Characterization of bergamot essential oil: chemical, microbiological and colloidal aspects.

Citrus bergamia is a citric species known as bergamot. The species is widely used due to its derivatives, such as juices, extracts, and essential oil. Specifically, the bergamot essential oil (BEO) is of great interest, with a chemical composition rich in terpenes and esters. Considering its chemical composition, bioactivity, and great economic potential, the characterization of BEO should be studied. However, this essential oil is almost unexplored in terms of a characterization associated with colloids. Chemical characterization was carried out by gas-chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer and by gas-chromatography coupled to a flame ionization detector. Antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was carried out to confirm the bioactivity of this important essential oil. Dynamic light scattering analysis was performed to create a pattern of droplet size distribution of BEO. Major compounds of BEO were linalyl acetate, limonene, and linalool. The BEO was active against E. coli and presented a MIC value of 2.000 µg/mL, while values of MIC and MBC higher than 2.000 µg/mL were observed for S. aureus. The dynamic light scattering analysis revealed a mean hydrodynamic diameter of 65.7 ± 2.2 nm. After a 1:10 dilution it was observed reduction of mean diameter and enhancement of the percentagem of low size droplets, resepctively 44.1 ± 1.2 nm and 14.5 ± 0.5 nm (28.8 ± 1.2%). Higher droplets and reduced polydispersity index were observed after 1:100 dilution. In the present study, the chemical characterization was in accordance with the species, as the characteristic chemical markers of the species were found. Moreover, it has presented antibacterial activity as expected for the BEO. The analysis of the colloid showed a pattern of droplet size distribution following the Ostwald ripening mechanism after dilution.

Revelar las vivencias de intervención educativa transcultural de embarazo adolescente en binomio madre-hija un proyecto de vida en comunidad originaria / Reveal the experiences of transcultural educational intervention of adolescent pregnancy in the mother-daughter binomial a life project in the originary community

Introducción: el embarazo adolescente hace referencia a toda gestación que ocurre durante la adolescencia y comprende las mujeres de hasta 19 años. Irrumpe la vida de las adolescentes en momentos que no alcanzan la madurez física ni mental, con carencias nutricionales y enfermedades. Las causas son amplias y complejas, variando entre distintos grupos culturales y étnicos. Para los investigadores es importante conocer la forma de pensar de las jóvenes y madres respecto a embarazos en adolescentes, como construyen los sentidos y significaciones alrededor de embarazos a temprana edad, qué factores intervienen, de qué modo se puede educar a la población joven y adulta ante esta problemática que irrumpe con su proyecto de vida. Material y métodos: enfoque metodológico cualitativo descriptivo, con visión holística histórico-etnográfico, dado que se pretende conocer la manera de pensar de las adolescentes del estado de Guerrero en la región montaña alta ante un embarazo y las posibles causas de la misma. Resultados: el binomio revela que la falta de recursos económicos, educación, costumbres y tradiciones son las principales causas de un embarazo precoz y deserción escolar en la montaña Alta de Guerrero. Consideraciones finales: desde el término EMIC se manifiesta desacuerdo por el embarazo adolescente, se visualiza la incapacidad de las participantes para desarrollar el rol de crianza y educación, se refleja con ETIC la inmadurez física y psicológica de las adolescentes para adquirir la responsabilidad de una mujer adulta, el proyecto de vida se ve estancado en el mismo padrón de los padres.

Introduction: adolescent pregnancy refers to any gestation that occurs during adolescence and includes women up to 19 years of age. It bursts into the lives of adolescents at times when they do not reach physical or mental maturity, with nutritional deficiencies and illnesses. The causes are broad and complex, varying among different cultural and ethnic groups. For researchers, it is important to know the way of thinking of young women and mothers regarding teenage pregnancies, how they build meanings and meanings around early pregnancies, what factors intervene, how the young and adult population can be educated before this problem that bursts with his life project. Material and methods: the present investigation has a descriptive qualitative methodological approach, with a holistic historical-ethnographic vision, since it is intended to know the way of thinking of adolescents from the state of Guerrero in the high mountain region before a pregnancy and the possible causes of it. Results: the binomial reveals that the lack of economic resources, education, customs and traditions are the main causes of early pregnancy and school dropout in the High Mountain of Guerrero. Final considerations: the term EMIC shows disagreement with adolescent pregnancy, the inability of the participants to develop the role of upbringing and education, the physical and psychological immaturity of the adolescents to acquire the responsibility of an adult woman is reflected in ETIC, the life project is stagnated in the same pattern of the parents.

