A model of traumatic brain injury in rats is influenced by neuroprotection of diurnal variation which improves motor behavior and histopathology in white matter myelin

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a significant public health concern and has been associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. TBI generates two types of brain damage: primary and secondary. Secondary damage originates a series of pathophysiological processes, which include metabolic crisis, excitotoxicity, and neuroinflammation, which have deleterious consequences for neuronal function. However, neuroprotective mechanisms are also activated. The balance among these tissue responses, and its variations throughout the day determines the fate of the damage tissue. We have demonstrated less behavioral and morphological damage when a rat model of TBI was induced during the light hours of the day. Moreover, here we show that rats subjected to TBI in the dark lost less body weight than those subjected to TBI in the light, despite no change in food intake. Besides, the rats subjected to TBI in the dark had better performance in the beam walking test and presented less histological damage in the corpus callosum and the cingulum bundle, as shown by the Klüver-Barrera staining. Our results suggest that the time of day when the injury occurs is important. Thus, this data should be used to evaluate the pathophysiological processes of TBI events and develop better therapies.

V-042 MOVING THE CONCEPT ASSOCIATED TO LAPAROSCOPIC INTRACORPOREAL RECTUS APONEUROPLASTY (LIRA) TO LATERAL HERNIA

Aims

Lateral hernias(LH) are rare and there are difficulties associated to minimally invasive approach, LIRA-technique has been described as an alternative to simple closure of the defect. Despite this, the indications of the concept associated to this technique are beginning to expand to other complex locations. Aims of this video is to show the surgical steps for LH where the concept associated to LIRA is followed to repair this type of hernias.

Material & Methods

56-year-old female patient without previous surgical history. Clinical examination and CT-scan showed a LH(L2) 6.4 cm in width(W2) and a length of 6.6 cm.

Results

We started by opening the peritoneum and fascia, exposing the fibers of the internal oblique and the posterior rectus sheath near the border of the defect. Then, the peritoneum and the fascia transversalis, and medially the posterior aponeurosis of the rectus muscle, are opened. Also, it is important to create a lateral peritoneum flap, using a hybrid procedure that involves a partially extraperitoneal and transabdominal (TAPE), then loop-suture are used for closing the defect. Finally, the mesh is placed intraperitoneally and partially extraperitoneal.

Conclusions

Best surgical technique for LH is still not clear. The anatomical location of these hernias is challenging, recurrence and bulging are also frequent. Since the introduction of the concept of primary closure of the hernia defect, the surgical repair of hernias in different locations has changed, although the idea of expanding the indication of LIRA could be related to better results in term of recurrences, bulging and pain.

WHERE ARE WE NOW? OUR RESULTS IN A MEDIUM FOLLOW-UP

Background

LIRA technique (Laparoscopic Intracorporeal Rectus Aponeuroplasty) was described in 2018 in order to reduce the tension in the midline as an alternative to defect closure (CD) in Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair. We present our results in LIRA series in patients with a medium follow up

Methods

A prospective controlled study from January 2015 to December 2020 to evaluate (LIRA) performed on patients with midline w2 hernias (EHS Classification). Data analyzed included patient demographics, operative parameters and complications.

Tomography was performed preoperatively and postoperatively (1 month and 1 year) to evaluate recurrence, distance between rectus and seroma. Clinical examination were performed yearly.

Results

49 patients. Mean Age was 58± 10.59 years old and BMI 33.11± 6.61 kg/m2. Mean width of the defect was 6.19± 1.49 cm. Average VAS (24 h) was 5.09 ± 5, 0.38(1 month) and 0 (1 year). Mean preoperative distance between rectus was 5.55± 1.61 cm; postoperative was 2.15 ± 0.79 cm (1 month) and 2.20±0.68 cm (1 year). Radiological seroma at first month was detected in 40%. Seroma after 1 year was 4,08% Mean follow-up was 24 months. Bulging detected only in 1 case (2.04%) after 1 year follow up. No recurrence is data.

Conclusion

LIRA technique could be considered as an alternative to CD for w2 defects with a low rate of complication, and could be related to a low rate of postoperative pain with no recurrence and a low rate of bulging compared to CD, being a safe, feasible and reproducible technique.

V-048 EXPANDING INDICATION OF LAPAROSCOPIC INTRACORPOREAL RECTUS APONEUROPLASTY (LIRA) TO SUPRAPUBIC AREA: LIRA & TAPE

Aim

LIRA-technique is a minimally invasive technique described to repair M2–M4 primary and incisional hernias. Defects below this area (M5 –Suprapubic area) could be treated using the concept associated to LIRA, expanding the indication of this technique in combination with a transabdominal partially extraperitoneal (TAPE) repair. The aim of this video is to show the surgical steps combining LIRA & TAPE for M2–M5 ventral hernias.

Material & Methods

75-years-old-female patient with clinical examination and CT-scan showed a 9 cm width incisional hernia(W2), including the supraumbilical(M3), infraumbilical(M4) and suprapubic area(M5) with a total longitudinal length of 18 cm.

Results

The first step of the procedure is to open the peritoneum and posterior rectus sheath at 1–2 cm from the edge of the defect over the arcuate line. This flap allows following the dissection below arcuate line. At the suprapubic area, a bilateral peritoneal flap was done as indicated during the TAPE-repair until both Cooper ligaments are identified. Loop sutures were used for closing the defect, using the rectus muscle below the arcuate line, as well as the posterior rectus sheath above this line. A double-layer mesh is used in this case, being placed intraperitoneally.

Conclusions

The combination of LIRA & TAPE techniques provides an extension of the indication of concept associated to the LIRA for the repair of M5/W2 hernias, which could not be achieved using a conventional technique. Our initial experience with this technique, expanding the concept of LIRA to the suprapubic area, shows no recurrences and no postoperative morbidity.

V-043 NEW CONCEPTS IN LIRA TECHNIQUE IN LAPAROSCOPIC VENTRAL HERNIA REPAIR. LIRA -LESS STEP BY STEP

Introduction

LIRA (Laparoscopic Intracorporeal Rectus Aponeuroplasty) described in 2018 by our group showed advantages in preliminary results in terms of recurrence and bulging because a reduced tension in the midline in W2 defects following the EHS Classification. Otherwise permanent fixation in inlay meshes is related with and increase of pain and adhesions. We present LIRA-LESS step to step as an evolution in LIRA technique.

Material and methods

A 58 years old male affected by a M3W2 hernia. A LIRA procedure is proposed.

Step 1: adhesions release and sac content reduced.

Step 2: defect measurement and flap designed following the LIRA Technique principles with the neumoperitoneum deflated and flap mobilized and suture in the midline.

