Quantitative Analysis of Seed Surface Tubercles in Silene Species

In the Caryophyllaceae, seed surfaces contain cell protrusions, of varying sizes and shapes, called tubercles. Tubercles have long been described in many species, but quantitative analyses with measurements of size and shape are lacking in the literature. Based on optical photography, the seeds of Silene were classified into four types: smooth, rugose, echinate and papillose. Seeds in each of these groups have characteristic geometrical properties: smooth seeds lack tubercles and have the highest values of circularity and solidity in their lateral views, while papillose seeds have the largest tubercles and lowest values of circularity and solidity both in lateral and dorsal views. Here, tubercle width, height and slope, maximum and mean curvature values and maximum to mean curvature ratio were obtained for representative seeds of a total of 31 species, 12 belonging to Silene subg. Behenantha and 19 to S. subg. Silene. The seeds of the rugose type had lower values of curvature. Additionally, lower values of curvature were found in species of S. subg. Silene in comparison with S. subg. Behenantha. The seeds of S. subg. Behenantha had higher values of tubercle height and slope and higher values of maximum and average curvature and maximum to mean curvature ratio.

The Outline of Seed Silhouettes: A Morphological Approach to Silene (Caryophyllaceae)

Seed morphology is an important source of information for plant taxonomy. Nevertheless, the characters under study are diverse, and a simple, unified method is lacking in the literature. A new method for the classification of seeds of the genus Silene based on optical images and image analysis has recently been described on the basis of morphological measurements of the lateral seed views. According to the outline of their silhouettes, seeds from 52 species (49 of Silene and three related species) were classified in three groups: smooth, rugose and echinate, revealing remarkable differences between these groups. This methodology has been applied here to 51 new species, making a total of 100 species of Silene analyzed so far. According to our data, a new group was described, termed papillose. The results showed morphological differences between the four mentioned seed groups, with reduced values of circularity for dorsal and lateral seed views in the papillose and echinate groups and reduced values of solidity in the papillose seeds. The method was applied to the analysis of individual as well as to average seed silhouettes and some of the differences between groups were maintained in both cases.

Telemedicine in retinopathy of prematurity: Crossing borders in pediatric vision health. TELEROP study

GENERAL OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the accuracy and validity of images with smartphone compared to the RetCam® system for the diagnosis of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

METHODOLOGY

Observational, longitudinal and masked study carried out at the Dr. Elías Santana hospital. Infants with birth weight ≤1500 g, gestational age ≤30 weeks and/or patients exposed to risk factors or complications linked to ROP were included. These subjects were screened using images with smartphone or RetCam®, both compared to conventional fundoscopy. The ICROP classification was used for staging. The main results analyzed were sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values and kappa index.

RESULTS

915 images (n = 121) were obtained, distributed in smartphone group (50.4%) and RetCam® group (49.6%) between August 2020 and March 2021. Subjects with ROP had lower gestational age (30.2 sem ± 2.8), birth weight (1361 g ± 398), and greater exposure to oxygen therapy (12.8 days ± 11.3). The RetCam® group presented sensitivity = 80%, specificity = 78%, positive predictive value = 90% and kappa index = 0.70. The smartphone group presented sensitivity = 88%, specificity = 90%, positive predictive value = 93.75% and kappa index = 0.81.

CONCLUSIONS

Both diagnostic methods were accurate to identify ROP. The smartphone group obtained superior results with excellent resolution, representing a cost-effective method to create a global impact on reducing preventable blindness in the pediatric population.

P-064 Clinical outcomes of 127 patients with recurrent implantation failure treated with testicular sperm aspiration (TESA)

Study question

Are the embryological, clinical and newborn outcomes using aspirated testicular sperm improved in cases with recurrent implantation failure previously treated with ejaculated sperm?

Summary answer

Aspirated testicular sperm enabled to obtain significant higher embryological, clinical and newborn outcomes in cases with recurrent implantation failure previously treated with ejaculated sperm.