Effects of caffeine on central and peripheral fatigue following closed- and open-loop cycling exercises

We examined whether endurance performance and neuromuscular fatigue would be affected by caffeine ingestion during closed- and open-loop exercises. Nine cyclists performed a closed-loop (4,000-m cycling time trial) and an open-loop exercise (work rate fixed at mean power of the closed-loop trial) 60 min after ingesting caffeine (CAF, 5 mg/kg) or placebo (PLA, cellulose). Central and peripheral fatigue was quantified via pre- to post-exercise decrease in quadriceps voluntary activation and potentiated twitch force, respectively. Test sensitivity for detecting caffeine-induced improvements in exercise performance was calculated as the mean change in time divided by the error of measurement. Caffeine ingestion reduced the time of the closed-loop trial (PLA: 375.1±14.5 s vs CAF: 368.2±14.9 s, P=0.024) and increased exercise tolerance during the open-loop trial (PLA: 418.2±99.5 s vs CAF: 552.5±106.5 s, P=0.001), with similar calculated sensitivity indices (1.5, 90%CI: 0.7-2.9 vs 2.8, 90%CI: 1.9-5.1). The reduction in voluntary activation was more pronounced (P=0.019) in open- (-6.8±8.3%) than in closed-loop exercises (-1.9±4.4%), but there was no difference between open- and closed-loop exercises for the potentiated twitch force reduction (-25.6±12.8 vs -26.6±12.0%, P>0.05). Caffeine had no effect on central and peripheral fatigue development in either mode of exercise. In conclusion, caffeine improved endurance performance in both modes of exercise without influence on post-exercise central and peripheral fatigue, with the open-loop exercise imposing a greater challenge to central fatigue tolerance.

Population structure and relatedness estimates in a Mexican sample.

Population stratification (PS) is a confounding factor in genome-wide association studies (GWASs) and also an interesting process itself. Latin American populations have mixed genetic ancestry, which may account for PS. We have analyzed the relatedness, by means of the identity-by-descent (IBD) estimations, in a sample of 1805 individuals and 1.006.703 autosomal mutations from a case-control study of colorectal cancer in Mexico. When using the recommended protocol for quality control assessment, 402 should have been removed due to relatedness. Our purpose was to analyze this value in the context of an admixed population. For that aim, we reanalyzed the sample using two software designed for admixed populations, obtaining estimates of 110 and 70 related individuals to remove. The results showed that the first estimation of relatedness was an effect of the higher Native American contribution in part of the data samples, being a confounding factor for IBD estimations. We conclude in the importance of considering PS and genetic ancestry in order to avoid spurious results, not only in GWAS but also in relatedness analysis.

Spinal CSF-Venous Fistulas in Morbidly and Super Obese Patients with Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Spinal CSF-venous fistulas are increasingly recognized as the cause of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Here, we describe the challenges in the care of patients with CSF-venous fistulas who are morbidly or super obese. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review was undertaken of all patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension and a body mass index of >40 who underwent digital subtraction myelography in the lateral decubitus position to look for CSF-venous fistulas. RESULTS: Eight patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension with a body mass index of >40 underwent lateral decubitus digital subtraction myelography. The mean age of these 5 women and 3 men was 53 years (range, 45 to 68 years). Six patients were morbidly obese (body mass indexes = 40.2, 40.6, 41, 41.8, 45.4, and 46.9), and 2 were super obese (body mass indexes = 53.7 and 56.3). Lumbar puncture showed an elevated opening pressure in 5 patients (26.5-47 cm H2O). The combination of an elevated opening pressure and normal conventional spine imaging findings resulted in a misdiagnosis (midbrain glioma and demyelinating disease, respectively) in 2 patients. Prior treatment included surgical nerve root ligation for suspected CSF-venous fistula in 3 patients. Digital subtraction myelography demonstrated a CSF-venous fistula in 6 patients (75%). Rebound high-pressure headache occurred in all 6 patients following surgical ligation of the fistula, and papilledema developed in 3. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, opening pressure was generally elevated in patients with morbid or super obesity. The yield of identifying CSF-venous fistulas with digital subtraction myelography in this patient population can approach that of the nonobese patient population. These patients may be at higher risk of developing rebound high-pressure headaches and papilledema.