Step 3 An in lay mesh of PVDF is positioned reducing permanent fixation in cardinal points combined with Cianocrilate in a 3:1 way.

Step 4 A TAP-block anesthesia is performed in this case with Ropivacaine 2%.

Results

Operative time was 95 min. VAS 1 day was 3 and was discharge without complications. VAS 7 day in clinical office was 0. There were not recurrence or Bulkging in CT -Scan 1 month after the surgery.

Discussion

LIRA technique is a safe procedure with a low tension in the midline with good reults in terms of recurrence and bulging. LIRA-LESS concept allows a reduction in traumatic permanent fixation with good results in terms of pain and recurrence.

V-053 USE OF HYBRID LAPAROSCOPIC INTRACORPOREAL RECTUS APONEUROPLASTY (LIRA-TECHNIQUE) IN COMPLEX VENTRAL HERNIAS

Aim

The hybrid approach (HA) to ventral hernias (VH), combining the laparoscopic and open approaches, is not very common at present. The great contribution of this approach is that it combines the advantages of the minimally invasive approach with the advantages of the open approach, making it possible to correct aesthetic defects and major skin and subcutaneous problems.

Material & Methods

40-year-old-man with previous surgery for supraumbilical hernia, with placement of a supraaponeurotic mesh with hernia recurrence and chronic infection with a meshoma. Physical examination revealed VH of 5–8cm in transverse diameter and 10cm in vertical diameter. A CT-scan showed a 6.5cm transverse supraumbilical recurrent hernia with a fatty content.

Results

A laparoscopic approach was performed, revealing an 8×8cm supraumbilical defect in the abdominal cavity with no adhesions. A midline repair was performed according to the principles of the LIRA technique by performing a posterior fascial flap 2cm above the edges of the defect: the midline was reinforced with a loop-suture. An intra-abdominal mesh was placed and fixed with tackers and fibrin glue. In the open procedure, the chronic sinus, meshoma, excess skin and hernial sac were removed.

Conclusions

The treatment of complex abdominal hernias is a field in constant evolution. The HA aims to solve the skin problems associated with laparoscopic repairs alone. The use of intraperitoneal on-lay meshes combined with the use of open approach for excision of the sac and remaining skin tissue allows a complete and effective treatment of complex hernias.

Lurasidone-induced mania: A case report

Introduction

Lurasidone is an atypical antipsychotic agent with potential antidepressant effects through its antagonist activity at the 5-HT7 receptor. Although treatment-emergent affective switch (TEAS) induced by second-generation antipsychotics are not frequent, several cases have been reported. To our knowledge, there is no evidence of lurasidone-induced TEAS.

Objectives

To describe a case of lurasidone-induced mania.

Methods

We describe a clinical case of a patient admitted to our psychiatric outpatient unit who developed a manic episode, presumably induced by the introduction of lurasidone. We also conduct a review of the literature on this subject.

Results

A 37-year-old man diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and an alcohol use disorder was hospitalized due to OCD decompensation with depressive symptomatology and suicidal thoughts, and for alcohol detoxification process. Since he had a previous history of clomipramine-induced TEAS, he was started on lurasidone up to 111mg to avoid the use of antidepressants, showing a progressive improvement of depressive symptoms. Thus, the patient was discharged when alcohol detoxification process was completed. Eight days after discharge, the patient began to show manic symptoms, so he had to be readmitted. Lurasidone was discontinued and valproic acid up to 1000mg/day as mood stabilizer was added, presenting a positive remission of manic symptoms.

Conclusions

According to our experience, lurasidone may have induced an affective switch in this patient. Based on our findings, patients and psychiatrists should monitor possible lurasidone-induced mood switching. However, further research is needed in order to back-up this one case report findings.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

AB0440 USE OF BELIMUMAB IN CLINICAL PRACTICE. CLINICAL AND SEROLOGICAL EFFECTIVENESS AND CORTICOSTEROID-SPARING ACTIVITY

Background

Since 2011, the use of Belimumab for the treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

has demonstrated efficacy and safety in several randomised clinical trials. However, strict inclusion criteria may restrict those results limiting the interpretation of these results to routine clinical practice populations.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to analyse the profile of patients using Belimumab as well as the clinical, serological and corticosteroid-sparing outcomes that may result from it use.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study including patients diagnosed with SLE and treated with Belimumab. Epidemiological, clinical and analytical data were collected at 6, 12 and 24 months before and after starting treatment with Belimumab. To assess effectiveness, the SELENA-SLEDAI, SLICC, clinical changes, concomitant treatments, corticosteroid dose and ds-DNA and C3-C4 levels were used.

Safety was evaluated by assessing the need and cause for discontinuation of Belimumab.

Results

Thirty-one patients were included, mostly 28 (90.32%) women, with a mean age of 48.55 ± 1.95 years and a mean time of disease progression since diagnosis of 16.13 ± 1.77 years. The most prevalent affection before initiation of Belimumab were joint (83.87%), systemic (58.06%), skin (29.03%) and nephropathy (22.58%). The mean SELENA-SLEDAI score before Belimumab was 5.32 ± 0.46; 64.5% had elevated anti-dsDNA, 48.39% and 54.84% had low C3 and C4 levels, respectively.

Before starting Belimumab, the most used treatments were both antimalarials (72.4%) and corticosteroids (80.6%). The main reason for starting Belimumab was the ineffectiveness of previous treatments (67.7%). The vast majority of patients were treated subcutaneously (90.3%) and there were no major adverse events leading to drug withdrawal, with a median duration of use of 19.3 months (IQR: 9.75-35.55).

Conclusion

After starting Belimumab, a decrease in the SELENA-SLEDAI activity scale, an increase in C3 and C4 levels, and a significant decrease in anti-dsDNA levels at 6 months were observed.

At 12 and 24 months, continuity of this trend was observed, although statistical significance was not reached. As concerns corticosteroids, we observed a decrease in steroid use below 7.5mg/day and even 5mg/day after the introduction of Belimumab avoiding the undesirable effects of prolonged steroid use.

Table 1.BEFORE BELIMUMAB (n=31)6 MONTHS (n=28)12 MONTHS (n=22)24 MONTHS (n=9)ESLEDAI x̄ (SD)5,32 (0,46)2,28 (0,44)2,90 (0,72)3,44 (1,39)P<0,001P<0,005p>0,05High dsDNA - n (%)18 (58,06)14 (61,29)14 (45,16)4 (12,9)P<0,001P=0,036P=0,7Low C3 (<90mg/dl) - n (%)15 (48,39)11 (35,48)9 (29,03)3 (9,68)P=0,006P=0,193P=0,06Low C4 (<16mg/dl) - n (%)17 (54,84)14 (45,16)11 (35,48)5 (16,13)P<0,001P=0,003P=0,217)Figure 1.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Anticholinergic syndrome in a patient with schizophrenia

Introduction

Anticholinergic syndrome (AS) is a complication that can appear due to different drugs with antimuscarinic effects, such as antihistamines, alkaloids, antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressives or anesthetics, and it is characterized by urinary retention, dry mouth and skin, mydriasis, low-grade fever, and confusion or coma.

