Egg producer attitudes and expectations regarding the transition to cage-free production: a mixed-methods approach

Several cage-free egg mandates and retailer pledge deadlines are set to take effect in January 2026. Yet it is unknown whether producers can transition to cage-free production at a rate commensurate with these goals. This study uses qualitative and quantitative data from 2 U.S. egg producer surveys to evaluate the operational activities of conventional and cage-free facilities, identify market challenges, and assess the expected transition timeline. Across both studies, producers indicated higher fixed and variable costs in cage-free housing systems, with capital and labor being 2 of the central drivers of the cost increase. While several producers are willing to adopt cage-free production, they are hesitant to view the market shift as an opportunity. Among the most commonly cited barriers are limited customer demand, high capital costs, and a contradiction to environmental sustainability and food security efforts. With the current challenges, respondents are skeptical that the industry will meet the January 2026 voluntary pledge deadlines. The results from this study offer a holistic view of the potential ramifications of the cage-free transition on the egg market and can be used to inform marketing strategies and policy discussions.

A sensory study on consumer valuation for plant-based meat alternatives: What is liked and disliked the most?

The food sector has witnessed a surge in the production of plant-based meat alternatives that aim to mimic various attributes of traditional animal products. However, overall sensory appreciation remains low. This study employed open-ended questions, preference ranking, and an identification question to analyze sensory drivers and barriers to liking four burger patties, i.e., two plant-based (one referred to as pea protein burger and one referred to as animal-like protein burger), one hybrid meat-mushroom, and one 100 % beef burger. Untrained participants (n = 175) were randomly assigned to blind or informed conditions in a between-subject study. The main objective was to evaluate the impact of providing information about the animal/plant-based protein source/type, and to obtain product descriptors and liking/disliking levels from consumers. Results from the ranking tests for blind and informed treatments showed that the animal-like protein was the most preferred product, followed by the 100 % beef burger. Moreover, in the blind condition, there was no significant difference in preferences between the beef burger and the hybrid and pea protein burgers. In the blind tasting, people preferred the pea protein burger over the hybrid one, contrary to the results of the informed tasting, which implies the existence of affecting factors other than pure hedonistic enjoyment. In the identification question, although consumers correctly identified the beef burger under the blind condition, they still preferred the plant-based 'animal-like' burger.

POS0707 POTENTIAL USE OF BELIMUMAB IN LUPUS PATIENTS FROM ARGENTINE COHORT ACCORDING DISEASE ACTIVITY STATE

Background

The goal of targeted treatment in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is to achieve clinical remission or low disease activity, with the best quality of life, low damage rates and better survival 1-4. RELESSAR is a multicenter, cross-sectional study registry of ≥18 years SLE (ACR 97) patients 5.

Objectives

To describe demographic, clinical characteristics and treatments in SLE patients according to disease activity state. To evaluate the proportion of SLE and refractory SLE patients that are potentially candidates for Belimumab treatment (Active SLE despite standard treatment including increased acDNA autoantibodies and low complement).

Methods

We evaluated demographic and clinical data, treatments, score of damage (SLICC), activity (SLEDAI) and comorbidity (Charlson), hospital admissions and severe infections. The patients were compared according to disease activity: remission (SLEDAI = 0 and without corticosteroids), low disease activity (LDA, SLEDAI> 0 and ≤4 and without corticosteroids) and non-optimal control (SLEDAI> 4 and any dose of corticosteroids). Refractory SLE was defined according to Rituximab (RTX) use, non-response to cyclophosphamide or two or more immunosuppressant or splenectomized patients. Potential use of Belimumab according approved prescription in Argentina was analyzed.

Results

Overall, 1277 patients were analyzed: 299 (23.4%) were in remission, 162 (12.7%) in LDA and 816 (63.9%) with non-optimal control of the disease.

Patients in non-optimal control group were younger, less frequently female and they showed less time of disease and lower socioeconomic status (p < 0.001). They were also more prevalent mestizos (p= 0.004), had higher SLEDAI and SLICC indexes (p <0.001) and higher use of immunosuppressant therapy (p <0.001). There was no difference regarding biologic treatment (RTX p= 0.547 and Belimumab p= 0.08). This group had higher proportion of hospital admissions and severe infections (p<0.001, respectively).