Comparison between computer-guided and freehand dental implant placement surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The purpose of this systematic review was to compare computer-guided (fully guided) and freehand implant placement surgery in terms of marginal bone loss, complications, and implant survival. This review followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42019135893). Two independent investigators performed the search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases for studies published up to April 2020 and identified 1508 references. After a detailed review, only four studies were considered eligible. These studies involved a total of 154 patients with 597 dental implants and a mean follow-up period of 2.25 years. There was no difference between computer-guided surgery and freehand surgery in terms of the marginal bone loss (mean difference -0.11mm, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.27 to 0.04mm; P=0.16), mechanical complications (risk ratio (RR) 0.85, 95% CI 0.36-2.04; P=0.72), biological complications (RR 1.56, 95% CI 0.42-5.74; P=0.51), and implant survival rate (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.11-2.43; P=0.41). This meta-analysis demonstrated that both computer-guided and freehand surgeries yielded similar results for marginal bone loss, mechanical and biological complications, and implant survival rate.

Narrow-diameter implants versus regular-diameter implants for rehabilitation of the anterior region: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate studies comparing implant survival rates, marginal bone loss (MBL), and mechanical and biological complication rates between narrow-diameter implants (NDIs) and regular-diameter implants (RDIs) used for oral rehabilitation in the anterior region. The review was conducted according to the PRISMA checklist. Two independent reviewers performed a comprehensive search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases for studies published until May 2020. A total of 843 implants (484 NDIs and 359 RDIs) were included. No significant difference in implant survival rate (risk difference (RD) 0.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.01 to 0.03; P=0.34), MBL (standardised mean difference -0.51mm, 95% CI -1.29 to 0.26mm; P=0.19), mechanical complications (RD 0.01, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.04; P=0.40), or biological complications (RD 0.01, 95% CI -0.09 to 0.11; P=0.85) was found between the implant groups. Within the limitations of this study, it is concluded that NDIs are an effective alternative to RDIs due to similar survival rates, MBL, and mechanical and biological complication rates. However, future studies are highly encouraged due to the small number of interventional studies on this topic.

Footwear designed to enhance energy return improves running economy compared to a minimalist footwear: does it matter for running performance?

The present study compared the effects of a footwear designed to enhance energy return (thermoplastic polyurethane, TPU) vs minimalist shoes on running economy (RE) and endurance performance. In this counterbalanced and crossover design study, 11 recreational male runners performed two submaximal constant-speed running tests and two 3-km time-trials with the two shoe models. Oxygen uptake was measured during submaximal constant-speed running tests in order to determine the RE at 12 km/h and oxygen cost of running (CTO2) at individual average speed sustained during the 3-km running time-trials wearing either of the two shoes. Our results revealed that RE was improved (2.4%) with TPU shoes compared with minimalist shoes (P=0.01). However, there was no significant difference for CTO2 (P=0.61) and running performance (P=0.52) comparing the TPU (710±60 s) and the minimalist (718±63 s) shoe models. These novel findings demonstrate that shoes with enhanced mechanical energy return (i.e. TPU) produced a lower energy cost of running at low (i.e., 12 km/h) but not at high speeds (i.e., average speed sustained during the 3-km running time-trial, ∼15 km/h), ultimately resulting in similar running performance compared to the minimalist shoe.

