C677T mutation in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene and neural tube defects: Should Japanese women undergo gene screening before pregnancy?

We analyzed the role of maternal C677T mutation in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene on spina bifida development in newborns. A total of 115 mothers who had given birth to a spina bifida child (SB mothers) gave 10 mL of blood together with written informed consent. The genotype distribution of C677T mutation was assessed and compared with that of the 4517 control individuals. The prevalence of the homozygous genotype (TT) among SB mothers was not significantly different from that among the controls (odds ratio [OR] = 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.31–1.25; P = 0.182), suggesting that MTHFR 677TT genotype in Japan is not associated with spina bifida development in newborns. The T allele frequency was not increased in SB mothers (34.8%) as compared to that of the control individuals (38.2%). Further, the internationally reported association between the two groups was found to be similar in all 15 countries studied except the Netherlands, where the TT genotype was found to be a genetic risk factor for spina bifida. For the prevention of affected pregnancy every woman planning to conceive has to take folic acid supplements 400 μg a day and the government is asked to take action in implementing food fortification with folic acid in the near future. In conclusion, it is not necessary for Japanese women to undergo genetic screening C677T mutation of the MTHFR gene as a predictive marker for spina bifida prior to pregnancy, because the TT genotype is not a risk factor for having an affected infant.     

Profiles of orofacial dysfunction in different diagnostic groups using the Nordic Orofacial Test (NOT-S)—A review

Objective. The Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening (NOT-S) was developed as a comprehensive method to assess orofacial function. Results from the screening protocol have been presented in 11 international publications to date. This study reviewed these publications in order to compile NOT-S screening data and create profiles of orofacial dysfunction that characterize various age groups and disorders. Materials and methods. NOT-S results of nine reports meeting the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Seven of these studies not only provided data on the mean and range of total NOT-S scores, but also on the most common domains of orofacial dysfunction (highest rate of individuals with dysfunction scores), allowing the construction of orofacial dysfunction profiles based on the prevalence of dysfunction in each domain of NOT-S. Results. The compiled data comprised 669 individuals, which included healthy control subjects (n = 333) and various patient groups (n = 336). All studies reported differences between individuals with diagnosed disorders and healthy control subjects. The NOT-S data could measure treatment effects and provided dysfunction profiles characterizing the patterns of orofacial dysfunction in various diagnoses. Conclusions. This review corroborates previous results that the NOT-S differentiates well between patients and healthy controls and can also show changes in individuals after treatment. NOT-S could be used as a standard instrument to assess orofacial dysfunction, evaluate the outcomes of oral habilitation and rehabilitation and improve comparability in clinical practice and research.     

新生儿苯丙酮尿症两种实验室筛查方法的质量评价

目的比较筛查新生儿苯丙酮尿症(PKU)的2种检测苯丙氨酸(Phe)的方法——细菌抑制法(B IA)和荧光法。方法参加美国疾病控制中心(CDC)质量评价,分析B IA和荧光法的批内、批间误差及相对偏差,比较2种方法的结果。结果用CDC质控品测得BIA批内变异系数(CV)为14.29%,荧光法为5.85%;用不同浓度质控品测得B IA批间CV分别为25.34%、20.86%、34.78%和25.72%,荧光法为16.46%、13.22%、19.53%和15.41%;B IA的PKU阳性检出率为5.04/10万,荧光法为7.79/10万。结论荧光法较B IA具有更灵敏、准确、可定量、费时少的优点,国内今后应顺应其发展趋势,普及推广运用荧光法筛查新生儿PKU。     

The transfer factor (diffusing capacity) as a predictor of hypoxaemia during exercise in restrictive and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Summary. Thirty patients (17 with restrictive, eight with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and five with combined pulmonary changes) were studied. Ordinary pulmonary function tests were made and in addition the transfer factor (diffusion capacity) was measured at rest and compared to the arterial oxygen tension at rest and during maximal exercise. There was a significant correlation (r = 0–89) between the transfer factor at rest and the oxygen tension during maximal exercise in both the patients with restrictive and those with obstructive lung disease, but no correlation was found between the transfer factor and the resting oxygen tension. Exercise induced hypoxaemia (Po₂< 8-8-5 kPa) occurred in some patients and this could be predicted with an excellent sensitivity and specificity if a discrimination point for the transfer factor of 50 per cent of predicted or less was chosen. Determination of the transfer factor at rest is thus a good screening test for exertional hypoxaemia and can be used to select patients for exercise testing when the purpose is to detect hypoxaemia.     

Exercise and Arrhythmias: A Double‐Edged Sword

Ample evidence indicates that moderate regular exercise is beneficial for both normal individuals and patients with cardiovascular (CV) disease. However, intense and strenuous exercise in individuals with evident or occult underlying CV abnormalities may have adverse effects with provocation and exacerbation of arrhythmias that may lead to life‐threatening situations. Both of these aspects of exercise‐induced effects are herein reviewed.