Two hundred and one SLE patients fulfilled the use of Belimumab prescription criteria but only 45/201 patients (22,3%) received it in the last visit. Malar rash was the only clinical variable associated with the use of Belimumab (72.7% vs 29.8% p= 0.005).

Seventy-six patients classified as refractory SLE (15.7%) and 56/76 (75.7%) never received Belimumab. Patients on Belimumab therapy were associated to treatment with lower doses of corticoids (p= 0.018) and lower rate of hospital admission caused by SLE flare (p= 0.027).

Conclusion

A high percentage of patients had uncontrolled disease upon entry into the registry and were potential candidates for treatment with Belimumab. The patients who received biologic treatment showed the benefit of requiring fewer doses of corticosteroids and having a lower rate of hospitalizations.

References

[1]Mok CC. Treat-to-target in systemic lupus erythematosus: Are we there yet? Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol. 2016;9(5).

[2]Morand EF, Mosca M. Treat to target, remission and low disease activity in SLE. Vol. 31, Best Practice and Research: Clinical Rheumatology. 2017.

[3]Golder V, Tsang-A-Sjoe MWP. Treatment targets in SLE: Remission and low disease activity state. Rheumatol (United Kingdom). 2020;59.

[4]Ruiz-Irastorza G, Bertsias G. Treating systemic lupus erythematosus in the 21st century: new drugs and new perspectives on old drugs. Vol. 59, Rheumatology (United Kingdom). 2021.

[5]Hochberg MC. Updating the American College of Rheumatology revised criteria for the classification of systemic lupus erythematosus. Arthritis Rheum [Internet]. 1997;40(9):1725. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9324032

Disclosure of Interests

Rosana Quintana: None declared, Lucila Garcia: None declared, Paula Alba: None declared, Susana Roverano: None declared, Analia Alvarez: None declared, Cesar Graf: None declared, Cecilia Pisoni: None declared, Alberto Spindler: None declared, Catalina Gomez: None declared, Heber Matias Figueredo: None declared, Silvia Papasidero: None declared, Raul Horacio Paniego: None declared, Maria DeLaVega: None declared, Emma Estela Civit De Garignani: None declared, Luciana Gonzalez Lucero: None declared, Victoria Martire: None declared, Rodrigo Águila Maldonado: None declared, Sergio Gordon: None declared, Carla Gobbi: None declared, Romina Nieto: None declared, Gretel Rausch: None declared, Vanina Góngora: None declared, Maria Agustina D´Amico: None declared, Diana Dubinsky: None declared, Alberto Omar Orden: None declared, Johana Zacariaz: None declared, Julia Romero: None declared, Mariana Alejandra Pera: None declared, Oscar Rillo: None declared, Roberto Baez: None declared, Valeria Arturi: None declared, Andrea Gonzalez: None declared, Florencia Vivero: None declared, Marcela Schmid: None declared, Victor Caputo: None declared, Maria Silvia Larroude: None declared, Graciela Gomez: None declared, Graciela Rodriguez: None declared, Josefina Marin: None declared, Maria Victoria Collado: None declared, Marisa Jorfen: None declared, Zaida Bedran: None declared, Judith Sarano: None declared, David Zelaya: None declared, MONICA SACNUN: None declared, Pablo Finucci: None declared, Romina Rojas Tessel: None declared, Maria Emilia Sattler: None declared, MAXIMILIANO MACHADO ESCOBAR: None declared, Pablo Astesana: None declared, Ursula Vanesa Paris: None declared, Alberto Allievi: None declared, Juan Manuel Vandale: None declared, Bernardo Pons-Estel: None declared, Guillermo Pons-Estel: None declared, Mercedes García Grant/research support from: GSK grant

COVID-19 Vaccine Triggered Rejection in Lung Transplant Recipients: A Case Series

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Organic food labels bias food healthiness perceptions: Estimating healthiness equivalence using a Discrete Choice Experiment

Individuals perceive organic food as being healthier and containing fewer calories than conventional foods. We provide an alternative way to investigate this organic halo effect using a mirrored method to Choice Experiments applied to healthiness judgments. In an experimental study (N = 415), we examined whether healthiness judgments toward a 200g cookie box are impacted by the organic label, nutrition information (fat and sugar levels), and price and determined the relative importance of these attributes. In particular, we assessed whether food with an organic label could contain more fat or sugar and yet be judged to be of equivalent healthiness to food without this label. We hoped to estimate the magnitude of any such effect. Moreover, we explored whether these effects were obtained when including a widely used system for labeling food healthiness, the Traffic Light System. Although participants' healthiness choices were mainly driven by the reported fat and sugar content, the organic label also influenced healthiness judgments. Participants showed an organic halo effect leading them to consider the organic cookie as healthy as a conventional one despite containing more fat and sugar. Specifically, they considered the organic cookie as equivalent in healthiness to a conventional one, although containing 14% more of the daily reference intake for sugar and 30% more for fat. These effects did not change when including the Traffic Light System. This effect of the organic label could have implications for fat and sugar intake and consequent impacts on health outcomes.

