With the presence of linear defects

in the YBCO/BZO films, the thickness dependence of J(c) becomes negligible at self field and weak applied magnetic field (H), suggesting these linear defects playing a key role to the elimination of the thickness dependence of J(c). The effect of temperature (T) and H on J(c) thickness dependence have been investigated and comparisons have been made between YBCO and YBCO/BZO samples. Since BZO nanorods alignment is greatly influenced by growth temperature, the quantitative difference in terms of nanorod’s LY2835219 Cell Cycle inhibitor density and average length is reflected on J(c) angular dependence of H and J(c) thickness dependence as thermally assisted flux motion (TAFM) becomes important above a threshold H determined by the BZO nanorod density. With further increasing H, a monotonically increasing J(c) vs. thickness trend was observed in YBCO/BZO films, in contrast to an opposite trend when collective pinning is dominant. This result suggests the thickness dependence of J(c) is dictated by the microstructure and hence pinning mechanism in YBCO films. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3512988]“
“Local biosynthesis of estrogens, especially estradiol (E2), is thought to be important for the maintenance and growth of estrogen-sensitive

diseases. To control E2 formation, we have investigated a series of epoxide and furanic E2 derivatives as inhibitors of 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (17 beta-HSD1), the enzyme responsible for AL3818 GDC 0032 manufacturer the conversion of estrone (E1) into E2. We report

here a strategy to synthesize a series of E2-furanic derivatives from E1. An intermediate epoxide was first obtained and then reduced to give a furanic steroid, which allowed us to introduce a molecular diversity like alcohol, bromide, ester, acid and amide. The inhibition of the transformation of [(14)C]-E1 (100 nM) into [(14)C]-E2 by these compounds was first evaluated with homogenated HEK-293 cells overexpressing 17 beta-HSD1. The epoxide and butylamide derivatives showed the best inhibitions with 72% and 66%, respectively, at 10 mu M. All furanic compounds showed a lower 17 beta-HSD1 inhibitory potency in intact T-47D breast cancer cells than in homogenated cells, but a great improvement of the inhibitory activity was observed for the epoxide, which gave 62% and 90% of inhibition of the [(14)C]-E1 (60 nM) into [14C]-E2 transformation at 1 and 10 mu M, respectively.”
“Salivary nicotine and salivary cotinine is widely used in clinical and epidemiological studies to validate smoking cessation. However, the reported collection for salivary nicotine and salivary cotinine vary by technique and duration. This study investigated the influence of salivary collection by unstimulation and stimulation technique of the concentration of salivary nicotine and salivary cotinine.

NT

measurements were converted to multiples of the expected NT values according to CRL (NTMoM) and transformed to their log(10) equivalent (log(10) NTMoM). Central tendency and measurement were Bcl-2 inhibitor assessed by checking whether the median of the NTMoM distribution and SD of the log(10) NTMoM distributions were, respectively, within 5%% or 10%% of the expected median of 1 and SD of 0.1. Assessment was performed using both the Center specific and Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) reference NT for Crown rump length (CRL).

Results. aEuro integral The median NT MoM was 0.95 MoM using the FMF reference and 1.01 MoM when assessed using our center specific reference median. The difference between the center and FMF derived NT MoMs was statistically significantly (p aEuroS < aEuroS0.0001). NTMoM medians increased over time at a rate of 0.0099 MoM per year while log(10) NT MoM measurement dispersement was similar to the 0.1 value expected and decreased by 0.0048 per year.

Conclusion. aEuro integral Centers should routinely monitor the quality of NT measurements used to estimate Down syndrome screening risk and click here should provide individualized feedback to sonographers of their measures of central tendency and dispersion to ensure consistent and improved performance.

