Assessment of ecosystem services provided by livestock agroecosystems in the tropics: a case study of tropical island environment of Guadeloupe.

The present study aims to assess (1) the ecosystem services (ES) provided by LFS and (2) the differential ES between local (Creole) and exotic breeds from pig, cattle and goat. The ES are defined as the benefits that humans derive from LFS. They were summarized in 12 ES indicators that cover services related to provisioning, ecological and socio-cultural aspects and territorial vitality. A total of 106 LFS units that covers the five agroecological zones of Guadeloupe were analysed. Functional typologies of LFS per species were created from surveys. The effect of breed on the ES indicators was tested. Results showed that the 40 pig LFS units were separated into 3 clusters that were differentiated in ES according to provisioning ES (cluster 1), cultural use and sale to the neighborhood (cluster 2) and pork self-consumption (cluster 3). The typology of the 57 farms with cattle distinguished 4 clusters with differences in ES provided in self-consumption (cluster1), ecological ES (cluster 2), socio-cultural ES for racing or draught oxen (cluster 3) and ES associated with territory vitality (cluster 4). The 66 goat LFS units were classified into 3 clusters different in ES concerning self-consumption (cluster 1), cultural aspects (cluster 2) and provisioning ES (cluster 3). Our study highlights that ES indicators are not breed dependent (P > 0.10) but rather livestock farming system dependent. The ES rely more on the rearing management than on the breed type, and up to now, there are no specifications in Guadeloupe to differentiate management between breeds.

Baru almond improves lipid profile in mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects: a randomized, controlled, crossover study.

BACKGROUD AND AIM: The usual consumption of nuts reduces cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risk by improving serum lipids and oxidation status. Baru almonds (Dipteryxalata Vog.), a native species of Brazilian Savannah, have considerable contents of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), dietary fiber, vitamin E and zinc, which could exert positive effects in serum lipids and markers of oxidation. However, there is no study about the effect of their consumption on human health. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of baru almonds supplementation on lipid profile and oxidation of mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects. METHODS AND RESULTS: A randomized, crossover, placebo controlled study was performed with 20 mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects (total cholesterol (TC) mean ±SEM = 5.8 ± 0.2 mmol/L). The assay had 2 periods of 6 weeks each and a 4-week washout period between the treatments. Subjects were randomly allocated in alternated periods receiving the following treatments per period: supplementation with 20 g/day of baru almonds or placebo (1 corn starch capsule/day). Compared to placebo, supplementation of baru almonds reduced TC (-8.1 ± 2.4%, P = 0.007), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) (-9.4 ± 2.4%, P = 0.006) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-c) (-8.1 ± 3.0%, P = 0.013). There were no significant changes on the oxidation biomarkers evaluated. CONCLUSION: Dietary supplementation of mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects with baru almonds improved serum lipid parameters, so that this food might be included in diets for reducing the CVD risk. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) (website: http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br). Register number: RBR-4zdy9p.

Early profiles of clinical evolution after intravenous thrombolysis in an unselected stroke population.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous recombinant tissular plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is the only approved pharmacological treatment for acute ischaemic stroke. The authors aimed to analyse potential causes of the variable effect on early course and late outcome. METHODS AND RESULTS: 136 patients (42% women, 58% men) treated with intravenous rt-PA within 3 h of stroke onset in an acute stroke unit over a 3-year period, were included. Early clinical profiles of evolution at 48 h were divided into clinical improvement (CI) (decrease >4 points in the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)); clinical worsening (CW) (increase >4 points NIHSS); clinical worsening after initial improvement (CWFI) (variations of >4 points in the NIHSS). Patients with clinical stability (no NIHSS modification or <4 points) were excluded. The patients showed in 66.9% CI, 13.2% CW 8.1 % CWFI and 11.8% remained stable. Female sex, no hyperlipaemia and peripheral arterial disease were associated with CW. Male sex and smoking were associated with CI. Absence of arterial occlusion on admission (28.4%) and arterial recanalisation at 24 h were associated with CI. Main causes of clinical deterioration included symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (sICH), persistent occlusion and cerebral oedema. 23.5% developed ICH, 6.6% of which had sICH. At 3 months, 15.5% had died. Mortality was increased in CW, mainly related to sICH and cerebral oedema. The outcome of CWFI was intermediate between CW and CI. CONCLUSIONS: Early clinical profiles of evolution in thrombolysed patients vary considerably. Even with CI, it is critical to maintain vessel permeability to avoid subsequent CW.