Objectives

To describe a clinical case of AS admitted to our hospital.

Methods

We present a case report of a patient with schizophrenia who presented an anticholinergic syndrome. We also searched for previous studies of AS using a pubmed query.

Results

A 53-year-old male was admitted for a psychotic decompensation to another hospital in Barcelona. The usual treatment at home was amisulpride 1200mg/d, olanzapine 30mg/d and lormetazepam, and haloperidol 6mg/d and clotiapine 40mg/d were added to treat the decompensation. Then, the patient started to present mydriasis, mucocutaneous dryness, low-grade fever, slight hypertension and tachycardia, repeated retentions of urine, confusion, unintelligible speech and agitation, so he was referred to our hospital. Once he was admitted, haloperidol was withdrawn and support measures (bladder catheterization, fluid therapy, etc.) were applied. After a few days, most of the mentioned alterations were stabilized, but the psychotic symptoms, such as thought and behavioural disorganization, persisted and required electroconvulsive therapy, with subsequent improvement.

Conclusions

AS is a relatively frequent side effect of psychiatric medication, which diagnosis is clinical, so, we must be capable to identify it and initiate early treatment to prevent possible complications. The first step, as reflected in the case described, is to stop the causative drugs, and apply support measures. Additionally, physostigmine can be used, as it is an effective antidote.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Trichotillomania in adulthood, a case report

Introduction

Trichotillomania is a disorder (estimated prevalence 0.5-2.0%) with common onset in childhood, rarely seen in adulthood, characterized by the repetitive pulling out of one’s own hair leading to hair loss and functional impairment, associated with other comorbidities: major depression (39-65%), anxiety disorder (23-32%), SUDs (15-19%), OCD (13-27%).

Objectives

To present a case of late-onset trichotillomania in a 60-year-old woman.

Methods

The present study is a case report of a patient visited in outpatient psychiatry for trichotillomania. We also searched previously case reports, series and systematic reviews of clinical trichotillomania using a pubmed query.

Results

This is a 60-year-old morbidly obese woman diagnosed with dysthymia, binge eating disorder and histrionic personality disorder. She explained a worsening of anxiety associated with work problems of one year of evolution and, for six months, the beginning of the plucking of eyebrow hairs and scabs to decrease this symptom, with inability to avoid the behaviour and without eating the hairs. The mental evaluation highlighted psychic anxiety, hypothymia, low self-esteem and feelings of failure and did not suggest a delirium. We started treatment with topiramate up to 150mg/day which was not successful. After that we switched to fluoxetine up to 60mg/day associated to psychotherapy observing a slight gradual improvement.

Conclusions

The clinical presentation suggested the diagnosis of trichotillomania in the context of dysthymia. No particular medication demonstrates efficacy in the treatment of trichotillomania. Preliminary evidence suggests treatment effects of clomipramine, NAC and olanzapine based on individual trials with small sample sizes. Research findings also recommend psychotherapy based on habit reversal.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Strategies to Produce Grapefruit-Like Citrus Varieties With a Low Furanocoumarin Content and Distinctive Flavonoid Profiles

Pummelos and hybrids, such as grapefruits, have high furanocoumarin and low flavonoid contents. Furanocoumarins interact negatively with certain drugs, while flavonoids are antioxidant compounds with health benefits. To obtain new grapefruit-like varieties with low furanocoumarin and high flavonoid contents, diploid and triploid hybrid populations from crosses between diploid and tetraploid "Clemenules" clementine and diploid "Pink" pummelo were recovered and analyzed. With regard to furanocoumarins, triploids produce less bergapten, bergamottin and 6,7-DHB than diploids. Regarding flavonoids, triploids yielded more eriocitrin, narirutin, hesperidin and neohesperidin than diploids, whereas no differences were observed in neoeriocitrin and naringin. These results indicate that, the strategy to recover triploid hybrids by 4x × 2x crosses is more appropriate than the recovery of diploid hybrids by 2x × 2x crosses for obtaining grapefruit-like varieties of citrus with lower furanocoumarin and higher flavonoid contents.

Origin of C. latifolia and C. aurantiifolia triploid limes: the preferential disomic inheritance of doubled-diploid 'Mexican' lime is consistent with an interploid hybridization hypothesis

Background and Aims

Two main types of triploid limes are produced worldwide. The 'Tahiti' lime type (Citrus latifolia) is predominant, while the 'Tanepao' type (C. aurantiifolia) is produced to a lesser extent. Both types result from natural interspecific hybridization involving a diploid gamete of C. aurantiifolia 'Mexican' lime type (itself a direct interspecific C. micrantha × C. medica hybrid). The meiotic behaviour of a doubled-diploid 'Mexican' lime, the interspecific micrantha/medica recombination and the resulting diploid gamete structures were analysed to investigate the possibility that 'Tahiti' and 'Tanepao' varieties are derived from natural interploid hybridization.

Methods

A population of 85 tetraploid hybrids was established between a doubled-diploid clementine and a doubled-diploid 'Mexican' lime and used to infer the genotypes of 'Mexican' lime diploid gametes. Meiotic behaviour was studied through combined segregation analysis of 35 simple sequenbce repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphismn (SNP) markers covering the nine citrus chromosomes and cytogenetic studies. It was supplemented by pollen viability assessment.

Key Results

Pollen viability of the doubled-diploid Mexican lime (64 %) was much higher than that of the diploid. On average, 65 % of the chromosomes paired as bivalents and 31.4 % as tetravalents. Parental heterozygosity restitution ranged from 83 to 99 %. Disomic inheritance with high preferential pairing values was deduced for three chromosomes. Intermediate inheritances, with disomic trend, were found for five chromosomes, and an intermediate inheritance was observed for one chromosome. The average effective interspecific recombination rate was low (1.2 cM Mb-1).

Conclusion

The doubled-diploid 'Mexican' lime had predominantly disomic segregation, producing interspecific diploid gamete structures with high C. medica/C. micrantha heterozygosity, compatible with the phylogenomic structures of triploid C. latifolia and C. aurantiifolia varieties. This disomic trend limits effective interspecific recombination and diversity of the diploid gamete population. Interploid reconstruction breeding using doubled-diploid lime as one parent is a promising approach for triploid lime diversification.

