Follicular fluid and serum concentrations of myo-inositol in patients undergoing IVF: relationship with oocyte quality

BACKGROUND: The follicular microenvironment is an important determinant of oocyte development. The aim of this study was to examine whether the myo-inositol (MI) content in human follicular fluid (FF) was associated with better oocyte quality. METHODS: A total of 53 patients treated with IVF was recruited to a prospective observational study. FF and serum samples collected were divided into two groups: group A consisted of FF associated with matured and fertilized oocytes, whilst group B was from follicles with immature and unfertilized oocytes. RESULTS: Patient's age, total ampoules of HMG used, days of stimulation, basal levels of FSH, estradiol (E(2)) levels on the day of HCG, and serum MI content were not significantly different between the two groups. FF volume and its MI content were significantly higher in group A compared with group B (P < 0.05). The levels of MI in FF were positively correlated with the amount of E(2) in their corresponding FF samples and also correlated with embryo quality. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that higher concentrations of MI and E(2) in human FF appear to play a role in follicular maturity and provide a marker of good quality oocytes.     

Diverged evolution of recent equine-2 influenza (H3N8) viruses in the Western Hemisphere

Summary.  We reported previously that equine-2 influenza A virus (H3N8) had evolved into two genetically and antigenically distinct “Eurasian” and “American” lineages. Phylogenetic analysis, using the HA1 gene of more recent American isolates, indicated a further divergence of these viruses into three evolution lineages: A South American lineage, a Kentucky lineage, and a Florida lineage. These multiple evolution pathways were not due to geographic barriers, as viruses from different lineages co-circulated. For the Kentucky lineage, the evolution rate was estimated to be 0.89 amino acid substitutions per year, which agreed with the previously estimated rate of 0.8. For the South American lineage, the evolution rate was estimated to be only 0.27 amino acid substitutions per year. This low evolution rate was probably due to a unique alternating Ser138 to Ala138 substitutions at antigenic site A. For the Kentucky lineage, there was a preference for sequential nonsynonymous substitutions at antigenic site B, which was also a “hot spot” for amino acid substitutions. Convalescent sera had minimal cross-reactivity to viruses of different lineages, indicating antigenic distinctions among these viruses. In contrast to human H3N2 viruses, our results suggested that the evolution of equine-2 influenza virus resembled the multiple evolution pathways of influenza B virus. Accepted December 14, 2000 Received September 19, 2000     

Indirect hypothalamo-cerebellar pathway? Demonstration of hypothalamic efferents to the lateral reticular nucleus

Summary Hypothalamic efferents to the lateral reticular nucleus (NRL) have been demonstrated in the cat by means of anterograde and retrograde axonal transport of the wheat germ agglutinin — horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) complex. Pressure injections of the WGA-HRP complex into the hypothalamus resulted in anterograde labelling of branching terminal axons both in the NRL and in an adjacent area, presumably the ventrolateral catecholaminergic cell group (A1). After microiontophoretical ejections of the WGA-HRP complex into the NRL from a ventral approach, retrogradely labelled neurons were found in the lateral, dorsal, posterior and anterior hypothalamic areas and in the tubero-mammillary, dorsomedial and periventricular nuclei. The projection is bilateral with a clear ipsilateral predominance and has its main origin in the lateral hypothalamic area. The locations of hypothalamic cells projecting to the NRL are somewhat different from those giving rise to hypothalamo-cerebellar and hypothalamo-spinal connections. The present demonstration of a hypothalamic input to one of the major precerebellar relay nuclei introduces a new possible indirect route through which the cerebellum may be influenced by the hypothalamus. The different indirect and direct hypothalamo-cerebellar pathways and their potential functional importance are discussed.     

No Association between SNP rs498055 on Chromosome 10 and Late-Onset Alzheimer Disease in Multiple Datasets

SNP rs498055 in the predicted gene LOC439999 on chromosome 10 was recently identified as being strongly associated with late-onset Alzheimer disease (LOAD). This SNP falls within a chromosomal region that has engendered continued interest generated from both preliminary genetic linkage and candidate gene studies. To independently evaluate this interesting candidate SNP we examined four independent datasets, three family-based and one case-control. All the cases were late-onset AD Caucasian patients with minimum age at onset ≥ 60 years. None of the three family samples or the combined family-based dataset showed association in either allelic or genotypic family-based association tests at p < 0.05. Both original and OSA two-point LOD scores were calculated. However, there was no evidence indicating linkage no matter what covariates were applied (the highest LOD score was 0.82). The case-control dataset did not demonstrate any association between this SNP and AD (all p-values > 0.52). Our results do not confirm the previous association, but are consistent with a more recent negative association result that used family-based association tests to examine the effect of this SNP in two family datasets. Thus we conclude that rs498055 is not associated with an increased risk of LOAD.     

