Molecular autopsy in Chinese sudden cardiac death in the young.

Inherited cardiovascular conditions are significant causes of sudden cardiac death in the young (SCDY), making their investigation using molecular autopsy and prevention a public health priority. However, the molecular autopsy data in Chinese population is lacking. The 5-year result (2017-2021) of molecular autopsy services provided for victims of SCDY (age 1-40 years) was reviewed. The outcome of family cascade genetic screening and clinical evaluation was reviewed. A literature review of case series reporting results of molecular autopsy on SCDY in 2016-2023 was conducted. Among the 41 decedents, 11 were found to carry 13 sudden cardiac death (SCD)-causative genetic variants. Likely pathogenic (LP) variants were identified in the DSP, TPM1, TTN, and SCN5A genes. Cascade genetic testing identified four family members with LP variants. One family member with familial TPM1 variant was found to have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy upon clinical evaluation. This study provided insight into the genetic profile of molecular autopsy in a Chinese cohort of SCDY. The detection of important SCD-causative variants through molecular autopsy has facilitated family cascade screening by targeted genetic testing and clinical evaluation of at-risk family members. A literature review of the current landscape of molecular autopsy in the investigation of SCDY was conducted.

METAZOAN PARASITE COMMUNITY OF THE YELLOW SNAPPER LUTJANUS ARGENTIVENTRIS: FACTORS THAT INFLUENCING SPECIES COMPOSITION AND RICHNESS.

A total of 366 individuals of Lutjanus argentiventris (Peters, 1869) were collected over a 5-yr period (October 2018 to June 2022) from Acapulco Bay, Mexico. Parasite communities in Lutjanus argentiventris were quantified and analyzed to determine the main factors that generate changes in species richness and/or species composition over time. The digeneans and copepods were the best-represented parasite groups. The parasite communities were characterized by a high numerical dominance of ectoparasites, mainly isopod larvae. Species richness at the component community level (9-23 species) was similar to the reported richness in other Lutjanus spp. The parasite communities of Lutjanus argentiventris exhibited high variability in species composition, suggesting that each parasite species may respond differently to environmental changes. However, the species richness and diversity were fairly stable over time; therefore, a clear pattern of interannual variation was not observed. Variations in the community structure probably were due to factors such as host traits (e.g., feeding behavior and body size), and possible interannual differences in environmental factors amplified by the occurrence of the anomalous event of La Niña.

Inter-annual and seasonal variations of the metazoan parasite communities of the blue sea catfish Ariopsis guatemalensis (Siluriformes: Ariidae), in a tropical coastal lagoon.

Parasitological studies of long-term inter-annual variations provide more precise and reliable information about the biological structure of fish parasite communities, and constitute a reference data base for future studies. A total of 1103 blue sea catfish Ariopsis guatemalensis from a tropical eutrophic coastal lagoon were examined for parasites over a 22-year period (from May 2000 to October 2022), to test the hypothesis that parasite communities of this host, should exhibit greater variations in their structure and species composition mainly over long-term periods. Three species of monoxenous (single-host life cycle), and nine of heteroxenous (multi-host life cycle) parasites were identified. The results indicated that parasite species composition of this catfish has remained stable over a 22-years period. However, the community structure has registered notable changes over periods of several years, mainly due to the replacement of the numerically dominant species. Temporal variations in the infection dynamics of component parasite species, were possibly caused by a combination of biotic and abiotic factors, influenced by the seasonal dry/rainy cycle, which can affect the availability of intermediate host populations, as well as the feeding and reproductive behavior of the host.

Momentary mechanisms of binge-eating symptoms using ecological momentary assessment: The moderating role of food addiction.