NT reference medians adopted from other populations should be assessed and validated against a centers own measurement distribution.”
“There have been great advances over the last decades in haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation, using either bone marrow, peripheral blood or cord blood-derived stem cells. The coming into force of the European legislation on tissues and cells and the consequent transposition of Directives into national laws have required the health authorities in the Member States (MS) and the scientific societies to review the transplantation activities to ensure the circulation of safe HSC products. Here, the regulatory inspection process performed by the Competent Authorities and the professional voluntary accreditation

process of the Transplant Programmes active in Italy is compared.”
“Objective The aim of this retrospective study is to review clinical data on patients that suffered intracorneal hemorrhage (ICH), and the veterinary Pfizer Licensed Compound Library cell line and human literature available for this condition.

Animal Studied A search for ICH was performed within the clinical database of the Animal Health Trust. Nineteen cases were identified (22 eyes).

Procedures The patient’s age, breed, and gender were reviewed, together with etiology, location, treatment, and follow-up. The relevant data were compared with the Animal Health Trust (AHT) ophthalmology referral population for the same period of time (n = 5555).

Results Twenty-two eyes were affected. No breed or sex predisposition could be identified.

The conditioning regimen used in all cases consisted of high-dose of busulfan and melphalan. Median age at transplantation was 3 years (range: 0.7–14 years). The median times to neutrophil and platelet engraftment were 11 days (range: 9.16 days) and 13 days (range: 9.33), respectively. Twenty-one patients developed nonhematologic toxicity: 15 patients had mucositis, 4 patients developed an engraftment syndrome, and there were 2 cases of liver toxicity. No toxic deaths were observed. There were 15 patients who relapsed. The median time to relapse was 6 months

after the transplant (range: 3–13 months). With a median follow-up of 55 months (range: 4–180 months), the PFS was 57%% +/-+/- 8.5%% for the whole group. In multivariate analysis,

age below 3 years (P < .005), complete remission (CR) pretransplantation (P < .07) Dactolisib ic50 and 1p germline status (P < .01) were variables associated with better outcomes. Patients who were or achieved early CR following transplantation (3 months posttransplantation) had a probability of PFS of 91%% +/-+/- 6%% as compared to patients who did not (PFS 9%% +/-+/- 8%%) (P < .0001). This retrospective study shows that high dose of busulfan and melphalan as conditioning regimen in children with high-risk neuroblastoma is associated with very low morbidity and no mortality in the authors” hands. Younger patients with no 1p deletions and in first CR at transplantation had the better outcome.</.”
“In this paper we report high magnetic field (-140 <= H <= 140 kOe) magnetization S63845 research buy data for cobalt ferrites (crystallites size similar CP-456773 clinical trial to 42 nm) for temperatures (T) varying from 5 to 340 K. The T-dependence for the cubic magnetocrystalline anisotropy constant K-1 was determined by using the “”law of approach”" (LA) to saturation. The values of K-1 were found to be substantially different from previously reported values obtained using the same procedure but with H up to 50 kOe. By properly choosing the quantum parameters we found

a very good agreement between the values calculated by using the model proposed by Tachiki [Prog. Theor. Phys. 23, 1055 (1960)] and the K-1 versus T data. For instance, the values of K-1 measured (calculated) for 5 K and 340 K were 28.3 x 10(6) erg/cm(3) (27.7 x 10(6) erg/cm(3)) and 7.4 x 10(6) erg/cm(3) (6.8 x 10(6) erg/cm(3)), respectively. The values of the parameters used to fit the data in both magnetic field regimes were chosen based on cation distribution over the A and B-sites on the spinel structure of the nanoparticles. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3626931]“
“The dynamic structuring of natural rubber (NR) was studied selecting two specific Hevea brasiliensis genotypes (RRIM600 and PB235) to prepare model samples. The mesostructure (macromolecular structure + aggregates or gel) of NR samples was studied by SEC-MALS.

Unpaired t-tests were used to compare tear-film osmolarity, TFBUT, IOP, https://www.selleckchem.com/products/JNJ-26481585.html and STT of the two groups.

Results A total of 93 cats (186 eyes) were examined. There were 37 normal cats (74 eyes) and 39 conjunctivitis cats (78 eyes). The mean age was 2.34 years. There was no statistical difference (P = 0.2065) between the median tear-film osmolarity of normal cats (328.5 +/- 17.94 mOsms/L) and conjunctivitis cats (325.0 +/- 24.84 mOsms/L). Cats with conjunctivitis had an accelerated TFBUT

(P < 0.0001) and lower IOPs (P < 0.0001) as compared to normal cats. No statistical difference was found between STT values (P = 0.1304).

