Higher Frequency In Females Research Articles

Muscular Contribution to Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis from the Perspective of Stem Cell-Based Regenerative Medicine.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a relatively frequent disease within a range 0.5%-5.0% of population, with higher frequency in females. While a resultant spinal deformity is usually medically benign condition, it produces far going psychosocial consequences, which warrant attention. The etiology of AIS is unknown and current therapeutic approaches are symptomatic only, and frequently inconvenient or invasive. Muscular contribution to AIS is widely recognized, although it did not translate to clinical routine as yet. Muscle asymmetry has been documented by pathological examinations as well as systemic muscle disorders frequently leading to scoliosis. It has been also reported numerous genetic, metabolic and radiological alterations in patients with AIS, which are linked to muscular and neuromuscular aspects. Therefore, muscles might be considered an attractive and still insufficiently exploited therapeutic target for AIS. Stem cell-based regenerative medicine is rapidly gaining momentum based on the tremendous progress in understanding of developmental biology. It comes also with a toolbox of various stem cells such as satellite cells or mesenchymal stem cells, which could be transplanted; also, the knowledge acquired in research on regenerative medicine can be applied to manipulation of endogenous stem cells to obtain desired therapeutic goals. Importantly, paravertebral muscles are located relatively superficially; therefore, they can be an easy target for minimally invasive approaches to treatment of AIS. It comes in pair with a fast progress in image guidance, which allows for precise delivery of therapeutic agents, including stem cells to various organs such as brain, muscles, and others. Summing up, it seems that there is a link between AIS, muscles, and stem cells, which might be worth of further investigations with a long-term goal of setting foundations for eventual bench-to-bedside translation.

Opposite Profiles of Complement in Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Among Patients With Antiphospholipid Antibodies (aPL).

APS is the association of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) with thromboses and/or recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Among patients with SLE, one-third have aPL and 10–15% have a manifestation of secondary APS. Animal studies suggested that complement activation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of thrombosis and pregnancy loss in APS. We performed a cross-sectional study on complement proteins and genes in 525 patients with aPL. Among them, 237 experienced thromboses and 293 had SLE; 111 had both SLE and thromboses, and 106 had neither SLE nor thrombosis. Complement protein levels were determined by radial immunodiffusion for C4, C3 and factor H; and by functional ELISA for mannan binding lectin (MBL). Total C4, C4A and C4B gene copy numbers (GCN) were measured by TaqMan-based realtime PCR. Two to six copies of C4 genes are frequently present in a diploid genome, and each copy may code for an acidic C4A or a basic C4B protein. We observed significantly (a) higher protein levels of total C4, C4A, C4B, C3, and anticardiolipin (ACLA) IgG, (b) increased frequencies of lupus anticoagulant and males, and (c) decreased levels of complement factor H, MBL and ACLA-IgM among patients with thrombosis than those without thrombosis (N = 288). We also observed significantly lower GCNs of total C4 and C4A among aPL-positive patients with both SLE and thrombosis than others. By contrast, aPL-positive subjects with SLE had significantly reduced protein levels of C3, total C4, C4A, C4B and ACLA-IgG, and higher frequency of females than those without SLE. Patients with thrombosis but without SLE (N = 126), and patients with SLE but without thrombosis (N = 182) had the greatest differences in mean protein levels of C3 (p = 2.6 × 10−6), C4 (p = 2.2 × 10−9) and ACLA-IgG (p = 1.2 × 10−5). RPL occurred in 23.7% of female patients and thrombotic SLE patients had the highest frequency of RPL (41.0%; p = 3.8 × 10−10). Compared with non-RPL females, RPL had significantly higher frequency of thrombosis and elevated C4 protein levels. Female patients with homozygous C4A deficiency all experienced RPL (p = 0.0001) but the opposite was true for patients with homozygous C4B deficiency (p = 0.017). These results provide new insights and biomarkers for diagnosis and management of APS and SLE.

