Placenta Accreta: A Case Report on the Role of Interventional Radiology

Placenta accreta spectrum disorder is a pregnancy-related disorder responsible for important post-partum morbimortality, associated with intractable or massive hemorrhage, leading to uterine loss in up to 64% of women. Despite international recommendations advocating planned preterm cesarean hysterectomy for the management of these patients, uterus preservation management is being continuously reported with the implementation of minimally invasive bleeding reduction strategies, such as prophylactic balloon-assisted occlusion. We present the case of a 40-year-old pregnant woman with a previous cesarean, diagnosed with placenta previa and suspected placenta accreta on magnetic resonance after having second-trimester vaginal bleeding. A peri-operative multidisciplinary panel was involved, in collaboration with the interventional radiologist, and the c-section was scheduled for 36 weeks of gestation. The prophylactic balloon-assisted occlusion was successfully performed, minimizing the blood loss and allowing a uterus-preserving approach.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Maxillary Lateral Incisor Agenesis (MLIA): A Case Report

Maxillary lateral incisor agenesis (MLIA) is a condition that significantly compromises smile esthetics and is a particular concern in younger patients. The treatment options include orthodontics for space opening with rehabilitation or space closure with canine camouflage. Currently, there is some controversy regarding the most appropriate treatment. In this case report, we propose a multidisciplinary approach through the combination of orthodontic treatment, frenectomy, and a restorative finishing stage with composite resin and dental implants. More specifically, this treatment was planned to orthodontically close the anterior space by opening the premolar area for subsequent placement of implants and enameloplasty with a composite resin. The replacement of a missing lateral incisor by an implant is a predictable treatment approach, but it might best be deferred until dental maturity and then accurately placed in a well-developed site through a multidisciplinary approach. Precluding the closure of the anterior spaces and the opening of the posterior zone for implant placement, allows for a more stable and appealing esthetic and functional rehabilitation for young patients, in whom esthetic appearance and self-esteem play a primary role.

Neoextrativismo, garimpo e vulnerabilização dos povos indígenas como expressão de um colonialismo persistente no Brasil

RESUMO O artigo, em forma de ensaio, defende que as ameaças de vulnerabilização mais recentes contra os povos indígenas, intensificadas no contexto da pandemia de Covid-19, refletem um colonialismo persistente. Este se atualiza no contexto da inserção semiperiférica do Brasil no sistema-mundo capitalista, neoliberal e globalizado como exportador de commodities produzidas pelos dois setores estratégicos do neoextrativismo, a mineração e o agronegócio. O modelo neoextrativista beneficia principalmente grupos transnacionais e elites nacionais com grande poder econômico e político, além do próprio setor financeiro. Além disso, estabelece conexões com o submundo dos circuitos inferiores e ilegais vinculados a setores como o garimpo, e incluem desde práticas de violência até a lavagem de dinheiro com a participação de grupos locais que, nos últimos tempos, vêm assumindo crescente poder político e institucional. Tais grupos fazem parte do complexo mosaico do fortalecimento de ideologias de extrema-direita nos últimos anos no cenário nacional, que vêm reunindo alianças. O artigo tem por base experiências de pesquisa colaborativa nos últimos anos com o povo Munduruku na região do Médio Tapajós, com reflexões sobre a atual expansão de agenda política anti-indígena.

Neo-extractivism, mining, and vulnerability of indigenous peoples as an expression of persistent colonialism in Brazil

ABSTRACT This essay argues that the most recent threats of vulnerability against indigenous peoples, intensified in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, reflect a persistent colonialism. This is updated in the context of Brazil’s semi-peripheral insertion into the capitalist, neoliberal, and globalized world-system as an exporter of commodities produced by the two strategic sectors of neo-extractivism, mining and agribusiness. The neo-extractivist model benefits mainly transnational groups and national elites with great economic and political power, in addition to the financial sector. Moreover, it establishes connections with the underworld of inferior and illegal circuits linked to sectors such as mining, and ranges from practices of violence to money laundering with the participation of local groups that, in recent times, have been assuming growing political and institutional power. Such groups are part of the complex mosaic of the strengthening of far-right ideologies in recent years on the national scene, which have been gathering alliances. This essay is based on collaborative research experiences in recent years with the Munduruku people in the Middle Tapajós region, along with reflections on the current expansion of the anti-indigenous political agenda.