Conclusions The median tear-film osmolarity of normal cats was 328.5 mOsms/L. Despite the accelerated TFBUT, conjunctivitis did not cause a statistically significant change in tear-film osmolarity. The Tear Lab (TM) Osmolarity System was easily used and well tolerated by the cats in the study.”
“Aim: Auscultation and palpation are recommended methods of determining heart rate (HR) during neonatal resuscitation. We hypothesized that: (a) detection of HR by auscultation or palpation will vary by more than +/- 15 BPM from actual HR; and (b) the inability to accurately determine HR will be associated with errors in management of the neonate MDV3100 during

simulated resuscitation.

Subjects and methods: Using a prospective, randomized, controlled study design, 64 subjects participated in three simulated neonatal resuscitation scenarios. Subjects were randomized to technique used to determine HR (auscultation

or palpation) and scenario order. Subjects verbalized their numeric assessment of HR at the onset of the scenario and after any intervention. Accuracy of HR determination and errors in resuscitation were AZD7762 recorded. Errors were classified as errors of omission (lack of appropriate interventions) or errors of commission (inappropriate interventions). Cochran’s Q and chi square test were used to compare HR detection by method and across scenarios.

Results: Errors in HR determination occurred in 26-48% of initial assessments and 26-52% of subsequent assessments overall. There were neither statistically significant differences in accuracy between the two techniques of HR assessment (auscultation vs palpation) nor across the three scenarios. Of the 90 errors in resuscitation, 43 (48%) occurred in association with errors in HR determination.

Conclusions: Determination of heart rate via auscultation and palpation by experienced healthcare professionals in a neonatal patient simulator with standardized cues is not reliable. Inaccuracy in HR determination is associated with errors of omission and commission. More reliable methods for HR assessment during neonatal resuscitation are required. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

06. Our results demonstrate significant positive associations between HHL, VF, number of VF, and grade of VF. However, this relationship is not clinically pertinent. Consequently, HHL cannot be used as a reliable clinical test this website for detecting VF in postmenopausal Moroccan women.”
“Most smoking cessation programs advise abrupt rather than gradual cessation. We conducted a randomized, controlled trial of gradual cessation (n = 297) vs. abrupt cessation (n = 299) vs. minimal treatment (n = 150) among smokers who wanted to quit now and preferred to quit gradually. Participants were recruited via newspaper and radio advertisements. The gradual and abrupt conditions

received five phone calls (total = 90 min) and the minimal treatment condition received two calls (25 min total). The gradual condition received nicotine lozenge (via mail) to reduce smoking prior to their quit date. After the quit day, all participants received lozenge. The primary outcome was prolonged abstinence from 2 weeks post-quit day through 6 months. Prior to the quit day, the gradual condition decreased cigarettes/day by 54%, whereas the other two conditions decreased by 1% and 5%. Prolonged abstinence rates (CO < 10 ppm) did not differ among gradual, abrupt and minimal treatment conditions (4%, 7% and 5%), nor did 7-day point prevalence rates (7%, 11% and 11%). Fewer smokers in the Ferroptosis inhibitor clinical trial gradual condition (48%) made a quit attempt than in the abrupt (64%) or minimal (60%)

conditions (p < .001). In the gradual condition, every Daporinad week delay to the quit date increased the probability of lapsing by

