The use of cross-species genome-wide arrays to discover SNP markers for conservation genetics: a case study from Arabian and scimitar-horned oryx

The potential use of single nucleotide polymorphism markers (SNPs) in conservation genetics is widely recognized; however, methods for discovering large numbers of SNPs typically rely on relatively expensive, genome-wide, species-specific research projects which limits their development in many taxa. Here we describe the use of high-density SNP genotyping arrays designed for cattle to discover SNPs in two antelope species. From a total of 54,001 SNP markers on the array, the analysis yielded 148 polymorphic markers in the scimitar-horned oryx and 149 in the Arabian oryx. The results represent a first step toward developing SNP marker panels for ongoing projects on each species. As high density genotyping arrays become available for an increasing number of model species, this approach has the potential to generate SNP markers, rapidly and affordably, in a broad range of species for conservation genetic research.     

Vitamin D and the anti-viral state

Vitamin D has long been recognized as essential to the skeletal system. Newer evidence suggests that it also plays a major role regulating the immune system, perhaps including immune responses to viral infection. Interventional and observational epidemiological studies provide evidence that vitamin D deficiency may confer increased risk of influenza and respiratory tract infection. Vitamin D deficiency is also prevalent among patients with HIV infection. Cell culture experiments support the thesis that vitamin D has direct anti-viral effects particularly against enveloped viruses. Though vitamin D's anti-viral mechanism has not been fully established, it may be linked to vitamin D's ability to up-regulate the anti-microbial peptides LL-37 and human beta defensin 2. Additional studies are necessary to fully elucidate the efficacy and mechanism of vitamin D as an anti-viral agent.     

Person misfit on the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology: Low quality self‐report or true atypical symptom profile?

Person misfit on a self‐report measure refers to a response pattern that is unlikely given a theoretical measurement model. Person misfit may reflect low quality self‐report data, for example due to random responding or misunderstanding of items. However, recent research in the context of psychopathology suggests that person misfit may reflect atypical symptom profiles that have implications for diagnosis or treatment. We followed‐up on Wanders et al. (Journal of Affective Disorders, 180, 36–43, 2015) who investigated person misfit on the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (IDS) in the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (n = 2,981). Our goal was to investigate the extent to which misfit on the IDS reflects low‐quality self‐report patterns and the extent to which it reflects true atypical symptom profiles. Regression analysis showed that person misfit related more strongly to self‐report quality indicators than to variables quantifying theoretically‐derived atypical symptom profiles. A data‐driven atypical symptom profile explained most variance in person misfit, suggesting that person misfit on the IDS mainly reflects a sample‐ and questionnaire‐specific atypical symptom profile. We concluded that person‐fit statistics are useful for detecting IDS scores that may not be valid. Further research is necessary to support the interpretation of person misfit as reflecting a meaningful atypical symptom combination.     

Sexual Abuse History in GI Illness,How Do Gastroenterologists Deal with It?

IntroductionData support an increased prevalence of sexual abuse (SA) among patients with gastrointestinal (GI) complaints. Sexual abuse causes multiple symptoms related to pelvic floor and stress mediated brain‐gut dysfunctions. Treating these patients asks for a holistic approach, using centrally targeted interventions. However, gastroenterologists have never been surveyed regarding their practice patterns and constraints about inquiring into SA.AimTo evaluate whether gastroenterologists address SA in their daily practice and to evaluate their knowledge regarding the implications of SA in GI illness.MethodsA 42‐item anonymous questionnaire was mailed to all 402 members of the Dutch Society of Gastroenterology (gastroenterologists and fellows in training). The questionnaire addressed SA and pelvic‐floor‐related complaints.Main Outcome MeasuresThe results of this survey.ResultsOne hundred eighty‐three of the 402 (45.2%) questionnaires were returned. Overall, 4.7% of the respondents asked their female patients regularly about SA; in males, this percentage was 0.6%. Before performing a colonoscopy, these percentages were even smaller (2.4% and 0.6%, respectively). When patients presented with specific complaints, such as chronic abdominal pain or fecal incontinence, 68% of the gastroenterologists asked females about SA and 29% of the males (P < 0.01). The majority of respondents stated it as rather important to receive more training on how to inquire about SA and its implications for treatment.ConclusionGastroenterologists do not routinely inquire about a history of SA and they rarely ask about it before performing colonoscopy. There is a need for training to acquire the skills and knowledge to deal with SA. Nicolai MPJ, Fidder HH, Beck JJ, Bekker MD, Putter H, Pelger RCM, van Driel MF, and Elzevier HW. Sexual abuse history in GI illness, how do gastroenterologists deal with it? J Sex Med 2012;9:1277–1284.