Anti-goat antibodies as a rare cause of high gonadotropin levels during menopausal transition

Abstract

Objective: To understand the origin of extremely high gonadotropin levels in a perimenopausal woman.

Methods: A 52-year-old woman with a 2?months of amenorrhea followed spontaneous menstrual cycles recovery was referred to our outpatient clinic with elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH, 483 mUI/ml), luteinizing hormone (LH, 475 mUI/ml) and prolactin (PRL, 173?ng/ml). She was known to take levosulpiride. The gonadotropin levels did not fit with the clinical features.

Results: A gonadotroph tumor was ruled out. Further analysis confirmed constantly high FSH, LH and PRL levels. The measurements were repeated using different analytical platforms with different results. After serial dilutions, nonlinearity was present suggesting an immunoassay interference. After post-polyethylene glycol recovery, hormone levels appeared in the normal range. Anti-goat antibodies were recognized in the serum of the patient.

Conclusions: This case report shows a case of falsely abnormal high gonadotropin and PRL levels in a woman during menopause transition. In the clinical practice the evaluation of gonadotropin profile is not recommended at this age, but the abnormal levels stimulated further evaluation. An interference in the assay due to anti-goat antibodies resulted in abnormally high level of FSH and LH. A strict collaboration between clinicians and the laboratory is needed, when laboratory findings do not correspond to clinical findings.     

Iowa's High School High Tech Goes to College Program: Preparing Students with Mild Disabilities for Careers in Technology

This paper describes an innovative approach to preparing high school students with mild disabilities for challenging careers in high tech industries, called High School High Tech (HSHT). Iowa's HSHT Goes to College program has three central elements, each of which is discussed in this paper: High School Preparation—assisting students in identifying a suitable high tech career goal; Higher Education Preparation and Supports—assisting students in selecting college/training programs that match their career goal, and in successfully completing their postsecondary programs; Workforce Entry Assistance—linking students with employers and launching their high tech careers. The paper concludes with a presentation of outcomes to date and recommendations for program enhancements. The information presented here is intended to assist education and rehabilitation professionals interested in establishing similar efforts across the nation.     

Na原子Rydberg态能级寿命的计算研究

利用一不依赖于实验参数的理论方法计算了钠原子Rydberg态的能级寿命，计算结果很好地符合已有的实验值及其他理论计算值，此计算方法较为严格并且可以弥补实验的不足。     

替牙(牙合)时期前牙反(牙合)矫治中弓丝弯制的探讨

目的　探讨在“2× 4”矫治技术中弓丝弯制的方法及原理。方法　替牙牙合时期前牙反牙合患者 2 4例 ,使用粗弓丝 ,在其弓丝上弯制各种曲形 ,并根据不同错牙合类型 ,处理各种曲与牙齿、带环关系 ,防止出现磨牙旋转移动等异常。结果　 2～ 6个月纠正反牙合 ,2 4例替牙牙合时期反牙合患者得以早期矫治。结论　本方法矫治时间短 ,效果明显 ,操作简单 ,能够达到较为理想的矫治效果     

Cobalt-dependent potentiation of net inward current density in Helix aspersa neurons.

A low concentration of transition metal ions Co2+ and Ni2+ increases the inward current density in neurons from the land snail Helix aspersa. The currents were measured using a single electrode voltage-clamp/internal perfusion method under conditions in which the external Na+ was replaced by Tris+, the predominant external current carrying cation was Ca2+, and the internal perfusate contained 120 mM Cs+/0 K+; 30 mM tetraethylammonium (TEA) was added externally to block K+ current. In the presence of Co2+ (3 mM) or Ni2+ (0.5 mM) inward Ca2+ currents were stimulated normally by voltage-dependent activation of Ca2+ channels. There was a 5-10% decrease in the rate of rise of the inward current. The principal effect of Co2+ and Ni2+ in increasing the current density seems to be a decrease in the rate at which the inward currents decline during a depolarizing voltage pulse. The results may be due to a decrease in a voltage-dependent or Ca(2+)-dependent outward current and/or an inhibition of Ca2+ channel inactivation. Outward current under these conditions (zero internal K+) was significant and most likely due to Cs+ efflux through the voltage-activated or Ca(2+)-activated nonspecific cation channels. Co2+ is an extremely effective blocker of this outward current. These results are not an artifact of internal perfusion or the special ionic conditions. Intracellular recording of unperfused neurons in normal Helix Ringer's solution showed that the Ca(2+)-dependent action potential duration was increased significantly by low concentrations of Co2+. This result is consistant with the Co(2+)-dependent increase in inward (depolarizing) current seen in voltage-clamp experiments.     

Experiences and perceived roles of occupational therapists working with children with special learning needs during transition to school: A pilot study

Occupational therapists provide support to children with special learning needs and their families during the child's transition from early childhood to mainstream school. Little has been documented regarding the role and experiences of occupational therapists working with children, families and teachers during transition in an Australian context. Six paediatric occupational therapists from one geographical area in New South Wales were interviewed and asked to relay their role and experiences when providing a service to children with special learning needs during their transition to school. Participants described their role to include: preparing the child for school; working with school personnel; and providing parental support. Although participants described both positive and negative experiences, among the negative experiences were: limited time to provide a service; recommendations to school personnel not being followed; school personnel not being supportive; feeling uncomfortable in the classroom; and limited involvement in planning. Participants described a role which is consistent with current school-based occupational therapy practice; however, in the participants' experience, there was a gap between the ideal service and what participants were able to provide. This included limited collaboration with teachers.     

从ECCE到Phaco的转变--核处理技术的实验研究

目的通过化学方法制成动物核性白内障模型,探讨相对能量复合指数(RECP)与角膜内皮细胞活性的关系。方法将5种化学物质注入晶状体,以透过黑白条纹的清晰程度判断晶状体混浊程度并分级。然后将实验眼球分为6组(Ⅰ组为对照组;Ⅱ-Ⅵ为实验组),行标准超声乳化白内障摘除手术。手术后立即取下角膜,作锥蓝-茜素红联合染色标本和扫描电镜标本。结果晶状体内注入甲醛、冰醋酸、无水乙醇、丙酮和苯扎溴铵均能形成晶状体混浊,其中:冰醋酸致晶状体混浊能力最弱,无水乙醇、丙酮次之,甲醛、苯扎溴铵最强。当RECP≤90时,锥蓝-茜素红双重染色和扫描电镜均表明角膜内皮细胞活性好,其形态和细胞联接均无改变。当RECP=120时,角膜内皮细胞形态尚正常,但是细胞联结和胞膜部分破坏。当RECP=150时,角膜内皮细胞严重损伤。结论用化学方法制作核性白内障模型供过渡训练使用是可行的。当RECP超过某一数值(>90)时,即与角膜内皮细胞的活性成负相关。     

Loss of claudin-1 expression induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition through nuclear factor-κB activation in colorectal cancer

Objective

The aim of this study was to elucidate the clinicopathological significance and prognostic role of loss of claudin-1 in colorectal cancer (CRC).