Breaking Down Barriers: Easter Island's First Telestroke Thrombolysis Experience and Case Report

Easter Island (Rapa Nui), Chile, is remote, located in the Polynesian Triangle in Oceania. The closest continental point is Chile, 3,512 km east. It has a population of 7,750 inhabitants, who are Chilean citizens, and receives more than 60,000 tourists a year. For this entire population, there is a medium complexity hospital without a neurology specialist. In 2019, local professionals were trained in a Telestroke program with remote clinical support conducted by neurologists located on mainland Chile. We present a 50-year-old native male, with unknown medical history, who suddenly presented right-half-body weakness and aphasia. He was evaluated via Telestroke consultation, and thrombolysis with tenecteplase was indicated. The patient improved rapidly and 45 min later the NIHSS score was 0 points. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Telestroke treatment in such a remote area, highlighting the importance of telemedicine to overcome geographical and technological stroke care barriers and to improve patients' outcome, no matter where they live.

FLUORO-CT GUIDED BIOPSY OF LUNG NODULES: A STEP BY STEP REVISION

Transthoracic biopsies under fluoro-computer tomography (CT) guidance play an important role on the diagnosis and management of lung nodules, permitting histological examination and differentiation between benign and malignant lesions(1). Furthermore, with recent advances in target therapy, it is increasingly necessary to obtain tumor tissue for the analysis of molecular fingerprints allowing personalized treatment(1). Although many studies report low complication rates for this procedure, they are not negligible, urging the need for a structured and reproducible guide to reduce technique-related complications(1,2).

Evaluation of antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis of activated chelating agents in different final rinse protocols: An ex vivo study

Background

To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the following chelating agents against Enterococcus faecalis using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis: 1% peracetic acid (PA), 1% peracetic acid with 0.1% cetrimide (PAC), and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) activated by passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) or with Easy Clean (EC), all followed by 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl).

Material and Methods

A total of 80 permanent human mandibular premolars were randomly divided into eight experimental groups according to the chemical solution and agitation protocol used: Group PA + PUI; Group PA + EC; Group PAC + PUI; PAC + EC; group EDTA + PUI; EDTA + EC, all followed by 2.5% NaOCl; and two control groups with saline solution(NaCl): NaCl + PUI and NaCl + EC. Microbial samples were collected before (S1) and after the irrigation protocol (S2). Intracanal E. faecalis reduction analysis was performed by qPCR. Intragroup analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired data, and intergroup analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney U test for independent samples. The significance level was set at p< 0.05.

Results

A significant difference was found between S1 and S2 in all groups except NaCl+ EC (p = 0.1602). Comparison between groups showed that PAC + PUI was significantly different from PA +EC (p = 0.0448).

Conclusions

The activated chelating agents were effective against E. faecalis, with significant results compared to the control groups. The peracetic acid with cetrimide activated by PUI showed better results than peracetic acid with EC.

Key words:Easy clean, Final irrigation protocols, Passive ultrasonic irrigation, Peracetic acid.

Identification and characterisation of mitochondrial sequences integrated into the ovine nuclear genome

Mitochondrial DNA sequences are frequently transferred into the nuclear genome, generating nuclear mitochondrial DNA sequences (NUMTs). Here, we analysed, for the first time, NUMTs in the ovine genome. We obtained 760 alignment matches covering 513.8 kbp of the sheep nuclear genome. After a merging step, we identified 390 NUMT regions with a total length of ~720 kbp, representing 0.02% of the nuclear genome. We discovered copies of all mitochondrial regions and found that most NUMT regions are intergenic or intronic. Ovine NUMTs are mostly not transcribed. However, we identified within some of the NUMTs, potential new genes encoding nuclear humanin isoforms. To rule out the possibility that the identified NUMTs could be artifacts of the Oar Rambouillet v1.0 genome assembly, we validated experimentally nine NUMT regions by PCR amplification. As we found several NUMT regions showing high similarity to the mitochondrial genome that potentially could pose a risk to ovine DNA mitochondrial studies, special care must be taken for the selection of primers for PCR amplification of mitochondrial DNA sequences.