What is known already

High levels of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) were associated to poor clinical outcomes (1-Simon et al., 2017). Testicular sperm display lower SDF than ejaculated sperm (2-Sakas and Alvarez, 2010), improving clinical outcomes in cases with abnormal semen parameters (3-Awaga et al., 2018; 4-Kang et al., 2018), recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and pregnancy loss (RPL) (5-Esteves et al., 2017), and elevated SDF (6-Ambar et al., 2021). As only a few studies are specifically dedicated to RIF, we expanded the number of cases and first provided full demographic, stimulation, embryological, clinical and newborn outcomes.

References

1-(https://doi.org/10.4103/1008-682X.182822);

2-(https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.10.046);

3-(https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.08.017);

4-(https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-26280-0);

5-(https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.06.018);

6-(https://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.200084

Study design, size, duration

We retrospectively evaluated during consecutive years (2010-2020) 63 patients with recurrent implantation failure, which accepted to perform testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) as an alternative treatment. These patients presented a long history of failed treatments (153 cycles) using ejaculated sperm. From these cycles, no pregnancy ensued. The present study compares 127 treatment cycles, 80 with testicular sperm (17 cases repeated TESA) and 47 with ejaculated sperm from the same patients performed at the present IVF clinic.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Patients were screened for karyotype abnormalities, for Y-chromosome microdeletions (7-Gonçalves et al., 2016), and for SDF with the TUNEL assay (8-Sá et al., 2015). Conventional semen analysis was performed according to World Health Organization guidelines (9-WHO, 2010). Male evaluation and TESA was performed by the same experienced urologist (LF) according to established protocols (10-Madureira et al 2014). The procedure was performed entirely on an outpatient basis, with no complications reported.

References

7-(https://doi.org/10.4103/1008-682X.172827);

8-(https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.06.019);

9-(https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/44261);

10-(https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2047-2927.2014.00231.x).

Main results and the role of chance

The mean ages were 35.5±3.4 (26-42)-female and 38.1±5.7 (29-59)-male. There were 4 abnormal karyotypes (3-female, 1-male), all without known relevance. Most cases had asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia (65.1%), or oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (41.8%). Of the 19 cases with <5M/ml, none presented Y-chromosome microdeletions. Although we do not routinely perform SDF testing, 15 patients had previous SDF values (12, >20%; 8, >36%). Female basal characteristics and testicular evaluation were under normal values. The TESA procedure took about 15-20 min, and the time of laboratorial search around 30-60 min. Cases using testicular sperm showed significant higher rates of fertilization (64% vs 73%-p=0.005), blastocyst development (47% vs 62%-p=0.010), implantation (6% vs 27%-p=0.000), clinical pregnancy (10% vs 39%-p=0.001), live birth delivery (5% vs 28%-p=0.005) and newborn (5% vs 32%-p=0.000) than ejaculated sperm. No significant differences were observed regarding the rates of embryo cleavage (95% vs 94.8%) and high quality embryos (89.4% vs 94%), in the mean number of transferred embryos (1.8±0.4 vs 1.9±0.4), or in the abortion rate (2 cases-50% vs 7 cases-25.9%). Cases using testicular sperm had 22 frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles, enabling per initiated cycle a cumulative pregnancy rate of 45%, live birth delivery rate of 31.3% and newborn rate of 37.5% (32 newborn).

Limitations, reasons for caution

Although presenting the higher number of cycles using TESA in the treatment of RIF, this number needs to be increased for drawing more definitive conclusions, as these women present a diversity of conditions, rendering subgrouping difficult. In the future, it would also be important to evaluate SDF in all cases.

Wider implications of the findings

In conclusion, the present results gave further evidence for the superiority of using testicular sperm instead of ejaculated sperm in cases with recurrent implantation failure. Data also evidences the security of using testicular sperm aspiration, as there were no pregnancy or delivery complications, or congenital anomalies among the 32 newborn.

