A genomic inference of the White Plymouth Rock genealogy.

Crossing of populations has been, and still is, a central component in domestication and breed and variety formation. It is a way for breeders to utilize heterosis and to introduce new genetic variation into existing plant and livestock populations. During the mid-19th century, several chicken breeds that had been introduced to America from Europe and Asia became the founders for those formed in the USA. Historical records about the genealogy of these populations are often unclear and inconsistent. Here, we used genomics in an attempt to describe the ancestry of the White Plymouth Rock (WPR) chicken. In total, 150 chickens from the WPR and 8 other stocks that historical records suggested contributed to its formation were whole-genome re-sequenced. The admixture analyses of the autosomal and sex chromosomes showed that the WPR was likely founded as a cross between a paternal lineage that was primarily Dominique, and a maternal lineage where Black Java and Cochin contributed in essentially equal proportions. These results were consistent and provided quantification with the historical records that they were the main contributors to the WPR. The genomic analyses also revealed genome-wide contributions (<10% each) by Brahma, Langshan, and Black Minorca. When viewed on an individual chromosomal basis, contributions varied considerably among stocks.

Conservation of rare and local breeds of livestock.

The genetic diversity of domesticated species is contained within breeds, with the result that conserving breeds conserves this diversity. Breeds are predictable genetic resources that allow a match of animals with different environments and production goals. Breeds were developed through a process involving foundation, isolation and selection. Breed types that qualify as genetic resources include 'landraces' (local breeds), standardised breeds, commercial production breeds and feral livestock that have returned to a free-living state. Currently, breeds of all classes are threatened with extinction. The reasons for breed conservation include maintaining breed diversity for future needs, cultural connections between people and breeds, and material for scientific investigation. Several breeds have undergone genetic adaptations that make them uniquely suited to specific challenging environments. Conservation depends upon discovering these genetic resources, securing them with a good genetic structure, and subsequently sustaining them for long-term survival with demand for the breed and its products.

La diversité génétique des espèces domestiquées par l'homme se retrouve dans les différentes races au sein de chaque espèce, ce qui signifie que la conservation des races est une manière de préserver cette diversité. Les races constituent des ressources génétiques prévisibles qui permettent d'apparier des individus issus d'environnement différents et dotés de capacités de production correspondant à des objectifs spécifiques. Les races ont été développées au terme d'un processus basé sur la détermination, l'isolement et la sélection de ces traits. Sont qualifiées de ressources génétiques les races locales, les races standardisées, les races de production commerciale et les espèces domestiquées puis retournées à l'état sauvage (animaux féraux). Des races appartenant à chacune de ces catégories sont aujourd'hui menacées d'extinction. La conservation des races se justifie par la nécessité de préserver leur diversité pour les besoins futurs, mais aussi par les liens culturels qui se nouent entre les sociétés humaines et certaines races animales et par l'impératif de fournir des matériels biologiques à la recherche scientifique. Plusieurs races ont connu des adaptations génétiques qui les ont rendues particulièrement aptes à faire face à des environnements difficiles. La conservation consiste à mettre en lumière ces ressources génétiques, à les sécuriser au moyen d'une structure génétique solide et à les préserver de manière durable afin de répondre à la demande de reproducteurs et de leurs produits.

Las razas son el recipiente que aloja la diversidad genética de las especies domésticas, por lo que conservarlas equivale a conservar esa diversidad. Las razas son recursos genéticos predecibles que permiten aparear a animales con diferentes entornos y objetivos de producción. Las razas aparecieron a resultas de un proceso que entraña fundación, aislamiento y selección. Los tipos de raza que cabe asimilar a recursos genéticos son las «variedades locales¼ (razas autóctonas), las razas normalizadas, las razas de producción industrial y las razas de ganado asilvestrado que ha vuelto a la vida en libertad. Actualmente hay toda clase de razas amenazadas de extinción. Entre los argumentos que justifican la conservación de las razas están el de mantener la diversidad para atender futuras necesidades, el de respetar los vínculos culturales que conectan a la gente con las razas y el de disponer de material para la investigación científica. Varias razas han experimentado adaptaciones genéticas que las han hecho singularmente aptas para vivir en uno u otro entorno especialmente difícil. La conservación de las razas depende de que esos recursos genéticos sean descubiertos y su continuidad quede asegurada gracias a una buena estructura genética, para después sostener su supervivencia a largo plazo con la demanda de la raza en cuestión y de sus derivados.

Is distal femoral torsion the same in both of a patient's legs? Morphometric CT study.

