Phospholipid composition and levels are altered in Down syndrome brain

Individuals chronically exposed to low levels of organophosphate insecticides may present with subtle impairments in cognition. In addition, low level diisopropylflurophosphate (DFP) exposure (0.25 mg/kg per day for 2 weeks) in rats resulted in protracted working memory impairment [29]. The current studies attempt to show a temporal relationship between the DFP-induced impairment in performance of a spatial memory task and the protracted decrease in the expression of cholinergic receptors and acetylcholinesterase in specific brain regions. Cholinergic receptors labeled with the ligands [(3)H]epibatidine and [(3)H]AFDX-384 were affected to a much greater extent and for a longer period of time than were both acetylcholinesterase activities and cholinergic receptors labeled with [(3)H]QNB. Pre-testing administration of nicotine was shown to completely reverse this DFP-induced impairment in memory-related task performance. Additionally, prophylaxis with pyridostigmine bromide (PB) caused DFP-treated animals to exhibit near normal levels of memory-related task performance. These results are consistent with the development of a protracted phase of learning impairment to sub-acute DFP exposure, which may involve the loss of hippocampal nicotinic receptors, and may be prevented or reversed by PB or nicotine, respectively.     

Vaginal prostaglandin E2 gel versus tablet in the induction of labour at term--a retrospective analysis.

Our aim in this retrospective analysis was to compare labour outcomes between 145 consecutive women with unfavourable cervices, who received prostaglandin E2 vaginal gel (1-2 mg) for labour induction over a 3-month period, and 149 women receiving a prostaglandin E2 vaginal tablet (3 mg) over the following 3 months. Our results showed that cervical dilatation in the gel group was significantly more than in the tablet group at transfer to labour ward [4 cm (SD 2.5 cm) versus 3.3 cm (SD 2 cm), mean difference -0.7, 95% CI -1.2 to -0.2, P=0.01), with fewer women requiring oxytocin augmentation, but this was not statistically significant (41.4% versus 50%, RR 0.8, 95% CI 0.7-1.1). There were no significant differences in the mode of delivery in the number delivering vaginally within 24 hours of the induction (60.4% in the gel group versus 56.2% in the tablet group, RR1.1, 95% CI 0.9-1.4), in the number of doses of PGE2 administered, or in the neonatal outcomes between the two groups. In conclusion, there were no significant differences in labour or neonatal outcomes between prostaglandin E2 gel or tablet use in the induction of labour in this retrospective analysis.     

Geographic contiguity and genetic affinity among five ethnic populations of Manipur,India: further molecular studies based on VNTR and STR loci

Background : Apart from traditional markers studied among a few numerically small, geographically defined surveys among Mongoloid populations in northeastern parts of India, very little is known about their genomic diversity at the molecular level. Primary objective : This study seeks to investigate how best the variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) and short tandem repeat (STR) loci together can detect the patterns of the genetic affinity among five geographically contiguous, linguistically and socio-culturally diverse Mongoloid-affiliated populations of Manipur in northeastern regions of India. Subject and methods : Blood samples were collected from unrelated and randomly selected volunteers of five ethnic populations (Meitei, Kuki, Naga, Hmar and Manipuri Muslim) from different parts of the state. Allelic variation in four minisatellite loci (D1S7, D4S139, D5S110 and D17S79) and three STR loci (vWA, FESFPS and F13AO1) was studied. Results : Average heterozygosity values among the five groups for the minisatellite range from 68% to 94%, while the hypervariable three STR loci were between 60% and 88%. In the populations, all the studied loci were highly polymorphic, with almost no departure from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The gene differentiation for the VNTR loci was lower and moderate ( G st = 0.030) in comparison with microsatellites ( G st = 0.043). The neighbour-joining method of clustering based on both type of molecular markers reveals a close cluster for the tribal groups of Kuki, Naga and Hmar, while Manipur Muslim stand distinct in both the trees. The clustering pattern obtained from the combined DNA marker loci matches more closely the pattern from STR loci than that obtained from VNTR loci. Conclusions : The results reinforce that using both VNTR and STR loci in detecting regional genetic affinity among the populations is more effective than using VNTR or STR independently, and also confirm the results obtained from the serological and electrophoretic data. However, the clustering pattern obtained from combined DNA markers is more in conformity with the pattern obtained by STR loci rather than with VNTR loci. Despite linguistic, geographical and cultural barriers, the populations show genetic affinity among the four populations except in the case of the migrant Manipur Muslim group.     

Nutritional Status of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Do We Know Enough?

The incidence of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is on the rise; therefore, well-timed screening is important. Given that this is a nutritionally vulnerable population, it is imperative to conduct a detailed nutritional assessment so that timely and intensive interventions can be recommended. This review article summarizes the research, focusing on the nutritional status of individuals with ASDs based on their anthropometric measurements, biomarkers, and dietary assessments. Research examining anthropometric measurements reveals an abnormally accelerated rate of growth among children with autism but shows inconsistent findings on the prevalence of overweight/obesity in comparison with typically growing children. Although dysregulated amino acid metabolism, increased homocysteine, and decreased folate, vitamins B-6 and B-12, and vitamin D concentrations have been proposed as possible biomarkers for an early diagnosis of ASDs, research investigating their association with age, gender, severity, and other comorbid psychiatric/nonpsychiatric disorders is lacking. There is consensus that children with autism have selective eating patterns, food neophobia, limited food repertoire, and sensory issues. Although inadequate micronutrient but adequate macronutrient intakes are increasingly reported, there are inconsistent results about the extent and type of nutrient deficiencies. Identification and development of nutritional assessment indicators that serve as early warning signs during routine practice beginning at birth and extending throughout the child’s growth are necessary. With this population aging, there is also a dire need to study the adult population. A more vigorous role by nutrition professionals is warranted because management of potential comorbidities and contributory factors may be particularly problematic.     

Role of microparticles in recurrent miscarriages and other adverse pregnancies: a review

The multiple functions attributed to microparticles (MPs) include blood coagulation, inflammation, tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, immunomodulatory functions and intercellular cross talk. These have drawn considerable interest during the last few years. The prothrombotic nature of MPs has linked them with almost all groups of thrombotic disorders including recurrent miscarriage (RM) and other abnormal pregnancy outcomes. Two authors (SS and RP) conducted a search independently on the computerized databases MEDLINE and EMBASE using relevant key words. Contradictory reports were observed on the association of MPs with RM. While most of the reports showed increased prevalence of MPs, both platelet and endothelial cell derived, in RM, some did not show any association. Almost all the reports showed a strong association of MPs with preeclampsia (PE), while the association with other adverse pregnancy conditions was not very conclusive. It may be concluded that MPs by themselves may result in adverse conditions or that they may be additive factors to an already existing prothrombotic state due to acquired or genetic thrombophilia or some unknown thrombophilic condition, besides the pre-existing hypercoagulable status of pregnancy.