19% (p < .001). We conclude that among smokers who want to stop gradually in the near future, gradual cessation with nicotine pre-treatment does not produce higher quit rates than abrupt cessation. One liability of gradual reduction may be that it allows smokers to delay their quit date. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Three different boron-containing substances-zinc borate (ZnB), borophosphate (BPO(4)), and a boron- and silicon-containing oligomer (BSi)-were used to improve the flame retardancy of melamine in a polyamide 6 (PA-6) matrix. The combustion and thermal degradation characteristics of PA-6 composites were investigated with the limiting oxygen index (LOT), the UL-94 standard, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)/Fourier transform infrared (FUR) spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A slight increase was seen in the LOI values of a sample containing BSi (1 wt %). BPO(4) at high loadings showed a V0 rating (indicating the best flame retardancy) and slightly lower LOI values in comparison with samples with only melamine. For ZnB and BSi, glassy film and char formation decreased the dripping rate and sublimation of melamine, and this led to low LOIs. According to the TGA-FTIR results, the addition of boron compounds did not change the decomposition product distribution of melamine and PA-6.

[doi: 10.1063/1.3524480]“
“PURPOSE: To evaluate ocular penetration of topically applied linezolid, a new antibiotic agent targeted against gram-positive organisms.

SETTING: Laboratory of

Pharmacology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.

METHODS: New Zealand White rabbits were divided into 3 equal groups. One drop of 50 mu L (2 mg/mL) linezolid was administrated in Group 1. In Group 2, eyes were dosed in accordance with a keratitis protocol (1 drop of 2 mg/mL every 15 minutes for 1 hour). Aqueous humor https://www.selleckchem.com/products/GSK690693.html was sampled 6 times from immediately after to 3 hours after drop delivery. In Group 3, a keratitis protocol was implemented before the animals were humanely killed. Conjunctiva, cornea, vitreous, and blood samples were collected 1 hour and 2 hours after the last drop. Linezolid concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS: Each group comprised 8 rabbits. In Group 1 and Group 2, the peak linezolid concentration in the aqueous humor (mean 0.87 mg/L +/- 0.16 [SD] and 2.17 +/- 0.4 mg/L, respectively) was 45 minutes

after the last drop delivery. In Group 3, the concentrations 1 hour and 2 hours after the last drop were higher than 3 mu g/g in the conjunctiva samples and higher than 4 mu g/g in the cornea samples. The linezolid concentration in the vitreous and serum was negligible.

CONCLUSIONS: Linezolid levels in the aqueous humor, conjunctiva, Stem Cell Compound Library manufacturer and cornea exceeded the minimum inhibitory concentration of most gram-positive organisms that cause bacterial keratitis and endophthalmitis. Linezolid could be a valuable alternative in cases of increased resistance to vancomycin.”
“Microtoena patchoulii (Labiatae) is a perennial herb that grows in southern China. In the present study, the sedative activity of the essential oil of the leaves was evaluated using mice when the volatile oil was administered by inhalation. The inhalation of the oil by mice significantly reduced the spontaneous

motor activity. Fractionation of the oil revealed that the main constituents in the oil were 1-octen-3-ol, terpinolene, patchouli alcohol, www.selleckchem.com/products/brigatinib-ap26113.html and methyl salicylate. Each 1-octen-3-ol, terpinolene, or patchouli alcohol significantly reduce the locomotor activity when it was administered singly. However, the essential oil fraction containing both patchouli alcohol and methyl salicylate did not exhibit any effects. It is suggested that methyl salicylate might negate the sedative effect of patchouli alcohol, and that the concentration ratios of the compounds in vapor would play important roles as sedatives. In order to clarify the mechanism of action, the effects of these compounds on caffeine-induced excitation and pentobarbital-induced elongation of sleeping time in mice were tested. Each 1-octen-3-ol or terpinolene reduced the locomotor activity excited by caffeine to those of normal levels.

Our findings have clinical significance in cases of chronic impingement, when the rim has

to support repeated loading for the lifetime of the implant.”
“The hybrid plasticized polymer electrolyte composed of the blend of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) as host polymer, propylene carbo ate as learn more plasticizer, and LiClO(4) as a salt was studied. An attempt was made to optimize the polymer blend ratio. XRD, Fourier transform infrared, and DSC studies confirm the formation of polymer-salt complex and miscibility of the PVC and PAN. The electrical conductivity and temperature dependence of ionic conductivity of polymer films are also Studied and reported here. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 113: 1651-1656, 2009″
“Background: Given the potential for recovery in recent onset nonischemic cardiomyopathy (ROCM), the timing and need for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICDs) remains controversial. We examined the utilization of Transmembrane Transporters inhibitor ICDs and the impact on survival for subjects with ROCM.

