House sparrow uropygial gland secretions do not attract ornithophilic nor mammophilic mosquitoes.

Mosquito feeding preferences determine host-vector contact rates and represent a key factor in the transmission of vector-borne pathogens. The semiochemical compounds of which vertebrate odours are composed probably play a role in mosquito host choice. Birds spread secretions from uropygial gland over their feathers to protect their plumage, comprising behaviour that may in turn affect odour profiles. Although uropygial secretions are expected to modify the attractiveness of birds to mosquitoes, contradictory findings have been reported. Mosquito species differ in their feeding preferences, with some species feeding mainly on birds (ornithophilic species) and others on mammals (mammophilic species). Consequently, it is possible that ornithophilic and mammophilic species differ in their response to uropygial gland secretions. Using a dual-choice olfactometer, the present study tests this hypothesis by comparing the behavioural response to uropygial gland secretions from juvenile male and female house sparrows (Passer domesticus) in the ornithophilic Culex pipiens and the mammophilic Aedes (Ochlerotatus) caspius mosquitoes. No differences were found in the response of either mosquito species to the uropygial gland secretions. Therefore, the preference of ornithophilic mosquitoes for avian hosts is apparently not explained by a greater attraction of mosquitoes to the uropygial gland secretion odour when presented in combination with a CO2 -enriched airflow.

Strength and cardiometabolic risk in young adults: The mediator role of aerobic fitness and waist circumference.

The aim of this study was to analyze the mediation role of cardiorespiratory fitness and waist circumference in the association between muscular strength and cardiometabolic risk. A cross-sectional study involved first-year college students (n = 370) from a Spanish public university was performed. We measured weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure, biochemical variables, maximum handgrip strength assessment, and cardiorespiratory fitness. We calculated handgrip dynamometry/weight and a previously validated cardiometabolic risk index. Analysis of covariance models was conducted to test differences in cardiometabolic risk values across muscular strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and waist circumference categories, controlling for confounders. Hayes' PROCESS macro was used for the multiple mediation analysis. The relationship between muscular strength and cardiometabolic risk did not remain significant (c' = 1.76 [1.4]; P > .05) in a multiple serial bootstrapped mediation model including cardiorespiratory fitness and waist circumference as mediators when controlling for age and sex. According to the indirect effect, the significant paths in the model mediating this relationship between muscular strength and cardiometabolic risk index were as follows: muscular strength → waist circumference → cardiometabolic risk index (-4.899; 95% CI: -6.690; -3.450) and muscular strength → cardiorespiratory fitness → waist circumference → cardiometabolic risk index (-0.720; 95% CI: -1.316; -0.360). Both cardiorespiratory fitness and waist circumference mediate the association between muscular strength and cardiometabolic risk in young adults. Thus, our results place cardiorespiratory fitness and waist circumference as the main targets of physical activity programmes aimed at preventing cardiometabolic diseases.

Hallazgos radiológicos en el síndrome de Currarino / Radiological findings in Currarino syndrome

Objetivo. Describir los hallazgos clínicos, radiológicos y genéticos de una familia afecta de síndrome de Currarino (SC) (agenesia del sacro, masa presacra y anomalías anorrectales) y familiarizar al radiólogo con esta entidad que, aunque infrecuente, podemos sospechar por sus imágenes características. Material y métodos. Se estudiaron 8 de los 9 miembros de la familia con sospecha de SC: los padres y 7 hermanos (4 varones y tres mujeres). Se detallaron los hallazgos clínicos y genéticos; y mediante radiografía simple, ecografía y resonancia magnética se investigó la agenesia del sacro y la presencia de masas presacras y anomalías anorrectales. Además, se realizó un análisis del gen HLBX9. No se solicitó el permiso al comité de ética aunque todos los miembros de la familia dieron su consentimiento. Resultados. La madre con un sacro en cimitarra confirmado era la transmisora de la mutación genética. Uno de los 7 hermanos era un SC completo (agenesia sacra, estenosis anorrectal y meningocele anterior). Cuatro hermanos presentaron un SC incompleto, tres con agenesia del sacro y masa presacra (dos meningoceles anteriores y un teratoma) y el cuarto una agenesia sacra y estenosis anorrectal. Un hermano no tenía alteraciones. Tanto la madre como 4 hermanos presentaban la mutación en el gen HLXB9. Conclusión. Ante una agenesia sacra se deberían investigar posibles masas presacras y alteraciones anorrectales. Así mismo, en caso de asociación familiar habría que descartar un SC (AU)

Objective. To describe the clinical, radiological and genetic findings of a family affected by Currarino syndrome (CS) (agenesis of the sacrum, presacral mass, and anal-rectal anomalies), and to familiarise the radiologist with this condition that, although uncommon, could be suspected by its characteristic images. Material and methods. A study was made of 8 out of 9 family members (the parents, 7 siblings; 4 males and 3 females) suspected of having CS. The clinical and genetic findings are described. Using simple X-rays, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, the presence of agenesis of the sacrum, a presacral mass and anal-rectal anomalies were investigated. Furthermore, a genetic analysis of the HLBX9 gene was performed. Permission by the Ethics Committee was not requested as all the family members gave their consent by signing a document. Results. The mother with a scimitar-shaped sacrum confirmed that she was the transmitter of the genetic mutation. One of the seven siblings had complete CS (sacral agenesis, anorectal stenosis, and anterior meningocele). Four siblings had an incomplete CS: 3 with sacral agenesis and a presacral mass (two anterior meningoceles and one teratoma) and the fourth with sacral agenesis and anorectal stenosis. One sibling had no anomalies. The mother, as well as four siblings, did not have the HLXB9 gene mutation. Conclusion. When there is sacral agenesis, the possibility of presacral masses and anorectal changes should be investigated. Likewise, if there is familial association, they should be investigated for a CS (AU)

[Radiological findings in Currarino syndrome]. / Hallazgos radiológicos en el síndrome de Currarino.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical, radiological and genetic findings of a family affected by Currarino syndrome (CS) (agenesis of the sacrum, presacral mass, and anal-rectal anomalies), and to familiarise the radiologist with this condition that, although uncommon, could be suspected by its characteristic images. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A study was made of 8 out of 9 family members (the parents, 7 siblings; 4 males and 3 females) suspected of having CS. The clinical and genetic findings are described. Using simple X-rays, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, the presence of agenesis of the sacrum, a presacral mass and anal-rectal anomalies were investigated. Furthermore, a genetic analysis of the HLBX9 gene was performed. Permission by the Ethics Committee was not requested as all the family members gave their consent by signing a document. RESULTS: The mother with a scimitar-shaped sacrum confirmed that she was the transmitter of the genetic mutation. One of the seven siblings had complete CS (sacral agenesis, anorectal stenosis, and anterior meningocele). Four siblings had an incomplete CS: 3 with sacral agenesis and a presacral mass (two anterior meningoceles and one teratoma) and the fourth with sacral agenesis and anorectal stenosis. One sibling had no anomalies. The mother, as well as four siblings, did not have the HLXB9 gene mutation. CONCLUSION: When there is sacral agenesis, the possibility of presacral masses and anorectal changes should be investigated. Likewise, if there is familial association, they should be investigated for a CS.