OBJECTIVE: Food addiction (FA) shows phenotypic and diagnostic overlap with eating disorders characterised by binge eating, though it is unknown how momentary processes driving binge-eating symptoms differ by FA. The present study examined the possible moderating influence of FA severity on momentary mechanisms underlying binge-eating symptomatology using ecological momentary assessment (EMA). METHOD: Adults (N = 49, mean age = 34.9 ± 12.1, cis-gender female = 77.1%) who met criteria for FA and/or binge-eating disorder completed baseline measures including the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) followed by a 10-day EMA protocol. Generalised linear mixed models assessed main effects of YFAS, momentary antecedents (affect, impulsivity, food cue exposure, appetite, and eating expectancies) and two-way interactions between YFAS and within-person antecedents. RESULTS: FA severity moderated momentary associations between food cue exposure and subsequent binge-eating symptoms: the association was stronger among participants with lower but not higher YFAS scores. No other interactions were significant. CONCLUSIONS: Some functional associations underlying binge-eating symptoms vary based on individuals' level of FA symptoms. Future research to further understand how observed associations may differ amongst diverse populations and over course of illness may also inform future prevention and interventions.

Clinical and molecular characteristics of hemophilia A affected individuals and carriers: A 24 years experience from three centers.

Hemophilia A is a rare bleeding disorder with variable expressivity and allelic heterogeneity. Despite the advancement of prenatal diagnostics and molecular studies, the number of studies reviewing the reproductive choices of hemophilia A carriers and affected individuals remains limited. Through this retrospective review, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of hemophilia A-affected individuals' clinical and molecular characteristics, as well as the reproductive choices of the at-risk couples. A total of 122 individuals harboring likely causative F8 gene alterations from 64 apparently unrelated families attending three centers between 3/2000 and 3/2023 were included in this study. Their clinical and molecular findings as well as reproductive choices were gathered in a clinical setting and verified through the electronic medical record database of the public health system. Forty-seven affected males and 75 female heterozygous carriers were included in the analysis. Among 64 apparently unrelated families, 36 distinct pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants were identified, of which 30.6% (11/36) of variants were novel. While the majority of clinical findings and genotype-phenotype correlations appear to be in accordance with existing literature, female carriers who had no fertility intention were significantly more likely to have affected sons than those who had fertility intention (5/19 vs. 4/5; p = 0.047). Through this retrospective review, we summarized the clinical and molecular characteristics of 122 individuals harboring pathogenic/likely pathogenic F8 variants, as well as their fertility intentions and reproductive outcomes. Further studies are required to look into the considerations involved in reproductive decision-making.

Efficacy and Safety of Bleselumab in Preventing the Recurrence of Primary Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Phase 2a, Randomized, Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a common cause of end-stage kidney disease and frequently recurs after kidney transplantation. Recurrent FSGS (rFSGS) is associated with poor allograft and patient outcomes. Bleselumab, a fully human immunoglobulin G4 anti-CD40 antagonistic monoclonal antibody, disrupts CD40-related processes in FSGS, potentially preventing rFSGS. METHODS: A phase 2a, randomized, multicenter, open-label study of adult recipients (aged ≥18 y) of a living or deceased donor kidney transplant with a history of biopsy-proven primary FSGS. The study assessed the efficacy of bleselumab combined with tacrolimus and corticosteroids as maintenance immunosuppression in the prevention of rFSGS >12 mo posttransplantation, versus standard of care (SOC) comprising tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and corticosteroids. All patients received basiliximab induction. The primary endpoint was rFSGS, defined as proteinuria (protein-creatinine ratio ≥3.0 g/g) with death, graft loss, or loss to follow-up imputed as rFSGS, through 3 mo posttransplant. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients were followed for 12 mo posttransplantation. Relative decrease in rFSGS occurrence through 3 mo with bleselumab versus SOC was 40.7% (95% confidence interval, -89.8 to 26.8; P = 0.37; absolute decrease 12.7% [95% confidence interval, -34.5 to 9.0]). Central-blinded biopsy review found relative (absolute) decreases in rFSGS of 10.9% (3.9%), 17.0% (6.2%), and 20.5% (7.5%) at 3, 6, and 12 mo posttransplant, respectively; these differences were not statistically significant. Adverse events were similar for both treatments. No deaths occurred during the study. CONCLUSIONS: In at-risk kidney transplant recipients, bleselumab numerically reduced proteinuria occurrence versus SOC, but no notable difference in occurrence of biopsy-proven rFSGS was observed.