Cicatrização da musculatura reto-abdominal em coelhos submetidos à laparorrafia com fios de sutura à base de quitosana, categute cromado e poliglactina 910 / [Healing of the rectus abdominis muscle in rabbits submitted to laparorrhaphy with suture-based chitosan, chromic catgut and polyglactin 910]

Objetivou-se, com este estudo, avaliar o processo de cicatrização da musculatura reto-abdominal em coelhos submetidos à laparorrafia, utilizando-se o fio de sutura à base de quitosana, comparando-o aos fios de categute cromado e poliglactina 910. Foram utilizados 24 coelhos adultos, divididos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos: quitosana e categute 15 dias (QC-15dias), quitosana e categute 30 dias (QC-30 dias), quitosana e poliglactina 910 15 dias (QP-15 dias) e quitosana e poliglactina 910 30 dias (QP-30 dias). Cada grupo foi composto por seis coelhos, nos quais foram realizadas duas incisões, uma do lado direito e outra do lado esquerdo e, posteriormente, a laparorrafia, com o fio de quitosana de um lado e o categute cromado ou poliglactina 910 do outro. Realizou-se análise clínico-cirúrgica, histológica e avaliação de achados de necropsia, além de testes de citotoxicidade e de mecânica no fio de quitosana. Ele apresentou baixa resistência mecânica e citotóxica. O fio de quitosana não proporcionou uma cicatrização satisfatória em coelhos, pois desencadeou uma resposta inflamatória acentuada.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the healing process of the recto-abdominal muscles in rabbits submitted to laparorrhaphy using chitosan-based suture yarn, comparing it to chrome catgut and polyglactin 910 yarns. Twenty-four adult rabbits were divided in to four random groups: chitosan and polyglactin 910 15 days (QP-15 days) and chitosan and polyglactin 910 30 days (QC-30 days), chitosan and polyglactin 910 15 days (QP-15 days) QP-30 days). Each group consisted of six rabbits, in which two incisions were made, one on the right side and one on the left side, and later the laparorraphy with the chitosan yarn on one side and chromed catgut or polyglactin 910 on the other. Clinical-surgical, histological and necropsy findings were evaluated, as well as cytotoxicity and mechanical tests on the chitosan wire. It presented low mechanical and cytotoxic resistance. Chitosan thread did not provide satisfactory healing in rabbits, as it triggered a marked inflammatory response.(AU)

Prostate cancer, new treatment advances - immunotherapy. / Cáncer de próstata, nuevas opciones de tratamiento: inmunoterapia.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the fourth most common cancer in the world and treatment is currently based on surgical removal and/or radiotherapy and/or hormone therapy. In the last few years' immunotherapy has become an important cancer treatment option. While the principles of immunotherapy evolved, only sipuleucel-T was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which lead to further studies with other agents, starting a new era in immuno-oncology. A number of vaccines are under clinical investigation as well as checkpoint inhibitors. Despite the current enthusiasm, it is unlikely that any of the approaches alone can dramatically change PCa outcomes, but strategies combination is more promising and provide a reason for optimism. The goal of immunotherapy in PCa does not have to be the complete eradication of advanced disease, but rather the return to an immunologic equilibrium with an indolent disease state. With such concerted efforts, the future of immunotherapy in PCa looks brighter than ever, with many clinical trial results being published soon.

Synchronous symptomatic parathyroid carcinoma and parathyroid adenoma with incidental follicular thyroid carcinoma.

We describe the case of an 89-year old Caucasian woman admitted with confusion and severe clinical manifestations of acute hypercalcaemia. There was no history suggestive of any malignancy and initial management included correction of the hypercalcaemia with intravenous fluid therapy. Sestamibi parathyroid scintigraphy and neck ultrasonography demonstrated a 4cm left-sided thyroid lesion and a nearly 2cm right-sided thyroid lesion. The patient underwent a total thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy. Histology confirmed a concomitant parathyroid adenoma, parathyroid carcinoma and follicular thyroid carcinoma. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case in the literature.