Distribuição das Tensões em Próteses Implantossuportadas com Diferentes Sistemas de Conexão e Comprimento de Cantilever

O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar, por meio de análise fotoelástica, o comportamento biomecânico de coroas duplas parafusadas implantossuportadas com diferentes tipos de sistemas de conexão e comprimento de cantilever. Para isso, foram confeccionados três modelos em resina fotoelástica PL-2 e divididos em 6 grupos, de acordo com o sistema de conexão do implante (hexágono externo (HE) e cone morse (CM)), intermediário (minipilar ou UCLA) e o número de coroas em cantilever (um ou dois elementos). O conjunto modelo fotoelástico-implante-prótese foi posicionado em um polariscópio circular e, em seguida, foram aplicadas cargas de 100 N, em direção axial e oblíqua (45°), em pontos fixos da superfície oclusal das coroas com ajuda de uma máquina ensaio universal (EMIC). As tensões geradas foram registradas fotograficamente e analisadas qualitativamente em programa gráfico (Adobe Photoshop). Os resultados mostraram que houve um maior número de franjas, quando da aplicação de carga oblíqua em todos os grupos. Sendo maiores no grupo (HE + minipilar). Concluiu-se que o tipo de sistema de conexão do implante não influenciou diretamente na distribuição das tensões para carga axial. E que a extensão do cantilever influenciou diretamente na distribuição das tensões. Sendo que os modelos com duas coroas em catilever apresentaram maior tensão.Palavras-chave: Implante Dentário. Força Mastigatória. Prótese.

Plant reproductive ecology and evolution in the Mediterranean islands: state of the art

The ca. 12,000 islands and islets that encompass the Mediterranean Basin represent a biodiversity hotspot. They have been disconnected from each other and from the continent for hundreds of thousands to millions of years and encompass a high incidence of endemic plant species, with values that can exceed 20% of the local flora. Despite this, relatively few studies have been carried out to unravel ecological and evolutionary aspects of plant reproduction. We synthesise here the available information on the breeding systems, pollination and seed dispersal mode of the Mediterranean island flora. The main objective is to identify general patterns as well as to detect the main gaps in information on reproductive ecology in these particular and vulnerable systems in the face of global change. We also briefly review the information on impacts of invasive species on plant reproduction and dispersal, as these are some of the main threats to island biodiversity in general and Mediterranean island plant diversity in particular. The review has revealed that most available information is very geographically biased towards the western Mediterranean islands, especially the Balearic Islands, although a good fraction of studies have also been carried out on the eastern islands in the Aegean archipelago. Moreover, the majority of data come from species-focused studies, mainly endemic species of restricted range, whereas only a small fraction of studies have been performed at a community level. Relatively little work has involved genetic analyses, mainly focused on assessing the genetic differentiation and variability on narrow endemics. Contrary to our expectations, most island species do not rely on autonomous selfing, which might be related to the relatively high diversity of pollinators. The small, uninhabited, islands might be the last refuges of peculiar interactions that evolved in them in ancient times; they thus should be considered as sanctuaries of extraordinary biodiversity. Finally, we point out the main gaps of information and formulate a set of hypotheses that we believe are worth testing in future studies if we are to advance knowledge on the reproductive biology of Mediterranean island plants.

Bifunctional aryliodonium salts for highly efficient radioiodination and astatination of antibodies

In this report we describe the development of an alternative approach to arylstannane chemistry for radiolabeling antibodies with radioiodine or astatine based on aryliodonium salts precursors. Bifunctional aryliodonium salts were designed and tested for the synthesis of ¹²⁵I and ²¹¹At labeled prosthetic groups for bioconjugation. The nature of the electron rich aryl group was varied and its impact on the regioselectivity of radiohalogenation was evaluated. Unexpectedly, whereas the 2-thienyl group provided the best regioselectivity towards the radioiodination of the aryl moiety of interest (98:2), it was less selective for astatination (87:13); the anisyl group providing the best regioselectivity of astatination (94:6). Under optimized conditions, both radioiodination and astatination could be performed very efficiently in mild conditions (radiochemical yields>85%). The ionic nature of the precursors was exploited to develop an efficient purification approach: the HPLC step that is usually necessary in conventionnal approaches to optimize removal of organotin toxic precursors and side products was replaced by a filtration through a silica cartridge with a significantly reduced loss of radiolabeled product. The purified radioiodinated and astatinated prosthetic groups were then conjugated efficiently to an anti-CD138 monoclonal antibody (75-80% conjugation yield). By using this novel and simple radiohalogenation procedure, higher overall radiochemical yields of astatination were obtained in comparison with the use of an arylstannane precursor and procedures of the litterature for labeling the same antibody. Overall, due to their simplicity of use and high robustness, these new precursors should simplify the labeling of proteins of interest with iodine and astatine radioisotopes for imaging and therapeutic applications.

Molecular progression in unusual recurrent non-pediatric intracranial clear cell meningioma

We report a case of a recurrent clear cell meningioma (ccm) in the frontal lobe of the brain of a 67-year-old man. The patient developed three recurrences: at 3, 10, and 12 years after his initial surgery. Histopathology observations revealed a grade 2 ccm with positivity for vimentin and epithelial membrane antigen. Expression of E-cadherin was positive only in the primary tumour and in the first available recurrence. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses demonstrated 1p and 14q deletions within the last recurrence. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification studies revealed a heterozygous partial NF2 gene deletion, which progressed to total loss in the last recurrence. The last recurrence showed homozygous deletions in CDKN2A and CDKN2B. The RASSF1 gene was hypermethylated during tumour evolution. In this report, we show the genetic alterations of a primary ccm and its recurrences to elucidate their relationships with the changes involved in the progression of this rare neoplasm.

Familial seborrhoeic keratosis associated with multiple 'pure reticulated acanthomas' and infundibulocystic basal cell carcinomas

BACKGROUND

A variety of genodermatoses with multiple cutaneous tumours and germline genetic alterations, such as PTCH1 mutations, have been described. Other cutaneous syndromes have been associated with somatic gene mutations, such as FGFR3 in familial seborrhoeic keratosis.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the clinical, dermoscopic and histopathological features of multiple cutaneous lesions, mostly infundibulocystic basal cell carcinomas (ICBCCs) and pure reticulated acanthomas, present in a family affected by familial seborrhoeic keratosis. In addition, we tested for possible germline alterations in FGFR3 and PTCH1.

METHODS

Ten members of one family were clinically examined and 92 skin biopsy specimens were evaluated. Blood samples from six individuals were analysed for FGFR3 and PTCH1 germline alterations. We reviewed the literature concerning genetic FGFR3 alterations in seborrhoeic keratosis.

