Reproduction and artificial restocking of Acipenser naccarii (Bonaparte, 1836). Genetic and physiological characterization through microsatellite markers and radioimmunoassay of sexual steroids

The Adriatic sturgeon, Acipenser naccarii (Bonaparte, 1836), is a highly threatened species due to human activities, particularly overfishing and habitat destruction. Its peculiar ecology and biology (restricted areal and anadromy) makes this species particularly vulnerable. In March 2010 the IUCN has identified the Adriatic sturgeon as a critically endangered species according to the Red List of Threatened Species. Due to its rapid decline, starting from the 80s, at present there is no evidence of natural reproduction in wild environment, which makes the Adriatic sturgeon dependenton captive breeding programs that need to be improved in order to be effective for the survival of the species. For this purpose this study aims to characterize artificial restocking population of Adriatic sturgeon, with both genetic and physiological analysis in order to establish an efficient restocking program for future reproductions. The research is structured on two levels: First genetically, by analyzing 9 microsatellite loci. This gives information relatively about parent allocation and kinship between individuals that were sampled for this study. Hence to predict which reproduction events are the most optimal in terms of incrementing genetic diversity, by the estimation of multilocus pairwise band sharing coefficients. Second step, physiological analysis: testosterone (T) concentration levels in each individual were measured for sexing, without sacrificing the lives of the animals with the use of an invasive examination of the gonads. The combination of interdisciplinary analysis is important to obtain an overall picture in order to indicate the main broodstock participating in reproduction events and future optimal potential participants, in order to ensure a valid management for restocking program and their monitoring.

Cardiac sodium channel Na(v)1.5 and interacting proteins: Physiology and pathophysiology

The cardiac voltage-gated Na(+) channel Na(v)1.5 generates the cardiac Na(+) current (INa). Mutations in SCN5A, the gene encoding Na(v)1.5, have been linked to many cardiac phenotypes, including the congenital and acquired long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, conduction slowing, sick sinus syndrome, atrial fibrillation, and dilated cardiomyopathy. The mutations in SCN5A define a sub-group of Na(v)1.5/SCN5A-related phenotypes among cardiac genetic channelopathies. Several research groups have proposed that Na(v)1.5 may be part of multi-protein complexes composed of Na(v)1.5-interacting proteins which regulate channel expression and function. The genes encoding these regulatory proteins have also been found to be mutated in patients with inherited forms of cardiac arrhythmias. The proteins that associate with Na(v)1.5 may be classified as (1) anchoring/adaptor proteins, (2) enzymes interacting with and modifying the channel, and (3) proteins modulating the biophysical properties of Na(v)1.5 upon binding. The aim of this article is to review these Na(v)1.5 partner proteins and to discuss how they may regulate the channel's biology and function. These recent investigations have revealed that the expression level, cellular localization, and activity of Na(v)1.5 are finely regulated by complex molecular and cellular mechanisms that we are only beginning to understand.

High altitude, a natural research laboratory for the study of cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology

High altitude constitutes an exciting natural laboratory for medical research. Although initially, the aim of high-altitude research was to understand the adaption of the organism to hypoxia and find treatments for altitude-related diseases, during the past decade or so, the scope of this research has broadened considerably. Two important observations led the foundation for the broadening of the scientific scope of high-altitude research. First, high-altitude pulmonary edema represents a unique model that allows studying fundamental mechanisms of pulmonary hypertension and lung edema in humans. Second, the ambient hypoxia associated with high-altitude exposure facilitates the detection of pulmonary and systemic vascular dysfunction at an early stage. Here, we will review studies that, by capitalizing on these observations, have led to the description of novel mechanisms underpinning lung edema and pulmonary hypertension and to the first direct demonstration of fetal programming of vascular dysfunction in humans.