Trial registration number

Not Applicable

Genome Insights into Autopolyploid Evolution: A Case Study in Senecio doronicum (Asteraceae) from the Southern Alps

Polyploidy is a widespread phenomenon across angiosperms, and one of the main drivers of diversification. Whilst it frequently involves hybridisation, autopolyploidy is also an important feature of plant evolution. Minority cytotypes are frequently overlooked due to their lower frequency in populations, but the development of techniques such as flow cytometry, which enable the rapid screening of cytotype diversity across large numbers of individuals, is now providing a more comprehensive understanding of cytotype diversity within species. Senecio doronicum is a relatively common daisy found throughout European mountain grasslands from subalpine to almost nival elevations. We have carried out a population-level cytotype screening of 500 individuals from Tête Grosse (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France), confirming the coexistence of tetraploid (28.2%) and octoploid cytotypes (71.2%), but also uncovering a small number of hexaploid individuals (0.6%). The analysis of repetitive elements from short-read genome-skimming data combined with nuclear (ITS) and whole plastid DNA sequences support an autopolyploid origin of the polyploid S. doronicum individuals and provide molecular evidence regarding the sole contribution of tetraploids in the formation of hexaploid individuals. The evolutionary impact and resilience of the new cytotype have yet to be determined, although the coexistence of different cytotypes may indicate nascent speciation.

Microsatellites and petal morphology reveal new patterns of admixture in Orchis hybrid zones

PREMISE

The genetic structure of hybrid zones provides insight into the potential for gene flow to occur between plant taxa. Four closely related European orchid species (Orchis anthropophora, O. militaris, O. purpurea, and O. simia) hybridize when they co-occur. We aimed to characterize patterns of hybridization in O. militaris-O. purpurea, O. purpurea-O. simia, and O. anthropophora-O. simia hybrid zones using molecular and morphological data.

METHODS

We used 11 newly isolated nuclear microsatellites to genotype 695 individuals collected from seven hybrid zones and six allopatric parental populations in France. Geometric morphometric analysis was conducted using 15 labellum landmarks to capture the main aspects of petal shape.

RESULTS

Backcrossing was asymmetric toward O. militaris in multiple O. militaris-O. purpurea hybrid zones. Hybrids in O. purpurea-O. simia and O. anthropophora-O. simia hybrid zones were largely limited to F1 and F2 generations, but further admixture had occurred. These patterns were reflected in labellum geometric morphometric data, which correlated strongly with nuclear microsatellite data in all three species combinations.

CONCLUSIONS

The coexistence of parental and admixed individuals in these Orchis hybrid zones implies they are likely to be tension zones being maintained by a balance between gene flow into the hybrid zone and selection acting against admixed individuals. The pattern of admixture in the three species combinations suggests intrinsic selection acting on the hybrids is weaker in more closely related taxa.

Seventeen new microsatellites for Tamarix gallica and cross-amplification in Tamarix species

PREMISE

Microsatellite markers were developed for the western Mediterranean tree Tamarix gallica (Tamaricaceae) as part of a study of its genetic diversity and structure.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Seventeen microsatellite markers were developed for T. gallica, 14 of which were polymorphic. These microsatellites have di-, tri-, and tetranucleotide repeats with 1-13 alleles per locus and population. Levels of observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.000 to 0.900 and from 0.000 to 0.863, respectively. Six microsatellites showed significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in at least one population. Cross-amplification in 19 Tamarix species showed a wide transferability to other species of the genus.

CONCLUSIONS

The 14 new polymorphic microsatellite markers will be used to assess the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of T. gallica. Additionally, the successful cross-species amplification suggests their potential usefulness for investigating species delimitation and population genetics in the genus Tamarix.

Li-Fraumeni syndrome heterogeneity

Clinical variability is commonly seen in Li-Fraumeni syndrome. Phenotypic heterogeneity is present among different families affected by the same pathogenic variant in TP53 gene and among members of the same family. However, causes of this huge clinical spectrum have not been studied in depth. TP53 type mutation, polymorphic variants in TP53 gene or in TP53-related genes, copy number variations in particular regions, and/or epigenetic deregulation of TP53 expression might be responsible for clinical heterogeneity. In this review, recent advances in the understanding of genetic and epigenetic aspects influencing Li-Fraumeni phenotype are discussed.