NEPA (netupitant/palonosetron) for the antiemetic prophylaxis of nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy (CINV) with Folfirinox and Folfoxiri even during the COVID-19 pandemic: a real-life study

OBJECTIVE

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected the treatment of cancer patients, with particular regard to the management of both chemotherapy and side effects. Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) are amongst the most troublesome side effects that impair patients' adherence to treatments and their quality of life (QoL). NEPA (Akynzeo®), is an oral fixed-dose combination of netupitant [a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist (NK1RA), 300 mg] and palonosetron [(5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin or 5HT) type3 receptor antagonist (5HT3RA), 0.5 mg] which has been shown to be effective in preventing CINV.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This prospective study started before the outbreak of COVID-19 and was carried out during the pandemic period. The aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single oral dose NEPA plus 12 mg of dexamethasone (DEX) in patients treated with Folfoxiri plus Bevacizumab and Folfirinox. The patients were diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) or advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). They were divided into two groups: naïve patients and patients previously treated with serotonin receptor antagonists (5HT3-RA) and neurokin-1 receptor antagonists (NK1-RA).

RESULTS

During the overall phase, the complete response (CR) rate was 96.8% in naïve patients treated with Folfoxiri plus Bevacizumab, and 94.6% in patients treated with Folfirinox. During the acute and delayed phases, the CR rate was 92.8% and 94.2%, with Folfoxiri and Bevacizumab, as well as 96.2% and 94.6%, with Folfirinox. There was no adequate control of CINV events in patients on antiemetic prophylaxis with 5HT3-RA or NK1-RA associated with cortisone. During the overall phase, the CR rate was 74.6% with Folfoxiri plus Bevacizumab and 75.8% with Folfirinox. During the acute and delayed phases, the CR rate was 72.5% and 74.8% with Folfoxiri plus Bevacizumab, as well as 75.2% and 74.6% with Folfirinox.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has shown the therapeutic benefits of NEPA in the management and prophylaxis of CINV events, both in naive patients and patients previously treated with 5HT3-RA and NK1-RA. In addition, NEPA has been shown to be safe, both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SARS-CoV-2: Sanitize a hospital

Issue

During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, several critical issues emerged. One of these was to identify which was the best terminal disinfection strategy for hospital rooms of a COVID-19. Description of the problem. Our University Hospital adopted ozone disinfection two years ago, recognized internationally as a 'safe gas' and is an excellent disinfectant for its characteristics of attacking and oxidizing each type of organic and inorganic compound and specifically also works against SARS-CoV-2.

Results

23 ozone generators were purchased, 20 ozonizers were assigned to departments with high environmental sanitation needs, 3 ozonizers supplied to the ozonator team. For the correct use of the equipment, 200 operators were trained in a certified way. The rooms are ozonated with pre-established frequency and whenever a COVID-19 patient is cared for. The ozonation team sanitizes rooms in wards that are not equipped but that may have hosted patients with carriers. Indications have been given in all the wards to create the ozonation room, that can be used as an ozone disinfection chamber, where it is possible to place garrisons and furnishings, even large-sized, that cannot be disinfected in other ways (in addition to sanitization with hypochlorite). The team also provides for the ozonation of ambulances with a predetermined periodicity or in the case of transport of patient carrying SARS-CoV-2. All activities are monitored with a special traceability card.

Lessons

Terminal disinfection of environments that have hosted patients with COVID-19. Terminal disinfection of the devices used on patients with COVID-19. Increased safety for operators carrying out environmental sanitation.

Key messages

Fight SARS-COV-2 with ozone.

Disinfecting with ozone is safety for everyone.

A challenging case of pigmented Bowen's disease and differential diagnosis of pagetoid pigmented skin lesions

Differentiation of pagetoid cutaneous neoplasms can be very challenging on hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections.