A graded dose assessment of the efficacy of beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol for severe chronic asthma.

In a 26-wk double-blind controlled study of 34 patients whose asthma had been poorly controlled despite oral steroids, valuable clinical and pulmonary function improvement was derived by adding beclomethasone aerosol to the prednisone regimen. The amount of improvement correlated linearly with beclomethasone dosage over the range 200 to 1,600 microng/day. These patients required relatively high dosage. Success in achieving asymptomatic status was only 26% with the conventional 400 microng/day and 60% at 1,600 microng/day. Oropharyngeal candidiasis was also dose-related but did not prohibit the use of high-dosage beclomethasone. Respiratory infections, physical signs, blood glucose, and electrolytes were unaffected by the drug. A dose-related suppression of cortisol secretion was demonstrated, but about 1/4 of the group had normal plasma cortisol even at 1,600 microng/day plus the oral prednisone. An individualized risk-benefit assessment seems a better basis for choosing an optimal beclomethasone regimen for each patient than adherence to a conventionalized fixed dosage of 400 microng/day. This requires definition of: (1) a specific goal of treatment in the individual patient and the beclomethasone dosage required to achieve it; (2) the adrenocortical functional response of that particular patient to the desired dose of beclomethasone; and (3) the presence and degree of any dose-limiting constraints such as preexisting complications of steroid use.     

Climacteric symptoms and knowledge about hormone replacement therapy among Hong Kong Chinese women aged 40-60 years

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the prevalence of climacteric symptoms, and the knowledge about HRT. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted by telephone interview among a randomly selected population-based sample of 978 Hong Kong Chinese women aged 40-60 years. RESULTS: Of 414 women with a history of either natural or surgical menopause, 22 (5.3%) and 17 (4.1%), respectively, were either past or current users of HRT. The climacteric symptom scores of premenopausal women were significantly lower than those of perimenopausal women, but were comparable with those of postmenopausal women. The commonest climacteric symptom was 'muscle and joint pains' which was reported in 553 (56.6%) women, while only 228 (23.3%) and 151 (15.4%) women reported hot flushes and night sweating, respectively. Moreover, only 230 (23.5%) women realized that HRT could relieve menopausal symptoms and only 33 (3.4%) women were aware that HRT was protective against osteoporosis. In general, women with more climacteric symptoms, who had ever used HRT, and those with higher education level and higher family income, had better knowledge about HRT. CONCLUSIONS: Postmenopausal Hong Kong Chinese women have a low HRT usage rate and the majority of them are lacking of the knowledge about HRT.     

Screening for cognitive impairment in the elderly using the mini-mental state examination

The use by non-medical staff of a brief screening instrument (the mini-mental state examination) to detect cognitive impairment among the elderly in primary care is described. Patients aged 75 years and over registered with nine general practices in north and north west London were invited by their general practitioners to take part in the study and 1170 patients participated, a response rate of 90%. The prevalence of possible or probable cognitive impairment (score below 25 on the mini-mental state examination) was 12.8%. Six per cent of patients scored below 19, at which score a high probability of dementia exists, although less than a third of this group had a diagnosis of dementia in their medical records. There was no significant difference between men and women or by social class in the proportion of patients with low scores, but the proportion with dementia rose from 2.5% in those aged 75-79 years to 29.0% among those aged 90 years and over. Under the new general practitioner contract there is a requirement to provide annual services to the elderly, including a 'mental assessment'. In a practice with a list size of 2000 around 130 patients are likely to be aged 75 years and over. Of these around 17 would require further assessment for possible dementia on the basis of results obtained using the mini-mental state examination.     

Hypertension control: meeting the 1990 objectives for the nation.

