancy changes (Erysipelotrichaceae, Christensenellaceae, Lentisphaerae, and Clostridial Family XIII); however, the dominant phylum Bacteroidetes was linearly reduced, while Firmicutes increased (p < 0.01), resulting in a greater Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio. Total Entodinium showed a quadratic response (p < 0.10), increasing its abundancy as the enzyme dose was augmented. The daily emission intensity of methane (per kg of DMI or AGD) was reduced linearly (p < 0.01). In conclusion, adding the M-E complex Optimax E® to growing lambs' diets improves their productive performance by acting synergistically with the rumen microbiota, modifying the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio toward more efficient fermentation, and shows the potential to reduce the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions from lambs.

A Polyherbal Mixture with Nutraceutical Properties for Ruminants: A Meta-Analysis and Review of BioCholine Powder.

BioCholine Powder is a polyherbal feed additive composed of Achyrantes aspera, Trachyspermum ammi, Azadirachta indica, and Citrullus colocynthis. The objective of this study was to analyze published results that support the hypothesis that the polyherbal product BioCholine Powder has rumen bypass choline metabolites through a meta-analysis and effect size analysis (ES). Using Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and university dissertation databases, a systematic search was conducted for experiments published in scientific documents that evaluated the effects of BioCholine supplementation on the variables of interest. The analyzed data were extracted from twenty-one publications (fifteen scientific articles, three abstracts, and three graduate dissertations available in institutional libraries). The studies included lamb growing-finishing, lactating ewes and goats, calves, and dairy cows. The effects of BioCholine were analyzed using random effects statistical models to compare the weighted mean difference (WMD) between BioCholine-supplemented ruminants and controls (no BioCholine). Heterogeneity was explored, and three subgroup analyses were performed for doses [(4 (or 5 g/d), 8 (10 g/d)], supplementation in gestating and lactating ewes (pre- and postpartum supplementation), and blood metabolites by species and physiological state (lactating goats, calves, lambs, ewes). Supplementation with BioCholine in sheep increased the average daily lamb gain (p < 0.05), final body weight (p < 0.01), and daily milk yield (p < 0.05) without effects on intake or feed conversion. Milk yield was improved in small ruminants with BioCholine prepartum supplementation (p < 0.10). BioCholine supplementation decreased blood urea (p < 0.01) and increased levels of the liver enzymes alanine transaminase (ALT; p < 0.10) and albumin (p < 0.001). BioCholine doses over 8 g/d increased blood glucose, albumin (p < 0.10), cholesterol, total protein, and globulin (p < 0.05). The ES values of BioCholine in retained energy over the control in growing lambs were +7.15% NEm (p < 0.10) and +9.25% NEg (p < 0.10). In conclusion, adding BioCholine Powder to domestic ruminants' diets improves productive performance, blood metabolite indicators of protein metabolism, and liver health, showing its nutraceutical properties where phosphatidylcholine prevails as an alternative that can meet the choline requirements in ruminants.

Rationale and design of the CONFIRM2 (Quantitative COroNary CT Angiography Evaluation For Evaluation of Clinical Outcomes: An InteRnational, Multicenter Registry) study.

BACKGROUND: In the last 15 years, large registries and several randomized clinical trials have demonstrated the diagnostic and prognostic value of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Advances in CT scanner technology and developments of analytic tools now enable accurate quantification of coronary artery disease (CAD), including total coronary plaque volume and low attenuation plaque volume. The primary aim of CONFIRM2, (Quantitative COroNary CT Angiography Evaluation For Evaluation of Clinical Outcomes: An InteRnational, Multicenter Registry) is to perform comprehensive quantification of CCTA findings, including coronary, non-coronary cardiac, non-cardiac vascular, non-cardiac findings, and relate them to clinical variables and cardiovascular clinical outcomes. DESIGN: CONFIRM2 is a multicenter, international observational cohort study designed to evaluate multidimensional associations between quantitative phenotype of cardiovascular disease and future adverse clinical outcomes in subjects undergoing clinically indicated CCTA. The targeted population is heterogenous and includes patients undergoing CCTA for atherosclerotic evaluation, valvular heart disease, congenital heart disease or pre-procedural evaluation. Automated software will be utilized for quantification of coronary plaque, stenosis, vascular morphology and cardiac structures for rapid and reproducible tissue characterization. Up to 30,000 patients will be included from up to 50 international multi-continental clinical CCTA sites and followed for 3-4 years. SUMMARY: CONFIRM2 is one of the largest CCTA studies to establish the clinical value of a multiparametric approach to quantify the phenotype of cardiovascular disease by CCTA using automated imaging solutions.

Evaluating apparent competition in limiting the recovery of an endangered ungulate.