INTRODUCTION: The rotational position of the femoral component is a primary driver of success in total knee arthroplasty. However, distal femoral torsion (DFT) varies greatly between individuals. Measuring DFT preoperatively by CT in combination with computer-assisted surgery can significantly improve the rotational positioning of the femoral component. However, a preoperative CT scan is costly and exposes the patient to radiation. These are doubled when the patient is undergoing bilateral arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to determine the DFT in both knees of a patient undergoing bilateral arthroplasty. We hypothesized that DFT was symmetric between a patient's two knees and was independent of frontal alignment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study of TKA cases performed between December 2008 and March 2015, 82 patients (mean age 73years) who underwent two-stage bilateral TKA (164 knees) were included. A preoperative CT scan of each knee was performed to measure the DFT using the surgical posterior condylar angle (PCA) described by Yoshioka. Two observers performed the measurements twice each, to allow calculation of the intraclass and interclass correlation coefficients. RESULTS: The mean PCA was 5.4° (±1.48) in the right knee and 5.4° (±1.45) in the left knee, with a left/right difference ranging from 0 to 2.2° (p=0.8). In the entire cohort, 84.6% of patients had a left/right difference of less than 1°. We found no significant differences in DFT in knees with large or small frontal deformity (deformity<10°, p=0.7; deformity>10°, p=0.5) or the presence of varus or valgus (p=0.9). The intraclass correlation coefficient was excellent (94%) and the interclass correlation coefficient was moderate to good (60% for left knees, 53% for right knees). DISCUSSION: Based on CT scan measurements, the DFT in both knees of an arthritic patient is comparable and this measurement is reproducible. This means that a single, unilateral preoperative CT scan is sufficient for planning purposes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV (retrospective cohort study).

Biomechanical cadaveric comparison of patellar ligament suture protected by a steel cable versus a synthetic cable.

BACKGROUND: Purpose and hypothesis: Patellar ligament rupture is a rare disabling pathology requiring a surgical ligament suture protected by a frame. The gold standard is the steel cable, but its rigidity and the necessity of a surgical re-intervention for its removal render it unsatisfactory. The objective of this paper is to quantify the mechanical protection provided by the terylene® in comparison with steel. METHODS: Twenty-four knees of 12 fresh frozen cadaveric subjects were divided into 2 homogeneous groups (terylene and steel) of 12 knees (mean age = 69.3 years). Proximal ligament repair was performed according to a three-tunnel transosseous reinsertion technique. Mechanical tests were performed in flexion to simulate movement of the knee. The interligament gap and the amplitude angulation of the knee were measured by a system of extensometer and optical goniometer. Mechanical analysis permitted calculation of flexion amplitude for a ligament gap of 1 and 2 mm taking as initial angle the adjusting angle of pretension of the protection frame. Study of deformations of frames was performed. Statistical analysis was performed with a Wilcoxon Mann Whitney test. RESULTS: There is no significant difference in protection of the ligament suture between the "terylene" and "steel" groups. Mean flexion amplitudes (mΔF) show no significant differences between the 2 groups for a distension of the suture of 1 mm (m ΔF terylene1 = 4.74 °; mΔF steel1 = 5.91°; p = 0.198) and 2 mm (mΔF terylene2 = 8.71°; mΔF steel2 = 10.41°; p = 0.114). Elastic deformation of terylene was significantly greater than that of steel (p = 0.0004). CONCLUSION: Suture protection of the patellar ligament by a terylene wire is not significantly different from that provided by steel frame. The elastic properties of terylene and absence of a need for re intervention to secure its removal lead us towards its use in acute ruptures of the patellar ligament. The main limits involve the properties of the chain extenders with no contraction/muscle shortening and partial dehydration of tendons and ligaments and the mean age of 69.3 years. Level 5.

[Chapter 1. From the study of risks to the translation of the ethical issues of Big Data in Health]. / Chapitre 1. De l?étude des risques à la traduction des enjeux éthiques des Big Data en santé.

Big Data substantially disrupt the medical microcosm up to challenge the paradigms of Medicine Hippocrates as we previously know. Therefore, a reflection on the study of risks associated with ethical issues around personal health data is imposed on us. Our study is based on many field surveys, interviews targeted at different actors, as well as a literature search on the subject. This work led to the realization of an innovative method of alignment of concepts of ontology of the risks to those of ontology of ethical objectives requirements of Big Data in Health. The aim is to make sense and recommendations to realization, implementation and use of personal data in order to better control it.