Comparing the cost-effectiveness of two screening strategies for latent tuberculosis infection in Portugal

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in close contacts of infectious TB cases might include Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) and Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRA), in combination or as single-tests. In Portugal, the screening strategy changed from TST followed by IGRA to IGRA-only testing in 2016. Our objective was to compare the cost-effectiveness of two-step TST/IGRA with the current IGRA-only screening strategy in immunocompetent individuals exposed to individuals with respiratory TB.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed clinical records of individuals exposed to infectious TB cases diagnosed in 2015 and 2016, in two TB outpatient centers in the district of Porto. We estimated medical, non-medical and indirect costs for each screening strategy, taking into account costs of tests and health care personnel, travel distance from place of residence to screening site and employment status. We calculated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) as the cost difference between the two screening strategies with the difference number of LTBI diagnosis as a measure of cost-effectiveness, assuming that treating LTBI is a cost-effective intervention. We also calculated adjusted odds-ratios to test the association between diagnosis of LTBI and screening strategy and estimated the total cost for averting a potential TB case.

RESULTS

We compared 499 contacts TST/IGRA screened with 547 IGRA-only. IGRA-only strategy yielded a higher screening effectiveness for diagnosing latent tuberculosis infection (aOR 2.12, 95%CI: 1.53 - 2.94). ICER was €106 per LTBI diagnosis, representing increased effectiveness with a slightly increased cost of IGRA-only screening strategy.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggests that in Portugal LTBI screening with IGRA-only is more cost-effective than the two-step TST/IGRA testing strategy, preventing a higher number of cases of TB cases.

Cervical Artery Dissections with and without stroke, risk factors and prognosis: a Chilean prospective cohort

We aimed to characterize spontaneous cervical artery dissection (CeAD) patients with and without stroke and describe risk factors for cerebrovascular complications in a Chilean prospective cohort.

METHODS

Consecutive CeAD patients admitted to a Chilean center confirmed by neuroimaging. Logistic regression was used.

RESULTS

168 patients were included, median follow-up time was 157 days. Stroke occurred in 49 (29.2%) cases, 4 (2%) patients died, all of whom had a stroke, and 10 (6%) presented CeAD recurrence. In univariate analyses, men (odds ratio [OR] 3.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.97-8.00, P < 0.001), internal carotid artery CeAD (OR 2.82, 95% CI 1.38-5.78, P = 0.005) and vessel occlusion (OR 4.45, 95% CI 1.38-14.38, P = 0.035) increased stroke risk. Conversely, vertebral artery dissection (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.16-0.74, P = 0.006) and longer symptom onset to admission (O-A) time (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.70-0.90, P < 0.001) were associated to decreased stroke risk. After multivariate analysis, men (OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.32-6.27, P = 0.008) and O-A time (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.69-0.92, P = 0.002) remained independently associated with stroke.

CONCLUSION

CeAD presented commonly as a non-stroke entity, with favorable prognosis. Albeit to a higher frequency of CeAD in women, stroke occurred predominantly in men, who were admitted earlier.

Detection of selection signatures in Limousin cattle using whole-genome resequencing

Limousin, a renowned beef breed originating from central France, has been selectively bred over the last 100 years to improve economically important traits. We used whole-genome sequencing data from 10 unrelated Limousin bull calves to detect polymorphisms and identify regions under selection. A total of 13 943 766 variants were identified. Moreover, 311 852 bi-allelic SNPs and 92 229 indels located on autosomes were fixed for the alternative allele in all sequenced animals, including the previously reported missense deleterious F94L mutation in MSTN. We performed a whole-genome screen to discover genomic regions with excess homozygosity, using the pooled heterozygosity score and identified 171 different candidate selective sweeps. In total, 68 candidate genes were found in only 57 of these regions, indicating that a large fraction of the genome under selection might lie in non-coding regions and suggesting that a majority of adaptive mutations might be regulatory in nature. Many QTL were found within candidate selective sweep regions, including QTL associated with shear force or carcass weight. Among the putative selective sweeps, we located genes (MSTN, NCKAP5, RUNX2) that potentially contribute to important phenotypes in Limousin. Several candidate regions and genes under selection were also found in previous genome-wide selection scans performed in Limousin. In addition, we were able to pinpoint candidate causative regulatory polymorphisms in GRIK3 and RUNX2 that might have been under selection. Our results will contribute to improved understanding of the mechanisms and targets of artificial selection and will facilitate the interpretation of GWASs performed in Limousin.