RESULTS

Individuals of all generations affected by familial seborrhoeic keratosis also presented other skin tumours that corresponded histologically to reticulated acanthomas without apocrine or sebaceous differentiation, as well as ICBCCs. In addition, two novel germline variants, p.Pro449Ser (c.1345C>T) in FGFR3 and p.Pro725Ser (c.2173C>T) in exon 14 of PTCH1 were identified in five participants.

CONCLUSIONS

We characterize for the first time the clinical, dermoscopic and histopathological features of multiple reticulated acanthomas without apocrine or sebaceous differentiation, for which we propose the term 'pure reticulated acanthoma', and ICBCCs associated with familial seborrhoeic keratosis. We identified FGFR3 and PTCH1 germline polymorphisms whose influence in the development of reticulated acanthomas is unknown.

Tetraploidy enhances the ability to exclude chloride from leaves in carrizo citrange seedlings

Tetraploid citrus seedlings are more tolerant to salt stress than diploid genotypes. To provide insight into the causes of differences in salt tolerance due to ploidy and thus to better understand Cl^- exclusion mechanisms in citrus, diploid and tetraploid seedlings of Carrizo citrange (CC) were grown at 0 (control) and 40mM NaCl (salt-treated) medium for 20 days. Chloride uptake and root-to-shoot translocation rates were on average 1.4-fold higher in diploid than in tetraploid salt-treated plants, which resulted in a greater (1.6-fold) Cl^- build up in the leaves of the former. Root hydraulic conductance and leaf transpiration rate were 58% and 17% lower, respectively, in tetraploid than in diploid control plants. Differences remained after salt treatment which reduced these parameters by 30-40% in both genotypes. Morphology of the root system was significantly influenced by ploidy. Tetraploid roots were less branched and with lower number of root tips than those of diploid plants. The cross-section diameter and area were lower in the diploid, and consequently specific root length was higher (1.7-fold) than in tetraploid plants. The exodermis in sections close to the root apex was broader and with higher deposition of suberin in cell walls in the tetraploid than in the diploid genotype. Net CO₂ assimilation rate in tetraploid salt-treated seedlings was 1.5-fold higher than in diploid salt-treated plants, likely due to the loss of photosynthetic capacity of diploid plants induced by Cl^- toxicity. Leaf damage was much higher, in terms of burnt area and defoliation, in diploid than in tetraploid salt-treated plants (8- and 6-fold, respectively). Salt treatment significantly reduced (37%) the dry weight of the diploid plants, but did not affect the tetraploids. In conclusion, tetraploid CC plants appear more tolerant to salinization and this effect seems mainly due to differences in morphological and histological traits of roots affecting hydraulic conductance and transpiration rate. These results may suggest that tetraploid CC used as rootstock could improve salt tolerance in citrus trees.

DNA Methylation and Demethylation in Plant Immunity

Detection of plant and animal pathogens triggers a massive transcriptional reprogramming, which is directed by chromatin-based processes, and ultimately results in antimicrobial immunity. Although the implication of histone modifications in orchestrating biotic stress-induced transcriptional reprogramming has been well characterized, very little was known, until recently, about the role of DNA methylation and demethylation in this process. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the dynamics and biological relevance of DNA methylation and demethylation in plant immunity against nonviral pathogens. In particular, we report the implications of these epigenetic regulatory processes in the transcriptional and co-transcriptional control of immune-responsive genes and discuss their relevance in fine-tuning antimicrobial immune responses. Finally, we discuss the possible yet elusive role of DNA methylation and demethylation in systemic immune responses, transgenerational immune priming, and de novo epiallelism, which could be adaptive.

Inheritance in doubled-diploid clementine and comparative study with SDR unreduced gametes of diploid clementine

Tetraploid clementine displays mainly tetrasomic inheritance. Genetic structures of 2n SDR and 2 × gametes from DD clementine are complementary and will guides triploids citrus breeding strategies. Triploid breeding is developed worldwide to create new seedless cultivars. Citrus triploid hybrids can be recovered from 2x × 2x sexual hybridizations as a consequence of the formation of unreduced gametes (2n), or from 4x × 2x interploid hybridizations in which tetraploid parents used are most often doubled-diploid (DD). Here we have analyzed the inheritance in doubled-diploid clementine and compared the genetic structures of gametes of DD clementine with SDR unreduced gametes of diploid clementine. Parental heterozygosity restitution (PHR) with DD parents depends on the rate of preferential chromosome pairing and thus the proportion of disomic versus tetrasomic segregations. Doubled-diploid clementine largely exhibited tetrasomic segregation. However, three linkage groups had intermediate segregation and one had a tendency for disomy. Significant doubled reduction rates (DR) rates were observed in six of the nine LGs. Differences of PHR between 2n SDR and 2x DD gametes were highest in the centromeric region and progressively decreased toward the distal regions where they were not significant. Over all markers, PHR was lower (two-thirds) in SDR 2n gametes than in DD-derived diploid gametes. The two strategies appear complementary in terms of genotypic variability. Interploid 4x × 2x hybridization is potentially more efficient for developing new cultivars that are phenotypically closer to the diploid parent of the DD than sexual hybridization through SDR 2n gametes. Conversely, 2x × 2x triploidisation has the potential to produce novel products with characteristics for market segmentation strategies.

Persistent natural acidification drives major distribution shifts in marine benthic ecosystems

Ocean acidification is receiving increasing attention because of its potential to affect marine ecosystems. Rare CO2 vents offer a unique opportunity to investigate the response of benthic ecosystems to acidification. However, the benthic habitats investigated so far are mainly found at very shallow water (less than or equal to 5 m depth) and therefore are not representative of the broad range of continental shelf habitats. Here, we show that a decrease from pH 8.1 to 7.9 observed in a CO2 vent system at 40 m depth leads to a dramatic shift in highly diverse and structurally complex habitats. Forests of the kelp Laminaria rodriguezii usually found at larger depths (greater than 65 m) replace the otherwise dominant habitats (i.e. coralligenous outcrops and rhodolith beds), which are mainly characterized by calcifying organisms. Only the aragonite-calcifying algae are able to survive in acidified waters, while high-magnesium-calcite organisms are almost completely absent. Although a long-term survey of the venting area would be necessary to fully understand the effects of the variability of pH and other carbonate parameters over the structure and functioning of the investigated mesophotic habitats, our results suggest that in addition of significant changes at species level, moderate ocean acidification may entail major shifts in the distribution and dominance of key benthic ecosystems at regional scale, which could have broad ecological and socio-economic implications.