Methods and Results: An National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute sponsored registry enrolled

373 subjects with ROCM, all with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <= 0.40 and 6 months of symptoms. The mean age was 45 +/- 14 years, 38% were female, 21% black, 75% New York Heart Association II/III, and the mean LVEF was 0.24 +/- 0.08. Survival was comparable for subjects with an ICD within 1 month of entry (n = 43, 1/2/3 year % survival = 97/97/92) and those with no ICD at 1 month (n = 330, % survival = 98/97/95, P = .30) and between those with and without an ICD at 6 months (ICD, n = 73, 1/2/3 year % survival = 98/98/95; no ICD, n = 300, % survival

= 98/96/95, P = .95). There were only 6 sudden cardiac deaths (SCD) noted (% survival free from SCD = 99/98/97) and these occurred in 1.9% of subjects without ICD and 0.9% of those with a device (P = .50).

Conclusions: In a multicenter cohort of ROCM the risk click here of SCD was low at 1% per year. Early LCD placement did not impact survival and can be deferred while assessing potential for myocardial recovery. (J Cardiac Fail 2012;18:675-681)”
“Study Design. A retrospective study.

Objective. This retrospective investigation was conducted to determine efficacy and endurance of titanium mesh cage as a strut for interlaminar wiring by comparing with autologous iliac bone graft (AIBG). For patients with atlantoaxial instability (AAI), allograft bone was harvested on an interlaminar mesh cage and transarticular fixation (TAF) was performed.

Summary of Background Data. There have been few studies about atlantoaxial fusion rate and advantages for titanium mesh cage from comparison with AIBG in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Methods. Between January 1998 and October 2007, 55 RA patients were surgically treated for AAI.

Conclusions.

Results suggest that depressed young persons with chronic pain demonstrate a pattern of negative attitudes and beliefs that could compromise their ability to flexibly adjust to changing life circumstances.”
“Up to 50% of children will experience a sleep problem. Early identification of sleep problems may prevent negative consequences, such as daytime sleepiness, irritability, behavioral problems, learning difficulties, motor vehicle crashes in teenagers, and poor academic performance. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs in 1% to 5% of

children. Polysomnography is needed to diagnose the condition because it may not be detected through history and physical examination alone. Adenotonsillectomy is the primary treatment for most children with obstructive sleep Oligomycin A nmr apnea.

Parasomnias are common in childhood; Selleckchem RG 7112 sleepwalking, sleep talking, confusional arousals, and sleep terrors tend to occur in the first half of the night, whereas nightmares are more common in the second half of the night. Only 4% of parasomnias will persist past adolescence; thus, the best management is parental reassurance and proper safety measures. Behavioral insomnia of childhood is common and is characterized by a learned inability to fall and/or stay asleep. Management begins with consistent implementation of good sleep hygiene practices, and, in some cases, use of extinction techniques may be appropriate. Delayed sleep phase disorder is most common in adolescence, presenting as difficulty falling asleep and awakening at socially acceptable times. Treatment involves good sleep hygiene and a consistent sleep-wake schedule, with nighttime melatonin and/or morning bright light therapy as needed. Diagnosing restless

legs syndrome in children can be difficult; management focuses on trigger avoidance and treatment of iron deficiency, if present. (Copyright (C) 2014 American Academy of Family Physicians.)”
“Cowden syndrome (CS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by multisystem hamartomatous growths and carcinomas. CS is linked to germ line mutations in PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) located on chromosome 10q23.3. PTEN acts as a tumor suppressor to negatively control cellular growth and survival via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Presented here are 2 patients with multiple, persistent, and asymptomatic papules on the face and the upper body, histologically consistent with trichilemmomas. P005091 Ubiquitin inhibitor Diagnosis of CS was made in each case based on the established diagnostic criteria and confirmed using immunohistochemistry directed against PTEN. We propose that the assessment of PTEN expression levels can aid in the identification of patients with CS.”
“Objective.