Macroevolutionary dynamics of nectar spurs, a key evolutionary innovation

Floral nectar spurs are widely considered a key innovation promoting diversification in angiosperms by means of pollinator shifts. We investigated the macroevolutionary dynamics of nectar spurs in the tribe Antirrhineae (Plantaginaceae), which contains 29 genera and 300-400 species (70-80% spurred). The effect of nectar spurs on diversification was tested, with special focus on Linaria, the genus with the highest number of species. We generated the most comprehensive phylogeny of Antirrhineae to date and reconstructed the evolution of nectar spurs. Diversification rate heterogeneity was investigated using trait-dependent and trait-independent methods, and accounting for taxonomic uncertainty. The association between changes in spur length and speciation was examined within Linaria using model testing and ancestral state reconstructions. We inferred four independent acquisitions of nectar spurs. Diversification analyses revealed that nectar spurs are loosely associated with increased diversification rates. Detected rate shifts were delayed by 5-15 Myr with respect to the acquisition of the trait. Active evolution of spur length, fitting a speciational model, was inferred in Linaria, which is consistent with a scenario of pollinator shifts driving diversification. Nectar spurs played a role in diversification of the Antirrhineae, but diversification dynamics can only be fully explained by the complex interaction of multiple biotic and abiotic factors.

Relevance of silica surface morphology in Ampyra adsorption. Insights from quantum chemical calculations

Theoretical calculations are performed using the Vienna Ab-initio simulation package (VASP) to understand the mechanisms that control the adsorption of Ampyra drug on the different crystallographic planes of β-cristobalite: the hydroxylated (111) and (100) surfaces. The Ampyra-silica interaction is most favored on the (100) surface where the entire ring of the molecule interacts with the surface while on the (111) face, lesser exchange and fewer non-polar atoms are involved. Calculations show that the interactions mainly occur at the interface between the Ampyra and the closest silanol groups, according to the formation of the H-bonding interactions. The results indicate that the H-bonds have an important influence on the adsorption of the Ampyra. In consequence, adsorption on the (111) surface is observed to a lesser extent than on the (100) surface according the smaller hydroxyl density.

DFT calculations are performed to understand the mechanisms that control the adsorption of Ampyra drug on the different crystallographic planes of β-cristobalite: the hydroxylated (111) and (100) surfaces.

A first-principles study of pristine and Al-doped activated carbon interacting with 5-Fluorouracil anticancer drug

The adsorption of the 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) molecule on the pristine and Al-doped activated carbon (AC) was investigated by using the Vienna Ab-initio Simulation Package. It is found that the 5-FU molecule is only weakly adsorbed on the pristine AC with high adsorption energy and large surface distance. The adsorption of the 5-FU molecule on pristine AC is highly disfavored. In contrast, the molecule shows strong interactions with the Al-doped AC confirmed by the lesser adsorption energy, the charge transfers on the Al-modified zone and the significant changes in the DOS at the Fermi level. The results of our study suggest that the Al dopant increases the adsorption capacity of AC enhancing its interactions with polar atoms of the adsorbate, hence improving its adsorption properties.

Extracolonic Cancer in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Data from the GETECCU Eneida Registry

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was (a) To know the prevalence and distribution of extracolonic cancer (EC) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); (b) To estimate the incidence rate of EC; (c) To evaluate the association between EC and treatment with immunosuppressants and anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents.

METHODS

This was an observational cohort study.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

IBD and inclusion in the ENEIDA Project (a prospectively maintained registry) from GETECCU.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

Patients with EC before the diagnosis of IBD, lack of relevant data for this study, and previous treatment with immunosuppressants other than corticosteroids, thiopurines, methotrexate, or anti-TNF agents. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate the impact of several variables on the risk of EC, and any differences between survival curves were evaluated using the log-rank test. Stepwise multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to investigate factors potentially associated with the development of EC, including drugs for the treatment of IBD, during follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 11,011 patients met the inclusion criteria and were followed for a median of 98 months. Forty-eight percent of patients (5,303) had been exposed to immunosuppressants or anti-TNF drugs, 45.8% had been exposed to thiopurines, 4.7% to methotrexate, and 21.6% to anti-TNF drugs. The prevalence of EC was 3.6%. In the multivariate analysis, age (HR=1.05, 95% CI=1.04-1.06) and having smoked (hazards ratio (HR)=1.47, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.10-1.80) were the only variables associated with a higher risk of EC.

