Attitudes of people with inherited retinal conditions toward gene editing technology

Background

The views of people with genetic conditions are crucial to include in public dialogue around developing gene editing technologies. This qualitative study sought to characterize the attitudes of people with inherited retinal conditions (retinitis pigmentosa [RP] and Leber congenital amaurosis [LCA]) toward gene editing.

Methods

Individuals with RP (N = 9) and LCA (N = 8) participated in semi‐structured qualitative interviews about their experience with and attitudes toward blindness, and their views about gene editing technology for somatic, germline, and enhancement applications.

Results

Participants saw potential benefits from gene editing in general, but views about its use for retinal conditions varied and were influenced by personal perspectives on blindness. Those who felt more negatively toward blindness, particularly those with later onset blindness, were more supportive of gene editing for retinal conditions. Concerns about both germline and somatic editing included: the importance of informed consent; impacts of gene editing on social attitudes and barriers affecting blind people; and worries about “eliminating” blindness or other traits.

Conclusion

People with RP and LCA have diverse attitudes toward gene editing technology informed by their own lived experience with disability, and many have concerns about how the ways in which it is discussed and implemented might affect them.

Eco-morphological attributes and feeding habits in coexisting characins

The head morphology and feeding habits of pairs of characin species (family Characidae) that coexist in four different coastal rainforest streams were analysed. Coexisting species differed in size, but were very similar in eco-morphological attributes. Gut analyses revealed differences in feeding preferences for each coexisting species, indicating resource partitioning. A pattern of organization in species pairs that was repeated in the four studied streams was noticed. The pattern consisted of one slightly larger species with a feeding preference for items of allochthonous origin and another smaller species with a preference for autochthonous items. The hypothesis that small morphological differences enable the current coexistence of those species pairs was proposed. Furthermore, the results show ecological equivalence among different species in the studied streams.

Effects of riparian forest removal on the trophic dynamics of a Neotropical stream fish assemblage

The effects of riparian forest removal on a neotropical stream fish assemblage were assessed in the Mata Atlântica. Fish assemblage structure and fish feeding patterns were quantified at three sites along a pristine-to-deforested gradient in a Serra do Mar stream: (1) a pristine site fully covered by canopy with no light penetration and transparent waters, (2) an intermediate site with partially removed forest and (3) a fully removed forest site with no canopy and full light penetration where siltation and turbid waters predominate. Fish assemblage structure, fish densities and their feeding patterns differed widely among sites. Whilst the same five fish species occurred at the three sites, forest removal favoured the occurrence of sediment-tolerant iliophagous benthic species at the deforested site. At the pristine site, invertebrate prey predominated in water column fish diet and feeding overlap among species was low. Severe shifts in the feeding patterns were noticed in both deforested sites. Invertebrates were replaced by detritus, organic matter and algae at both sites and feeding overlap increased markedly. The overwhelming feeding adaptability of these neotropical fishes appeared capable of buffering the deleterious effects of forest removal on stream quality in terms of increased light penetration, siltation and water turbidity. Forest cutting in this Mata Atlântica stream clearly caused strong functional changes associated with forest clearance through important modifications in the assemblage organization and trophic patterns of the main species, but did not eliminate species.

Grazing behaviour of a non-herbivorous characin: revisiting plasticity

Feeding behaviour and diet of Bryconamericus microcephalus differed between canopy conditions. At the open canopy site, a behavioural modification, grazing on algae, was observed. This was also reflected in gut content analysis and suggests behavioural plasticity in response to resource availability.

Dopamine amperometric detection at a ferrocene clicked PEDOT:PSS coated electrode

Chemically modified electrodes are widely employed in electroanalytical chemistry and an important goal is to strongly anchor redox mediators on the electrode surface. In this work, indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes have been coated with PEDOT:PSS that has been ferrocene-functionalized, by a two-step procedure consisting of the electrodeposition of PEDOT-N₃ followed by copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition of ethynylferrocene. The coated electrodes have been characterized by XPS, showing successful ferrocene immobilization, by AFM, and by cyclic voltammetry (CV), which is dominated by the stable and highly reversible response of ferrocene. The electrocatalytical performance of the device is assessed by analyzing 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl ethylamine, also commonly known as dopamine (DA). The sensor presents a linear range between 0.01 and 0.9 mM, a mean sensitivity of 196 mA M^-1 cm^-2 and a limit of detection (LoD) of 1 µM.