ADHD in adults: clinical subtypes and associated characteristics.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is an early onset clinical condition characterized by attention difficulties, hyperactivity and impulsivity which can persist across the lifespan, significantly influencing the evolutionary course and facilitating the rise of psychiatric comorbidities. The presence of different ADHD subtypes in adults is a heterogeneity factor to be recognized in order to orient prognosis and treatment, as indicated by studies that described differences in the characterization of different subtypes in relation to both severity and comorbidities. In the present study we evaluated the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of a sample of adults with ADHD and the characteristics associated with the different disorder subtypes. We described 60 patients aged between 18 and 65 years (mean age 34.1) with primary diagnosis of ADHD consecutively admitted to the Regional Centre for diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in adults in Milan. We observed high severity of symptoms and low quality of life, in particular in the "life outlook" dimension. The subtypes distribution was the following: 18.3% inattentive subtype, 8.3% hyperactive/impulsive subtype and 70% combined subtype. The hyperactive/impulsive subtype showed a significantly higher frequency in females, while the inattentive subtype was more frequent in males. Patients with the hyperactive/impulsive subtype showed worse quality of life and more frequent anxiety disorders. Considering the different clinical profiles among various subtypes, these data add relevance to subtypes classification of adult ADHD.

The influence of a large reservoir on the reproductive activity of the white piranha, Serrasalmus brandtii (Lütken, 1875) in Southeast Brazil

Abstract: In order to assess the influence of the Três Marias dam on the reproduction of the white piranha, Serrasalmus brandtii, 1569 specimens captured from June 2011 to May 2012 in three sections of the São Francisco River basin were analyzed: section 1 = Três Marias reservoir (TMR); section 2 = São Francisco River (SFR) segment immediately downstream of TMR; and section 3 = SFR segment at the confluence with the Abaeté River. Total length (TL), body weight (BW), gonadosomatic index (GSI), and gonadal maturation stages were determined for each specimen, while vitellogenic follicle diameter, and absolute (AF) and relative (RF) fecundities were also determined for females. Reproductive activity, including spawned females and spermed males, was recorded throughout the year in the three river segments. Higher frequencies of females and males at the maturing/mature stage were found in the November/December and January/February, which coincided with the period of higher temperature, rainfall, and dissolved oxygen concentration. Mean GSI and vitellogenic follicle diameter were higher in sections 1 and 3 than in section 2 (P <0.05), while AF and RF were higher in section 1 (P <0.05) than in sections 2 and 3. The results of the present study showed that S. brandtii had lower reproductive performance in section 2, probably due to thermal disturbances caused by the dam, thus confirming the influence of dams on the reproduction of fish downstream from hydroelectric plant reservoirs.

Ciclo reproductivo de la almeja roñosa Chione undatella en las costas de la región minera de Santa Rosalía, Baja California Sur, México

Background: The organisms respond to changes in the environment, hence the reproductive process of an organism can be affected as a result of contamination. Chione undatella is a potential resource for fishing and cultivation, which has been intensively exploited for many years on the Mexican Pacific coast. Goals: The main objective of this study was to characterize the reproductive cycle and spawning temporality, estimate the size at first maturity, and determine if there is tissue damage that may have adverse effects on reproduc­tion of C. undatella because of the contamination found in the mining port of Santa Rosalia, Gulf of California. Methods: Through histological analysis, the general condition index (GCI), and environmental parameters, we evaluated aspects of the reproductive biology and health of the frilled venus clam from the coastal area of the port of Santa Rosalia. Results: C. undatella has reproductive activity throughout the year, unrelated to the concentration of chlorophyll-a, or to temperature. An inverse correlation was found between the GCI and the phase of development with higher frequency in females. The size at first maturity is 57 mm LC. In the gonadal tissue (> 80% of the individuals) an infiltration of eosinophilic cells was observed in all phases of gonadal development with an intermediate to abundant intensity (> 60% of the organisms). Conclusions: Although C. undatella has reproductive activity throughout the year, the high prevalence of hemocytic infil­tration in the gonadal tissue suggests a potential deficiency in its reproduction. We recommend more studies be undertaken to confirm this preliminary finding and determine the relationship of the deficiency with the contamination present in the area.

