A Microsatellite Genetic Linkage Map for Xiphophorus

Interspecies hybrids between distinct species of the genus Xiphophorus are often used in varied research investigations to identify genomic regions associated with the inheritance of complex traits. There are 24 described Xiphophorus species and a greater number of pedigreed strains; thus, the number of potential interspecies hybrid cross combinations is quite large. Previously, select Xiphophorus experimental crosses have been shown to exhibit differing characteristics between parental species and among the hybrid fishes derived from crossing them, such as widely differing susceptibilities to chemical or physical agents. For instance, genomic regions harboring tumor suppressor and oncogenes have been identified via linkage association of these loci with a small set of established genetic markers. The power of this experimental strategy is related to the number of genetic markers available in the Xiphophorus interspecies cross of interest. Thus, we have undertaken the task of expanding the suite of easily scored markers by characterization of Xiphophorus microsatellite sequences. Using a cross between Xiphophorus maculatus and X. andersi, we report a linkage map predominantly composed of microsatellite markers. All 24 acrocentric chromosome sets of Xiphophorus are represented in the assembled linkage map with an average intergenomic distance of 7.5 cM. Since both male and female F(1) hybrids were used to produce backcross progeny, these recombination rates were compared between “male” and “female” maps. Although several genomic regions exhibit differences in map length, male- and female-derived maps are similar. Thus Xiphophorus, in contrast to zebrafish, Danio rerio, and several other vertebrate species, does not show sex-specific differences in recombination. The microsatellite markers we report can be easily adapted to any Xiphophorus interspecies and some intraspecies crosses, and thus provide a means to directly compare results derived from independent experiments

Improving clinical competences and skills—collaborative learning strategies in intensive care medicine

This article examines the competencies required from intensive care nurses and physicians regarding complex patient care in the intensive care unit. Traditional training methods and structures in critical care are put into context with the contemporary educational requirements. The goals are promotion of the interprofessional cooperation between nurses and physicians as well as a comparison between previous educational methods and their implications on the resulting skills. Clinical competences are defined as the result of basic professional training as well as further education, which can improve the quality of patient care. Options for improving teaching are shown through the presentation of the various learning venues for theory and clinical practice. Contemporary skills labs and simulation trainings are discussed as a useful supplement to traditional approaches such as traditional nursing practice instruction. It will also be discussed how collaborative learning between nurses and physicians at all levels of training can lead to better patient care by increasing the individual and shared competences

Physical Activity Performed in the Evening Increases the Overnight Muscle Protein Synthetic Response to Presleep Protein Ingestion in Older Men

Background: The age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass is partly attributed to anabolic resistance to food intake. Dietary protein ingestion before sleep could be used as a nutritional strategy to compensate for anabolic resistance. Objective: The present study assessed whether physical activity performed in the evening can augment the overnight muscle protein synthetic response to presleep protein ingestion in older men. Methods: In a parallel group design, 23 healthy older men ( mean ± SEM age: 71 ± 1 y ) were randomly assigned to ingest 40 g protein intrinsically labeled with L-[1-13C]-phenylalanine and L-[1-13C]-leucine before going to sleep with ( PRO+EX ) or without ( PRO ) performing physical activity earlier in the evening. Overnight protein digestion and absorption kinetics and myofibrillar protein synthesis rates were assessed by combining primed, continuous infusions of L-[ring-2H5]-phenylalanine, L-[1-13C]-leucine, and L-[ring-2H2]-tyrosine with the ingestion of intrinsically labeled casein protein. Muscle and blood samples were collected throughout overnight sleep. Results: Protein ingested before sleep was normally digested and absorbed, with 54% ± 2% of the protein-derived amino acids appearing in the circulation throughout overnight sleep. Overnight myofibrillar protein synthesis rates were 31% ( 0.058% ± 0.002%/h compared with 0.044% ± 0.003%/h; P < 0.01; based on L-[ring-2H5]-phenylalanine ) and 27% ( 0.074% ± 0.004%/h compared with 0.058% ± 0.003%/h; P < 0.01; based on L-[1-13C]-leucine ) higher in the PRO+EX than in the PRO treatment. More dietary protein-derived amino acids were incorporated into de novo myofibrillar protein during overnight sleep in PRO+EX than in PRO treatment ( 0.042 ± 0.002 compared with 0.033 ± 0.002 mole percent excess; P < 0.05 ). Conclusions: Physical activity performed in the evening augments the overnight muscle protein synthetic response to presleep protein ingestion and allows more of the ingested protein-derived amino acids to be used for de novo muscle protein synthesis during overnight sleep in older me

Supportive strategies to improve adherence to IFN β-1b in multiple sclerosis - Results of the βPlus observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Low adherence to treatment in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has been shown to lead to poor health outcomes. Various strategies to improve adherence have been suggested including educative programs, injection devices and dedicated nurse assistance. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of elements of the patient support program on adherence; to explore disease factors affecting adherence; and to determine whether these factors influence the choices of supportive elements. METHODS: A prospective, observational cohort study was conducted. MS patients were eligible if they had switched to Interferon beta-1b (IFNB-1b) between 1 and 3 months prior to inclusion. Data were collected at months 6, 12, 18 and 24 after inclusion. Adherence was defined as completion of both study protocol and medication at 24 months. Patients underwent evaluations of disability, quality of life, depression, and coping styles. RESULTS: A total of 1077 patients from 15 countries were included, of which 61.8% were adherent to IFNB-1b after 24-months. Depression, quality of life and autoinjector devices were baseline predictors of adherence at 24-months. Coping styles did not show to have substantial impact on adherence. Lower quality of life increased the probability of choosing supportive elements. CONCLUSION: The study showed that the usage of autoinjector devices chosen during the study was the strongest predictor of drug adherence of all the supportive elements tested in this study