Characterisation of in-vivo mechanical action of knee braces regarding their anti-drawer effect

BACKGROUND

The knee joint is vulnerable to various injuries and degenerative conditions, potentially leading to functional instability. Usual treatments involve knee orthoses to support the joint. However, the level of mechanical action of these devices remains controversial despite high prescription and demand.

METHODS

The mechanical ability of three commercial hinged knee braces and one sleeve to prevent a static drawer was evaluated using a GNRB arthrometer. The testing of both pathological and healthy joints was performed on 16 patients with documented injuries involving the ACL, and an original method allowed decoupling the contribution of the brace.

RESULTS

The mean stiffness of the three hinged braces ranged between 2.0 and 7.1 N/mm. The most efficient brace was able to exert a restraining force on the joint equivalent to the one exerted by a healthy ACL, up to a 2.8 mm anterior displacement of the tibia. For higher anterior displacements, the restraining force of the brace dropped below the level of action of the intact ACL because of the particular non-linear behaviour of this structure. Finally, the most efficient brace was found to vary from subject to subject.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirmed that fabric-based knee braces may effectively replace the passive mechanical role of the ACL within the low stiffness region of this structure. Although bracing may have other benefits (e.g., proprioception), this shows that they act as an effective passive restraint to low grade anterior laxities. Besides, a high patient-specificity of their effects highlighted the need of personalised objective testing for brace selection.

Early-onset acral basal cell carcinomas in Gorlin syndrome

Two patients are reported in whom early-onset, distal papules with a histopathological diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma were the first manifestation of Gorlin syndrome (GS). These lesions showed no progression and remained stable through follow-up. Two different PTCH1 gene mutations were detected in the two patients, and thus a phenotype-genotype correlation of this manifestation of GS was not possible.

Lipid accumulation inRhodotorula glutinis on sugar cane molasses in single-stage continuous culture

Microbial lipids produced byRhodotorula glutinis grown in continuous culture with molasses under nitrogen-limiting conditions were evaluated and the effects of growth rate on fatty acid composition were studied. As the growth rate decreased, cell biomass, lipid content and lipid yield gradually increased. The maximum lipid content recorded was 39% (w/w) of dry cell biomass at a dilution rate of 0.04 h(-1). The growth rate also affected fatty acid composition: oleic acid decreased with decreasing growth rate while stearic acid increased.

Sexual reproduction of the pentaploid, short-styled Oxalis pes-caprae allows the production of viable offspring

Reproduction is a key factor for the successful establishment and spread of introduced species. Oxalis pes-caprae is a tristylous species with a self- and morph-incompatibility sexual system that, in the invaded range of the western Mediterranean Basin, has been found to reproduce asexually because only the pentaploid, short-styled morph (5x S-morph) was introduced. The objective of this study was to test the ability of the 5x S-morph of O. pes-caprae to produce viable offspring in the absence of compatible mates, exploring the hypothesis that new morphs could have emerged by sexual reproduction events of the initially introduced morph. Pollen germination, pollen tube development, fruit and seed production, seed germination and offspring ploidy levels were analysed after controlled hand-pollinations to assess self- and morph-incompatibility and production of viable gametes by the 5x S-morph. The self-incompatibility system is still operating, but a partial breakdown in the morph-incompatibility system combined with the production of viable gametes was observed, allowing sexual reproduction of the 5x S-morph in the invaded range. The ability of the 5x S-morph to reproduce sexually may have major consequences for the dynamics of invasive populations of O. pes-caprae and could be one of the factors involved in the occurrence of new floral morphs in this invaded range.

Quantifying reciprocity in distylous and tristylous plant populations

Reciprocal herkogamy (heterostyly) is an example of extreme relevance of accuracy of the location of the sexual organs within some floral systems. It involves the reciprocal positioning of anthers and stigmas in flowers of different plants within the same population, and the accuracy of this positioning is important to promote out-cross pollination, prevent self-interference, or both. Hence, several indices have been proposed to quantify reciprocity, most of them for populations with two different morphs (distylous). Here, we propose an extension of our index of reciprocity for distylous populations to be applied also to populations with three morphs (tristylous), allowing effective comparisons of reciprocity between tristylous, but also distylous populations. As for the distylous version, the index is based on comparison of the position of every single sexual organ in the sample with each and every organ of the opposite sex, for each of the three possible organ levels. Due to the massive amount of calculations required, a macro was developed that is available as Supplementary Information and at the website of the authors. The index and macro were tested on several hypothetical tristylous and distylous populations with predetermined mean and dispersion of sexual organs at each level, as well as on several actual tristylous and distylous populations. The index proposed is a solid tool for the study of reciprocity in distylous and tristylous populations. Comparisons between distylous and tristylous populations are easily performed and can be readily interpreted. The applicability of the index is facilitated through the software provided.

Extensive citrus triploid hybrid production by 2x×4x sexual hybridizations and parent-effect on the length of the juvenile phase

The citrus fresh market demands the production of seedless citrus fruits, as seedy fruits are not accepted by consumers. The recovery of triploid plants has proven to be the most promising approach to achieve this goal, since triploids have very low fertility, are generally seedless and do not induce seeds in other cultivars by cross pollination. Triploid plants can be recovered by 2x×4x sexual hybridization. In this work, we present an effective methodology to recover triploid plants from 2x×4x hybridizations based on in vitro embryo rescue, ploidy level analysis by flow cytometry and genetic origin of triploid plants. The pollen viability of diploid and tetraploid citrus genotypes was analyzed by comparing the pollen germination rate in vitro. The pollen viability of tetraploid (doubled-diploid) genotypes is generally reduced but sufficient for successful pollination. Triploid embryos were identified in normal and undeveloped seeds that did not germinate under greenhouse conditions. The influence of parents and environmental conditions on obtaining triploid plants was analyzed and a strong interaction was noted between the parents and environmental conditions. The parental effect on the length of the juvenile phase was also demonstrated through observations of a large number of progeny over the last 15 years. The juvenile phase length of the triploid hybrids obtained with 'Fortune' mandarin as female parent and tetraploid 'Orlando' tangelo as male parent was shorter than the juvenile phase obtained with a clementine as female parent and tetraploids of 'Nova', 'W. Leaf' and 'Pineapple' male parents.

KEY MESSAGE

Effective methodology to recover citrus triploid plants from 2x×4x sexual hybridizations and the parental effect on the length of the juvenile phase.