Sterically driven synthesis of ruthenium and ruthenium–silver N-heterocyclic carbene complexes

A sterically driven synthetic route from non-bulky silver NHC to novel Ru(NHC) complexes and from bulky Ag(NHC) to unprecedented heterobimetallic Ru–Ag(NHC) complexes is presented.

Plasticity in the diet of Astyanax taeniatus in a coastal stream from south-east Brazil

In this work we aimed to characterise the diet of Astyanax taeniatus (Jenyns 1842) (Characiformes, Characidae) along the Mato Grosso stream and we hypothesised that the diet of this species would vary according to spatial, seasonal and ontogenetic differences. Specimens were collected every second month at three sites with different physical attributes. The feeding habits of 651 specimens were analysed using the Alimentary Index (IAi). Analysis of the diet showed an effect of spatial, temporal and ontogenetic factors. Vegetal allochthonous items were more important in the diet of Astyanax taeniatus in upstream sites while animal autochthonous items were more important downstream. Ontogenetic differences in the diet were significant only in upstream sites, where adults consumed a greater amount of vegetal matter than juveniles. These results reinforce the idea that Astyanax species are opportunistic and show trophic plasticity.

Niche enlargement as a consequence of co-existence: a case study

Spatio-temporal changes in the diet, niche breadth and niche overlap of two species of Characidium from three different sites along a Neotropical coastal stream were studied during a dry and rainy season. Seasonal changes were restricted to the occurrence of plant items in the stomach contents. The relative importance of food items in the diet of both species varied across sites, but Diptera, Ephemeroptera, Simuliidae, Trichoptera and Coleoptera larvae were always the main prey items. Contrary to the expected pattern, values of the niche breadth were higher at the site where Characidium species co-existed and niche overlapped at this site indicated 52% (p = 0.52) of feeding overlap.

Diet and feeding daily rhythm of Pimelodella lateristriga (Osteichthyes, Siluriformes) in a coastal stream from Serra do Mar - RJ

The present study was carried out in Mato Grosso fluvial system, a costal drainage from Serra do Mar. We analysed the diet and the feeding daily rhythm of Pimelodella lateristriga from samples carried out during 24 hours over a 4 hour fishing interval, in June, July and September, 2006 as well as in January and February, 2007. Diet was described from the Feeding Index (IAi) and feeding daily rhythm was verified through the Gut Fullness Index (GFI). Pimelodella lateristriga diet was composed of 37 items, being aquatic insects the most important ones. IAi analysis revealed that Diptera, Trichoptera and Ephemeroptera amounted to 90% of the diet. Autochthonous invertebrates were the most important consumed items. Pimelodella lateristriga concentrated its feeding activities in the nocturnal period (10:00 PM to 2:00 AM) with marked significant differences (F = 16.11; gl = 5; p < 0.05) between each diurnal and nocturnal periods. Between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM, foraging activity was gradually reduced. We concluded that P. lateristriga has an insectivorous diet and a nocturnal feeding habit with greater activity between 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM.

Feeding ecology of Hypostomus punctatus Valenciennes, 1840 (Osteichthyes, Loricariidae) in a costal stream from Southeast Brazil

In the present study we aimed to compare the feeding ecology of Hypostomus punctatus from a coastal stream from Southeast Brazil with data previously published for the same study site before environmental changes. Feeding preferences were assessed through a sample of 138 specimens (67 from the dry and 71 from the rainy season) using the Index of Alimentary Importance (IAi). We registered five different food items (detritus, plant fragments, Diatoms, Chloroficeae and Cianobacteries) composing the species diet. Detritus was the most abundant one both during the rainy and dry seasons (IAirainny = 90.34 and IAidry = 96.30). No significant differences were registered for the volume of food items consumed during the rainy and dry seasons. The Frequency of Occurrence analysis showed that four (detritus, plant fragments, Diatoms and Chloroficeae) among the five all other consumed ones, were always frequent. Comparing our own results with those available for the study site, we suggest that the feeding habit of H. punctatus has changed according to environmental changes and that the species diet is strongly dependent upon environmental conditions.