CONCLUSIONS

Neither immunosuppressants nor anti-TNF drugs seem to increase the risk of EC. Older age and smoking were associated with a higher prevalence of EC.

<b>An updated report on the distribution and conservation status of the endangered Cat’s Head Rockrose <I>Helianthemum caput-felis</I> (Magnoliopsida: Violales: Cistaceae) in Algeria</b>

Helianthemum caput-felis is an Endangered plant species growing in the western Mediterranean basin.  Its distribution is well known to the European and Moroccan regional populations, but no data from its distribution in Algeria have been reported since the middle 20th century.  In this study, we provide an up-to-date report on the distribution of the species in Algeria.  Fieldwork surveys in the classical locations were unsuccessful in finding the species, probably due to human habitat disturbances; however, a relict location was found in Ain-el-Kerma, near one of the historical known locations.  As there is reduced distribution we point out the main causes that threaten the habitat of H. caput-felis according to IUCN threats classification scheme and we also propose to label it in the Algerian Red List as regionally Critically Endangered (CRreg B1ab(i,ii,iii, v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,v); C2a(i,ii); D).

β-Cristobalite (001) surface as 4-formaminoantipyrine adsorbent: First principle study of the effect on adsorption of surface modification

Silica based materials find applications as excipients and particularly as drug delivery agents for pharmaceutical drugs. Their performance can be crucially affected by surface treatments, as it can modify the adsorption (and release) of these formulations. The role of surface modification on the features of 4-formaminoantipyrine (FAA) adsorbed on β-cristobalite (001) surface is studied by means of simulations based on the Density Functional Theory (DFT). Starting from the results of FAA in interaction with a dehydroxylated surface; a fully hydroxylated surface and a functionalized surface with benzalkonium chloride (BC) surfactant have been added to study the configurational landscape. Calculations suggest that the trend for FAA preferential adsorption on silica surfaces is: dehydroxylated>hydroxylated>BC-functionalized. The potential for hydrogen bonding causes the main contribution to the bonding while dispersion forces present an additional contribution independently of whether the drug is hydrogen-bonded or BC-bonded to the surface. Adsorption takes mainly place through nitrogen atoms in the heterocyclic ring, the carbonyl and amine functional groups. Associated mode's shifts and concurrent changes in bond length are also observed showing accordance between electronic and geometrical structure results. BC surfactant reduces the number of formed H-bonds and lowers the attractive molecule-surface interaction being it useful to prevent particle agglomeration and could favor drug release in therapies that requires faster but controlled delivery.

A microscopic level insight into Pt doped TiZn (001) surface for hydrogen energy storage usage

H-storage behavior on TiZn and Pt-doped TiZn alloys.

Molecular phylogenetics of subfamily Ornithogaloideae (Hyacinthaceae) based on nuclear and plastid DNA regions, including a new taxonomic arrangement

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The taxonomic arrangement within subfamily Ornithogaloideae (Hyacinthaceae) has been a matter of controversy in recent decades: several new taxonomic treatments have been proposed, based exclusively on plastid DNA sequences, and these have resulted in classifications which are to a great extent contradictory. Some authors have recognized only a single genus Ornithogalum for the whole subfamily, including 250-300 species of variable morphology, whereas others have recognized many genera. In the latter case, the genera are inevitably much smaller and they are better defined morphologically. However, some are not monophyletic as circumscribed.

METHODS

Phylogenetic analyses of Ornithogaloideae were based on nucleotide sequences of four plastid regions (trnL intron, trnL-F spacer, rbcL and matK) and a nuclear region (ITS). Eighty species covering all relevant taxonomic groups previously recognized in the subfamily were sampled. Parsimony and Bayesian analyses were performed. The molecular data were compared with a matrix of 34 morphological characters.