Interaction of aluminium and gallium with human lymphocytes: the role of transferrin.

Aluminium-transferrin (Al-Tf) and gallium-transferrin caused a dose-dependent decrease in proliferation of human peripheral blood lymphocytes cultured for 3 days with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA). Addition of apotransferrin reduced the inhibitory effect. Al added as AlCl3 or aluminium citrate had no effect, and there was no significant difference in the response of cells from renal failure patients with or without high serum Al levels or controls. Lymphocytes cultured in the presence of Al-Tf showed a dose-dependent uptake of Al, whereas uptake from aluminium citrate was low and not dose-dependent. Uptake from AlCl3 was very high but probably involved a nonspecific uptake mechanism. Levels of Al in freshly isolated lymphocytes were approximately 1.6 ng/10(6) cells, there being no difference between cells from patients and controls. It is concluded that Al, when bound to transferrin, may have a detrimental effect on lymphocyte function and might contribute to the decreased immune responsiveness of renal failure patients on haemodialysis. However, lymphocyte Al levels are probably not useful as a marker of Al overload in such patients.

Factors of variation of Amblyomma variegatum infestation on Creole cattle in Guadeloupe.

The level of infestation of "Creole" beef cattle of Guadeloupe by the tick Amblyomma variegatum was recorded during a long-term survey in an experimental farm: 61 steers and 83 cows were distributed in different lots according to sex and management. They grazed continuously either on irrigated Digitaria decumbens pastures or on dry native savannahs. Tick numbers as well as animal weights were registered monthly. Climatic data were also recorded. Different acaricide treatments were tested during the survey. But in order to minimize their effect in the data analysis, only tick counts over an average of 5 adult ticks per cattle were taken into account. The level of infestation is analyzed with respect to environmental factors (season, management) and individual factors (sex, weight, physiological stage, genetic effect). The effects of these factors are discussed with regard to alternative tick-control methods, such as the selection of resistant hosts.

Genetic resistance of Creole goats to cowdriosis in Guadeloupe. Status in 1995.

A genetic predisposition to resistance (R)/susceptibility (S) has been demonstrated for cowdriosis in certain goal lines. In order to identify genetic markers of R/S and to follow their transmission to the offspring, 4 groups of sires and dams were crossbred in 1991, 1992, and 1993: Rr, RS, SR, and SS. The offspring were challenged at the age of six months with subsequent challenge of the S parent. From 28 presumed S dams, 7 turned out R and from 2 presumed S sires, 1 was R and the other undefinable. The resistance rate was 76% for 21 RR kids and 45% for 20 RS kids. The R character seems to be better transmitted by dams than the S one. No difference was observed between R and S goats in terms of incubation period and body temperature level after challenge. There was no statistical effect found of sex, litter size, or birth mass on the R/S character; only a slight effect on daily mass gain was observed. Sperm has been collected from 4 S sires (died after challenge) and 5 R sires, and stored in liquid nitrogen in order to conceive additional SR and SS progeny. Several caprine leucocyte antigens seem to be genetic markers of R (Be 1, CLY) and of S (Be 9, Be 22, Be 23). Further powerful tools like microsatellites and probes defining other interesting loci possibly involved in disease pathogenesis are now at hand and will be included in future experiments.

Hormonal replacement therapy in an animal model with chronic renal failure and ovariectomy: biochemical and densitometric study.

BACKGROUND: In spite of estrogen replacement therapy being extensively used in clinical and experimental studies without renal impairment, there are no long-term studies concerning estrogen replacement in chronic renal failure. METHODS: In this experimental study, six groups of nephrectomized and ovariectomized animals were treated with different doses of 17beta-estradiol, alone or in combination with calcitriol, to evaluate the effect of these treatments on bone metabolism. RESULTS: Biochemical results showed that estrogen alone did not have any effect neither on calcium nor on PTH serum levels. By contrast, in the groups treated with calcitriol, the levels of serum calcium were significantly higher, and the levels of iPTH were significantly lower than those observed in the control group. Animals receiving the combined treatment with estrogen and calcitriol showed the greater gain in uterus weight and a better bone mineral density at the lumbar site and the proximal and distal tibia sites. CONCLUSION: The combination of estrogen and calcitriol is the most effective therapy to prevent bone mass loss in animals with chronic renal failure and estrogen deprivation.