Daily feeding activity of Bryconamericus microcephalus (Characiformes, Characidae) from Córrego Andorinha, Ilha Grande - RJ

The present study was conducted at the Córrego Andorinha on the eastern slope of Ilha Grande and aimed to determine the alimentary daily rhythm of Bryconamericus microcephalus. Fishes were sampled at a 4 hours interval over a 24 hours period during winter 2002 and summer 2003. Gut fullness was determined according to a numerical scale ranging from 0 (empty gut) to 3 (full gut). No differences were registered for the daily ration estimates between seasons. It is concluded that B. microcephalus is a diurnal feeding species, as the high values of gut fullness occurred between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

Patterns of investment of the reproductive strategy of two stream-dwelling Characidae

The reproductive strategy of two congeneric species (Astyanax janeiroensis - AJ and Astyanax hastatus - AH) was assessed, in order to address the costs imposed by different investment patterns, on four major life history characters: migratory behaviour, breeding time, fecundity and egg size. Altitudinal segregation of young and adult individuals plus data from the literature indicated that AJ is a migratory species, whereas AH is non migratory. Breeding season (BS) analysis revealed that AH was reproductively active year-round (12 months), whereas AJ breeds during 9 months. Brood costs (Ovarian Investment) were almost the same for both species (AJ - 364 oocytes / g and egg volume = 0.52 mm³; AH -702 oocytes / g and egg volume = 0.27 mm³). Reproductive costs (RC), considered as product of gamete production (OI) and gamete output (BS), were 1,703.7 for AJ and 2,274.0 for AH; thus RC is 25% higher in AH. It is concluded that the costs with OI (egg size and egg numbers) are equal for both species but as breeding season is larger for AH the overall strategy is 25% more expensive in AH. Thus, it is hypothesized that this 25% should be considered as the extra costs that AJ uses during migration and is compensated by its shorter breeding time (9 months versus 12 months of AH).

Reproductive biology of Astyanax janeiroensis (Osteichthyes, Characidae) from the Ubatiba River, Maricá, RJ, Brazil

Aspects of the reproductive biology of Astyanax janeiroensis in the Ubatiba river in Maricá, RJ, Brazil were evaluated in order to ascertain whether the strategy adopted by the species is causally related to environmental variables. Specimens were collected on a monthly basis from October 1994 to September 1995, through electrofishing. The Sex ratio was not significantly different from the expected frequency of 1:1 (G = 1.29; p > 0.50); nonetheless, considering three standard length classes, significantly larger numbers of females were recorded for the higher SL class (G = 11.07; p < 0.01). Size at first maturation showed no significant differences between sexes. Length-weight ratio analyses showed negative allometry for males and isometry, for females. Length structure was significantly different between sexes, suggesting that females are larger than males (D = 0.027, p < 0.01). Reproductive specimens were recorded during nine months of the annual cycle. Seasonal variations of reproductive specimens belonging to two different standard length classes displayed an asynchronous behavior, with larger specimens having a longer reproductive period and smaller ones reproducing for fewer months during the annual cycle. High values of fecundity (F), varying from 3169 to 18714 oocytes, were recorded for fish of 9.1 and 10.2 cm lengths, respectively. The correlation between weight and number of oocytes/unit of weight was positive, indicating that larger specimens produced more eggs.

Seasonal diet shift in a Tetragonopterinae (Osteichthyes, Characidae) from the Ubatiba River, RJ, Brazil

In the present study, we describe feeding habits of Deuterodon sp. from the Ubatiba River and explore if diet changes according to a temporal cycle of dry and wet seasons. We observed that Deuterodon sp. fed on an extremely high diversity of items ranging from organic matter, sediment (sand plus quartz parts), algae, seeds and leaves to animal organisms, such as, crustaceans, oligochaets and several life stages of terrestrial and aquatic insects, indicating an omnivorous diet. An important shift in the use of feeding resources was also registered; animal and vegetal items had alternated importance between both seasons. Allochthonous vs. autochthonous items analysis showed predominance of allochthonous items during dry season while no significant differences were registered during wet season.