Gastrointestinal Tract Reconstruction in Adults with Ultra-Short Bowel Syndrome: Surgical and Nutritional Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Historically, adults with ultra short bowel syndrome (USBS) have been considered candidates for lifetime parenteral nutrition (PN) or are referred for visceral transplantation. We examined the surgical and nutritional outcomes of adult patients with USBS managed at a single intestinal rehabilitation center. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data on 588 adult patients referred to our center between January 2013 and December 2018. USBS was defined as residual small bowel (SB) length ≤ 50 cm. RESULTS: Forty-five patients (7.6%) with a mean age of 46.7 years (range 17-78) were identified. Indications for enterectomy included mesenteric ischemia (n=17) and internal hernias (n=6), followed by large intraabdominal fibroids, trauma, and allograft enterectomies, with five cases each. Median SB length was 18.0 cm; 20 patients (44.4%) had their entire SB resected. Thirteen patients had an intact colon, of which nine had preservation of the ileocecal valve. Patients who underwent autologous reconstruction of their gastrointestinal (GI) tract required a lower total PN volume (29.0 ± 7.6 vs. 40.8 ± 13.2 ml/Kg/day, p=0.002) and presented better short- and long- term survival (p=0.005). Patients with no gut had higher mortality (p=0.036). Hormonal therapy with the glucagon-like peptide-2 analog teduglutide was used in nine patients (20%) five of whom were weaned off TPN. Excluding patients with no gut (n=20), discontinuation of total PN rate for patients with an end ostomy or tube decompression (n= 6), jejunocolostomy (n= 10), and jejunoileostomy (n=9) were 0%, 40%, and 77.7%, respectively. Eleven patients (44%) with some residual small intestine achieved nutritional autonomy in an average of 20 months after GI reconstruction. Fifteen patients were listed for transplantation (33.3%). Seven patients underwent isolated SB transplantation and achieved nutritional autonomy in an average of three months after transplantation. One-year patient and graft survival were 100%. After a 37-month median follow-up period, 36 of 42 patients followed by our center were still alive (85.7%). CONCLUSION: Nutritional autonomy can be achieved in a significant number of patients with USBS in specialized centers with surgical and/or hormonal therapy. The presence of an intact colon and ileocecal valve can significantly increase the adaptation rate. Moreover, restoration of GI tract continuity has a positive impact on medical management and survival.

COL1A1, CCDC170, and ESR1 single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with distal radius fracture in postmenopausal Mexican women.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic association of five ESR1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs3020331, rs851982, rs1999805, rs2234693, rs3020404), four COL1A1 SNPs (rs1800012, rs2075555, rs2412298, rs1107946), and two SNPs on the CCDC170 gene (rs9479055, rs4870044) with distal radius fracture (DRF) in a group of postmenopausal Mexican women.Methods: A case-control study was conducted. Cases (n = 182) were women above the age of 38 years with low-energy DRF, and controls (n = 201) were women without. Analysis was done through real-time polymerase chain reaction. Frequencies and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were calculated. A multivariate analysis including bone mass index, age, menarche, and menopause as covariables was carried out. Finally, haplotype and linkage disequilibrium (LD) analyses were performed.Results:COL1A1 rs1107946 was strongly associated with DRF. Both CCDC170 SNPs showed strong association with DRF. For the ESR1 gene, four SNPs (rs2234693, 3020404, rs3020331, and rs851982) showed very strong association with DRF. Additionally, the region between the latter two showed strong LD.Conclusions: A strong association of DRF with variants in these genes was found, including haplotypes and a region with strong LD on ESR1. The results suggest that these SNPs could be useful to detect the population at risk of presenting DRF among Mexican perimenopausal women.