Micro- CT evaluation of sealers removal by reciprocal instrumentation followed by continuous ultrasonic irrigation in teeth with oval root canals

Background

The ability of the Reciproc system (R40) followed by continuous ultrasonic irrigation (CUI) to remove filling material from oval root canals of mandibular premolars filled with gutta-percha and AH Plus or Bio-C Sealer was evaluated by microtomography (micro-CT).

Material and Methods

The straight and oval root canals of 42 mandibular premolars were prepared with the ProDesign R 35.05 reciprocal file and randomly divided into two groups according to the material used to fill the canals (n=21): Group AH - Master Cone and AH Plus; Group BC - Master Cone and Bio-C Sealer. After filling and provisional sealing, the teeth were stored at 100% relative humidity and a temperature of 37°C for 30 days. The filling material was then removed with an R40 file. The material was considered completely removed when the R40 file reached the working length (WL), and no remaining filling material was visible on the canal walls. CUI was then performed. The teeth were scanned by micro- CT before and after removal of the filling material. The remaining filling material was measured in mm in the last apical 5 mm. The data were analyzed with the nonparametric Friedman test and subsequently with the Dunn test. The Mann-Whitney U test was also performed. Statistical significance was accepted at the 5% level.

Results

After instrumentation with the Reciproc R40, the volume of residual filling material was significantly greater in the BC group than in the AH group (P = 0.035). After CUI, there was no difference in the volume of residual material between the two groups (P = 0.705).

Conclusions

Bio-C sealer was more difficult to remove with the Reciproc file than AH Plus. CUI improved the removal of residual filling material regardless of sealer type. However, no technique was able to completely clear the canals of filling material. Key words:Bioceramic cement, CUI, micro-CT, reciproc, retreatment.

Can environmental determinants explain Nontuberculous Mycobacteria geographic incidence?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are opportunistic agents that have gained importance during the last decades due to their increasing incidence in high-risk populations. Their modes of transmission differ from person-toperson contact commonly described in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). In fact, NTM are frequently found in soil, natural waters and drinking-water distributions systems, emphasizing the contribution of environmental factors when discussing this disease's susceptibility. Our aim is to evaluate the incidence of NTM in Portugal and to identify the main environmental variables related to it.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study centred on 2011 (date of the latest Portuguese census) from collected personal features and environmental data available in public databases. Environmental values when only known at the district level were interpolated using inverse distance weighting. A semiparametric poisson model was used to estimate NTM incidence. The non-parametric part of the model was obtained by using thin plate smoothing splines defined on the spatial component of the data.

RESULTS

359 new NTM cases were notified during a five-year period. None of the environmental determinants studied was strong enough to predict NTM geographical incidence in Portugal (p>0.05), except for population density (p<0.001). Personal characteristics such as female sex (p<0.001), age (p<0.001) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) incidence (p<0.001) are associated with an increase of NTM disease incidence.

CONCLUSIONS

NTM appears to be more common in elderly women, especially if they have HIV/AIDS disease or if they live in urban, highly populated areas. Overall, female sex seems to assume the most relevant role when discussing predisposition to NTM disease. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the impact on NTM geographical incidence by other environmental and personal variables not included in this one.

Zinner syndrome presenting with intermittent scrotal pain in a young man

Congenital malformations of the seminal vesicle are uncommon, and most of them are cystic malformations. If an insult occurs during the first trimester of gestation, the embryogenesis of the kidney, ureter, seminal vesicle, and vas deferens could be altered. The mutual embryological origins of the seminal vesicle and ureteral bud from the mesonephric (Wolffian) duct result in association between ipsilateral renal agenesis and seminal vesical cysts. Zinner syndrome is a rare condition comprising a triad of unilateral renal agenesis, ipsilateral seminal vesicle obstruction and ipsilateral ejaculatory duct obstruction. This syndrome were first described by Zinner in 1914, and 200 cases have been reported in the literature. Most patients with this anomaly are asymptomatic until the second or third decade of life. Some cases have nonspecific symptoms such as prostatism, urinary urgency, dysuria, painful ejaculation, and perineal discomfort. In this paper, we present a uncommon case of a 21-year-old patient which the initial presentation of this condition was intermittent scrotal pain. A brief review of the literature is undertaken, regarding the main clinical, imaging implications, and the developmental anomalies that are involved in this congenital anomaly.