Pregnancy and reproduction in autoimmune rheumatic diseases

Despite evidence for the important role of oestrogens in the aetiology and pathophysiology of chronic immune/inflammatory diseases, the previous view of an unequivocal beneficial effect of oestrogens on RA compared with a detrimental effect on SLE has to be reconsidered. Likewise, the long-held belief that RA remits in the majority of pregnant patients has been challenged, and shows that only half of the patients experience significant improvement when objective disease activity measurements are applied. Pregnancies in patients with SLE are mostly successful when well planned and monitored interdisciplinarily, whereas a small proportion of women with APS still have adverse pregnancy outcomes in spite of the standard treatment. New prospective studies indicate better outcomes for pregnancies in women with rare diseases such as SSc and vasculitis. Fertility problems are not uncommon in patients with rheumatic disease and need to be considered in both genders. Necessary therapy, shortly before or during the pregnancy, demands taking into account the health of both mother and fetus. Long-term effects of drugs on offspring exposed in utero or during lactation is a new area under study as well as late effects of maternal rheumatic disease on children.

The design of artificial nestboxes for the study of secondary hole-nesting birds: a review of methodological inconsistencies and potential biases

The widespread use of artificial nestboxes has led to significant advances in our knowledge of the ecology, behaviour and physiology of cavity nesting birds, especially small passerines Nestboxes have made it easier to perform routine monitoring and experimental manipulation of eggs or nestlings, and also repeatedly to capture, identify and manipulate the parents However, when comparing results across study sites the use of nestboxes may also Introduce a potentially significant confounding variable in the form of differences in nestbox design amongst studies, such as their physical dimensions, placement height, and the way in which they are constructed and maintained However, the use of nestboxes may also introduce an unconsidered and potentially significant confounding variable clue to differences in nestbox design amongst studies, such as their physical dimensions, placement height, and the way in which they are constructed and maintained Here we review to what extent the characteristics of artificial nestboxes (e g size, shape, construction material, colour) are documented in the 'methods' sections of publications involving hole-nesting passerine birds using natural or excavated cavities or artificial nestboxes for reproduction and roosting Despite explicit previous recommendations that authors describe in detail the characteristics of the nestboxes used, we found that the description of nestbox characteristics in most recent publications remains poor and insufficient We therefore list the types of descriptive data that should be included in the methods sections of relevant manuscripts and justify this by discussing how variation in nestbox characteristics can affect or confound conclusions from nestbox studies We also propose several recommendations to improve the reliability and usefulness of research based on long-term studies of any secondary hole-nesting species using artificial nestboxes for breeding or roosting.

Reticulate eruptions. Part 1: Vascular networks and physiology

Reticulate pattern is one of the most important dermatological signs of a pathological process involving the superficial vascular networks. Vascular malformations, such as cutis marmorata congenita telangiectasia and benign forms of livedo reticularis, and sinister conditions, such as meningococcal meningitis or Sneddon's syndrome, can all present with a reticulate pattern. The clinical presentation and morphology is determined by the nature and extent of the underlying pathology and the involvement of a particular vascular network. This review has been divided into four instalments. In the present paper, we discuss the anatomy and physiology of the complex network of vascular structures that support the function of the skin and subcutis.

Thrombophilia and outcomes of assisted reproduction technologies: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Thrombophilia has been associated with pregnancy complications and recurrent miscarriage. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the controversial association between thrombophilia and failures of assisted reproduction technology (ART). A systematic search of the literature for studies reporting on thrombophilia in women undergoing ART up to April 2011 yielded 33 studies (23 evaluating anti-phospholipid antibodies, 5 inherited thrombophilia, and 5 both) involving 6092 patients. Overall, methodologic quality of the studies was poor. Combined results from case-control studies showed that factor V Leiden was significantly more prevalent among women with ART failure compared with fertile parous women or those achieving pregnancy after ART (odds ratio = 3.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.77-5.36). The prothrombin mutation, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase mutation, deficiency of protein S, protein C, or anti-thrombin were all not associated with ART failure. Women with ART failure tested more frequently positive for anti-phospholipids antibodies (odds ratio = 3.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.77-6.26) with evidence of high degree of between-study heterogeneity (I(2) = 75%; P < .00001). Prospective cohort studies did not show significant associations between thrombophilia and ART outcomes. Although case-control studies suggest that women experiencing ART failures are more frequently positive for factor V Leiden and anti-phospholipid antibodies, the evidence is inconclusive and not supported by cohort studies.

The impact of body mass index on the physiology of patients with polytrauma

Obesity is a growing problem in industrial nations. The aim was to test the hypothesis that overweight patients face early physiologic impairment.