Comparison between flapless and open-flap implant placement: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

No consensus has been reached regarding the influence of the flapless and open-flap surgical techniques on the placement of dental implants. This systematic review compared the effects of flapless implant placement and implant placement with elevation of the mucoperiosteal flap in terms of marginal bone loss, implant survival rate and complications rates. This review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO with the registration number CRD42017071475. Two independent reviewers performed a comprehensive search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases for studies published until December 2017. The search identified 559 references. After a detailed review, 24 studies were assessed for eligibility. A total of 1025 patients who had received a total of 1873 dental implants were included. There were no significant differences between the flapless and open-flap surgical techniques in terms of implant survival rates (P=0.34; risk ratio (RR): 1.36; confidence interval (CI): 0.72-2.56), marginal bone loss (P=0.23; MD: -0.20; CI: -0.52-0.13), or complication rates (P=0.67; RR: 1.10; CI: 0.70-1.73). The current meta-analysis showed that the implant survival rate, marginal bone levels, and complications of flapless surgery were similar to those of open-flap surgery over a mean follow-up period of 21.62 months.

Linfoma leucemizado em felino coinfectado com os vírus da imunodeficiência felina e da leucemia felina: relato de caso / Lymphoma in leukemic phase in feline coinfected with feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus: case report

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo relatar um caso de linfoma leucemizado em um felino coinfectado com os vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV) e o da leucemia felina (FeLV). Foram realizados exames de hemograma, contagem de reticulócitos, mielograma, bioquímica, teste de imunocromatografia para FIV e FeLV, imunofluorescência indireta (IFA) para FeLV, radiografia torácica e citologia renal. Esse último exame revelou um linfoma extranodal. Foi determinante para a conclusão diagnóstica a associação dos sinais clínicos corroborados com a infiltração de elevada quantidade de células linfoblásticas na medula óssea, exibindo critérios citomorfológicos de malignidade, como mitoses atípicas, relacionadas à presença de corpúsculos linfoglandulares e material hematopoiético inter-relacionado. O linfoma é uma neoplasia relativamente comum em felinos, entretanto, a apresentação leucemizada é rara, podendo representar um desafio diagnóstico clínico, o que torna fundamental a inclusão da citologia medular na prática clínica dessa espécie.(AU)

The present study aimed to report a case of lymphoma in leukemic phase in feline coinfected with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Blood counts, reticulocyte counts, bone marrow avaluation, biochemistry, immunochromatography assay for FIV and FeLV, indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) for FeLV, thoracic radiography and renal citology were performed. This last examination revealed extranodal lymphoma. The association of the clinical signs with the infiltration of a high number of lymphoblastic cells in the bone marrow with cytomorphological criteria of malignancy, atypical mitoses, lymphoglandular corpuscles and hematopoietic material were determinant for the diagnostic conclusion. Lymphoma is a relatively common neoplasm in felines, however the leukemic phase is rare and may represent a clinical diagnostic challenge, making it essential to include bone marrow cytology in the clinical practice of this species.(AU)

Association of RMND1/CCDC170-ESR1 single nucleotide polymorphisms with hip fracture and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association of seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the RMND1, CCDC170, and ESR1 genes with osteoporosis or hip fracture in a postmenopausal Mexican population. METHODS: We included a group of 400 postmenopausal women from the Health Workers Cohort Study from the Mexican Institute of Social Security. As a replication sample, we recruited 423 postmenopausal women from the National Institute of Rehabilitation. Demographic data were collected through a structured questionnaire. Bone mineral density was assessed using dual X-ray absorptiometry. Individuals were classified as normal, osteopenia, osteoporosis, and fracture, according to World Health Organization criteria. Genotyping was performed using predesigned TaqMan Probes. Linear regression analysis was used to investigate association. RESULTS: All of the analyzed SNPs showed association with at least one of the phenotypes of the study groups. In addition, we observed a region with linkage disequilibrium within the ESR1 gene in all groups. CONCLUSION: This study shows that an association of the SNPs can exist with osteopenia, osteoporosis, or fragility fracture. Our results agree with data published elsewhere, supporting the potential of these loci for the identification of the population at risk. However, additional studies are required to determine the extent of this association for other geographic regions of Mexico.

Are experienced and high-level race walking athletes able to match pre-programmed with executed pacing?