Juvenile xanthogranuloma: case report with immunohistochemical identification of early and late cytomegalovirus antigens.

Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a dermatological condition of unknown etiology that rarely affects the oral mucosa. There are conflicting reports suggesting that it may represent a reactive virally-induced lesion associated with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. The present paper reports an additional case of oral JXG and discusses its possible association with CMV infection. The biotin-streptavidin system was used to detect early and late CMV antigens. Positive immunolabelling for both antigens was demonstrated in some histiocytes in the lesion. These findings suggest that JXG may be associated with CMV infection.

[Renal osteodystrophy in Spain. Multicenter survey. (I). Collaborative Centers of the Multicenter Study on Renal Osteodystrophy]. / Osteodistrofia renal en España. Encuesta multicéntrica. (I). Centros colaboradores del Estudio Multicéntrico sobre Osteodistrofia Renal.

In order to know the current management of renal osteodystrophy in Spain we collected data from 172 centres (10,724 patients) obtained from a 30 questions enquiry designed to show different aspects of the current management of renal osteodystrophy. The levels considered the "goal" for treatment were: Calcium 10-10.5 mg/dL (53% of centres), 9.5-10 mg/dL (28%), 10.5-11 mg/dL (14%) and 9-9.5 mg/dL (5% of centres). Phosphorus: between 4.5 and 5.5 mg/dL (77% of centres), between 5.5 and 6.5 mg/dL (15%) and less than 4.5 mg/dL (8% of centres). Parathormone (PTH): between 120 and 250 pg/mL (75% of centres), between 60 and 120 pg/mL (19% of centres). The calcium concentration used in the dialysis fluids was 2.5 in 44% of centres, 3 in 28%, 3.5 in 26% and 2 mEq/L in the remaining 2% of centres. Pulse therapy was started with PTH higher than 750 in 16% of centres; with PTH higher than 500 pg/mL in 52% and with PTH higher than 250 pg/mL in 28% of the centres. Only 51% of centres decreased the calcium concentration in dialysis fluids when the patients were receiving parenteral calcitriol. Fifty-nine percent of centres considered a positive response to treatment any reduction in PTH levels, 24% of centres considered response a decrease of at least 20%, 78% of centres maintained the treatment with calcitriol 6 months before deciding if the patient was a "responder" or a "non-responder". Parathyroidectomy was performed when PTH was higher than 1,000 pg/mL in 38% of the centres; in 41% when PTH was between 1,000 and 750; in 19% when PTH was between 750 and 500; and when PTH was between 500 and 250 pg/mL in the remaining 2% of the centres. Five percent of the patients had a parathyroidectomy.

[Bone metabolic markers and use of vitamin D in dialysis. Multicenter survey. (II). Collaborative Centers of the Multicenter Study on Renal Osteodystrophy]. / Marcadores metabólicos óseos y uso de vitamina D en diálisis. Encuesta multicéntrica. (II). Centros colaboradores del Estudio Multicéntrico sobre Osteodistrofia Renal.

Renal osteodystrophy has become one of the most important aspects related with morbidity in dialysis patients. The aim of our study was to analyse the main biochemical markers of mineral metabolism in 7,422 dialysis patients from 147 Spanish centres. We present data about serum Ca, P, Ca-P, product, Al and vitamin D. Due to the distribution of the analytical results (not normal), non-parametric tests were used. In this analysis a p < 0.01 was considered as significant. The mean total levels were: Ca 9.7 +/- 0.9 mg/dL; P 5.6 +/- 1.6 mg/dL; Ca-P product 54 +/- 16 mg/dL; PTH 294 +/- 360 pg/mL and Al 27 +/- 23 micrograms/L. There was a great variation particularly on serum Ca and PTH levels. On the contrary, serum P and Ca-P product values were less spread: only a quarter of the patients had P levels higher then 6.5 mg/dL and one third Ca-P product higher than 60. Fifty percent of patients had Al levels lower than 20 micrograms/L. Forty one percent of patients (2,811 out of the 7,422) had a PTH equal or lower than 120 pg/mL and 23% have PTH equal or lower than 60 pg/mL. Patients with PTH equal or lower than 60 have serum Ca levels significantly higher than the remaining patients, on the contrary, serum P, Ca-P product and Al levels were significantly lower. In this group, 21% of patients were receiving vitamin D (in spite of low PTH). On the contrary 32% of patients were not receiving calcitriol (despite PTH higher than 250 pg/mL). Forty four percent of patients were receiving vitamin D (46% on haemodialysis and 31% on peritoneal dialysis). Patients on haemodialysis showed serum Ca, P, PTH and Al levels higher than patients on peritoneal dialysis.