Gut microbiota disturbances in hospitalized older adults with malnutrition and clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Malnutrition is one of the most threatening conditions in geriatric populations. The gut microbiota has an important role in the host's metabolic and muscular health: however, its interplay with disease-related malnutrition is not well understood. We aimed to identify the association of malnutrition with the gut microbiota and predict clinical outcomes in hospitalized acutely ill older adults. METHODS: We performed a secondary longitudinal analysis in 108 geriatric patients from a prospective cohort evaluated at admission and 72 h of hospitalization. We collected clinical, demographic, nutritional, and 16S rRNA gene-sequenced gut microbiota data. Microbiota diversity, overall composition, and differential abundance were calculated and compared between patients with and without malnutrition. Microbiota features associated with malnutrition were used to predict clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Patients with malnutrition (51%) had a different microbiota composition compared to those who were well-nourished during hospitalization (ANOSIM R = 0.079, P = 0.003). Patients with severe malnutrition showed poorer α-diversity at admission (Shannon P = 0.012, Simpson P = 0.018) and follow-up (Shannon P = 0.023, Chao1 P = 0.008). Differential abundance of Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group, Subdoligranulum, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii were significantly lower and inversely associated with malnutrition, while Corynebacterium, Ruminococcaceae Incertae Sedis, and Fusobacterium were significantly increased and positively associated with malnutrition. Corynebacterium, Ruminococcaceae Incertae Sedis, and the overall composition were important predictors of critical care in patients with malnutrition during hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Older adults with malnutrition, especially in a severe stage, may be subject to substantial gut microbial disturbances during hospitalization. The gut microbiota profile of patients with malnutrition might help us to predict worse clinical outcomes.

A genetic circuit on a single DNA molecule as an autonomous dissipative nanodevice.

Realizing genetic circuits on single DNA molecules as self-encoded dissipative nanodevices is a major step toward miniaturization of autonomous biological systems. A circuit operating on a single DNA implies that genetically encoded proteins localize during coupled transcription-translation to DNA, but a single-molecule measurement demonstrating this has remained a challenge. Here, we use a genetically encoded fluorescent reporter system with improved temporal resolution and observe the synthesis of individual proteins tethered to a DNA molecule by transient complexes of RNA polymerase, messenger RNA, and ribosome. Against expectations in dilute cell-free conditions where equilibrium considerations favor dispersion, these nascent proteins linger long enough to regulate cascaded reactions on the same DNA. We rationally design a pulsatile genetic circuit by encoding an activator and repressor in feedback on the same DNA molecule. Driven by the local synthesis of only several proteins per hour and gene, the circuit dynamics exhibit enhanced variability between individual DNA molecules, and fluctuations with a broad power spectrum. Our results demonstrate that co-expressional localization, as a nonequilibrium process, facilitates single-DNA genetic circuits as dissipative nanodevices, with implications for nanobiotechnology applications and artificial cell design.

Does knowledge make a difference? Understanding how the lay public and experts assess the credibility of information on novel foods.

Drawing on Metzger's dual-processing model of credibility assessment, this study examines how individuals with varying topical knowledge (laypersons vs experts) assess the credibility of information on novel foods. Online focus group discussions reveal that both groups share similar motivations for assessing the credibility of information on novel foods (e.g. personal relevance and concerns about the impact of unverified information on others). However, they differ in the barriers they encounter during the assessment of information credibility. Both groups employ analytical (e.g. evaluating content quality) and intuitive methods (e.g. looking at source credibility) to assess the credibility of novel food-related information. However, they differ in the cues used for credibility assessment. Laypersons tend to rely on superficial heuristics (e.g. social endorsement cues or surface features), whereas experts rely more on content features and scientific knowledge to evaluate information credibility. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Direct Medical Spending on Young and Average-Age Onset Colorectal Cancer before and after Diagnosis: a Population-Based Costing Study.