The objective of this study was to verify the agreement between pre-programmed and executed pacing during race walking and whether level of the athletes experience and performance influenced this relationship. Twenty-nine national and international race walkers participated in this study (14 males, 24.0±7.1 years old, and 15 females, 23.3±7.3 years old). Pre-programmed pacing for 10- and 20-km official walking races was self-selected via demonstrative pacing charts prior to races, while executed pacing was analyzed by a specialist investigator via an individual plot of current velocity versus distance. There was no agreement between pre-programmed and executed pacing (P=0.674). There was no association between the ability to match the pre-programmed pace with the executed pace and race walking experience or level of performance. Low- and high-performance athletes pre-programmed a similar pacing profile (P=0.635); however, high-performance athletes generally executed an even pacing strategy, while low-performance athletes generally adopted a positive pacing strategy (P=0.013). Race walkers did not faithfully match their pre-programmed with their executed pacing, and this seemed to be independent of previous experience and level of performance. High-performance athletes, however, tended to execute an even pacing strategy, even though this had not been pre-programmed.

Antral follicular count is a tool that may allow the selection of more precocious Bradford heifers at weaning.

Although antral follicle count is a repeatable parameter across life that is positively associated with fertility, its use at weaning as a tool to discard less fertile heifers has not been extensively evaluated. The hypotheses of this work are: 1) maximum antral follicle count (MAFC) is repeatable between weaning and pre breeding evaluations, allowing selection of more fertile heifers at an early age, 2) heifers with high MAFC have growth and development parameters linked to an earlier puberty and pregnancy, 3) MAFC has a positive correlation with AMH concentrations, so that both could be used inter changeably. In this study, Hereford (n = 42 and n = 50) and Braford (n = 40 and n = 50) females were used in years 1 and 2; respectively, in a completely randomized experimental design. Heifers were examined for five to ten days at two different moments (post weaning and pre service), to determine MAFC. The concentrations of Anti müllerian hormone (AMH) were evaluated on the day of MAFC assessment. Growth and development parameters were evaluated post weaning and pre service. The repeatability of MAFC between post weaning and pre service evaluations was poor in three cases (Hereford Year 1 = 0.36 and 2 = 0.39 and Braford, Year 2 = 0.32) but it was high for Braford in Year 2 (0.72). The AMH repeatability between post weaning and pre service evaluations was high in one case (Braford Year 2 = 0.72) and moderate in the others (Year 1, Hereford = 0.50 and Braford = 0.52 and Year 2, Hereford = 0.50). In Year 2, Braford heifers with greater MAFC attained puberty at an earlier age (r2 = 0.129; P = 0.0196). Also, diminished MAFC corresponded with decreased growth and development, thus less Braford heifers with low MAFC were inseminated (2/16), compared to those with medium (12/17) and high MAFC (7/17; P < 0.01). Moreover, Braford heifers with low AFC had less progesterone in the cycle post insemination but pregnancy rate was not affected. In Braford heifers in Year 2, there was a high correlation between MAFC and AMH concentrations (0.85 P < 0.001). The results of these experiments indicate that post weaning MAFC and AMH concentrations may be applied to select those Braford heifers that attain puberty at an early age, but these tools are not useful in Hereford heifers.

Infrared meibography and molecular assessment of p63 gene mutations in a Mexican patient with EEC syndrome. / Meibografía infrarroja y evaluación molecular de la mutación del gen p63 en un paciente mexicano con síndrome EEC.

OBJECTIVE: To report the finding of infrared meibography in a Mexican patient with EEC syndrome (Ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-cleft syndrome) confirmed by molecular analysis of the p63 gene. CLINICAL CASE: A 31 year-old male patient was seen due to a history of progressive visual loss in both eyes associated with long-term photophobia. The patient was born with cleft lip and palate, ectrodactyly of right hand, and afterwards, displayed nail dysplasia, anodontia and alopecia, with which ectodermal dysplasia was diagnosed. The ophthalmological findings were limited to the adnexa and the ocular surface. In vivo infrared meibography showed total absence of Meibomian glands in the lower eyelids and severe deficiency in the upper eyelids. In addition, it was shown that the patient was a heterozygous carrier of a missense mutation R304W (C → T) in exon 8 of the p63 gene. DISCUSSION: The R304W mutation in the p63 gene region is definitely related to characteristics such as the absence of Meibomian glands.