Acute mesenteric ischaemia: a pictorial review

Abstract

Acute mesenteric ischaemia (AMI) is an uncommon cause of acute hospital admission with high mortality rates (50–90%) that requires early diagnosis and treatment. With the increase in average life expectancy, AMI represents one of the most threatening abdominal conditions in elderly patients. Untreated, AMI will cause mesenteric infarction, intestinal necrosis, an overwhelming inflammatory response and death. Early intervention can reverse this process leading to a full recovery, but the diagnosis of AMI is difficult. The failure to recognise AMI before intestinal necrosis has developed is responsible for the high mortality of the disease. Unfortunately, common CT findings in bowel ischaemia are not specific. Therefore, it is often a combination of nonspecific clinical, laboratory and radiological findings that helps most in the correct interpretation of CT findings. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the anatomy, physiology of mesenteric perfusion and discussions of causes, pathogenesis and CT findings in various types of acute bowel ischaemia. Familiarity with various imaging features of mesenteric injury is essential to make a timely diagnosis that will lead to improved patient outcomes.

Teaching Points

• AMI is a potentially life-threatening disorder whose prognosis depends on early recognition, accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.

• Arterial inflow occlusion due to thrombosis or embolisation is the most common cause of AMI.

• Four aetiological types of AMI have been associated with different characteristics and risk factors (EAMI, TAMI, VAMI and NOMI).

• Physical examination and laboratory findings are not sensitive or specific for diagnosing AMI; therefore, MDCT is still the first-line imaging method in suspected AMI.

• Although a number of scoring systems for prognosis have been proposed, these have not been validated in large-scale studies.

The incidence of bent dorsal fins in free-ranging cetaceans

Laterally bent dorsal fins are rarely observed in free-ranging populations of cetaceans, contrary to captivity, where most killer whale Orcinus orca adult males have laterally collapsed fins. This topic has been poorly explored, and data/information on its occurrence and possible causes are limited. The present study: (i) undertakes a review of the available information on bent dorsal fins in free-ranging cetaceans, and updates it with new records, (ii) reports on the proportion of bent fins in different study populations, and (iii) discusses possible causes. An empirical approach based on bibliographic research and compilation of 52 new records collected worldwide resulted in a total of 17 species of cetaceans displaying bent dorsal fins. The species with the highest number of records (64%) and from most locations was O. orca. On average, individuals with bent dorsal fins represent < 1% of their populations, with the exception of false killer whales Pseudorca crassidens and O. orca. While line injuries associated with fisheries interactions may be the main cause for P. crassidens, and the vulnerability to health issues caused by the evolutionary enlargement of the fin may be the cause for O. orca adult males, factors contributing to this abnormality for other species are still unclear. The occurrence of bent dorsals could be influenced by a set of variables rather than by a single factor but, irrespective of the cause, it is suggested that it does not directly affect the animals' survivorship. While still rare in nature, this incident is more common (at least 101 known cases) and widespread (geographically and in species diversity) than hypothesized, and is not confined only to animals in captive environments. Investigation into the occurrence of bent fins may be an interesting avenue of research.

Elastofibroma dorsi: a forgotten cause of chest pain

OBJECTIVES

Elastofibroma dorsi is an uncommon benign tumor, typically located in the subscapularis region. Our goal is to describe the main features of elastofibroma dorsi to increase awareness of its existence and proper management.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We report a case of a 59-year-old woman with bilateral Elastofibroma dorsi and made a brief review of the epidemiological, clinical and radiodiagnostic features of this entity.

RESULTS

Imaging features can confidently diagnose this lesion, especially MRI, in addition to physical examination, with no need for biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

This entity should be part of the differential diagnosis in patients with chest pain in order to avoid unnecessary medical, radiological or surgical procedures and provide proper management of such lesions.