Anesthetic management of a patient diagnosed with CADASIL (cerebral arteriopathy, autosomal dominant, with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy)

CADASIL (cerebral arteriopathy, autosomal dominant, with subcortical infarcts and leu-koencephalopathy) is an infrequent inherited disease that could have anesthetic implica-tions. However these have rarely been reported. We present a male patient previously diagnosed with CADASIL, who had suffered an ischemic vascular cerebral accident with a MRI compatible with leukoencephalopathy, and who was dependent for daily activities, and sustained dementia, mood alterations, apathy, and urine incontinence. He had famil-ial antecedents of psychiatric symptoms and ischemic stroke events in several relatives including his father, two brothers and one sister. He was scheduled for arthrodesis of the left knee because of multiple infectious complications of prosthetic knee surgery. He was under clopidogrel treatment which was withdrawn seven days before surgery. The pro-cedure was performed under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia, intraoperative seda-tion with midazolam, and postoperative multimodal analgesia including epidural patient controlled analgesia. The perioperative management was uneventful and we outline the adequacy of managing these patients under regional anesthesia and analgesia, as these permit to maintain hemodynamic stability leading to adequate cerebral perfusion, key to avoid an increase in the effects of the chronic arteriopathy patients with CADASIL sustain.

Unusual heterostyly: style dimorphism and self-incompatibility are not tightly associated in Lithodora and Glandora (Boraginaceae)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Heterostyly is a floral polymorphism characterized by the reciprocal position of stamens and stigmas in different flower morphs in a population. This reciprocal herkogamy is usually associated with an incompatibility system that prevents selfing and intra-morph fertilization, termed a heteromorphic incompatibility system. In different evolutionary models explaining heterostyly, it has been alternately argued that heteromorphic incompatibility either preceded or followed the evolution of reciprocal herkogamy. In some models, reciprocal herkogamy and incompatibility have been hypothesized to be linked together during the evolution of the heterostylous system.

METHODS

We examine the incompatibility systems in species with different stylar polymorphisms from the genera Lithodora and Glandora (Boraginaceae). We then test whether evolution towards reciprocal herkogamy is associated with the acquisition of incompatibility. To this end, a phylogeny of these genera and related species is reconstructed and the morphological and reproductive changes that occurred during the course of evolution are assessed.

KEY RESULTS

Both self-compatibility and self-incompatibility are found within the studied genera, along with different degrees of intra-morph compatibility. We report for the first time extensive variability among members of the genus Glandora and related species in terms of the presence or absence of intraspecies polymorphism and heteromorphic incompatibility. Overall, our results do not support a tight link between floral polymorphism and incompatibility systems.

CONCLUSIONS

The independent evolution of stylar polymorphism and incompatibility appears to have occurred in this group of plants. This refutes the canonical view that there is strong linkage between these reproductive traits.

Copolymerization of acenaphthylene with methacrylic monomers

The copolymerization of acenaphthylene with methylmethacrylate, ethylmethacrylate, butylmethacrylete, iso-butylmethacrylate and cyclohexylmethacrylate has been carried out in tetrahydrofuran at 323 K and the composition of the copolymers has been determined by size exclusion chromatography using a double RI-UV detector system. Several methods have been applied to obtain the reactivity ratios of the copolymerization process. The glass transition temperature of the copolymers has been obtained by DSC and the thermal stability has been studied by thermogravimetry. Analysis of the degradation volatile products reveals that copolymers degrade mainly by depolymerization.

Breeding system and factors limiting fruit production in the nectarless orchid Broughtonia lindenii

Low fruit set values in most orchids (especially epiphytic and tropical species) are normally thought to be the consequence of pollination constraints and limited resources. In particular, pollination constraints are modulated by pollinator visitation rates, pollinator visitation behaviour (promoting crossing or selfing), the type and number of pollinia deposited on stigmas (in the case of orchids with subequal pollinia) and the amount of pollen loaded per inflorescence. In order to assess to what extent these factors can affect fruit set in specific orchid-pollinator systems, the repercussions of some of these aspects on reproduction of Broughtonia lindenii were examined in a coastal population in western Cuba. The study focused on plant breeding system, importance of pollen load and type of pollinia on subsequent fruit and seed, limiting factors of seed production and interaction with pollinators. This species presents long-lasting flowers that senesce after all forms of effective visit. Pollinator dependence for fruit production was demonstrated, while hand-pollination experiments revealed self-compatibility and inbreeding depression at seed level. More pollinia on stigmas enhance the proportion of well-developed seeds. In contrast, the pollinia type used in pollination is not important for seed quality of fruits, suggesting that small pollinia are not rudimentary. Natural fruit set in two consecutive years was substantially affected by pollinator activity, and also by systematic depredatory activity of ants and a caterpillar. Considering that this orchid completely lacks nectar and that the local assemblage of pollinators and predators influenced its reproduction, a minor importance of resource constraints in this epiphyte (with long-lasting reserve structures) is confirmed at least for a short time.

Reciprocal style polymorphisms are not easily categorised: the case of heterostyly in Lithodora and Glandora (Boraginaceae)

Interest in reciprocal floral polymorphisms, such as heterostyly, has increased in recent decades because they can be used as suitable model systems to study mechanisms of outbreeding and disassortative mating in plants. Heterostylous plants are characterised by the presence of discrete morphs that differ in sex organ position and in some other ancillary traits. As regards sex organ deployment, different types of polymorphisms have been described, depending on number and type of discrete classes present in populations and degree of reciprocity between them. However, a clear-cut characterisation of stylar polymorphisms does not appear to be the best approach when there is great variability among populations because of continuous variation of some of traits examined. A recent study in Lithodora sensu lato (recently split into two separate genera, Lithodora and Glandora) showed a wide variation in sex organ position across species in the genus, which warrants precise population analysis of stylar polymorphism and its reciprocity. We provide a detailed morphometric analysis of flower sexual traits and include those considered to be ancillary characters. We report a wide variation in these traits in populations of Lithodora s.l. and highlight the subjectivity of the former characterisation of style polymorphism based on visual inspection. Ancillary traits appear repeatedly in Lithodora and Glandora, particularly in the latter. The appearance of these traits seems to be related to greater reciprocity between sexual whorls in Glandora, with the exception of G. prostrata. These results agree with evolutionary steps proposed in the build-up of heterostyly according to some evolutionary models. We also examined variation in polymorphisms in light of current models for evolution of heterostyly, and, more specifically, we sought to verify the prediction that flower traits as a whole (i.e., flower integration) respond to selective pressure to assure the exact location of pollen on the pollinator body. Most reciprocal populations and species, where between-morph pollen transfer is expected to be higher, would show greater integration. Our results confirm this hypothesis.