BACKGROUND: Despite a better understanding of the increasing incidence of young-onset colorectal cancer (yCRC; age at diagnosis <50 years), little is known about its economic burden. Therefore, we estimated direct medical spending on yCRC before and after diagnosis. METHODS: We used linked administrative health databases in British Columbia, Canada, to create a study population of yCRC and average-age onset colorectal cancer (aCRC; age at diagnosis ≥50 years) cases, along with cancer-free controls. Over the 1-year period preceding a colorectal cancer diagnosis, we estimated direct medical spending on hospital visits, healthcare practitioners, and prescription medications. After diagnosis, we calculated cost attributable to yCRC and aCRC, which additionally included the cost of cancer treatments (e.g., chemotherapy and radiotherapy) across phases of care. RESULTS: We included 1,058 yCRC (45.4% females; age at diagnosis 42.4 ± 6.2 years) and 12,619 aCRC (44.8% females; age at diagnosis of 68.1 ± 9.2 years) cases. Direct medical spending on the average yCRC and aCRC case during the year before diagnosis was $6,711 and $8,056, respectively. After diagnosis, the overall average annualized cost attributable to yCRC significantly differed in comparison with aCRC for the initial ($50,216 vs. $37,842; P < 0.001), continuing ($8,361 vs. $5,014; P < 0.001), and end-of-life cancer phase ($86,125 vs. $61,512; P < 0.001) but not end-of-life non-cancer phase ($77,273 vs. $23,316; P = 0.372). CONCLUSIONS: Reported cost estimates may be used as inputs for future economic evaluations pertaining to yCRC. IMPACT: We provided comprehensive cost estimates for healthcare spending on young-onset colorectal cancer.

Intellectual Functioning of Children With Isolated PRS, PRS-Plus, and Syndromic PRS.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the intelligence quotient (IQ) of children with Pierre Robin sequence (PRS). DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Neurodevelopmental follow-up clinic within a hospital. PATIENTS: Children with PRS (n = 45) who had been in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) were classified by a geneticist into 3 subgroups of isolated PRS (n = 20), PRS-plus additional medical features (n = 8), and syndromic PRS (n = 17) based on medical record review and genetic testing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Children with PRS completed IQ testing at 5 or 8 years of age with the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Third Edition (WPPSI-III) or Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV) or the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition (WISC-IV) or Fifth Edition (WISC-V). RESULTS: IQ scores were more than 1 to 2 standard deviations below the mean for 36% of the overall sample, which was significantly greater compared to test norms (binomial test P = .001). There was a significant association between PRS subtype and IQ (Fisher's exact P = .026). While only 20% of children with isolated PRS were within 1 standard deviation below average and 35% of children with syndromic PRS were below 1 to 2 standard deviations, 75% of PRS-plus children scored lower than 1 to 2 standard deviations below the mean. CONCLUSION: PRS subgroups can help identify children at risk for cognitive delay. The majority of children with PRS-plus had low intellectual functioning, in contrast to the third of children with syndromic PRS who had low IQ and the majority of children with isolated PRS who had average or higher IQ.

Computational analysis of protein synthesis, diffusion, and binding in compartmental biochips.

Protein complex assembly facilitates the combination of individual protein subunits into functional entities, and thus plays a crucial role in biology and biotechnology. Recently, we developed quasi-twodimensional, silicon-based compartmental biochips that are designed to study and administer the synthesis and assembly of protein complexes. At these biochips, individual protein subunits are synthesized from locally confined high-density DNA brushes and are captured on the chip surface by molecular traps. Here, we investigate single-gene versions of our quasi-twodimensional synthesis systems and introduce the trap-binding efficiency to characterize their performance. We show by mathematical and computational modeling how a finite trap density determines the dynamics of protein-trap binding and identify three distinct regimes of the trap-binding efficiency. We systematically study how protein-trap binding is governed by the system's three key parameters, which are the synthesis rate, the diffusion constant and the trap-binding affinity of the expressed protein. In addition, we describe how spatially differential patterns of traps modulate the protein-trap binding dynamics. In this way, we extend the theoretical knowledge base for synthesis, diffusion, and binding in compartmental systems, which helps to achieve better control of directed molecular self-assembly required for the fabrication of nanomachines for synthetic biology applications or nanotechnological purposes.

Exposure to climate change information predicts public support for solar geoengineering in Singapore and the United States.