We report a singular case of pigmented pagetoid Bowen’s disease showing transitional features between extramammary Paget’s disease and in situ squamous cell carcinoma.

Follicular occlusion tetrad in a male patient with pachyonychia congenita: clinical and genetic analysis

The case of a 24-year-old male patient affected by follicular occlusion tetrad (acne conglobata, hidradenitis suppurativa, pilonidal cyst and dissecting cellulitis of the scalp) associated with clinical signs of pachyonychia congenita (PC)-2 (focal palmoplantar keratoderma, plantar pain, onycodystrophy and multiple cysts) is reported. The diagnosis was supported by genetic analysis that showed heterozygous mutation within the exon 1 of KRT17 gene. This case may reflect different expressions of a phenotypic spectrum induced by a common genetic alteration.

Evaluating producer preferences and information processing strategies for drought risk management tools in Bangladesh

We use stated preference data to study farmers' preferences for two alternative strategies to manage drought risks in Bangladesh. A choice experiment on drought tolerant rice varieties and weather index insurance was administered to 2306 farmers. Two overarching preference classes or meso-groups were identified using an equality constrained latent class model, each containing various patterns of attribute non-attendance. Our analysis finds that farmers rely on information processing strategies to simplify risk management tool decisions to mitigate drought risk. Differences in the use of farm inputs, and access to savings mechanisms, both formal and informal, are shown to affect decision making.

Alternative Methods of Vaccine Delivery: An Overview of Edible and Intradermal Vaccines

Vaccines are recognized worldwide as one of the most important tools for combating infectious diseases. Despite the tremendous value conferred by currently available vaccines toward public health, the implementation of additional vaccine platforms is also of key importance. In fact, currently available vaccines possess shortcomings, such as inefficient triggering of a cell-mediated immune response and the lack of protective mucosal immunity. In this regard, recent work has been focused on vaccine delivery systems, as an alternative to injectable vaccines, to increase antigen stability and improve overall immunogenicity. In particular, novel strategies based on edible or intradermal vaccine formulations have been demonstrated to trigger both a systemic and mucosal immune response. These novel vaccination delivery systems offer several advantages over the injectable preparations including self-administration, reduced cost, stability, and elimination of a cold chain. In this review, the latest findings and accomplishments regarding edible and intradermal vaccines are described in the context of the system used for immunogen expression, their molecular features and capacity to induce a protective systemic and mucosal response.

Consumer preferences for nutritional claims: An exploration of attention and choice based on an eye-tracking choice experiment

Nutritional claim (NC) requirements on food packages are among the most important and influential EU policy measures related to diet and have the capacity to promote healthy eating. This study combines a discrete choice experiment (DCE) method with eye-tracking (ET) technology to assess consumer preferences for multiple NCs in yogurt selection and explores the relationships between the NC preferences and the visual attention paid to these claims and the visual attention and choice decisions. The results indicate that the low-sugar NC was the least-preferred claim in all the models. Overall, the presence of NCs generally increases visual attention in terms of fixation count, which may be linked to an increased likelihood of affecting the final decision to purchase yogurts with NCs.

Discovering market segments for hunted wild game meat

Recent years have seen a notable increase in the popularity of hunted wild game meat (HWGM) among consumers. This has led to a growing number of emerging markets for HWGM in many developed countries, including Europe. However, expansion of these markets is often hampered by the lack of a professional supply chain. The profitability of a supply chain would depend on consumer willingness to purchase HWGM products. This paper aims to (1) segment consumers based on their general attitudes towards HWGM, their perceptions of its safety, animal welfare, orientation concerning wildlife-related values, hunting activities, objective knowledge and socio-demographic factors and (2) assess whether these general attitudes affect consumer intentions to purchase HWGM products. To achieve our objective, a random sample of Italian consumers was recruited. Three different consumer segments were identified: pro-animal consumers, disoriented consumers, and hunted wild game meat eaters. Our findings highlighted an important lack of knowledge among consumers.