Predation can disproportionately affect endangered prey populations when generalist predators are numerically linked to more abundant primary prey. Apparent competition, the term for this phenomenon, has been increasingly implicated in the declines of endangered prey populations. We examined the potential for apparent competition to limit the recovery of Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis sierrae), an endangered subspecies under the US Endangered Species Act. Using a combination of location, demographic, and habitat data, we assessed whether cougar (Puma concolor) predation on endangered bighorn sheep was a consequence of their winter range overlap with abundant mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). Consistent with the apparent competition hypothesis, bighorn sheep populations with higher spatial overlap with deer exhibited higher rates of cougar predation which had additive effects on adult survival. Bighorn sheep killed by cougars were primarily located within deer winter ranges, even though those areas constituted only a portion of the bighorn sheep winter ranges. We suspect that variation in sympatry between bighorn sheep and deer populations was largely driven by differences in habitat selection among bighorn sheep herds. Indeed, bighorn sheep herds that experienced the highest rates of predation and the greatest spatial overlap with deer also exhibited the strongest selection for low elevation habitat. Although predator-mediated apparent competition may limit some populations of bighorn sheep, it is not the primary factor limiting all populations, suggesting that the dynamics of different herds are highly idiosyncratic. Management plans for endangered species should consider the spatial distributions of key competitors and predators to reduce the potential for apparent competition to hijack conservation success.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with Toxocara canis infection in children.

The objective of this study was to determine seroprevalence and identify risk factors associated with Toxocara canis infection. A clinical and epidemiological questionnaire and body mass index were used to assess the risk factors associated with human toxocariasis in 108 children with an age range of 2-16 years. Antibodies against Toxocara canis were detected using an ELISA test kit. Chi-square analysis and odds ratio (OR) were used to identify risk factors associated with Toxocara canis seropositivity. The prevalence of antibodies against Toxocara canis was greater (P = 0.02) in males than females (28.84% and 16.07%, resp.). Chi-square analysis and odds ratio revealed just one variable with P < 0.05, and OR > 1.0 was associated with seropositivity: the possession of dogs under one year old (OR = 1.78). Although not significant, the OR values suggest that other factors may be epidemiologically important for Toxocara presence such as not washing hands before meals, malnutrition, obesity, and use of public parks. Children in the age group >12 and <16 years old had higher seroprevalence to Toxocara canis (17.59%) than the >2 and <11 years old age group (4.62%). Toxocariosis infection needs to be prevented by pet deworming and hygienic measures after contact with dogs.

Polymorphisms in the Renin-Angiotensin System and eNOS Glu298Asp Genes Are Associated with Increased Risk for Essential Hypertension in a Mexican Population.

Background: Essential hypertension is the result of modifiable and genetic factors, and it is associated with increased risk for atherothrombosis. Some polymorphisms are associated with hypertensive disease. The objective was to analyze the association between eNOS Glu298Asp, MTHR C677T, AGT M235T, AGT T174M, and A1166C and ACE I/D polymorphisms with essential hypertension in the Mexican population. Materials and Methods: In the present study, 224 patients with essential hypertension and 208 subjects without hypertension were included. The Glu298Asp, C677T, M235T, T174M, A1166C, and I/D polymorphisms were determined by the PCR-RFLP technique. Results: We found statistical differences in age, gender, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and total cholesterol between control and cases. However, we found no significant differences in HbA1c and triglycerides between both groups. We observed statistical significant differences in the genotype distribution of Glu298Asp (P = 0.001), I/D (P = 0.02), and M235T (P = 0.004) polymorphisms between both groups. In contrast, there were no differences related to distribution of genotypes of MTHFR C677T (P = 0.12), M174T (P = 0.46), and A1166C (P = 0.85) between cases and control groups. Conclusions: We identified that Glu298Asp, I/D, and M234T polymorphisms represented an increased risk for essential hypertension and those genetic variants could contribute to the presence of endothelial dysfunction and vasopressor effect, hyperplasia, and hypertrophy of smooth muscle cells, which had an impact for hypertension. In contrast, we found no association between C677C, M174T, and A1166C polymorphisms and hypertensive disease. We suggested that those genetic variants could be identified in individuals with high risk to avoid hypertension and thrombotic disease.

Genetic Variants Associated with High Susceptibility of Premature Ischemic Stroke.

Background: Several polymorphisms had been associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke, but results are inconclusive. The aim of this study was to examine the association between AGTR1 A1166C and TSP-1 N700S polymorphisms and ischemic stroke in a young Mexican population. Methods: In a case-control study, 250 patients ≤ 45 years of age with ischemic stroke and 250 controls matched by age and gender were included. The polymorphisms were determined in all participants by polymerase chain reaction. Results: There were statistical differences in genotype distribution (p = 0.01) and allele frequency (p = 0.001) of AGTR1 A1166C polymorphism. In contrast, there was a similar genotype distribution (p = 0.96) and allele frequency (p = 0.76) of the TSP1 N700S genetic variant between groups. Hypertension (p = 0.03), smoking (p = 0.02), and family history of atherothrombotic disease (p = 0.04) were associated with stroke, but not diabetes (p = 0.30) and dyslipidemia (p = 0.08). Conclusions: This is the first study in Mexican population to explore several genetic variants in young patients with ischemic stroke. Our results suggest that polymorphisms in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system could contribute to premature hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, atherothrombosis, vasoconstriction, smooth muscle cell migration, and proliferation. In contrast, polymorphisms in the coagulation factors are not associated with ischemic stroke. Environmental factors such as diabetes and dyslipidemia could be less important in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke at a young age. We suggest that those polymorphisms should be determined in individuals with a family history of thrombosis to avoid the stroke development. Therefore, genotype-environmental combination could determine several possible phenotypes at different moments in life.