Solar geoengineering is a controversial climate policy measure that could lower global temperature by increasing the amount of light reflected by the Earth. As scientists and policymakers increasingly consider this idea, an understanding of the level and drivers of public support for its research and potential deployment will be key. This study focuses on the role of climate change information in public support for research and deployment of stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) in Singapore (n = 503) and the United States (n = 505). Findings were consistent with the idea that exposure to information underlies support for research and deployment. That finding was stronger in the United States, where climate change is a more contentious issue, than in Singapore. Cost concern was negatively related to support for funding and perceived risk was negatively related to support for deployment. Perceived government efficacy was a more positive predictor of support for funding in Singapore than in the United States. Additionally, relatively low support for local deployment was consistent with a NIMBY mindset. This was the first study to quantify the role of climate change information in SAI policy support, which has practical implications for using the media and interpersonal channels to communicate about SAI policy measures.

Effects of Pilates on inter-recti distance, thickness of rectus abdominis, waist circumference and abdominal muscle endurance in primiparous women.

BACKGROUND: Pilates is expected to have a positive effect on women with weakened abdominal muscles after childbirth. Pilates may have a beneficial effect on the structure and function of the abdominal muscles in pregnant women. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Pilates on inter-recti distance, thickness of the rectus abdominis, waist circumference, and abdominal muscle endurance in primiparous women. METHODS: Thirty-five primiparous postpartum women were assigned to either the Pilates exercise group (n = 20) or the control group (n = 15). Pilates was undertaken by the exercise group for 50 min/day, 5 days/week, for 4 weeks. The control group maintained their daily activities without any intervention. The inter-recti distance was measured at three locations along the linea alba, and the thickness of the rectus abdominis was measured using ultrasound. Abdominal muscle endurance was measured using a repeated 1-min curl-up test. Waist circumference was also measured. RESULTS: The exercise group showed significant improvements from baseline in inter-recti distance, waist circumference, and abdominal muscle endurance (p < 0.05). The control group showed no significant improvement in these variables. Compared with the control group, the exercise group showed significantly improved performance in terms of inter-recti distance, waist circumference, and abdominal muscle endurance (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate that Pilates was effective in reducing inter-recti distance and waist circumference and improving abdominal muscle endurance in primiparous postpartum women. Pilates is considered an effective exercise for improving muscle structure and function in primiparous postpartum women, helping in the recovery from, and preventing, diastasis rectus abdominis.

Exploring the general public's and experts' risk and benefit perceptions of cultured meat in Singapore: A mental models approach.

Despite the recent approval of cultured meat products in Singapore, the understanding of public perceptions towards this novel food technology remains limited. Utilizing attitude formation theory and the mental models approach, this study compares the mental models of the general public and experts regarding their risk and benefit perceptions of cultured meat. Through four online focus group discussions with 40 participants, we found convergences in the mental models of experts and the general public concerning perceived individual- and societal-level benefits of cultured meat (e.g., health benefits and food security) as well as their perceived individual-level risks of cultured meat (e.g., potential health issues and affordability). However, divergences in understanding societal-level risks were noted; the public expressed concerns about the challenges of cultured meat to religious and racial dietary customs, while experts highlighted potential investment uncertainties due to unclear consumer acceptance of cultured meat. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Utilization and toxicity patterns of 2-weekly (Q2W) versus 4-weekly (Q4W) nivolumab for treatment of adjuvant and metastatic melanoma at BC cancer.

BACKGROUND: Nivolumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor used to treat several malignancies, is associated with immune-related adverse events (IrAEs). Original dosing for melanoma was 3 mg/kg (maximum 240 mg) every 2 weeks (Q2W). Based on simulation studies depicting similar efficacy and toxicity to original dosing, extended interval dosing of 6 mg/kg (maximum 480 mg) every 4 weeks (Q4W) was introduced. OBJECTIVE: This study will compare safety between Q2W and Q4W dosing at BC Cancer in melanoma patients. METHODS: Retrospective chart review for reported incidence, onset, and severity of IrAEs in melanoma patients treated with nivolumab Q2W and Q4W dosing was completed. Fisher's test was conducted for first incidence IrAEs using Microsoft Excel. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients were identified (Q2W n = 35, Q4W n = 36). Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. No statistically significant difference was found in incidence of IrAEs between Q2W and Q4W dosing (Q2W 40% vs Q4W 50%, p = 0.477). Rash was most common (Q2W 79% vs Q4W 50%) followed by hypothyroidism (Q2W 33% vs Q4W 20%). Median onset of IrAEs seemed later with Q4W dosing (Q2W cycle 1 vs Q4W cycle 4). Regardless of dosing, most IrAEs were grade 1-2 in severity (Q2W 100% vs Q4W 89%). CONCLUSION: Q4W dosing is associated with comparable incidence and potentially later onset of IrAEs compared to Q2W dosing. Most IrAEs in both dosing groups were similar and mild. Therefore, Q4W dosing offers a safe alternative to Q2W dosing while providing benefits including decreased workload for staff, decreased clinic visits, and viral exposure by patients.