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is 1 of 15 health priorities of the Public Health Service set forth in the report, "Promoting Health/Preventing Disease: Objectives for the Nation." The nine objectives for hypertension include improved health status, reduced risk factors, increased public-professional awareness, improved services and protection, and improved surveillance-evaluation systems. A number of Federal agencies, coordinated by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, are working to reach the hypertension objectives in cooperation with State, local, and voluntary agencies and organizations. A great deal of progress has been made toward the objectives, as reflected by a variety of indicators. By 1980, for example, 34.1 percent of the population with hypertension had their blood pressure controlled at less than 160/95 mm Hg, but in 1972 only 16.5 percent were so controlled. Since 1972, the age-adjusted death rate has dropped 42 percent for stroke and 27 percent for coronary heart disease. Data indicate that the national goal for sodium ingestion (3-6 grams daily) may already have been met. Fifty-one percent of the population understand that hypertension may lead to stroke, meeting another objective. Public knowledge about hypertension as a "major likely cause of heart trouble" almost doubled in the 6-year period for which data are available. In 1982, 30 percent of processed food in grocery stores had sodium content labeling and almost 50 percent had calorie labeling, according to studies conducted by the Bureau of Foods of the Food and Drug Administration. Efforts are underway to develop a methodology for assessing incidence of hypertension and categories of hypertension control, a need spelled out in another objective.     

Associations between Family-Based Stress and Dietary Inflammatory Potential among Families with Preschool-Aged Children

Chronic stress is known to influence dietary choices, and stressed families often report poorer diet quality; however, little is known about how family-based stress is linked with dietary patterns that promote inflammation. This study investigated associations between family-based stress and the inflammatory potential of the diet among preschool-aged children and their parents. Parents (n = 212 mothers, n = 146 fathers) and children (n = 130 girls, n = 123 boys; aged 18 months to 5 years) from 241 families participating in the Guelph Family Health Study were included in the analyses. Parents reported levels of parenting distress, depressive symptoms, household chaos, and family functioning. The inflammatory potential of parents’ and children’s diets was quantified using the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII^®), adjusted for total energy intake (i.e., the E-DII^TM). E-DII scores were regressed onto family stress using generalized estimating equations to account for shared variance among family clusters. Compared to those in homes with low chaos, parents in chaotic homes had significantly more proinflammatory dietary profiles (β = 0.973; 95% CI: 0.321, 1.624, p = 0.003). Similarly, compared to those in well-functioning families, parents in dysfunctional families had significantly more proinflammatory dietary profiles (β = 0.967; 95% CI: 0.173, 1.761, p = 0.02). No significant associations were found between parents’ E-DII scores and parenting distress or depressive symptoms, nor were any associations found for children’s E-DII scores. Results were not found to differ between males and females. Parents in chaotic or dysfunctional family environments may be at increased risk of chronic disease due to proinflammatory dietary profiles. Children’s dietary inflammatory profiles were not directly associated with family stress; however, indirect connections through family food-related behaviours may exist. Future research should prioritize elucidating these mechanisms.     

Complete genomic screen in Parkinson disease: evidence for multiple genes.

CONTEXT: The relative contribution of genes vs environment in idiopathic Parkinson disease (PD) is controversial. Although genetic studies have identified 2 genes in which mutations cause rare single-gene variants of PD and observational studies have suggested a genetic component, twin studies have suggested that little genetic contribution exists in the common forms of PD. OBJECTIVE: To identify genetic risk factors for idiopathic PD. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Genetic linkage study conducted 1995-2000 in which a complete genomic screen (n = 344 markers) was performed in 174 families with multiple individuals diagnosed as having idiopathic PD, identified through probands in 13 clinic populations in the continental United States and Australia. A total of 870 family members were studied: 378 diagnosed as having PD, 379 unaffected by PD, and 113 with unclear status. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Logarithm of odds (lod) scores generated from parametric and nonparametric genetic linkage analysis. RESULTS: Two-point parametric maximum parametric lod score (MLOD) and multipoint nonparametric lod score (LOD) linkage analysis detected significant evidence for linkage to 5 distinct chromosomal regions: chromosome 6 in the parkin gene (MLOD = 5.07; LOD = 5.47) in families with at least 1 individual with PD onset at younger than 40 years, chromosomes 17q (MLOD = 2.28; LOD = 2.62), 8p (MLOD = 2.01; LOD = 2.22), and 5q (MLOD = 2.39; LOD = 1.50) overall and in families with late-onset PD, and chromosome 9q (MLOD = 1.52; LOD = 2.59) in families with both levodopa-responsive and levodopa-nonresponsive patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the parkin gene is important in early-onset PD and that multiple genetic factors may be important in the development of idiopathic late-onset PD.