Making sense of the "clean label" trends: A review of consumer food choice behavior and discussion of industry implications

Consumers in industrialized countries are nowadays much more interested in information about the production methods and components of the food products that they eat, than they had been 50years ago. Some production methods are perceived as less "natural" (i.e. conventional agriculture) while some food components are seen as "unhealthy" and "unfamiliar" (i.e. artificial additives). This phenomenon, often referred to as the "clean label" trend, has driven the food industry to communicate whether a certain ingredient or additive is not present or if the food has been produced using a more "natural" production method (i.e. organic agriculture). However, so far there is no common and objective definition of clean label. This review paper aims to fill the gap via three main objectives, which are to a) develop and suggest a definition that integrates various understandings of clean label into one single definition, b) identify the factors that drive consumers' choices through a review of recent studies on consumer perception of various food categories understood as clean label with the focus on organic, natural and 'free from' artificial additives/ingredients food products and c) discuss implications of the consumer demand for clean label food products for food manufacturers as well as policy makers. We suggest to define clean label, both in a broad sense, where consumers evaluate the cleanliness of product by assumption and through inference looking at the front-of-pack label and in a strict sense, where consumers evaluate the cleanliness of product by inspection and through inference looking at the back-of-pack label. Results show that while 'health' is a major consumer motive, a broad diversity of drivers influence the clean label trend with particular relevance of intrinsic or extrinsic product characteristics and socio-cultural factors. However, 'free from' artificial additives/ingredients food products tend to differ from organic and natural products. Food manufacturers should take the diversity of these drivers into account in developing new products and communication about the latter. For policy makers, it is important to work towards a more homogenous understanding and application of the term of clean label and identify a uniform definition or regulation for 'free from' artificial additives/ingredients food products, as well as work towards decreasing consumer misconceptions. Finally, multiple future research avenues are discussed.

Pancreatic panniculitis

Pancreatic panniculitis (PP) is a rare variant of panniculitis characterized by subcutaneous fat necrosis, that affects 0.3-3% of patients across a range of different pancreatic disorders. It presents with painful, tender, erythematous to violaceous nodules that may undergo spontaneous ulceration and discharge of an oily brown, viscous material, resulting from liquefactive necrosis of adipocytes. These lesions usually involve the lower extremities, although may also spread over the buttocks, trunk, arms and scalp. In addition to the skin, fat necrosis may involve periarticular, abdominal and intramedullary adipose tissue. In 40% of cases, skin manifestations can precede by 1 to 7 months the abdominal symptoms of pancreatic disease, which include mostly acute and chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic carcinoma, more frequently of acinar cell type, and pancreatic abnormalities. Histopathologically, PP shows characteristic features of mostly lobular panniculitis with marked necrosis of adipocytes. The necrotic adipocytes with finely granular and basophilic material in the cytoplasm due to calcium deposits are known as "ghost adipocytes". The treatment of pancreatic panniculitis is directed to the underlying pancreatic disease. The prognosis is poor in cases associated with pancreatic carcinoma. When there is widespread and persistent disease, frequent relapses, or ulceration, the possibility of an occult carcinoma of the pancreas should be always considered. While describing three patients seen at the Dermatology Section of the University of Genova from 1990 to 2012, we highlight that, in addition to the rarity of the disease, the precise diagnosis requires adequate samples consisting in large-scalpel incisional biopsies of fully developed lesions.

Isolation of novel microsatellite loci in the black goby Gobius niger and cross-amplification in other gobiid species (Perciformes, Gobiidae)

Twelve microsatellite loci were isolated from and characterized for the black goby Gobius niger. These loci were tested on a total of 48 individuals from two geographically distant locations (Orbetello and Cattolica) and the number of alleles ranged from two to 18, with expected (H(e)) and observed (H(o)) heterozygosities ranging from 0.042 to 0.941 and from 0.042 to 0.917, respectively. The loci described were used to cross-amplify other gobiid species belonging to Gobius, Zosterisessor, Lesueurigobius and Aphia.

Pili annulati coincident with alopecia areata, autoimmune thyroid disease, and primary IgA deficiency: case report and considerations on the literature

Pili annulati is a rare autosomal dominant hair disorder clinically characterized by a pattern of alternating bright and dark bands of the hair, the bright bands appearing dark if observed by transmitted light. This pattern is due to the periodic occurrence of air-filled cavities along the hair cortex which scatter and reflect the light while precluding its transmission. A susceptibility region, including a possibly responsible Frizzled gene, has been mapped to the telomeric region of chromosome 12q, although a specific mutation has not been identified. The condition has sometimes been observed in concurrence with alopecia areata, and in this paper we report a case in whom the concomitant severe alopecia areata was associated with autoimmune thyroid disease and primary IgA deficiency - a quadruple complex which, to our knowledge, has never been previously described. The occurrence of multiple immune disorders in the same patient affected by pili annulati could represent a key to understanding the high prevalence of alopecia areata in this condition. Specifically, in individuals predisposed to autoimmune disease, the molecular alterations that cause the anatomical changes of pili annulati could prompt the immune response against the hair root that underlies alopecia areata.