Comparing a novel wide field of view laparoscope with conventional laparoscope while performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: The limited 70° field of view (FoV) used in standard laparoscopy necessitates maneuvering the laparoscope to view the ports, follow the surgical tools, and search for a target region. Complications related to events that take place outside the FoV are underreported. Recently, a novel laparoscopic system (SurroundScope, 270Surgical) was reported to dramatically expand the FoV from 70 to 270°. This study focuses on differences in performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the SurroundScope compared to the standard laparoscope. METHODS: Forty-four laparoscopic surgeries were performed and video recorded. A subanalysis of 21 Cholecystectomies was performed and compared to 21 Cholecystectomies, performed with the standard laparoscope during the study period by the same surgeon. RESULTS: No accidental or intraoperative adverse events occurred when using the SurroundScope. Subanalysis of 21 Cholecystectomies revealed shorter fog/smoke cleaning times using the SurroundScope compared to the standard scope (1.45 ± 5.08 sec vs. 54.95 ± 137.77 sec, p = 0.0454). Furthermore, operations performed with the SurroundScope had a shorter trocar placement duration (85.0 ± 40.9 sec vs. 111.3 ± 70.5 sec; p = 0.077), shorter time to achieve critical view of safety (9.5 ± 4.14 min vs. 15.8 ± 11.87 min; p = 0.015), and shorter procedure duration (31.9 ± 10.4 min vs. 42.9 ± 22 min; p = 0.025). In post-operative evaluations, the surgeon noted that tools could be continuously followed and ports were visible without camera manipulation. Also, the surgeon agreed that the procedure could be better planned due to the wide FoV and that surgical workflow was improved. Furthermore, the surgeon agreed that the procedure was safer using the SurroundScope. CONCLUSIONS: Initial results demonstrate the advantages of the SurroundScope over standard laparoscopy. By expanding the FoV, visualization is improved, the procedure is more efficient, significantly shorter and most important, patient safety, per surgeons' testimonials is improved. Further investigation to quantify these benefits in a larger group of patients and among various surgical procedures should be considered.

Parasite communities of the golden snapper Lutjanus inermis (Perciformes: Lutjanidae): inter-annual variations during strange climatic events.

Strange oceanographic events such as El Niño and La Niña may have indirect effects on the local transmission processes of intestinal parasites due to the reduction or increase in populations of potential intermediate or definitive hosts. A total of 713 individuals of Lutjanus inermis (Peters) were collected over an 8-year period (October 2015 to July 2022) from Acapulco Bay, Mexico. Parasite communities in L. inermis were quantified and analysed to determine if they experienced interannual variations in species composition and structure as a result of local biotic and abiotic factors influenced by oceanographic events, such as El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), or La Niña, the cool phase of the ENSO climate pattern. Twenty-six taxa of metazoan parasites were recovered and identified: two Monogenea, eight Digenea, two Acanthocephala, four Nematoda, one Cestoda, seven Copepoda, and two Isopoda. Species richness at the component community level (8 to 17 species) was similar to reported richness in other species of Lutjanus Bloch. Parasite communities of L. inermis exhibited high inter-annual variation in the abundance of component species of parasite. However, the species richness and diversity were fairly stable over time. Climatic episodes of El Niño and La Niña probably generated notable changes in the structure of local food webs, thus indirectly influencing the transmission rates of intestinal parasite species. Changes in species composition and community structure of parasites possibly were due to variations in feeding behaviour during the events and differences in the host body size.