Determinants of riverine migration success by Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts from rivers across the UK and Ireland.

There is some evidence that the river migration success of Atlantic salmon smolts, on their first migration to sea, varies both spatially and temporally. However, we have only a poor understanding of what may be driving this variation. In this study, we used acoustic telemetry to quantify the spatial and temporal variations in river migration success in Atlantic salmon smolts on their first migration to sea.

A family-based study of the IL3RA gene on susceptibility to schizophrenia in a Chinese Han population.

Schizophrenia has been observed to be associated with various abnormalities in cytokines and cytokine receptors that have been one of the recent focal points of immunological research in schizophrenia. Recent reports have showed that IL-3 gene, colony stimulating factor 2 receptor alpha (CSF2RA) and IL-3 receptor alpha (IL3RA) are associated with schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to investigate IL3RA gene variants in schizophrenia among a Chinese population by using a family-based association approach.

Delayed vasodilatory response to methylnicotinate in patients with unipolar depressive disorder.

Background: Recent evidence has suggested an important role for lipids in the etiology and treatment of depression. Methylnicotinate-induced vasodilation can be used to investigate lipid-dependent signalling mechanisms involving the phospholipase A2 (PLA2)/cyclooxygenase pathway, an important signalling system involved in the action of several neurotransmitters including serotonin. To investigate whether abnormalities in this signalling system may occur in depressive illness, we undertook a study of methylnicotinate response in unipolar depression (UD).

Reduced vasodilatory response to methylnicotinate in schizophrenia as assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry.

The normal vasodilatory response to topically applied methylnicotinate has been reported to be absent or reduced in patients with schizophrenia, a finding thought to be related to aberrant phospholipid metabolism. Previous studies have however failed to measure vasodilation using a direct and objective method. In addition, it is unknown whether methylnicotinate insensitivity is specific to schizophrenia.

Increased levels of ethane, a non-invasive marker of n-3 fatty acid oxidation, in breath of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comprises a range of behavioural problems including inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Diagnosis and treatment of the disorder is made difficult due to its unknown biological basis. Several studies have identified abnormalities in membrane fatty acids in some subjects with ADHD, and some success has been reported using lipid therapies.