Knee extensor mechanism allograft reconstruction following chronic disruption.

The management of chronic extensor mechanism disruption can be complex. One of the options is allograft reconstruction. The goal of this study was to present the surgical procedure and provide preliminary results with this technique. The allograft uses the whole extensor mechanism (anterior tibial tubercle, patellar ligament, patella, quadriceps tendon). The native patella can be completely removed if the quality of the bone is poor, otherwise a bone groovecan be created to receive the allograft. The allograft is tightly tensioned with the knee in full extension. This surgical technique was performed 5 times with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Active extension was recovered in all cases. The mean postoperative KOOS was 55.5 the IKS function score was 68.5 and the IKS knee score was 83.

Palatability evaluation study of a new oral formulation of marbofloxacin in cats.

At a time when antimicrobial resistance is a global concern in human and animal health, it is of primary importance to draw attention to the problem of compliance with antibiotic therapy in animals hard to medicate such as cats. Resistance may develop because of poor patient compliance with the prescribed course of antibiotic therapy. Increasing palatability might enhance administration compliance. We assessed the acceptability of EFEX tablets, a new oral marbofloxacin formulation for cats. The objective of this study was to compare EFEX to two commercial formulations of marbofloxacin: MARBOCYL P palatable tablets and MARBOCYL Vet tablets. Acceptance tests were run in experimental conditions in 24 cats to compare the spontaneous intake and full consumption of the three pharmaceutical products. The results indicated that EFEX was more palatable than MARBOCYL Vet (0.001

[Ethical reflection on multidisciplinarity and confidentiality of information in medical imaging through new information and communication technologies]. / Réflexion éthique sur la pluridisciplinarité et la confidentialité de l'information en imagerie médicale via les nouvelles technologies de l'information et la communication.

Technological advances in medical imaging has resulted in the exponential increase of the number of images per examination, caused the irreversible decline of the silver film and imposed digital imaging. This digitization is a concept whose levels of development are multiple, reflecting the complexity of this process of technological change. Under these conditions, the use of medical information via new information and communication technologies is at the crossroads of several scientific approaches and several disciplines (medicine, ethics, law, economics, psychology, etc.) surrounding the information systems in health, doctor-patient relationship and concepts that are associated. Each day, these new information and communication technologies open up new horizons and the space of possibilities, spectacularly developing access to information and knowledge. In this perspective of digital technology emergence impacting the multidisciplinary use of health information systems, the ethical questions are numerous, especially on the preservation of privacy, confidentiality and security of medical data, and their accessibility and integrity.

Identification of clustered cells in human hair follicle responsible for MMP-9 gelatinolytic activity: consequences for the regulation of hair growth.

BACKGROUND: The control of human hair follicle growth and differentiation is dependent upon several well-identified factors, including androgens, cytokines, and growth factors. In humans, alopecia androgenetica is a common aging process thought to be regulated through complex genetic imbalances, which also involve several of these crucial identified factors (and probably others not yet characterized), alone or in combination. Among these factors, epidermal growth factor (EGF), as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines, play a pivotal role, as evidenced by their direct inhibitory effects on hair growth both in vitro and in vivo. Following such treatments, the in vitro growth of hair follicles was rapidly arrested and deleterious modifications of hair morphology were also observed. AIM: Because these cytokines act, at least partly, through the induction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), and because tissue remodeling occurs during the hair cycle, we attempted to identify and localize MMP in the human pilosebaceous unit. METHOD: We used zymography to observe human hair follicles in culture in vitro. RESULTS: We observed that human hair follicles in culture in vitro mainly and almost exclusively produce MMP-2 and MMP-9 gelatinolytic activities. Furthermore, after stimulation with EGF, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), or interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha), MMP-9 production was strongly increased. Using immunohistochemistry, we then precisely localized MMP-9 in the lower part of the inner root sheath (Henle's layer) of control human anagen hair follicles. CONCLUSIONS: Cytokine- and EGF-induced upregulation of MMP-9 in the lower epithelial compartment of the human hair bulb is a major mechanism through which hair follicle involution, observed in alopecia, may occur.

Alteration of cytokeratin expression in oral lichen planus.

