Early life vitamin D depletion and mechanical loading determine methylation changes in the RUNX2, RXRA, and osterix promoters in mice.

Background: Early life vitamin D exposure is linked to later skeletal health with maternal vitamin D status in pregnancy associated with neonatal bone mass. The MAVIDOS study has demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation leads to reduced RXRA DNA methylation. Mice exposed to early life vitamin D deficiency have reduced bone mass and bone accrual in response to mechanical loading.

Genetic imprints of Brosimum alicastrum Sw. in Mexico.

Premise: The mechanisms generating the geographical distributions of genetic diversity are a central theme in evolutionary biology. The amount of genetic diversity and its distribution are controlled by several factors, including dispersal abilities, physical barriers, and environmental and climatic changes. We investigated the patterns of genetic diversity and differentiation among populations of the widespread species Brosimum alicastrum in Mexico.

Whole-body energy transfer strategies during football instep kicking: implications for training practices.

Knowledge of whole-body energy transfer strategies during football instep kicking can help inform empirically grounded training practices. The aim of this study was thus to investigate energy transfer strategies of 15 semi-professional players performing kicks for speed and accuracy. Three-dimensional kinematics and GRFs (both 1000 Hz) were incorporated into segment power analyses to derive energy transfers between the support leg, torso, pelvis and kick leg throughout the kick.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellites for the neotropical dioecious palm Chamaedorea tepejilote (Arecaceae) and cross-amplification in other Chamaedorea species.

Palms are important components of tropical and subtropical ecosystems and have even been considered keystone plant resources that can support a large array of pollinators and frugivores. Palms are also economically important. Chamaedorea tepejilote Liebm.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in Astroniumgraveolens (Anacardiaceae) and cross amplification in related species.

Microsatellite markers are a useful genetic tool to answer ecological and conservation genetics questions. Microsatellite primers were developed and characterized to evaluate forest fragmentation effects on genetic structure, diversity and gene flow patterns in the dioecious tropical tree Astroniumgraveolens (Anacardiaceae). Using genomic library enrichment, sixteen microsatellite loci were developed for A.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellites loci in Spondias purpurea (Anacardiaceae) and cross amplification in congeneric species.

Microsatellite markers provide high polymorphism levels, useful to study genetic diversity and gene flow patterns in plant populations. Here we develop and characterize microsatellite primers to evaluate patterns of genetic structure and diversity, and gene flow levels in the dioecious tropical tree Spondias purpurea (Anacardiaceae). Twenty-four microsatellite primers were developed for Spondias purpurea.

Screening in the community to reduce fractures in older women (SCOOP): a randomised controlled trial.

Background: Despite effective assessment methods and medications targeting osteoporosis and related fractures, screening for fracture risk is not currently advocated in the UK. We tested whether a community-based screening intervention could reduce fractures in older women.

Methods: We did a two-arm randomised controlled trial in women aged 70-85 years to compare a screening programme using the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) with usual management.

Development and characterization of microsatellite primers in the endangered Mediterranean shrub (Rhamnaceae).

Premise Of The Study: Microsatellite primers were developed to characterize and evaluate patterns of genetic diversity and structure in the endangered Mediterranean shrub (Rhamnaceae).

Methods And Results: Twenty microsatellite primers were developed for , of which 14 were polymorphic. We evaluated microsatellite polymorphism in 97 specimens from 18 Spanish and seven Moroccan populations.

The effectiveness of a real life dose reduction strategy for tumour necrosis factor inhibitors in ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis.

Objective: To determine feasibility of TNF inhibitor (TNFi) dose reduction for severe AS and PsA patients.

Methods: A retrospective study in a real-world setting. Criteria for dose reduction of TNFi included BASDAI < 4 for ⩾6 months in AS; or DAS28-ESR ⩽ 3.

Isolation and characterization of 12 microsatellite loci in soapbark, Quillaja saponaria (Quillajaceae).

Premise Of The Study: Microsatellite primers were developed for the endemic Chilean tree Quillaja saponaria (Quillajaceae), a common member of the sclerophyllous Mediterranean forest, to investigate intraspecific patterns of genetic diversity and structure.

Methods And Results: Using an enriched library, 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed in Q. saponaria.

Host phenology and geography as drivers of differentiation in generalist fungal mycoparasites.

The question as to why parasites remain generalist or become specialist is a key unresolved question in evolutionary biology. Ampelomyces spp., intracellular mycoparasites of powdery mildew fungi, which are themselves plant pathogens, are a useful model for studies of this issue.

Development and characterization of microsatellite loci in the mistletoe Psittacanthus schiedeanus (Loranthaceae).

Premise Of The Study: Microsatellite primers were developed for the parasitic Psittacanthus schiedeanus, a common mistletoe species on cloud forest-adapted tree hosts in Mesoamerica, to investigate intraspecific genetic patterns of diversity and genetic structure. •

Methods And Results: Using an enriched library, 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed in P. schiedeanus.

Temporal isolation explains host-related genetic differentiation in a group of widespread mycoparasitic fungi.

Understanding the mechanisms responsible for divergence and specialization of pathogens on different hosts is of fundamental importance, especially in the context of the emergence of new diseases via host shifts. Temporal isolation has been reported in a few plants and parasites, but is probably one of the least studied speciation processes. We studied whether temporal isolation could be responsible for the maintenance of genetic differentiation among sympatric populations of Ampelomyces, widespread intracellular mycoparasites of powdery mildew fungi, themselves plant pathogens.

Epidemiology of hip fracture: Worldwide geographic variation.

Osteoporosis is a major health problem, especially in elderly populations, and is associated with fragility fractures at the hip, spine, and wrist. Hip fracture contributes to both morbidity and mortality in the elderly. The demographics of world populations are set to change, with more elderly living in developing countries, and it has been estimated that by 2050 half of hip fractures will occur in Asia.

A genetic linkage map of Venturia inaequalis, the causal agent of apple scab.

Background: Venturia inaequalis is an economically-important disease of apple causing annual epidemics of scab worldwide. The pathogen is a heterothallic ascomycete with an annual cycle of sexual reproduction on infected apple leaf litter, followed by several cycles of asexual reproduction during the apple growing season. Current disease control is achieved mainly through scheduled applications of fungicides.

Variations in infant feeding practice are associated with body composition in childhood: a prospective cohort study.

Context: Most studies of infant diet and later body composition focus on milk feeding; few consider the influence of variations in the weaning diet.

Objective: Our objective was to examine how variations in milk feeding and the weaning diet relate to body composition at 4 yr.

Study Population: A total of 536 children participating in a prospective birth cohort study.