Social structure, sexual dimorphism and relative growth in the ghost shrimp Callichirus seilacheri (Bott, 1955) (Decapoda, Axiidea, Callianassidae) from the tropical eastern Pacific

ABSTRACTWe analyzed the social structure, sexual dimorphism and relative growth in the burrowing shrimp Callichirus seilacheri from the tropical eastern Pacific. To this end, 456 individuals of C. seilacheri were collected during monthly sampling from December 2011 to November 2012. No shrimp pairs or burrows inhabited by more than one shrimp were detected during the study period. Males were significantly smaller than females, denoting sexual dimorphism with respect to body size. In many juvenile males and females, the size of the right and left claws was the same, whereas in others the largest cheliped was located on the right or left side. Analysis of allometric growth between cheliped carpus length and cephalothorax length revealed an isometric relationship in juveniles of both sexes and adult females and positive allometric growth in adult males. The adjustment of the above relationship by the Somerton's method, denoted the existence of two main phases of growth related to sexual maturity, with transition points between juvenile and adult phase at 12.3 mm and 12.0 mm of body size for males and females, respectively. The observations on social structure, sexual dimorphism and relative growth of C. seilacheri argued that this species is polygamous. Furthermore, the high frequency of solitary females found brooding embryos suggested that males might roam among galleries in search of receptive females.

Discovering structural complexity and its causes: Breeding aggregations in horseshoe crabs

In some species, especially those that form breeding aggregations, males form groups around females vying for fertilizations. These mating groups are often highly variable in size even during a single breeding event. We examined this variation in the American horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus, a species in which some females (nesting in pairs) attract additional males (satellites) and spawn in groups whereas others spawn only with their attached male. The observed distribution of group sizes often consists of an overabundance of pairs with no satellite males and groups with large numbers of satellites. We characterized this variation using well-known models of count data, such as the Poisson and negative binomial distributions, and evaluated how operational sex ratio (OSR) and pair density contribute to the observed variation. We complemented this descriptive approach with spatially explicit simulations of the group formation process. By comparing our simulation results to the observed breeding aggregation data, we identified how simple behavioural rules might contribute to the variation we observe. Those rules amount to hypotheses about pair and satellite arrival at the beach and satellite sampling of and choice among pairs. We found that the observed variation could be explained by a consistent high frequency of females that attract satellites in combination with males that sample different fractions of the beach as pair density and OSR vary. Furthermore, our simulations suggested that males are not choosy in joining pairs on the beach, despite variation among pairs in the fertilization success satellites can achieve. This suggests that new insights might come from investigating the costs and benefits of male choice and the sensory mechanisms satellite males use to assess the breeding aggregation before coming ashore.

Acidentes ocupacionais com material biológico em Odontologia: uma responsabilidade no ensino

Durante a graduação em Odontologia o aluno enfrenta situações que podem causar danos à própria saúde, visto que estão expostos a diversos riscos ocupacionais com material biológico. Com o intuito de contribuir com dados que auxiliem na formação acadêmica, propõe-se verificar a ocorrência, as características dos acidentes com material biológico, o conhecimento e a aplicação de ações preventivas e condutas pós-exposição. Trata-se de uma pesquisa observacional, transversal e descritiva utilizando um questionário de autopreenchimento aplicado a 195 estudantes do curso de Odontologia que tenham contato com procedimentos clínicos. Dos entrevistados, 23,6% sofreram acidentes ocupacionais, com predomínio do sexo feminino (78,3%), frequentemente acometendo as mãos (66,7%), e a maioria causados por sonda exploradora (30,1%). Observou-se que 34,9% sofreram acidentes percutâneos, somente 18,7% procurou auxílio médico e 6,3% relataram não usar equipamentos de proteção individual (EPI) no momento do acidente. Lavar o local afetado com água e sabão (54,7%) foi a principal conduta pós-exposição. A ocorrência de acidentes frente ao contato com material contaminado desperta atenção devido ao uso incompleto ou não uso de EPI, além da pouca procura por atendimento médico após os acidentes. Os acadêmicos relataram ter conhecimento da legislação relacionada à saúde do trabalhador e de como proceder em caso de acidentes ocupacionais. É necessário o desenvolvimento de estratégias de ensino que incluam uma supervisão mais eficaz, medidas que motivem a atenção para redução dos acidentes ocupacionais e o aumento da notificação de casos, de maneira contínua

Physiological effects of temperature do not explain prevalence of females in populations of gynodioecious Lobelia siphilitica growing in warmer climates.