Intralobar pulmonary sequestration: diagnostic expertise

An obese 22-year-old man with a history of recurrent respiratory infections presented to the emergency room with left pleuritic chest pain, productive cough with mucupurulent sputum and an axillary temperature of 37.7°C. Blood work showed elevated inflammatory parameters and chest X-ray was relevant for heterogeneous infiltration in the left base and opacity of the left costophrenic angle. An angio-CT scan revealed areas of bilateral consolidation with presence of an arterial branch originating from the aorta to the collected area of the left lower lobe, consistent with a respiratory infection grafted on a intralobar pulmonary sequestration of the left lung base. The infectious process was treated and the patient was planned for a lower left lobectomy.

Omental whirl associated with bilateral inguinal hernia: a case report

Introduction

Torsion of the omentum is a rare cause of abdominal pain. It is clinically similar to common causes of acute surgical abdomen and is often diagnosed during surgery. Inguinal hernia is a common condition but not frequently related with torsion of the omentum.

Case presentation

A 40-year-old Caucasian man came to our emergency department with abdominal pain of the left quadrant and abdominal distension for 2 days. His medical history included an untreated left inguinal hernia in the last year. Computed tomography revealed densification of mesocolon with left omentum “whirl” component and other signs of omental torsion. During an exploratory laparoscopy, a wide twist of his omentum with necrotic alterations that extended to the bilateral inguinal hernial content was observed. Omentectomy and surgical repair of bilateral inguinal hernia were performed.

Conclusions

Torsion of the omentum is a rare entity and usually presents a diagnostic challenge. The use of abdominal computed tomography can help diagnosing torsion of the omentum preoperatively and, thus, prevents a surgical approach. Nonetheless, some cases of torsion of the omentum require surgical repair. Accordingly, a laparoscopic approach is minimally invasive and efficient in performing omentectomy.

Identification of the putative ancestral allele of bovine single-nucleotide polymorphisms

Identifying the action of natural selection from patterns of standing genetic variation has long been of interest to the population genetic community. Thanks to the availability of large single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data sets for many species and of high-throughput SNP genotyping methods, whole-genomic surveys to detect selective sweeps are now possible. Knowing the ancestral allele increases the power to detect selection. We present here a comparative genomic approach to determine the putative ancestral allele of bovine SNPs deposited in public databases. We analysed 19,551,488 SNPs and identified the putative ancestral allele for 14,339,107 SNPs. Our predicted ancestral alleles were in agreement with ancestral alleles detected by genotyping outgroup species for 97% SNPs from the BovineSNP50 BeadChip. This comparison indicates that our comparative genomic-based approach to identify putative ancestral alleles is reliable.

Genome-wide linkage disequilibrium in the Blonde d'Aquitaine cattle breed

We present here the first genome-wide characterization of linkage disequilibrium (LD) in the French Blonde d'Aquitaine (BLA) breed, a well-muscled breed renowned for producing high-yielding beef carcasses. To assess the pattern and extent of LD, we used a sample of 30 unrelated bulls and 36 923 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) covering all cattle autosomes. The squared correlation of the alleles at two loci (r(2) ) was used as a measure of LD. The analysis of adjacent marker pairs revealed that the level of LD decreases rapidly with physical distance between SNPs. Overall mean r(2) was 0.205 (±0.262). Strong LD (r(2)  > 0.8) and useful LD (measured as r(2 ) > 0.2) were observed within genomic regions of up to 720 and 724 kb, respectively. We analysed the genetic structure of the BLA population and found stratification. The observed genetic sub-structuring is consistent with the known recent demographic history that occurred during BLA breed formation. Our results indicate that LD mapping of phenotypic traits in the BLA population is feasible; however, because of this sub-structuring, special care is needed to reduce the likelihood of false-positive associations between marker loci and traits of interest.