KEY RESULTS

Combinations of plastid and nuclear data yielded phylogenetic trees which are better resolved than those obtained with any plastid region alone or plastid regions in combination. Three main clades are found, corresponding to the previously recognized tribes Albuceae, Dipcadieae and Ornithogaleae. In these, up to 19 clades are described which are definable by morphology and biogeography. These mostly correspond to previously described taxa, though some need recircumscription. Morphological characters are assessed for their diagnostic value for taxonomy in the subfamily.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of the phylogenetic analyses, 19 monophyletic genera are accepted within Ornithogaloideae: Albuca, Avonsera, Battandiera, Cathissa, Coilonox, Dipcadi, Eliokarmos, Elsiea, Ethesia, Galtonia, Honorius, Loncomelos, Melomphis, Neopatersonia, Nicipe, Ornithogalum, Pseudogaltonia, Stellarioides and Trimelopter. Each of these has a particular syndrome of morphological characters. As a result, 105 new combinations are made and two new names are proposed to accommodate the taxa studied in the new arrangement. A short morphological diagnosis, synonymy, details of distribution and an identification key are presented.

Eco-efficient concretes: the effects of using recycled ceramic material from sanitary installations on the mechanical properties of concrete

The aim of this research was to investigate some of the physical and mechanical properties of concrete mixed under laboratory conditions, where different proportions of coarse aggregate materials were substituted by porcelain from sanitary installations. The results of the tests show that the concrete produced has the same mechanical characteristics as conventional concrete, thus opening a door to selective recycling of sanitary porcelain and its use in the production of concrete.

Effectiveness and safety of an emergency department short-stay unit as an alternative to standard inpatient hospitalisation

BACKGROUND

Emergency department short-stay units (EDSSUs) are currently emerging worldwide as an alternative to standard inpatient hospitalisation. In our hospital, a 960-bed teaching tertiary institution in Barcelona, Spain, an EDSSU has been in operation during winter periods (November-March) since 1997.

AIM

To determine the efficacy and safety of our EDSSU.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of activity and quality outcomes, assessment of patient satisfaction levels and determination of the diagnostic-related groups that were mainly responsible for admissions to the EDSSU, comparing the clinical characteristics of those patients with the characteristics of patients with similar clinical diagnoses admitted to standard hospitalisation units.

RESULTS

5666 patients were treated in the EDSSU, with a progressive increase in the number of patients admitted per period, ranging from 707 in 1997-8 to 1227 in 2003-4 (73.5% increase). The mean length of stay ranged from 3.1 to 2.8 days, mortality from 2.5% to 5.1%, home discharge rate from 84% to 90%, and hospital readmission rate within the first week after discharge from 3.9% to 6.2%. In all, 98% of patients were satisfied with their stay at the EDSSU. The main diagnostic-related groups were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD = 50%) and acute heart failure (28%). Patients with COPD admitted at the EDSSU (n = 545) showed significantly (p = 0.05) lower mean length of stay (3.4 v 12 days) and mortality (1.7% v 8.1%), but a higher hospital readmission rate (9.9% v 7%) than those admitted to standard inpatient units (n = 1961).

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, the EDSSU proved to be an effective and safe alternative to standard inpatient hospitalisation.

Allelic Diversity and Affinity Variants of MICA are Imbalanced in Spanish Patients with Behcet's Disease

