miRNAs and their role in the correlation between schizophrenia and cancer (Review).

Schizophrenia (SZ) and cancer (Ca) have a broad spectrum of clinical phenotypes and a complex biological background, implicating a large number of genetic and epigenetic factors. SZ is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder signified by an increase in the expression of apoptotic molecular signals, whereas Ca is conversely characterized by an increase in appropriate molecular signaling that stimulates uncontrolled cell proliferation. The rather low risk of developing Ca in patients suffering from SZ is a hypothesis that is still under debate. Recent evidence has indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs), a large group of small non­coding oligonoucleotides, may play a significant role in the development of Ca and major psychiatric disorders, such as SZ, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorders, suicidality and depression, through their interference with the expression of multiple genes. For instance, the possible role of let­7, miR­98 and miR­183 as biomarkers for Ca and SZ was investigated in our previous research studies. Therefore, further investigations on the expression profiles of these regulatory, small RNA molecules and the molecular pathways through which they exert their control may provide a plausible explanation as to whether there is a correlation between psychiatric disorders and low risk of developing Ca.

Fecundity selection on ornamental plumage colour differs between ages and sexes and varies over small spatial scales.

Avian plumage colours are some of the most conspicuous sexual ornaments, and yet standardized selection gradients for plumage colour have rarely been quantified. We examined patterns of fecundity selection on plumage colour in blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus L.). When not accounting for environmental heterogeneity, we detected relatively few cases of selection. We found significant disruptive selection on adult male crown colour and yearling female chest colour and marginally nonsignificant positive linear selection on adult female crown colour. We discovered no new significant selection gradients with canonical rotation of the matrix of nonlinear selection. Next, using a long-term data set, we identified territory-level environmental variables that predicted fecundity to determine whether these variables influenced patterns of plumage selection. The first of these variables, the density of oaks within 50 m of the nest, influenced selection gradients only for yearling males. The second variable, an inverse function of nesting density, interacted with a subset of plumage selection gradients for yearling males and adult females, although the strength and direction of selection did not vary predictably with population density across these analyses. Overall, fecundity selection on plumage colour in blue tits appeared rare and inconsistent among sexes and age classes.

Quantitative genetics of ontogeny of sexual dimorphism in red junglefowl (Gallus gallus).

We studied phenotypic patterns and underlying quantitative genetics of development of sexual size dimorphism in red junglefowl (Gallus gallus). Using a multigenerational pedigree and the 'animal model' technique, we found significant heritability for many of the size and growth-related traits we examined, as well as significant genetic correlations among them. Despite sexual size dimorphism throughout posthatching ontogeny, the genetic correlation between males and females for all size measurements and growth parameters remained high. Significant positive phenotypic and genetic correlations between the fastest rate of growth and mass at week 26 (near asymptote) indicate that faster growth when young promotes larger adult size. However, age at which peak growth is reached does not appear to be phenotypically or genetically correlated with adult size. Positive genetic correlations within traits among ages were common, demonstrating that the genetic variance important to growth is relatively consistent among ages. However, male mass and tarsus length showed no genetic correlation between week 0 values and those from later ages. The body size traits of mass and tarsus length were genetically correlated with each other in females, but this pattern was not significant in males. Thus, despite striking sexual dimorphism in size and growth trajectories, size dimorphic traits in junglefowl show, with some exceptions, genetic integration between the sexes, among ages, and between traits.

Quantitative genetics of sexually dimorphic traits and capture of genetic variance by a sexually-selected condition-dependent ornament in red junglefowl (Gallus gallus).

We studied the quantitative genetics of sexually selected traits in a captive population of red junglefowl (Gallus gallus L.) using a multi-generational 'animal model' approach. We found significant heritability of mass, tarsus length (both strongly sexually dimorphic), residual mass, and male comb (a fleshy head ornament) length. Residual mass has a genetic correlation between the sexes smaller than unity and so could show partially independent responses to selection in the two sexes. In males, tarsus length and mass were not genetically correlated, and this produced a negative genetic correlation between tarsus length and residual mass. The male red junglefowl's comb, an ornament influencing female choice, is highly condition dependent. We show that expression of this ornament is heritable, however, and shows strong genetic correlation with a condition index, residual mass. Because residual mass is partly influenced by various aspects of condition, it appears that comb size has 'captured' genetic variability in condition.

Exogastric leiomyoblastoma: a rare gastric neoplasm mimicking left hepatic mass on computed tomography.

Leiomyoblastomas are rare gastric neoplasms that may occur as exogastric masses, producing difficulty in correct localization and diagnosis. Two exogastric leiomyoblastomas were misdiagnosed as primary hepatic lesions due to their appearance on computed tomography. A discussion of these rare neoplasms, the potential for their erroneous diagnosis, and ways to avoid this computed tomography pitfall is presented.

Parathyroid cyst.

Although parathyroid cyst has been infrequently reported until the past decade, its presumed rarity is attributed to nonrecognition. First reported in 1905, only 58 cases of parathyroid cyst had been documented in the world literature by 1967. Since then, however, substantial literature about this entity has been accumulating. The three cases we are reporting bring the cumulative total to 149. All three have been examined histologically and treated by aspiration or surgical excision. There is confusion clinically with thyroid cysts, and assay of fluid aspirate for parathormone and thyroxine may not accurately distinguish the origin of the cyst. Tissue diagnosis is confirmatory. Parathyroid cysts may be developmental, arising from vestigial remnants of the third and fourth branchial clefts; or coalescence of microcysts with associated hypersecretion may enlarge into macrocysts; or an adenoma may degenerate into a pseudocyst. Hyperparathyroidism, if present, is associated with only the last two.

Nissen fundoplication for reflux peptic esophagitis.

One hundred sixty-five patients with reflux peptic esophagitis have been treated by Nissen fundoplication. When compared with a group of 104 patients reported five years ago, the incidence of persistent or recurrent esophagitis remains approximately the same (10% versus 8%). This is consistent with the assumption that the Nissen procedure when initially successful tends to remain so and that late recurrence appears to be uncommon. The unpleasant postoperative sequela which we have termed the "gas-bloat syndrome" was noted in 1971 to be present in the early postoperative period in approximately one-half the patients. Late follow-up, however, averaging four years indicates a marked reduction in this disorder with either absence or clinical insignificance in 87% of patients. Nonetheless, moderate symptoms persist in 11% and severe symptoms requiring active treatment in 2%. Manometric study of the lower esophageal sphincter indicates nearly a three-fold increase in resting pressure following Nissen fundoplication (p less than .001). It is hoped that manometric study will provide a more reliable prognostic measure of sphincter restoration than the measurement of pH across the gastroesophageal junction.

Effect of bowel preparation on small bowel microflora and postoperative wound infection.

A method of wound closure utilizing continuous wound compression and suction decompression of the subcutaneous space is described. This method has reduced the incidence of wound complication in the diverse population of patients in whom it has been utilized.