Gynodioecy is a sexual polymorphism whereby female and hermaphroditic plants co-occur within populations. In many gynodioecious species, stressful abiotic environments are associated with higher frequencies of females. This association suggests that abiotic stress affects the relative fitness of females and hermaphrodites and, thus, the maintenance of gynodioecy. To test whether abiotic stress affects the fitness of females and hermaphrodites, we grew open-pollinated Lobelia siphilitica families in temperature regimes characteristic of the southern portion of the species' range (where females are common) and the northern portion of the range (where females are rare). We measured physiological and phenological traits that are indicative of heat stress, and fitness components of females and hermaphrodites that could affect the maintenance of gynodioecy. Contrary to expectations if growth at high temperatures is stressful, we found that the hot treatment increased leaf chlorophyll content, decreased the percentage of plants that delayed flowering initiation, and did not affect the quantum efficiency of photosystem II. Growth at high temperatures did not affect the magnitude of the difference in rosette size (a correlate of flower number) between females and hermaphrodites, or the variance in pollen viability among hermaphrodites. We found that growing-season temperatures typical of high female L. siphilitica populations were not stressful and did not affect either the fitness of females compared to hermaphrodites or variation in fitness among hermaphrodites. Consequently, further research is necessary to explain correlations between abiotic environmental factors and the frequency of females in this and other gynodioecious species.

Reproductive investment and multiple spawning evidence in the redfinger rubble crab Eriphia gonagra (Brachyura, Eriphioidea)

Abstract The variation in reproductive investment (RI) and the hypothesis of multiple spawning were evaluated in the redfinger rubble crab Eriphia gonagra (Fabricius, 1781). The gonads and embryos showed synchronous development, and fecundity and RI varied widely among females of the same size class. The mean RI value recorded was 11.31%, with no significant differences among the means for different size classes. The allometric analysis of fecundity indicated RI decrease while body size increase, but we suggested that this occurs due to size overestimation where the largest width of carapace was used as body size reference in these analyzes. In addition, we found an isometric relationship for “female weight vs. egg number”, and also for “female weight vs. egg weight”, indicating that RI ​​increased proportionally with size of females. Relatively high frequencies both of smaller females with rudimentary gonads, and of larger females with developed gonads were observed. This indicates that larger females take place more frequently in the population reproductive output over time. This difference could not be observed by means of RI analyses of captured and fixed crabs, for which only one stage of gonad development and/or one spawning is usually recorded.

Sex- and Age-Related Differences in the Clinical and Neuroimaging Characteristics of Patients With Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension: A Records Review.

The significance of sex- and age-related differences in the clinical course of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) was investigated. We retrospectively studied 40 consecutive patients (female:male = 28:12, median age 41.5 years) treated under clinical diagnoses of SIH satisfying the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition criteria, including 37 patients (92.5%) with diffuse pachymeningeal enhancement. The patients were divided into two groups by age and sex, and the clinical and neuroimaging findings in each group were investigated. Acute onset (female:male = 82.1%:50.0%, P = .042), severe headache (75.0%:41.7%, P = .045) occurred with higher frequency in females than in males, and SDH occurred with lower frequency in females than in males (28.6%:75.0%, P = .006). Duration until the consultation (2:14 days, P = .022), SDH thickness (0:7.1 mm, P = .001), and iter displacement (1.6:7.1 mm, P = .004) was greater in males. Acute onset (Younger [≤40 years]: older [>40 years] = 94.1%:56.5%, P = .012), occurred with higher frequency in younger patients, and duration until the consultation (1:5 days, P = .001), frequency of SDH (17.7%:60.9%, P = .010), SDH thickness (0:5.9 mm, P = .003), in older patients. All nine patients with thunderclap headache were female, with median age of 37 years. More severe clinical symptoms with acute onset were observed in females and younger patients of SIH. Comparatively rare subdural hygroma/hematoma on magnetic resonance imaging might result from the shorter duration to diagnosis in females and younger patients. spontaneous intracranial hypotension, sex, age, magnetic resonance imaging, thunderclap headache.