The aetiology of Behçet's disease (BD) is still unknown, but genetic and environmental factors are involved. HLA-B*51 is considered a susceptibility marker and some MICA alleles have also been associated. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes have been suggested as responsible for BD lesions by engaging MICA through NKG2D surface molecules. In the present study, HLA-B and MICA alleles were typed by polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers, in 165 healthy Spanish controls and 42 BD patients. In the healthy group, MICA*008 (28.48%), MICA*004 (17.58%), MICA*002 (14.24%) and MICA*009 (9.39%) were the predominant alleles and the most common haplotype was MICA*004-B*44 (12.12%). MICA*001 (5.15%), MICA*004, MICA*011 (4.54%) and MICA*018 (5.15%) were more frequent, and MICA*010 (1.81%) and MICA*008 were less prevalent than in other Caucasoid populations. Similar results have been reported in North African individuals and this could support the hypothesis of a common ancestral origin of both populations. The frequencies of MICA*009 and MICA*019 were significantly increased in our BD patients in comparison with controls: 22.62% versus 9.39% and 10.71% versus 1.81% respectively. The increase of MICA*019 had not been described in other BD cohorts, and it corroborates the genetic heterogeneity at MICA locus in BD patients. High-affinity MICA alleles for NKG2D were more frequent in controls than in patients. Moreover, high-affinity alleles were not found in homozygous BD patients. These results argue against the hypothesis of an autoaggressive response in BD patients through MICA-NKG2D interactions.

Patterns of variability and gene flow in Medicago citrina, an endangered endemic of islands in the western Mediterranean, as revealed by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP)

Medicago citrina is an endangered western Mediterranean endemic that grows only on small islets of the Balearic archipelago and off the eastern Spanish coast. Only 10 isolated subpopulations are currently known (four from Ibiza, three from Cabrera, two from Columbretes and one from an offshore islet in northern Alicante province), constituting a severely fragmented genetic system. Data were analysed with the unweighted pair-group method using arithmetic averages (UPGMA) and principle coordinates analysis (PCOA), revealing several distinct groups. Genetic diversity indices indicated that Ibizan subpopulations had the highest genetic variability (Nei's index: 0.1463; Shannon's index: 0.228), whereas the lowest variability was found in Alicante (Nei's index: 0.035; Shannon's index: 0.050) and Cabrera (Nei's index: 0.068; Shannon's index: 0.104). These latter populations show the highest FST values (FST = 0.548) revealing high differentiation between them. Columbretes subpopulations formed a defined single group, although it also included some Ibizan samples. The smallest FST values, obtained between Ibiza and Columbretes (FST = 0.185), are not correlated with geographical proximity, but appear to be related to the geologically recent volcanic origin of the Columbretes islands (300,000 years ago). According to the distribution of the Ibizan samples in the dendrogram and the FST values, the best hypothesis is to regard the Ibizan subpopulations as the centre of genetic diversity of the currently known subpopulations. Our results suggest migratory scenarios from Ibiza to Columbretes based mainly on zoochory probably by seabirds. Finally, recommendations are provided for management strategies to facilitate the conservation of this endangered species.

Traqueotomía percutánea por dilatación: nuestra experiencia

Percutaneous dilation Tracheotomy (PDT) is becoming a popular alternative to surgical tracheotomy. In our hospital, we recently adopted the use of the PDT in intensive care unit patients.

OBJECTIVE

The objective [corrected] of this investigation is to characterize and quantify the rate of complications for PDT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective study of 60 PDT performed at different intesive care units, betweem September 2002 to July 2003.

RESULTS

The intraoperative time for PDT was 8 minutes. Complications included 6 cases of mild intraoperative hemorrhage, 1 case of moderate intraoperative hemorrhage, 4 cases of mild postoperative hemorrhage and 1 case of subcutaneous emphysema.

CONCLUSIONS

PDT is a good alternative to surgical tracheotomy and should be added to the otolaryngologists armamentarium of surgical airway procedures.

[Neoplastic invasion of laryngeal cartilage: diagnosis by computed tomography]

The diagnostic of the laryngeal cartilage neoplastic invasion plays an important role in the accurate staging of the laryngeal carcinoma and its treatment. To evaluate the accuracy of the CT diagnosing cartilage involvement, the present study is reported. 127 patients with carcinoma of the larynx and hipopharynx T3-T4, surgical treated between 1993 and 1997 at Ciudad Sanitaria y Universitaria de Bellvitge, are retrospectively studied. TC presents an a accuracy of 78%, a specificity of 91% and a sensitivity of 54% in the diagnostic of laryngeal cartilage invasion of the laryngeal and hipopharyngeal carcinoma.