Influence of trough versus pasture feeding on average daily gain and carcass characteristics in ruminants: a meta-analysis.

Quantitative meta-analysis was run on 108 publications featuring 116 experiments and 399 treatments dealing with the effect of trough or pasture feeding environment (FE) on ruminant performances. The objective was to compare the effect of trough or pasture FE on ADG, diet OM digestibility (OMD), various carcass characteristics, and the interaction between FE and complementation modalities. Live weight was adjusted to compare results between species. Results showed that trough-fed animals had higher ADG (+17.89%; P < 0.001), hot carcass yield (HYield; + 2.47%; P < 0.001) and carcass fat content (+ 24.87%; P < 0.001) than pasture-fed animals but lower carcass muscle and bone percentages (-1.60% [P = 0.010] and -7.63% [P = 0.003], respectively). Feeding environment had no effect on diet OMD (P = 0.818), but the number of observations was low. After considering the addition or not of concentrate in the diet (addiCO), FE effect persisted on ADG (P = 0.024) and carcass fat content (P = 0.027) but not on HYield (P = 0.078) or muscle and bone percentages (P = 0.119 and P = 0.581, respectively). After considering the nature of the concentrate (natCO), FE effect persisted on ADG (P < 0.001) and HYield (P = 0.004). Considering the percentage of concentrate in the diet (PCO) erased FE effect on ADG (P = 0.891) and HYield (P = 0.128). In contrast, considering the quantity of concentrate(QCO) erased FE effect on ADG (P = 0.084) but not on HYield (P = 0.006) or on carcass fat and muscle contents (P = 0.040 and P = 0.040, respectively) although the FE effect on carcass bone content persisted (P = 0.550). Animal species and physiological stage had no effect on any of the variables studied (P > 0.05) but experiment did (P ≤ 0.001). The increase in ADG was positively correlated to HYield in cattle (P = 0.002) and small ruminants (P = 0.003) and positively linked to carcass fat content (P = 0.007) but not carcass muscle content, which actually decreased (P = 0.001). Overall, this meta-analysis confirmed previous reports of FE effects and revealed how the differences generally reported result from a confounding effect of FE and nature of the diet. Indeed, in most of the studies used, trough-fed animals were supplemented with concentrate whereas pasture-fed animals were not. This research also highlighted the fact that pasture-fed animals have the potential to achieve the same performances as trough-fed animals when fed a similar diet.

Effects of feeding system and slaughter age on the growth and carcass characteristics of tropical-breed steers.

This study aimed to compare the growth performances and carcass characteristics of tropical-breed steers reared in 2 contrasted feeding systems (indoor vs. pasture) and slaughtered at different ages (early vs. late). A total of 309 Creole steers (growing at an initial BW of 173 ± 3 kg and an initial age of 252 ± 4 d) were used over a continuous 12-yr study. Indoor steers were housed in a cattle shed, fed fresh-cut grass plus concentrate, and slaughtered at 14.5 or 17.1 ± 0.1 mo of age. Pasture steers were pasture grazed without supplemental feed, and slaughtered at 17.6 and 21.2 ± 0.1 mo of age. Indoor-fed steers had a greater ADG (786 vs. 517 ± 29 g•d(-1); P < 0.0001) and more carcass fat (164 vs. 145 ± 4.5 g•kg(-1); P = 0.001) than pasture-fed steers. Late-slaughtered steers had decreased ADG (630 vs. 673 ± 27 g•d(-1); P = 0.001) but greater dressing percentages (hot dressing percentage = 55.7 vs. 54.7 ± 0.34%; chilled dressing percentage = 54.5 vs. 53.4 ± 0.34%; P < 0.0001) than early-slaughtered steers. The interaction between feeding system and slaughter age was significant for carcass tissue composition. Whole-carcass muscle content was greater in late-slaughtered steers than early-slaughtered steers, especially in pasture-fed steers (720 vs. 698 ± 6.0 g•kg(-1); P < 0.0001), but less so in indoor-fed steers (707 vs. 700 ± 5.9 g•kg(-1); P = 0.046). Furthermore, increasing slaughter age had no effect on carcass fat in indoor-fed steers (162 vs. 166 ± 4.8 g•kg(-1); P = 0.342), but decreased carcass fat in pasture-fed steers (150 vs. 140 ± 5.0 g•kg(-1); P = 0.014). The results showed that slaughter age and feeding system are 2 major factors that independently affect most of the growth and carcass traits of tropical-breed steers but jointly influence tissue deposition. Our study found that in tropical-breed steers that are grazing, late slaughtering grazing steers increased carcass muscle content without extra fat, thus yielding a carcass quality better suited to consumer choices.