Patterns of style polymorphism in five species of the South African genus Nivenia (Iridaceae)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Heterostylous plants have been characterized by the presence of two or three discrete morphs that differ in their sex organ position within populations. This polymorphism is widely distributed among the angiosperms, but detailed studies are limited to few taxonomic groups. Although a small representation, evolutionary meaningful variations of the heterostylous syndrome have been reported when precise measurements of the sexual whorls were taken. A thorough exploration of groups where heterostyly has been reported should offer new opportunities to further testing the evolutionary hypotheses explaining heterostyly. Here, the traits defining heterostyly were explored in half of the species in Nivenia, the only genus of Iridiaceae where heterostyly has been reported.

METHODS

Detailed morphometric analysis of the flower sexual whorls and some traits considered as ancillary are supplied to determine for each population (a) the kind of stylar polymorphism, (b) the morph ratio and (c) the degree of reciprocity between sexual whorls. Also the rates of assortative (within morph) versus disassortative (between morphs) pollen transfer were estimated by analysing pollen loads on stigmas. The association between floral phenotypic integration and the reciprocity between sexual whorls was estimated; both characteristics have been quoted as dependent on the accuracy of the fit between pollinators and flowers and therefore related to the efficiency of pollen transfer.

KEY RESULTS

Different types of polymorphism, differing in their degree of reciprocity, were found in Nivenia. Effective disassortative mating appears to be common, since (a) all dimorphic populations show equal morph-ratios (isoplethy), and (b) the pollen placed on the stigmas of each morph is likely to be coming from the other (complementary) morph. The most reciprocal populations of the heterostylous species have also the highest values of phenotypical integration.

CONCLUSIONS

Stigma height dimorphism, as opposed to distyly, is proven for the first time in Nivenia. The presence of different types of polymorphism within the genus is consistent with hypotheses of the evolution of heterostyly. The role of the pollinators as the leading force of the transition seems to be apparent, since floral integration is related to reciprocity.

Differential gene expression analysis provides new insights into the molecular basis of iron deficiency stress response in the citrus rootstock Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf

Iron chlorosis is one of the major abiotic stresses affecting fruit trees and other crops in calcareous soils and leads to a reduction in growth and yield. Usual remediation strategies consist of amending iron to soil, which is an expensive practice, or using tolerant cultivars, which are difficult to develop when not available. To understand the mechanisms underlying the associated physiopathy better, and thus develop new strategies to overcome the problems resulting from iron deficiency, the differential gene expression induced by iron deficiency in the susceptible citrus rootstock Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. have been examined. The genes identified are putatively involved in cell wall modification, in determining photosynthesis rate and chlorophyll content, and reducing oxidative stress. Additional studies on cell wall morphology, photosynthesis, and chlorophyll content, as well as peroxidase and catalase activities, support their possible functions in the response to iron deficiency in a susceptible genotype, and the results are discussed.

Non-additive gene regulation in a citrus allotetraploid somatic hybrid between C. reticulata Blanco and C. limon (L.) Burm

Polyploid plants often produce new phenotypes, exceeding the range of variability existing in the diploid gene pool. Several hundred citrus allotetraploid hybrids have been created by somatic hybridization. These genotypes are interesting models to study the immediate effects of allopolyploidization on the regulation of gene expression. Here, we report genome-wide gene expression analysis in fruit pulp of a Citrus interspecific somatic allotetraploid between C. reticulata cv 'Willowleaf mandarin'+C. limon cv 'Eureka lemon', using a Citrus 20K cDNA microarray. Around 4% transcriptome divergence was observed between the two parental species, and 212 and 160 genes were more highly expressed in C. reticulata and C. limon, respectively. Differential expression of certain genes was confirmed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. A global downregulation of the allotetraploid hybrid transcriptome was observed, as compared with a theoretical mid parent, for the genes displaying interspecific expression divergence between C. reticulata and C. limon. The genes underexpressed in mandarin, as compared with lemon, were also systematically repressed in the allotetraploid. When genes were overexpressed in C. reticulata compared with C. limon, the distribution of allotetraploid gene expression was far more balanced. Cluster analysis on the basis of gene expression clearly indicated the hybrid was much closer to C. reticulata than to C. limon. These results suggest there is a global dominance of the mandarin transcriptome, in consistence with our previous studies on aromatic compounds and proteomics. Interspecific differentiation of gene expression and non-additive gene regulation involved various biological pathways and different cellular components.

The anorexigenic peptide cocaine-and-amphetamine-regulated transcript modulates rem-sleep in rats

It is known that the sleep-waking cycle is modulated by several molecules that may also regulate food intake, among them several neuropeptides. The cocaine-and-amphetamine-regulated transcript has been studied in relation to food ingestion, but it seems to have several other functions that may include sleep regulation. In this context, we studied the effect of the intracerebroventricular administration of the cocaine-and-amphetamine-regulated transcript (0.15, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9nmol) on the sleep-waking cycle (12-h recordings), as well as its effect on food intake in rats. Additionally, we analyzed the neuronal activity as measured by c-Fos expression induced by the cocaine-and-amphetamine-regulated transcript in neurons of nuclei involved in the regulation of sleep and feeding behavior. Our main finding is that 0.3nmol of the cocaine-and-amphetamine-regulated transcript increases rapid-eye-movement sleep. In addition, our results further support that this neuropeptide triggers satiety; c-Fos expression suggested that the cocaine-and-amphetamine-regulated transcript activates specific hypothalamic nuclei without affecting other brain structures known to be involved in sleep regulation. These data further support the notion that a few neuropeptides are involved in the regulation of both the sleep-waking and the hunger-satiety cycles.

[Occupational dermatoses. Cross-cultural adaptation of the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire (NOSQ-2002) from English to Spanish and Catalan]

BACKGROUND

Eczema of the hands and urticaria are very common occupational dermatoses. The Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire (NOSQ-2002), developed in English, is an essential tool for the study of occupational skin diseases. The short version of the questionnaire is useful for screening and the long version is used to study risk factors. OBJECTIVE. The aim of this study was to culturally adapt the long version of the NOSQ to Spanish and Catalan and to ensure comprehension, semantic validity, and equivalence with the original.

METHODS

The principles of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research for good research practices were applied. A 4-phase method was used, with direct, revised translation, back translation, and cognitive interviews.

RESULTS

After direct translation, a first version was issued by the Spanish Working Group. This version was evaluated in cognitive interviews. Modifications were made to 39 questions (68 %) in the Spanish version and 27 questions (47 %) in the Catalan version. Changes included addition of examples to improve understanding, reformulation of instructions, change to use of a direct question format, and addition of certain definitions. The back translation was evaluated by the original authors, leading to a further 7 changes in the Spanish version and 2 in the Catalan version. The third consensus version underwent a second round of cognitive interviews, after which the definitive version in each language was issued. CONCLUSION. Spanish and Catalan versions of the NOSQ-2002 questionnaire are available at www.ami.dk/NOSQ and www.arbejdsmiljoforskning.dk.