Detection of signatures of selective sweeps in the Blonde d'Aquitaine cattle breed

Identifying recent positive selection signatures in domesticated animals could provide information on genome response to strong directional selection from domestication and artificial selection and therefore could help in identifying mutations responsible for improved traits. We used genotyping data generated using Illumina's BovineSNP50 Genotyping BeadChips to identify selection signatures in the Blonde d'Aquitaine breed, a well-muscled French beef breed. For this purpose, we employed a hidden Markov model-based test, which detects selection by studying local variations in the allele frequency spectrum along the genome, within a single population. Three regions containing selective sweeps were identified. Annotation of genes located within these regions revealed interesting candidate genes. For example, myostatin (also known as GDF8), a known muscle growth factor inhibitor, is located within the selection signature region found on chromosome 2. In addition, we have identified chromosomal regions that show some evidence of selection within QTL regions for economically important traits. The results of this study could help to better understand the mechanisms related to the selection of the Blonde d'Aquitaine breed.

Replication of the tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 1/complement component 5 region as a susceptibility locus for rheumatoid arthritis in a European family-based study

OBJECTIVE

We recently showed, using a candidate gene approach in a case-control association study, that a 65-kb block encompassing tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 1 (TRAF1) and C5 is strongly associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Compared with case-control association studies, family-based studies have the added advantage of controlling potential differences in population structure and are not likely to be hampered by variation in population allele frequencies, as is seen for many genetic polymorphisms, including the TRAF1/C5 locus. The aim of this study was to confirm this association in populations of European origin by using a family-based approach.

METHODS

A total of 1,356 western European white individuals from 452 "trio" families were genotyped for the rs10818488 polymorphism, using the TaqMan allelic discrimination assay.

RESULTS

We observed evidence for association, demonstrating departure from Mendel's law, with an overtransmission of the rs10818488 A allele (A = 55%; P = 0.036). By taking into consideration parental phenotypes, we also observed an increased A allele frequency in affected versus unaffected parents (A = 64%; combined P = 0.015). Individuals carrying the A allele had a 1.2-fold increased risk of developing RA (allelic odds ratio 1.24, 95% confidence interval 1.04-1.50).

CONCLUSION

Using a family-based study that is robust against population stratification, we provide evidence for the association of the TRAF1/C5 rs10818488 A allele and RA in populations of European descent, further substantiating our previous findings. Future functional studies should yield insight into the biologic relevance of this locus to the pathways involved in RA.

Characteristics of research-related HIV testing programmes contribute to detection of more HIV infections

HIV prevalence estimates from bathhouse testing programmes differ widely, ranging from 3% to 11%. The observed difference may be a consequence of whether the programme was part of a research project or a community-based programme. A research-funded testing programme was offered at a bathhouse between May 2001 and December 2002. A local community-based organization began a testing programme in July 2006 at the same bathhouse; the data for this analysis cover the period July 2006 through December 2007. County-wide HIV prevalence estimates were available across the two time periods (i.e. 2001-2002 and 2006-2007). The research-funded testing programme recruited fewer men but identified more positive individuals (10.7% of those testing in the research programme) than were identified among men who tested in the area clinics (3.8% of those men who have sex with men [MSM] testing throughout the county in the same time period). However, the community-based testing programme identified about the same proportion of positive MSM (2.6%) as county clinics (2.7%) in the same time period. In conclusion, results confirmed that even in the same venue, a community-based HIV testing programme identified a similar proportion of positive MSM as the area clinics; however, the research-funded programme identified appreciably more. Incentives may contribute to the difference.

A major SNP resource for dissection of phenotypic and genetic variation in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Bioinformatics and re-sequencing approaches were used for the discovery of sequence polymorphisms in Litopenaeus vannamei. A total of 1221 putative single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in a pool of individuals from various commercial populations. A set of 211 SNPs were selected for further molecular validation and 88% showed variation in 637 samples representing three commercial breeding lines. An association analysis was performed between these markers and several traits of economic importance for shrimp producers including resistance to three major viral diseases. A small number of SNPs showed associations with test weekly gain, grow-out survival and resistance to Taura Syndrome Virus. Very low levels of linkage disequilibrium were revealed between most SNP pairs, with only 11% of SNPs showing an r(2)-value above 0.10 with at least one other SNP. Comparison of allele frequencies showed small changes over three generations of the breeding programme in one of the commercial breeding populations. This unique SNP resource has the potential to catalyse future studies of genetic dissection of complex traits, tracing relationships in breeding programmes, and monitoring genetic diversity in commercial and wild populations of L. vannamei.