Economic values of body weight, reproduction and parasite resistance traits for a Creole goat breeding goal.

A specific breeding goal definition was developed for Creole goats in Guadeloupe. This local breed is used for meat production. To ensure a balanced selection outcome, the breeding objective included two production traits, live weight (BW11) and dressing percentage (DP) at 11 months (the mating or selling age), one reproduction trait, fertility (FER), and two traits to assess animal response to parasite infection: packed cell volume (PCV), a resilience trait, and faecal worm eggs count (FEC), a resistance trait. A deterministic bio-economic model was developed to calculate the economic values based on the description of the profit of a Guadeloupean goat farm. The farm income came from the sale of animals for meat or as reproducers. The main costs were feeding and treatments against gastro-intestinal parasites. The economic values were 7.69€ per kg for BW11, 1.38€ per % for FER, 3.53€ per % for DP and 3 × 10(-4)€ per % for PCV. The economic value for FEC was derived by comparing the expected profit and average FEC in a normal situation and in an extreme situation where parasites had developed resistance to anthelmintics. This method yielded a maximum weighting for FEC, which was -18.85€ per log(eggs per gram). Alternative scenarios were tested to assess the robustness of the economic values to variations in the economic and environmental context. The economic values of PCV and DP were the most stable. Issues involved in paving the way for selective breeding on resistance or resilience to parasites are discussed.

Non-carious cervical lesions: influence of morphology and load type on biomechanical behaviour of maxillary incisors.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to measure the effect of simulating two different loads on maxillary incisors displaying eight morphological types of non-carious cervical lesions, unrestored and restored with an adhesive restoration, by quantifying the stress distributions generated using finite element analysis. METHODS: Virtual models of maxillary incisors were generated using the CAD software (RhinoCeros). After composing virtual dental and supporting structures with and without non-carious cervical lesions, each model was meshed using a control mesh device (ANSYS Finite Element Analysis Software). All of the virtual models were subjected to two load types, oblique load and vertical load, to simulate occlusal forces of 100 N each. Comparisons were made between simulated teeth with non-carious cervical lesions, with and without composite resin restorations, and a simulated sound tooth. Data summarizing the stress distributions were obtained in MPa using von Mises criteria. RESULTS: Oblique loading on simulated non-carious cervical lesions resulted in greater stress concentration compared with vertical loading, and non-carious cervical lesions with acute angles displayed higher stress concentrations at the depth of the lesion. Restoring the lesions with an adhesive restoration, such as composite resin, appeared to overcome this stress concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Restoring NCCLs with adhesive restorative materials, such as a nanohybrid composite resin, appears to recover the biomechanical behaviour similar to sound teeth.

Production systems of Creole goat and their implications for a breeding programme.

The Creole goat is a local meat breed well adapted to the tropical environment of Guadeloupe, a French island in the Caribbean. A survey of 47 goat farmers was conducted in May 2008 to describe the Guadeloupean goat farming systems. It was the preliminary step for the implementation of a breeding programme for Creole goats. Farmers had 31 does on average. A small number (4%) kept only Creole goats. Most of them (62%) had a mixed herd of Creole and crossbreds. One-third of them (34%) reared only crossbred goats. Farmers appreciate the rusticity and resistance of the Creole goat but consider its growth as too slow. The most desired traits for goat selection were conformation and growth for males (77% of the answers). These traits were also important for females (30% of the answers). Maternal qualities were also frequently cited (maternal behaviour 23%, reproduction 20% and milk production 17%). Disease resistance was not seen as an important trait (10% and 7% of the answers for bucks and does, respectively). A typology constituted of five groups of farmers was also created. Farmers of three groups were retained to participate at a selection programme. They kept Creole goats and have expressed a strong willingness to join a selection programme. The results of the survey suggest that a breeding programme should mostly focus on the Creole goat as a maternal breed. Real consideration should be given to disease resistance. The Creole goat has indeed a key role to play in the sustainability of local farming systems.

Goat farming systems in Martinique: management and breeding strategies.