Lumbar spinal stenosis and morphometry of lumbar vertebral canal

IntroductionLumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a progressive degenerative process manifesting as low back pain. Though the causes for pain in lower lumbar region are multi-factorial, narrowing of vertebral canal has been documented to play a pivotal role. Hence, the objective of present study was to define the morphometry of lumbar canal by measuring the antero-posterior (AP) and transverse (TD) diameters and assess the prevalence of LSS in Indian population. Materials and methodsAn assessment by CT scan was done on 100 subjects within age range of 20–70 years after grouping them into healthy and symptomatic subjects based on a pre-defined questionnaire. The diameters were defined and compared amongst healthy and symptomatic subjects. The data was used to define prevalence of LSS in the population of Delhi-NCR. ResultsThe antero-posterior diameter was smaller in females as compared to males while transverse diameter was smaller in males as compared to females. In both the study groups, the diameters were comparable and statistically significant. The prevalence of LSS was maximum in middle age group individuals with L5 vertebral level showing highest frequency of a narrow canal. LSS was seen in higher frequency in females than males. DiscussionAn early diagnosis and proper treatment of LSS may prevent intractable pain with its inherent neurogenic sequelae. All pain-physicians, neurologists, and neurosurgeons should be aware of antero-posterior and transverse diameters of canal for better prognosis.

The Prevalence of Fingerprint Patterns in Different ABO Blood Groups

Identity is a set of physical characteristics that define an individual’s; recently there has been an increased interest in biometric technologies. Fingerprint evidence is undoubtedly the most reliable and acceptable evidence till date in the court of law. Due to the immense potential of fingerprints as an effective method of identification an attempt has been made in the present work to analyze their correlation with gender and blood group of an individual.Present study is an attempt to analyze and correlate fingerprint patterns with gender and blood group of an individual. In this study 200 individual among which 100 males and 100 females having different blood groups with different age groups. All the 10 fingerprint patterns were divided into Arches, Composites, Loops and Whorls. Results shows that Loops are most commonly found fingerprint patterns but Arches and Composites are least common. Loops dominated in all the blood groups of both Rh positive and Rh negative individuals. The only association between gender and finger print patterns in this study is that Arches, Composites and Loops were found in higher frequency in Females compared to Males and Whorls were found to be high in males compared to females. We can conclude that there is an association between distribution of fingerprint patterns and gender and thus prediction of gender of a person is possible based on his fingerprint pattern.

The Pathology of Aging 129S6/SvEvTac Mice.

The 129 mouse strain is commonly used for the generation of genetically engineered mice. Genetic drift or accidental contamination during outcrossing has resulted in several 129 substrains. Comprehensive data on spontaneous age-related pathology exist for the 129S4/SvJae substrain, whereas only limited information is available for other 129 substrains. This longitudinal aging study describes the life span and spontaneous lesions of 44 male and 18 female mice of the 129S6/SvEvTac substrain. Median survival time was 778 and 770 days for males and females, respectively. Tumors of lung and Harderian gland were the most common neoplasms in both sexes. Hepatocellular tumors occurred mainly in males. Hematopoietic tumors were observed at low frequency. Suppurative and ulcerative blepharoconjunctivitis was the most common nonneoplastic condition in both sexes. Corynebacteria (primarily Corynebacterium urealyticum and C. pseudodiphtheriticum) were isolated from animals with blepharoconjunctivitis and in some cases from unaffected mice, although a clear causal association between corynebacterial infections and blepharoconjunctivitis could not be inferred. Polyarteritis occurred only in males and was identified as the most common nonneoplastic contributory cause of death. Eosinophilic crystalline pneumonia occurred in both sexes and was a relevant cause of death or comorbidity. Epithelial hyalinosis at extrapulmonary sites was noted at higher frequency in females. This study contributes important data on the spontaneous age-related pathology of the 129S6/SvEvTac mouse substrain and is a valuable reference for evaluation of the phenotype in genetically engineered mice obtained with this 129 substrain.