Postsurgical paracicatricial cutaneous satellitosis of giant cell tumour of the tendon sheath, localized type

Tenosynovial giant cell tumour (localized type) is a tumour of tendon sheaths and interphalangeal joints, affecting the digits and arising from the synovium. It is characterized by a proliferation of mononuclear cells and osteoclast-like polykaryocytes. Its propagation to the skin is an exceptional event, which can take place either in localized form in the fingertips (localized type) or in the rare diffuse form called giant cell tumour of the tendon sheath (diffuse type). We report here a case of giant cell tumour with cutaneous satellites, which appeared close to and around the surgical scar following the excision of the primary lesion, in a 9-year-old boy. In the cutaneous satellites, a few signs of transformation could be observed, consisting of the lack of stroma and pronounced cellularity characterized by sheets of rounded synovial-like cells admixed with multinucleated giant cells and xanthoma cells. No relapse was observed 1 year after a plastic surgery procedure (complete replacement of the involved skin). Diffuse lesions usually represent a diagnostic problem in comparison with their localized counterparts. The malignant transformation of an originally typical tenosynovial giant cell tumour is a rare but well-documented event. Our case seems to represent a typical example because the pronounced cellularity might wrongly lead to a diagnosis of malignancy.

A clinical case of necrotizing sialometaplasia and conjunctival hemorrhage

The first case reported in the literature of a rare disease called necrotizing scialometaplasia (NS), dates back to 1973 when Abrams et al. described the main histological features of this disease. In this article we describe the rare clinical case of a young woman came to our observation for a double ulcer in the middle portion of the hard palate, aching, that histological examination showed compatible with a diagnosis of NS and preceded his appearance a haemorrhagic conjunctival suffusion left. We have provided a complete description of all the investigations in which the patient underwent and its treatment. We have also outlined the major etiological hypotheses of SN, histological features that point to a correct diagnosis, clinical features and prognostic and finally we reflected on the rare and interesting overlap in clinical manifestations palatal and conjunctival those trying to find a possible explanation.

Skinks (Reptilia: Scincidae) have highly conserved karyotypes as revealed by chromosome painting

Skinks represent the most diversified squamate reptiles with a great variation in body size and form, and are found worldwide in a variety of habitats. Their remarkable diversification has been accompanied by only a few chromosome rearrangements, resulting in highly-conservative chromosomal complements of these lizards. In this study cross-species chromosome painting using Scincus scincus (2n = 32) as the source genome, was used to detect the chromosomal rearrangements and homologies between the following skinks: Chalcides chalcides (2n = 28), C. ocellatus (2n = 28), Eumeces schneideri (2n = 32), Lepidothyris fernandi (2n = 30), Mabuya quinquetaeniata (2n = 32). The results of this study confirmed a high degree of chromosome conservation between these species. The main rearrangements in the studied skinks involve chromosomes 3, 5, 6 and 7 of S. scincus. These subtelocentric chromosomes are homologous to the p and q arms of metacentric pair 3 and 4 in C. chalcides, C. ocellatus, L. fernandi, and M. quinquetaeniata, while they are entirely conserved in E. schneideri. Other rearrangements involve S. scincus 11 in L. fernandi and M. quinquetaeniata, supporting the monophyly of Lygosominae, and one of the chromosomes S. scincus 12-16, in M. quinquetaeniata. In conclusion, our data support the monophyly of Scincidae and confirm that Scincus-Eumeces plus Chalcides do not form a monophyletic clade, suggesting that the Scincus-Eumeces clade is basal to other members of this family. This study represents the first time the whole genome of any reptile species has been used for cross-species chromosome painting to assess chromosomal evolution in this group of vertebrates.