Reproductive biology of a Characidiinae (Osteichthyes, Characidae) from the Ubatiba River, Maricá-RJ

The Ubatiba river is a coastal stream subject to stochastic spates all over the year and, Characidium sp.n. is among the twenty-two species that compose its ichthyofauna. In this study we analyse some traits of its reproductive biology and discuss whether the adopted strategy has causal relationship with the environmental variables. Specimens were collected in the upper Ubatiba river. Samplings, were carried out monthly by electrofishing, between Oct./94 and Sep./95. Some differences between male and female strategies were observed. Females were significantly (p < 0.05) bigger than males; length--weight relationship was different (p < 0.05) between sexes with the onset of sexual maturity occuring at smaller sizes among males. Reproductive investment is high for both males and females but higher for males, maximum Gonadosomatic Index for females and males were 40.97% and 44.90%, respectively. Reproductive specimens were registered all over the year, suggesting continuous reproduction. High values of fecundity were also registered varying from 1342 to 5535 eggs for ripe females of 4.4 and 7.0 cm, respectively and an amount of 1105 oocytes per grams of fish. We suggest that differences in the reproductive strategy, between sexes, determine the observed patterns in the size structure; the absence of males in the higher SL classes could be a consequence of high mortality rates and/or reduction in the growth rates as a precocity consequence in the onset of reproduction and/or high reproductive investment. Relationship between continuous reproduction and environmental condition could be explained as an adaptation to maximise supervivency of the young fishes that is: guarantee the species maintenance in a stochastic environment.

Distribution pattern of two fish species in a coastal stream in southeast Brazil

Longitudinal distribution of Mimagoniates microlepis and Hoplias malabaricus was analyzed in a coastal stream system in Southeast Brazil. Six sites were sampled by electrofishing in seven months, from July 94 to July 95. Densities of M. microlepis, and H. malabaricus and its prey (Poecilia vivipara, Deuterodon sp. and Astyanax janeiroensis) were estimated by the Zippin method; environmental variables of: (i) kind of substratum; (ii) percentage of pools, runs, riffles, instream vegetation, and canopy were registered for each site in each sampling month. The relative importance of each biotic and abiotic variable was tested through simple correlation analyses. We verified that M. microlepis occurrence correlates with canopy; H. malabaricus is correlated with instream vegetation, pools, clay substratum, and P. vivipara densities; and P. vivipara correlates with pools and clay substratum. Our results suggest that environmental variables, and food and shelter availability are the main factors in determining M. microlepis and H. malabaricus distribution.

Failure of acupuncture in the treatment of obesity: a pilot study

Acupuncture has been anecdotally reported to induce weight loss in obese patients. This pilot study examines its efficacy in a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Forty (33 F, 7 M) obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2) outpatients were randomised to either placebo or acupuncture (12 weekly sessions of minimal acupuncture and somatic moxibustion-acupuncture associated with auriculopuncture respectively). BMI, eating attitudes (BES), anxiety (STAI), depression (BDI), and obesity-related quality of life (ORWELL 97) were measured at the beginning and end of the treatment. Six (30%) patients in the treatment group and 12 (60%) in the placebo group dropped out. Intention-to-treat analysis did not show any significant effect of acupuncture on BMI and obesity-related quality of life; eating attitudes improved in both groups, possibly because of the placebo effect. A significant improvement in anxiety and depression was only observed in the acupuncture group. In conclusion, acupuncture does not promote weight loss and is not recommendable in the treatment of obesity. It may, however, improve the psychological status of obese patients.

[Bone mineral measurement in the newborn infant]

In order to achieve parameters to evaluate mineralization of premature infants, bone mineral content at the midshaft of the radius was measured in 173 normal newborns. Data were correlated with the following factors: gestational age, postnatal age, sex and weight at birth. In spite of the wide range of variation of individual values, there was a statistically significant correlation between gestational age, sex and BMC.