Sexual allocation in the gynodioecious species Cyananthus macrocalyx (Campanulaceae) at high elevations in the Sino-Himalaya Mountains

Sexual allocation pattern is considered highly relevant for the maintenance of females in the process of evolution from hermaphrodites to dioecy. Theoretical and empirical studies predict that gynodioecious plants should invest more resources in male function under harsher environments and/or when female frequency is higher; and that there are trade-offs between male and female function. We studied sexual allocation pattern in the gynodioecious species Cyananthus macrocalyx in two populations in SW China. The results showed that although the total flower mass in hermaphrodites was significantly higher than that in females, females and hermaphrodites allocated similar biomass to female function (pistil biomass). As a consequence, females allocated relatively more resource to female function, while hermaphrodites allocated relatively more resource to pollinator attractiveness. There was no difference in total flower mass, pistil mass, and pollen production in hermaphrodites between the two populations. These results suggest that the females compensate for the disadvantage of lacking male function by allocating relatively more resource to female function, while hermaphrodites gain fitness through both male and female functions. This study supports the idea that if females are to be maintained in a gynodioecious population, they must allocate more resource to female functions than is necessary for hermaphrodites. However, our results were in contrast to those of previous studies, in that trade-offs between male and female functions and male-biased allocation under high female frequency were not observed. This study adds to the body of research on plant sexual allocation, and for that it is, at least at some aspects, contrary to previous statements, it could be helpful for advancing the theoretical predictions in the future.

The sexual and mating system of the shrimp Odontonia katoi (Palaemonidae, Pontoniinae), a symbiotic guest of the ascidian Polycarpa aurata in the Coral Triangle.

Theory predicts that monogamy is adaptive in symbiotic crustaceans inhabiting relatively small and morphologically simple hosts in tropical environments where predation risk away from hosts is high. We tested this prediction in the shrimp Odontonia katoi, which inhabits the atrial chamber of the ascidian Polycarpa aurata in the Coral Triangle. Preliminary observations in O. katoi indicated that males were smaller than females, which is suggestive of sex change (protandry) in some symbiotic organisms. Thus, we first investigated the sexual system of O. katoi to determine if this shrimp was sequentially hermaphroditic. Morphological identification and size frequency distributions indicated that the population comprised males that, on average, were smaller than females. Gonad dissections demonstrated the absence of transitional individuals. Thus, O. katoi is a gonochoric species with reverse sexual dimorphism. The population distribution of O. katoi in its ascidian host did not differ significantly from a random distribution and shrimps inhabiting the same host individual as pairs were found with a frequency similar to that expected by chance alone. This is in contrast to that reported for other socially monogamous crustaceans in which pairs of heterosexual conspecifics are found in host individuals more frequently than expected by chance alone. Thus, the available information argues against monogamy in O. katoi. Furthermore, that a high frequency of solitary females were found brooding embryos and that the sex ratio was skewed toward females suggests that males might be roaming among hosts in search of receptive females in O. katoi. Symbiotic crustaceans can be used as a model system to understand the adaptive value of sexual and mating systems in marine invertebrates.

Population distribution, sexual dimorphism, and reproductive parameters in the crab Pinnixa valdiviensis Rathbun, 1907 (Decapoda: Pinnotheridae), a symbiont of the ghost shrimp Callichirus garthi (Retamal, 1975) in the southeastern Pacific

Pinnixa valdiviensis Rathbun, 1907 inhabits burrows of the ghost shrimp Callichirus garthi (Retamal, 1975) in the south-eastern Pacific. We described the host-use pattern and sexual dimorphism of P. valdiviensis to test for monogamy considering that the few other studied species of Pinnixa White inhabit their respective hosts as male-female pairs. Against expectations, P. valdiviensis lived either solitarily, or in small groups of up to four individuals; only a few burrows were inhabited by two crabs (either male-female or female-female pairs). The observations above argue against the notion that P. valdiviensis is monogamous. Furthermore, that a high frequency of solitary females were found brooding embryos and that the population sex ratio was skewed toward females suggests that males might roam among hosts in search of receptive females. We argue in favour of additional long-term (seasonal, >1 year) descriptive and experimental studies to reveal the mating tactics used by both males and females of P. valdiviensis. We also examined individual-level reproductive parameters in the studied species as little is known about reproduction in symbiotic crabs. Fecundity varied between 383 and 1052 eggs crab−1 with a mean ± SD of 774 ± 160 eggs crab−1 and increased significantly with female body size. Embryo volume varied between 0.0169 and 0.0443 with a mean ± SD of 0.0222 ± 0.0063 mm3 and did not vary with female body size. Reproductive output (RO) represented a mean ± SD of 5.74% ± 0.86% of crab body dry weight and increased proportionally with crab body weight. The RO in P. valdiviensis is lower than that reported for other free-living and symbiotic crabs.

