Impaired helix 12 dynamics due to proline 892 substitutions in the androgen receptor are associated with complete androgen insensitivity

Human Molecular Genetics (2006) 15, 921–931;     

Transmission of human cytomegalovirus from infected uterine microvascular endothelial cells to differentiating/invasive placental cytotrophoblasts

Analysis of placentas infected with human cytomegalovirus (CMV) suggested that viral transmission could involve differentiating/invasive cytotrophoblasts in villi that attach the placenta to the uterine wall. To parse the cellular components in this process, we developed a coculture system of polarized uterine microvascular endothelial cell (UtMVEC) infection with an endothelial cell-tropic pathogenic strain of CMV. Then we evaluated the potential role of neutrophils and endothelial cells in the spread of infection to differentiating cytotrophoblasts. As shown by immunocytochemistry and analysis of viral replication, CMV preferentially infected endothelial cells via apical membranes and disrupted cell junction proteins, thereby altering paracellular permeability and cell polarity. Neutralizing antibodies to CMV glycoprotein B, an envelope component that facilitates virion penetration, blocked plaque formation in polarized UtMVEC. Neutrophils transmitted CMV infection to UtMVEC, which in turn infected cytotrophoblasts. However, neutrophils did not directly infect cytotrophoblasts. These findings implicate endothelial cells from the uterine microvasculature as a potential source for CMV infection of endovascular cytotrophoblasts of the anchoring villi. Possibly the cytokine/chemokine milieu in the pregnant uterus could attract immune cells that infect endothelial cells in hybrid fetal-maternal vessels. In turn, these cells could infect endovascular cytotrophoblasts, one possible initiation point of a cascade that results in retrograde placental CMV infection.     

APOE ε4 and late-life cognition: mediation by structural brain imaging markers

European Journal of Epidemiology - The apolipoprotein E allele 4 (APOE-ε4) is established as a major genetic risk factor for cognitive decline and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease....     

Variations in Safe Sleep Practices and Beliefs: Knowledge is not Enough

Maternal and Child Health Journal - Sleep-related infant deaths in the District of Columbia (DC) varies, with rates in certain geographical areas three times higher than DC and seven times higher...     

The extended latissimus dorsi muscle island flap for flexion or extension of the fingers

We describe the technique of transferring the latissmus dorsi muscle as an island flap for the restoration of digital flexion or extension in 28 patients. The latissmus dorsi muscle is raised down to the posterior iliac crest and prolonged with the gluteal superficial facia. We believe that this method is particularly suitable for extensive and prolonged paralysis of the lower elements of brachial plexus. It can be used also for severe Volkmann's contracture or the loss of flexor or extensor muscles of the fingers due to extensive debridement. The technique does not require microsurgery and there is no delay in reinnervation of the muscle.     

Menstrual Problems and Health Seeking in Sri Lanka

Menstruation is associated with some morbidity, although it is a normal physiological event. In this article, we draw on qualitative research conducted in Sri Lanka in 2006–2007, which included eight key informant interviews with healthcare providers, six focus group discussions with eight women in each, and five case studies. We describe and analyze women's perceptions of menstruation and menstrual problems, their help-seeking behaviors to reduce these health problems, and the consequences of them on their lives. The majority of women perceived menstruation as a physiological process and related problems to changes in hormone levels, pathological conditions of the uterus, and the side effects of contraceptive methods. Menstrual problems significantly affected their daily activities, mental well-being, social life, and sexual life, but few sought medical advice to resolve these problems. Implications of the findings included the need for health care providers and educators to provide accurate information on menstruation to girls and women to enable them to identify normal variation of menstruation and to take appropriate action regarding health care.     

Expansion of Patient Education Programming Regarding Live Donor Liver Transplantation via Virtual Group Encounters During the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the coronavirus 2019 pandemic we converted our liver transplant waitlist candidate education and support program to a virtual format and expanded it to include ongoing engagement sessions aimed to educate and empower patients to maximize opportunity for live donor liver transplantation. Over a period of 6 months from April 2020 to Sept 2020 we included 21 patients in this pilot quality improvement program. We collected data regarding patient response and potential donor referral activity. Overall, patient response was positive, and some patients saw progress toward live donor liver transplantation by fostering inquiry of potential live liver donors. Optimization of logistical aspects of the program including program flow, technology access, and utilization is required to enhance patient experience. Long-term follow-up is needed to assess impact on the outcome of transplantation rates. Future data collection and analysis should focus on assessment of any potential disparity that may result from utilization of virtual programming. Herein we provide a framework for this type of virtual program and describe our experience.