The Relevance of Discovering and Recovering the Biodiversity of Apulian Almond Germplasm by Means of Molecular and Phenotypic Markers

Almond cultivation has great traditional and economic relevance in Southern Italy, especially in the Apulia region, where almond trees feature an ample and ancient varietal richness. To contrast the loss of plant genetic erosion and to safeguard the available bioresources, as well as to reinforce the local production, the regional Re.Ge.Fru.P. project aimed to re-evaluate, identify, and characterize the Apulian almond germplasm that is still uncharacterized and not jet studied using a dual (genetic and morphological) approach. Collection was conducted in the regional territory of 187 among the most widespread and minor or marginalized genotypes that were molecularly fingerprinted by means of 18 nuclear microsatellites (simple sequence repeats, SSRs). The high number of scored alleles reflected the great level of diversification within the Apulian germplasm, as also confirmed by neighbor joining and structure analysis, that clearly distinguished different genotype clusters. The phenotypic characterization using 17 morphological and phenological descriptors mirrored the genetic results, revealing a high degree of variability. The morphological traits with the best discriminatory ability were nut ventral suture, shell softness and shape and petal color. This work emphasizes the importance of recovering the genetic variability of Apulian almond germplasm, and the need to promote added value and enhance the local agri-food economy

Body Image Quality of Life Related to Light Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior among Young Adults with Overweight/Obesity

Sedentary behaviors, low levels of physical activity (PA), and low body image quality of life have been identified during college years and associated with poor health outcomes. Public health efforts have recently focused on decreasing sedentary time by increasing light physical activity, both of which have been associated with body image quality of life, though mainly through self-report. In this cross-sectional study, we examined objective actigraphy and survey data from 404 of 459 young adults with overweight and obesity (mean age 23.3 +/- 4.4 years, 78.4% female, 55.4% white). PA was measured using an accelerometer worn during waking hours for \u3e 10 h/day for four days. Body image quality of life was assessed using the Body Image Quality of Life Inventory Scale. Body image was positively correlated with light PA (r = 0.15) and inversely correlated with BMI (Pearson\u27s r = -0.20) and sedentary time (r = -0.10), but not moderate PA, vigorous PA, or MVPA. Light PA and sedentary time were significantly inversely correlated (r = -0.38). When controlling for covariates, higher body image quality of life was significantly associated with higher levels of light PA (beta = 0.39; p \u3c 0.01) and lower sedentary time (beta = -0.39; p = 0.02). Participants with lower body image quality of life enrolled in weight loss interventions may benefit from prescriptions of light PA in conjunction with decreasing sedentary behaviors

Enfermedad funcional tiroidea en la población de edad avanzada

ObjetivoDescribir la prevalencia de enfermedad funcional tiroidea (EFT) y otras afecciones asociadasa ella en una población de edad avanzadaDiseñoEstudio descriptivo transversalEmplazamientoCentro de atención primaria urbanoPacientesMuestra representativa de toda la poblacion atendida con edad . 60 anosMediciones principalesVariables demográficas, antecedentes clínicos de enfermedad tiroidea y afecciones asociadas a ella, índice de masa corporal, tests reducidos para el diagnóstico de depresión y ansiedad, Mini-Mental Test, electrocardiograma, determinación de colesterol total y colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de baja densidad (cLDL) y determinación de tirotropina y tiroxina libre si ésta estaba alteradaResultadosSe estudio a 192 personas, un 56% mujeres, con un 53% de 60–69 anos y un 12% con edad superior a 79 anos. Un 10% tenia antecedentes de EFT previa. La prevalencia de EFT activa fue del 13% (10,41% hipotiroidismo subclinico, 0,52% hipotiroidismo clinico, 1,56% hipertiroidismo subclinico y 0,52% hipertiroidismo clinico). La prevalencia de nuevos diagnosticos de EFT fue del 4,1% (7 hipotiroidismos y 1 hipertiroidismo, todos subclinicos). En el hipotiroidismo, se detectaron durante el estudio, las siguientes enfermedades: un 43% de trastornos de ansiedad, un 38% de sindromes depresivos, un 28,5% de deterioros cognitivos, un 9,5% de demencias, un 26% de alteraciones electrocardiograficas, un 47,6% de obesidad y un 28,5% de colesterol total . 250 mg/dl. En el hipertiroidismo se detectaron: un 50% de sindromes depresivos, un 25% de deterioros cognitivos, un 25% de alteraciones electrocardiograficas y un 50% de obesidadConclusionesLa prevalencia de EFT en la población de edad avanzada es superior a la de la población general, con un predominio del hipotiroidismo, las enfermedades subclínicas y las mujeres. Respecto a las enfermedades clásicamente asociadas a la disfunción tiroidea, se han observado pocas diferencias entre la población afectada de EFT y la no afectada. El papel del médico de atención primaria es importante para disminuir el infradiagnósticoObjectiveTo describe the prevalence of functional thyroid pathology (FTP) and pathologies associated with it in an elderly populationDesignDescriptive, cross-sectional studySettingUrban primary care centrePatientsRepresentative sample of the entire population attended that was 60 years old or overMain measurementsDemographic variables, clinicalhistory of thyroid pathology and pathology associated with it, Body Mass Index, small tests for diagnosing depression and anxiety, the mini-mental test, electrocardiogram, determination of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, and of free thyrotrophin and thyroxin if it is disturbedResults192 people were studied, 56% women, 53% between 60 and 69 and 12% over 79 years old. 10% had a history of previous FTP. Prevalence of active FTP was 13% (10.41% sub-clinical hypothyroidism, 0.52% clinical hypothyroidism, 1.56% subclinical hyperthyroidism, and 0.52% clinical hyperthyroidism). Prevalence of new diagnoses of FTP was 4.1% (7 with hypothyroidism and 1 with hyperthyroidism, all sub-clinical). During the study the following pathology was detected in hypothyroidism sufferers: 43% anxiety disorder, 38% depressive syndrome, 28.5% cognitive deterioration, 9.5% dementia, 26% electrocardiographic disturbances, 47.6% obesity, and 28.5% with total cholesterol .250 mg/dL. In hyperthyroidism, 50% with depressive syndrome, 25% with cognitive deterioration, 25% with electrocardiographic disturbances, and 50% with obesity were detectedConclusionsFTP is more prevalent among theelderly than in the population as a whole, with predominance of hypothyroidism, subclinical pathology and among women. In terms of pathology traditionally linked to thyroid malfunction, few differences were found between the population affectedwith FTP and those not affected. Primary care doctors are important in reducing underdiagnosi

