Two new species of Acanthobothrium Blanchard, 1848 (Cestoda: Onchoproteocephalidea) from rajiform batoids off Argentina

Two new species of Acanthobothrium Blanchard, 1848 were collected from rajiform batoids along the coast of Argentina. They are Acanthobothrium carolinae sp. n. from Bathyraja magellanica (Philippi) and Acanthobothrium domingae sp. n. from Dipturus brevicaudatus (Marini). Both belong to category 1 and 2 because their total length is lower than 15 mm, they have fewer than 50 proglottids, fewer than 80 testes and a  symmetric or asymmetric ovary. Acanthobothrium carolinae sp. n. differs from all congeners by the following combination of features: proglottid apolysis, hook morphology, microthrix pattern on the cephalic peduncle and distribution of the vitelline follicles. Acanthobothrium domingae sp. n. is unique in the combination of proglottid apolysis, total length, number of proglottids, hook and septal morphology, microthrix pattern on the cephalic peduncle, number and distribution of testes, cirrus sac length, distribution of the vitelline follicles and genital pore position. The discovery of these species increases the number of species of Acanthobothrium parasitising rajiform batoids off Argentina from one to three. All three species have a  unique pattern of distribution of the gladiate spinitriches along the length of the cephalic peduncle, i.e., gladiate spinitriches being interrupted in a  medial line both dorsally and ventrally.Fil: Franzese, Sebastián. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada; ArgentinaFil: Ivanov, Veronica Adriana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental; Argentin

Severe obstructive sleep disorders in Prader-Willi syndrome patients in southern Italy

Sleep-related disordered breathing (SDB) is very common in paediatric patients affected by Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). However, data addressing SBD patterns and their management are lacking. The aim of the present study was to analyse SDB features in 14 PWS patients (age range, 8 months-17 years). Polygraphic registration (PG) during a 12-h nocturnal sleep was performed in all patients. Obstructive and central apnoea indices and oxygen saturation (SpO2) were recorded along with demographic and clinical data. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) was diagnosed in 13/14 patients (92.9%); the mean obstructive apnoea-hypopnea index (OAHI) was 7.6 ± 4.2 events/h with a mean central apnoea index (CAI) of 0.7 ± 1.04 events/h. Time spent with SpO2 < 90% was of 0.02% [range 0–23%], with a mean oxygen desaturation index of 12.1 ± 6.9 events/h. No correlation was found between OAHI and body mass index (mean BMI 28 ± 9.8 kg/m2 and BMI z-score 2.7 ± 1.7). Conclusion: OSA was the predominant sleep-related disorder in our PWS patients, not associated with age or obesity, and appeared more severe than previously reported. Further studies addressing the underlying mechanisms are necessary in larger study populations to better design the most appropriate clinical approach.What is Known:• Sleep-related patterns and their management are very limited in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome.What is New:• Severe obstructive sleep apnoea is the most frequent sleep-related disorder in our case series

Tapeworms (Platyhelminthes, Cestoda) from marine chondrichthyans of the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean, and the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic islands: a checklist

A parasite-host list of cestodes parasitizing chondrichthyans in the Southwest Atlantic off Argentina and surrounding waters of Antarctica is compiled based on the available literature. The list is based on published descriptions and redescriptions of species, and newly collected worms during the current study. A total of 57 valid species belonging to 28 genera of the orders Cathetocephalidea, Diphyllidea, Gyrocotylidea, Lecanicephalidea, Onchoproteocephalidea, Phyllobothriidea, Rhinebothriidea, “Tetraphyllidea”, and Trypanorhyncha is listed. Information on hosts, localities, specimens in collections and comments on tapeworms are also included. A host-parasite list including chimaeras (1 order, 1 genus), batoids (4 orders, 10 genera), and sharks (3 orders, 5 genera) is provided. Tapeworm diversity, distribution range, and host associations are discussed. The cestodes orders Phyllobothriidea and Rhinebothriidea exhibit the highest species richness, with 13 and 12 species, respectively. Onchoproteocephalideans and rhinebothriideans have the broadest geographic distribution in the study area. Regarding hosts, arhynchobatid skates are the group most frequently associated with cestodes. However, further collecting efforts are necessary to understand whether this data reflect the real diversity and host association of these parasites or is a result of a bias in sampling

Accuracy of Predictive Equations for Estimating Resting Energy Expenditure in Obese Adolescents

ObjectiveTo compare resting energy expenditure (REE) measured by indirect calorimetry with REE predicted using different equations in obese adolescents.Study designWe recruited 264 obese patients (body mass index ranging from 30.0-70.0 kg/m2) between 14 and 18 years of age. Data were obtained comparing measured and predicted REE derived from published equations for normal weight and obese adolescents. The average differences between measured and predicted REE, as well as the accuracy at ±10% level, were evaluated.ResultsEvaluating the mean REE in 109 males (1938 ± 271 kcal/d) and 155 females (2569 ± 459 kcal/d), we found that the Lazzer equation in males had the smallest difference between measured and predicted REE; in females the Henry-1, Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization/United Nations University, Schmelze, and Lazzer equations were the most accurate. The prediction accuracy was considered adequate within ±10%.ConclusionsREE predictive equations developed in obese patients and for specific age groups are more suitable than those for the general population. Inaccuracy of predicted REE could affect dietary prescription appropriateness and, consequently, dietary compliance in this age group

Analysis of Corneal Deformation in Paediatric Patients Affected by Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young Type 2

Abstract Background: To evaluate corneal deformation in Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young type 2 (MODY2), paediatric subjects were analysed using a Scheimpflug-based device. The purpose of this analysis was to find new biomarkers for MODY2 disease and to gain a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease. Methods: A total of 15 patients with genetic and metabolic diagnoses of MODY2 (mean age 12.8 ± 5.66 years) and 15 age-matched healthy subjects were included. The biochemical and anthropometric data of MODY2 patients were collected from clinical records, and a complete ophthalmic check with a Pentacam HR EM-3000 Specular Microscope and Corvis ST devices was performed in both groups. Results: Highest concavity (HC) deflection length, Applanation 1 (A1) deflection amplitude, and A1 deflection area showed significantly lower values in MODY2 patients compared to healthy subjects. A significant positive correlation was observed between Body Mass Index (BMI) and HC deflection area and between waist circumference (WC) and the following parameters: maximum deformation amplitude, HC deformation amplitude, and HC deflection area. The glycosylated hemoglobin level (HbA1c) showed a significant positive correlation with Applanation 2 time and HC time. Conclusions: The obtained results show, for the first time, differences regarding corneal distortion features in the MODY2 population compared with healthy eyes

Dynamic Anomalies of Fluids with Isotropic Doubled-Ranged Potential

Using molecular dynamics simulations we investigate the ability of an analytical three-dimensional double well in reproducing static and dynamic anomalies found experimentally in liquid water. We find anomalous behavior in the stable region of the phase diagram if the outer minimum is deeper than the inner minimum. In the case of a deeper inner minimum, anomalous behavior is also present but inside the unstable region.Comment: 10 pages, two figure