Effect of arsenic on regulatory T cells

INTRODUCTION

Arsenic (As) affects the function and survival of lymphocytes, and some arsenic compounds exert a relevant antineoplastic effect. We have explored the effect of As on T regulatory cells.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In vitro experiments with peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy subjects showed that low concentrations of As tended to increase the number of natural T regulatory (nTreg) lymphocytes, whereas concentrations >5.0 muM had an opposite effect. Furthermore, rats exposed to As showed redistribution of nTreg cells, and As administration to rats with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis increased the levels of nTreg cells in spleen and diminished the severity of this condition. On the other hand, in 47 apparently healthy subjects chronically exposed to As, we found significant inverse correlation between urinary As levels and the number and function of nTreg lymphocytes. Although most of these individuals showed enhanced levels of apoptotic lymphocytes in peripheral blood, with a diminution of mitochondrial membrane potential, no significant correlation between these parameters and urinary As was detected.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that As seems to have a relevant and complex effect on nTreg cells.

Single nucleotide polymorphism identification, linkage and radiation hybrid mapping of the porcine pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide type I receptor gene to chromosome 18

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide with diverse biological actions. Type I PACAP receptors (PACAPR) are specific for PACAP, whereas type II and III PACAPRs are less restricted. To localize and analyse the variation of this gene, a 559-bp long intronic fragment of the porcine PACAPR gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced in samples from five different pig breeds. One single nucleotide polymorphism was identified and its allele frequency was determined in all five breeds. Linkage analysis in a Berkshire x Yorkshire reference family placed the PACAPR gene on chromosome 18, between SW787 and S0062 (SW787- 8.1 cM -PACAPR- 3.0 cM -S0062). Radiation hybrid mapping confirmed that the PACAPR gene was linked to SW1682 on chromosome 18 (28.8 cR(3000); LOD = 10.4).

Characterization of the porcine FSCN3 gene: cDNA cloning, genomic structure, mapping and polymorphisms

Fascin 3 (FSCN3)is a testis-specific actin-bundling protein involved in spermatid development. Here we describe the molecular characterisation of the porcine FSCN3 gene. The 1,800-bp cDNA sequence contains a 1,497-bp open reading frame encoding a protein of 498 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 56.2 kDa and an isoelectric point of 6.82. The porcine FSCN3 protein shares high identity with other mammalian FSCN3. The FSCN3 gene contains seven exons, spans approximately 9 kb, and maps to pig chromosome 18. We also identified 24 DNA polymorphisms.

Prospecting for pig single nucleotide polymorphisms in the human genome: have we struck gold?

Gene-to-gene variation in the frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) has been observed in humans, mice, rats, primates and pigs, but a relationship across species in this variation has not been described. Here, the frequency of porcine coding SNPs (cSNPs) identified by in silico methods, and the frequency of murine cSNPs, were compared with the frequency of human cSNPs across homologous genes. From 150,000 porcine expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences, a total of 452 SNP-containing sequence clusters were found, totalling 1394 putative SNPs. All the clustered porcine EST annotations and SNP data have been made publicly available at http://sputnik.btk.fi/project?name=swine. Human and murine cSNPs were identified from dbSNP and were characterized as either validated or total number of cSNPs (validated plus non-validated) for comparison purposes. The correlation between in silico pig cSNP and validated human cSNP densities was found to be 0.77 (p < 0.00001) for a set of 25 homologous genes, while a correlation of 0.48 (p < 0.0005) was found for a primarily random sample of 50 homologous human and mouse genes. This is the first evidence of conserved gene-to-gene variability in cSNP frequency across species and indicates that site-directed screening of porcine genes that are homologous to cSNP-rich human genes may rapidly advance cSNP discovery in pigs.

Analysis of public single nucleotide polymorphisms in commercial pig populations

More than 5500 pig single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were recently identified and deposited in the public domain. To test the usefulness of these public SNPs, 109 SNPs were analysed for polymorphism within six commercial pig populations. A functional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was obtained for 103 SNPs and it was possible to validate c. 59% by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Furthermore, polymorphism was found using a relatively limited number of genomic DNA samples, indicating that these polymorphisms are segregating at a useful frequency in these populations. The high percentage of validated markers demonstrates the utility of these public pig SNPs to identify loci responsible for economically important traits in commercial pig populations.