To be successful, initiatives to improve farmer's goat production should directly address the needs and objectives of the keepers while promoting rational use of local genetic resources. A survey was carried out to implement a genetic policy governing meat goat farming in Martinique (11,400 heads and 33,400 ha arable land). The questionnaire comprised a total of 27 items with 306 modalities, and included questions on farm structure, crop and animal productions, management of feeding, reproduction and health control. The sample consisted of 33 farmers with 644 ha and 2,680 goats (1,286 does and 52 bucks), 97% of does in the studied sample were crossbred, 56% of bucks were" imported" breeds (Boer or Anglo-Nubian). The number of goats per farm varied from 16 to 582. The feeding system was predominantly grazing, according to a rotation (55% of cases) or continuous grazing system (42%). On 62% of farms, the males remained with the females permanently, also 83% of farmers did not resort to methods of controlled-mating. The first criteria used for choosing animals (80 to 90% of answers) of both sex, were development and conformation. Assuming that adaptive together with productive traits are important in tropical zones, it is advisable to better define the maternal lineage of the local livestock (presently very sparse records), to improve reproduction management and culling strategies (poor and inadequate management practices do not support any genetic improvement programme), and to guide the farmers in their decisions by employing concerted interprofessional actions (choice of meat breed, market studies).

Progression of vascular calcifications is associated with greater bone loss and increased bone fractures.

UNLABELLED: In this prospective study, we found a positive relationship between the prevalence of aortic calcifications and age. Aortic calcifications at baseline were positively associated with osteoporotic fractures. In addition, progression of aortic calcifications was also positively associated with the rate of decline in BMD at lumbar spine. INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the progression of abdominal aortic calcification and osteoporosis in a Spanish cohort of men and women older than 50. METHODS: Men and women (n=624) aged 50 and over underwent two lateral X-rays of thoracic and lumbar spine and a dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) study at lumbar spine and hip, and were followed during 4 years. Abdominal aortic calcifications were classified as absent, mild-moderate and severe. RESULTS: There was a positive relationship between the prevalence of aortic calcifications and age. In both sexes, prevalent severe aortic calcifications were positively associated with prevalent osteoporotic fractures [odds ratio (OR)=1.93 (1.02-3.65)]. The association was stronger when only vertebral fracture was considered [OR=2.45 (1.23-4.87)]. In addition, progression of aortic calcifications showed a positive association with the rate of decline in bone mineral density (BMD) at lumbar spine. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic calcifications at baseline were positively associated with osteoporotic fractures. The progression of aortic calcifications was also positively associated with the rate of decline in BMD at lumbar spine.

Determinants of incidence of osteoporotic fractures in the female Spanish population older than 50.

It is well known that the adoption of preventive measures for osteoporosis may contribute to minimizing its impact as a result of bone fractures. However, there are well-recognized risk factors involved in the onset of osteoporosis that are not possible to modify. Better knowledge of these non-modifiable factors could aid prevention in subjects at high risk of fractures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the likely association between gynecological, reproductive and family history of hip fracture with the incidence of vertebral and nonvertebral osteoporotic fractures in women older than 50. We studied 255 women aged 50 and over, randomly selected from a Spanish population that had participated in a study of prevalence of vertebral fractures (EVOS study). This cohort was prospectively followed for 8 years by means of four postal questionnaires, in order to find out the incidence of nonvertebral fractures. Concerning the incidence of vertebral fractures, participants were invited to repeat the lumbar spine X-rays 4 years after the initial study. A total of 31 women had incident osteoporotic fractures. The analysis of gynecological variables showed that an increase in the age at menarche was a risk factor for all incident osteoporotic fractures [OR=1.57 (1.04-2.37)]. The presence of amenorrhea at any age during the fertile period was associated with higher incidence of all osteoporotic fractures [OR=6.30 (1.61-24.70)]. Among all the reproductive variables analyzed (pregnancy, number of live births and breast-feeding) only pregnancy was an important protective factor in preventing incident Colles fracture [OR=0.15 (0.03-0.62)]. A family history of hip fracture was associated with a higher incidence of all osteoporotic fractures [OR=3.59 (1.01-12.79)]. In summary, a late age at menarche, the presence of amenorrhea and having close relatives with hip fracture were all risk factors which, independently of bone mineral density (BMD) and age, were associated with higher incidence of all osteoporotic fractures. Pregnancy was an important protective factor for the incidence of Colles fractures.