Psoriasis in the elderly: epidemiological and clinical aspects, and evaluation of patients with very late onset psoriasis.

Age of the patients and age of onset of psoriasis may have an impact on the disease. There is little information about psoriasis in elderly patients. We evaluated epidemiological, clinical aspects, comorbidities and treatments of psoriasis in the elderly (>70 years) patients, and in patients with very late onset psoriasis (onset ≥ 70 years). This observational multicentre non-interventional study of adults with psoriasis was conducted in 29 departments of dermatology in France. A total of 2210 adults with psoriasis were included. A total of 212 (9.5%) patients were elderly. This group had a higher frequency of females (P = 0.005), a later onset of the disease (P < 0.0001), a lower frequency of familial (P < 0.0001) and plaque psoriasis (P < 0.0001), but higher frequency of guttate and inverse psoriasis (P ≤ 0.005). Hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, and major cardiovascular events (MACE) were more frequent in this group (P < 0.0001), but not tobacco (P < 0.0001). Systemic and biological therapies were used less frequently in the elderly group (P < 0.0001). Fifty-eight (2.7%) patients had late onset psoriasis. Patients with very late onset psoriasis were more frequently women (P = 0.02) and older (P < 0.0001), among elderly group. They had significantly less frequently familial (P < 0.0001) and plaque psoriasis (P < 0.0001), and were less often on systemic treatment including biological. Frequencies of comorbidities were not statically different but patients with 'early' onset psoriasis have a tendency (P < 0.5) to have higher frequencies of obesity, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and MACE. This study highlights phenotypic features of psoriasis in elderly and in very late onset psoriasis. The management of these fragile patients remains poorly codified and needs further investigation.

Sex-specific association of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism and plasma BDNF with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in a drug-naïve Han Chinese sample

A functional polymorphism of the brain derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF) (Val66Met) has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It also has an impact on peripheral BDNF levels in psychiatric disorders. This study examined the association of Val66Met with plasma BDNF level of ADHD in Han Chinese children (170 medication – naïve ADHD patients and 155 unaffected controls, aged 6–16 years). The Val allele was showed a higher frequency in females with ADHD (n=84) than controls (P=0.029) from the case-control association study. The analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) indicated that the mean plasma BDNF levels of ADHD patients were significantly higher than that of controls (P=0.001). We performed both total sample and sex stratified analyses to investigate the effect of Val66Met genotype on the plasma BDNF levels, but only a trend of association was found in females with ADHD (n=84), with a tendency of lower plasma BDNF level in Val allele carriers than Met/Met genotype carriers (P=0.071). Our results suggested a sex-specific association between BDNF and ADHD. Furthermore, there was a possible sex-specific relationship between the BDNF Val66Met genotype and plasma BDNF levels. However, further studies are required to elucidate the role of BDNF in ADHD.

BREAKDOWN OF DIOECY: MODELS WHERE MALES ACQUIRE COSEXUAL FUNCTIONS

We have reanalyzed models of the breakdown of dioecy involving modified males to investigate female frequencies in the resulting gynodioecious populations. We extend and simplify previous treatments to deal with biologically relevant factors including pollen limitation, partial selfing of modified males, and inbreeding depression, to highlight the different empirically detectable advantages that may be gained by modified males that can reproduce as cosexes (i.e., can produce some seeds); these include "inconstant males," which can sometimes display some female function. Males reproducing wholly or occasionally as cosexual phenotypes can gain the transmission advantage of selfing, if partial self-fertilization is possible, and from reproductive assurance when pollen is limiting. If, because of resource limitation, such cosexual phenotypes produce fewer ovules than females, their nonselfed ovules will require a lower pollen pool size for full seed-set, compared with females. We investigate the conditions for these benefits to allow modified males to invade dioecious populations. Sometimes, such invasion leads to replacement of dioecy by the cosexual type, but sometimes the breakdown populations remain sexually polymorphic. When competition occurs between genotypes in the pollen load on a flower, high female frequencies can arise when Y chromosome-bearing pollen competes poorly with X pollen.