Mitochondrial DNA variation of an isolated population of the Adriatic brook lamprey Lampetra zanandreai (Agnatha: Petromyzontidae): phylogeographic and phylogenetic inferences

Two mitochondrial genes were examined to compare an isolated population of the Adriatic brook lamprey Lampetra zanandreai in central Italy with other populations in the species range (Po plain) and with parasitic and freshwater lampreys. A single haplotype, identical to one in a Venetian sample, was found in 10 individuals from the isolated population. The reduced variability is consistent with a history of dispersal after the Pleistocene expansion of the Po basin. The results support the hypothesis of an origin of L. zanandreai and L. fluviatilis-L. planeri from a common anadromous ancestor.

Characterisation of a GC-rich telomeric satellite DNA in Eumeces schneideri Daudin (Reptilia, Scincidae)

A hitherto undescribed satellite DNA family (AvaII satDNA) has been isolated and characterised in Eumeces schneideri, a squamate reptile belonging to the family Scincidae. AvaII satDNA is characterised by a monomer length of 208 bp, a GC content of 59% and exhibits a certain degree of CpG methylation. FISH experiments with AvaII satDNA probe produced bright signals (i) at the end of the short arms of all subtelocentric chromosomes except for pair 14, in which the signal was at the end of the long arms, (ii) at the ends of both arms of the small metacentric chromosomes 12, and (iii) in a terminal position on the acrocentric chromosomes 11 and 13. AvaII satDNA repeats were not found in the metacentric pair 3, whereas only a weak interstitial signal occurred in the metacentric pairs 1 and 2. C-banding showed that this satellite represents most of the constitutive heterochromatin in the genome of this skink, and chromomycin A(3) staining produced a clear signal overlapping with the satellite, except for NOR-associated heterochromatin. In addition, quantitative dot blot analysis showed that these repetitive sequences constitute about 3% of the genomic DNA of this lizard. AvaII satDNA sequence analysis revealed the occurrence of short guanine residue stretches for which a function in structural stability of these sequences and a role in recombination with telomeric sequences can be hypothesised. Fibre FISH experiments showed that on some chromatin fibres telomeric sequences and AvaII satellite DNA repeats are intermingled or overlapping.

Chromosomal study of native and hatchery trouts from Italy (Salmo trutta complex, Salmonidae): conventional and FISH analysis

A cytogenetic analysis was carried out using conventional staining, banding techniques and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in Italian populations of brown trout (Salmo truttacomplex). All individuals analysed, belonging to the Atlantic (At), Marmoratus (Ma), Adriatic (Ad) and Mediterranean (Me) lineages, showed remarkable karyotype uniformity, with diploid complement of 2n = 80 chromosomes, arm number (NF) of 102 and invariable karyotype composition. Such uniformity was also observed with respect to the location of 5S rDNA and the active, i.e. silver-positive NOR sites. On the contrary, FISH with 28S ribosomal probe and fluorescent staining with CMA3 revealed that inactive NOR sites are more numerous in Ad and Me than in At and Ma lineages. A centromeric sequence was successfully isolated from Salmo trutta individuals by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based cloning, using primers designed from published Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) satellite DNA sequences. This sequence had high AT content (65.3%) and short consensus motif (A/T)(G/C)AAA(T/C) similar to other centromeric satellite repeats. The isolated satellite DNA clones were localized with FISH in the centromeric regions of the brown trout chromosomes, showing lineage-specific patterns. Because it is well known that AT-rich sequences can induce a pronounced DNA curvature, which in turn would promote faster and higher chromatin spiralization, it may be hypothesised that the wide distribution of this satellite in the S. trutta genome may have played a role in its karyotype stability. The presence of this sequence in other salmonid species was also tested by Southern blot hybridization and used to analyze its evolution within salmonids.

High frequency of subtelomeric rearrangements in a cohort of 92 patients with severe mental retardation and dysmorphism

About 5-10% of patients with dysmorphisms, severe mental retardation, and normal standard karyotype are affected by subtelomeric chromosome rearrangements. Sequence homology between different chromosomes and variability between homologs make these regions more susceptible to breakage and reunion. We analyzed the telomeric regions of 92 of these patients, selected with strict clinical criteria. Fifteen individuals (16.3%) had subtelomeric rearrangements. Nine had a unique anomaly, which in one case had been inherited from a balanced parent. Six subjects had double segmental imbalances, including three de novo imbalances. This study provides further evidence for the plasticity of subtelomeric regions, which often results in cryptic rearrangements, and recommends stringent criteria for selecting patient candidates to telomere analysis.