[Direct radiographic magnification: a contribution to the study of bone pathology]

Direct magnification radiography was evaluated on 46 patients with skeletal disorders. The equipment employed was based on a microfocus tube and it gave a magnification factor of 3 X. This technique was judged to be more useful than standard X-ray films in 35/46 cases (76%). The size of the part examined played an important role in the effectiveness of this technique, since the most useful and impressive results were obtained in thin anatomic sites, like the extremities. The highest value of direct magnification radiography was found to be in uraemic osteodistrophy, in particular for the study of the hands. This technique appeared to be very useful also in bone tumours, since it allowed a detailed evaluation of the trabecular structure and of the cortical outline.

[Pharmaco-radiodiagnosis of the digestive tract]

A brief account of the subject from the chronological standpoint is followed by a classification of the drugs most often used in radiological examination of the digestive tract into two groups according to their effects on individual viscera, namely excitomotor and hypotonising drugs. The indications and contraindications for each drug are explained, and the most common methods for the pharmacoradiological investigation of each organ are indicated. It is felt that this form of examination leads to an earlier radiological diagnosis and one more consonant with the real anatomical and pathological situation.

[Vascular tumors of somatic soft tissues: a xerographic evaluation]

The xeroradiographic features of 34 soft tissue vascular tumors, either benign and malignant, were retrospectively evaluated and analyzed. The incidence of the main semeiologic landmarks in benign and malignant lesions was submitted to statistical evaluation. Benign vascular tumors (hemangiomas, lymphangiomas and mixed forms) often appear as irregular nodes with granular or worm-like structure due to the dilatation of small vessels. Lymphangiomas may contain also rounded or ovoid opacities due to the presence of lymphatic cysts. Vascular malignancies (angiosarcomas) are always radiopaque masses, with irregular borders and infiltration of the surrounding structures. Xeroradiography is proposed as a first-line technique for the diagnosis of soft tissue vascular tumors, before more complex and expensive procedures, like CT or arteriography, are undertaken.

[Thermography in the follow-up of bone and soft tissue tumors]

Thermography was used for the follow-up of 16 cases of bone tumors and of 16 cases of soft tissue tumors, after conservative treatments (surgery and/or radio- and chemio-therapy). The hyperthermia, which corresponds to the primary tumor, underwent a marked reduction during the first six months after the treatment. The thermographic picture appeared normal at the first follow-up of 12/16 bone tumors and of 9/16 soft tissue tumors. The presence of local recurrencies, at 12 months distance or more, corresponded to a new hyperthermic spot and to the increase of local vascularity. Thermography is proposed as a simple and harmless procedure for the follow-up of bone and soft tissue tumors after conservative treatments.

Xeroradiography of soft tissue tumors

The main features of 300 consecutive cases of soft tissue tumors at xeroradiography were submitted to retrospective evaluation. The parameters assessed were: visibility, density, shape, size, outline and relationships of the lesions. The distribution of each parameter between benign and malignant tumors was evaluated by means of statistical analysis. The xerographic signs of malignancy of soft tissue tumors are reviewed and the typical features of some particular tumors are outlined.

Lipoblastic tumours of somatic soft tissues: a xerographic evaluation of 67 cases

The role of xeroradiography for the diagnosis and the clinical evaluation of lipoblastic tumours of somatic soft tissues was investigated in 67 patients. Xeroradiography improved the visibility of soft tissues over film radiography in 20 out of the 23 cases in which both examinations were performed. The xeroradiographic characters of a lipoblastic tumour depend on its nature, thus irregular and infiltrative masses are usually liposarcomas, while regular and rounded nodes are usually pure or mixed lipomas. Moreover, pure lipomas are always radiolucent and liposarcomas are always radiopaque. Xeroradiography is regarded as a promising first technique in the diagnosis of lipoblastic tumours, before more complex investigations, like computed tomography (CT) scanning or arteriography, are undertaken.