The purpose of this investigation is to examine the possible biochemical and topographic cytokeratin alterations in lichen planus of oral mucosa. Biopsy samples of clinically normal buccal mucosa (n = 5), normal gingiva (n = 5), lichen planus from buccal mucosa (n = 5), and lichen planus from gingiva (n = 5) were obtained from patients of both sexes. Cytokeratin expression was determined by means of immunohistochemical labeling with use of a battery of monoclonal antibodies against cytokeratins and filaggrin and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. In buccal mucosa, which is not keratinized cytokeratins 4 and 13 are expressed in the majority. In buccal mucosa lichen planus, the appearance of cytokeratins 1, 2, 10, and 11 coincides with a decrease in cytokeratins 4 and 13 and a moderate increase in cytokeratins 6, 16, 17, and 19. In normal gingiva, which is normally keratinized, the main cytokeratins are 1, 2, 10, and 11. In gingival lichen planus, a slight decrease in these cytokeratins and in cytokeratin 13 expression was noted. Finally, alterations in cytokeratins 5 and 14, explained by marked alterations of basal cells, were observed. The battery of antibodies used in this study, in correlation with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, could represent useful diagnostic tools that enable the distinction between inflammatory keratosis and so-called quiescent lichen planus. Moreover, this work showed that cytokeratins 1, 2, 10, and 11 and filaggrin are sensitive tools that may help detect early relapse before clinical exacerbation. Finally, these biochemical techniques may be useful to follow the evolution of lichen planus under treatment.

Presence of gelatinase A and metalloelastase type protease at the plasma membrane of human skin fibroblasts. Influence of cytokines and growth factors on cell-associated metalloendopeptidase levels.

Gelatinase A and elastase type proteinase (Homsy, et al., 1988) present at plasma membranes of human skin fibroblasts (HSF) were separated by anion exchange chromatography on a DEAE Tris acryl M column. Elastase type proteinase (HSFE1) was able to convert 72 kDa progelatinase A to a lower 66 kDa M.W. active enzyme. Several cytokines (IL-1 beta, IL4, IL6), interferon gamma (IFN gamma) and tumor growth factor beta (TGF-beta) were studied for their ability to modify the levels of those plasma membrane associated proteinases. Among these mediators, only IL-1 beta was found to enhance the amounts of HSF membrane-bound HSFE1 and Gelatinase A.

Epidermal keratinocyte-derived basophil promoting activity. Role of interleukin 3 and soluble CD23.

Human epidermal keratinocytes (EK) secrete factors able to sustain the proliferation of early myeloid cells and, in particular, the generation of basophils. This activity was previously attributed to IL-3, although no definitive in situ demonstration of this cytokine was provided. In regard to the possible physiological relevance of these data, we investigated herein the nature of EK-derived factors responsible for basophil promotion. Our data show that EK-derived supernatants (EK-sup) contain IL-3 as well as soluble CD23 (sCD23), both known for their colony stimulating activity. Messenger RNA for IL-3 and CD23 were also detected in EK. Blocking experiments using specific neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAb) further indicate that EK-derived basophil promoting activity is mainly due to the presence of IL-3 and sCD23 in EK-sup. Furthermore, by contrast to IL-3, sCD23 secretion by EK is cortisone sensitive and highly enhanced by IL-4, suggesting distinct regulatory mechanisms for their production.

Antibodies to meningococcus polysaccharides in nonspecific gamma-globulins from different regions of the world.

Seventy-one batches of nonspecific gamma-globulin obtained from France, USSR and Mongolia were studied for presence of specific antibody to group A and C meningococcus polysaccharide. Specific activity was tested by two methods: radioimmunoassay (Lyon) and reaction of passive haemagglutination inhibition (Moscow). Antibodies were detected in all the gamma-globulin batches tested, in some of them at high titres. The summary results indicated that approximately equal levels of specific A antibodies were present in preparations obtained from the different regions of the world. Antibodies to group C polysaccharide showed considerable variation in level from selection country to country; the highest level of C antibodies was in gamma-globulin from France. The authors feel entitled by the results to recommend testing of nonspecific gamma-globulin, selection of batches with a high level of specific antimeningococcus antibodies, and their judicious use.

[Perforations of the colon and rectum during administration of barium enema. Six cases report (author's transl)]. / Les perforations recto-coliques au cours du lavement baryté. A propos de six observations.

Perforations of the colon and rectum during administration of barium enema. Six cases report. The authors have stated six cases of accidental perforation occurring during barium enema examination. They recall their principal modality of unexpected arrival, in particular: the type of nozzle used, the means of injecting the contrasting liquid, the role played by the pathological associated colon-rectum lesions. The diagnosis may be postponed especially when the perforation is under the peritoneal seat. The pain during or after the opacification as well as the rectorragies are the most frequent alarming symptoms observed. The prognosis is on the whole serious but is can be improved by a rapid and appropriate therapy.