Estimativas de parâmetros genético e fenotipicos dos pesos ao nascimento e a desmama e do ganho de peso pre-desmama em um rebanho Canchim.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi estimar as herdabilidades e as correlações genética, fenotipica e ambiental, dos pesos ao nascimento e a desmama e ganho de peso diário do nascimento a desmama de animais da raça Canchim, criados em regime de pasto na região Oeste do Estado de São Paulo.Resumo expandido

Estimativas de parâmetros genéticos e fenotípicos para características de crescimento até a desmama em bovinos da Raça Canchim.

Foi obtido as estimativas de herdabilidade e de correlações genéticas, fenotípicas e de ambiente, para os pesos ao nascimento e a desmama e ganho de peso diário do nascimento a desmama de animais da raça Canchim

Physical Activity, Mental Health, and Technology Preferences to Support Cancer Survivors During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has had significant health-related and behavioral impacts worldwide. Cancer survivors (hereafter referred to as survivors ) are particularly prone to behavioral changes and are encouraged to be more vigilant and observe stricter social distancing measures. OBJECTIVE: We explored (1) changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviors since the onset of COVID-19, along with changes in mental health status, and (2) alternative strategies to support survivors\u27 physical activity and social health during and after COVID-19, along with the role of digital health in such strategies. METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed among survivors participating (currently or previously) in the community-based physical activity program LIVESTRONG at the Young Men\u27s Christian Association (YMCA), from 3 sites outside an urban area in Massachusetts. Questions addressed pre-COVID-19 vs current changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the 2-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-2) and 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2), and scores \u3e /=3 indicated a clinical diagnosis of anxiety or depression, respectively. Digital health preferences were assessed through closed-ended questions. Open-ended responses addressing other preferences for physical activity programs and social support were analyzed, coded, and categorized into themes. RESULTS: Among 61 participants (mean age 62 [SD 10.4] years; females: 51/61 [83.6%]), 67.2% (n=41) reported decreased physical activity and 67.2% (n=41) reported prolonged sitting times since the onset of COVID-19. Further, 24.6% (n=15) and 26.2% (n=16) met the GAD-2 and PHQ-2 criteria for clinical anxiety and depression, respectively. All participants owned a cellphone; 90% (n=54) owned a smartphone. Preferences for physical activity programs (n=28) included three themes: (1) use of digital or remote platforms (Zoom, other online platforms, and video platforms), (2) specific activities and locations (eg, outdoor activities, walking, gardening, biking, and physical activities at the YMCA and at senior centers), and (3) importance of social support regardless of activity type (eg, time spent with family, friends, peers, or coaches). The survey revealed a mean score of 71.8 (SD 21.4; scale 0-100) for the importance of social support during physical activity programs. Social support preferences (n=15) revealed three themes: (1) support through remote platforms (eg, texting, Zoom, phone calls, emails, and Facebook), (2) tangible in-person support (YMCA and senior centers), and (3) social support with no specific platform (eg, small gatherings and family or friend visits). CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity and mental health are critical factors for the quality of life of survivors, and interventions tailored to their activity preferences are necessary. Digital or remote physical activity programs with added social support may help address the ongoing needs of survivors during and after the pandemic. Wang, Sarah L Cutrona, Rajani S Sadasivam. Originally published in JMIR Cancer (http://cancer.jmir.org), 03.02.2021