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the associations between standardized values of thermal sensory perception and standardized scores of clinical pain among a heterogeneous cohort of adults with chronic pain that included individuals receiving chronic opioid therapy.

Design.

“
“P>Background:

Postoperative analgesia of iliac crest (IC) donor site can be performed by on site infiltrations of local anesthetics (LA) or morphine. Single injections or continuous infusions of LA proved their efficacy in adults, but was not reported in children.

We prospectively evaluated the interest of a continuous infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine at the IC donor site in terms of postoperative pain relief and rescue analgesics consumption.

Methods:

Sixteen consecutive patients, aged from 4 to 16 years scheduled for maxillar alveolar graft with IC bone, were included. After IC bone graft surgery under general anesthesia, they received a 0.2-0.4 ml center dot kg(-1) bolus of 0.2% ropivacaine through the IC catheter; then a continuous infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine at 0.125 ml center dot kg(-1)center dot h(-1) was administrated for 48 h with disposable

this website elastomeric pumps. Children systematically received paracetamol (15 mg center dot kg(-1) four times a day) and niflumic acid (40 mg center dot kg(-1) twice a day). Postoperative pain was evaluated using a Visual Analog Scale (> 7 years old) or Children and Infants Postoperative Pain Score (between 4 and 7 years old) every 4 h until H48. Doses of rescue analgesics and adverse events (LA toxicity, catheter’s check details removal, nausea-vomiting) were also noted. Three months after surgery a blinded clinical research assistant reviewed all children and assessed functional recovery, GSK461364 Cell Cycle inhibitor neuropathic chronic pain symptoms or local complications.

Results:

The median value of IC graft pain scores was 0 during whole studied period. Of the patients, 31.2% did not require any rescue analgesics and 43.8%

needed only once. No adverse events related to LA and no removal of catheter were noted. One child had nausea in the 48-h postoperative period, and one child had neuropathic pain symptoms at 3 months at the donor site.

Conclusion:

Continuous infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine through an IC catheter is an optimal and safe technique of regional postoperative analgesia after bone graft harvest in children.”
“Background: High glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)) levels are recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in the diabetic dialysis population. However, it is not known whether this also applies to nondiabetic dialysis patients. We prospectively investigated the association between HbA(1c) levels and new cardiovascular events in nondiabetic patients treated with peritoneal dialysis.

Methods: Eighty nondiabetic patients who had been on peritoneal dialysis treatment were prospectively followed for 5 years. HbA(1c) levels were measured at baseline and every 3 months. Fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events were assessed during the follow-up.

Results: Mean age was 48.5 +/- 15.2 years; 51% were male. Baseline HbA(1c) level was 5.46% +/- 0.

Group I comprised patients who received preincisional local infiltration and intraperitoneal instillation levobupivacaine 0.25%. Patients in group II received equal volumes

DMXAA of normal saline 0.9% (NS) at the same sites. The primary outcome measures were visual analog scale pain scores and postoperative analgesic consumption. Results: Postoperative average VAS pain scores, i.m. pethidine consumption and i.v. paracetamol consumption during the first 24 h were highly significantly lower in the levobupivacaine group compared to the NS group (P < 0.01). This technique was also associated with significantly higher overall patient satisfaction, shorter hospital stay and more rapid resumption of normal activity (P < 0.01) without any significant adverse events. Conclusion: The combination

of preincisional local infiltration and intraperitoneal instillation of levobupivacaine 0.25% was found to substantially reduce postoperative pain and the consumption of postoperative analgesics during the first 24 h; and FDA-approved Drug Library supplier shorten hospital stay and time to resume normal activities after LOD. It was also associated with a very high overall patient satisfaction without any significant adverse events.”
“There has been controversy about the effect of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on pregnancy outcome after IVF treatment. A total of 1676 couples undergoing their first IVF cycle were included in this study. The prevalence of HBV infection in the female partners of the subfertile population seeking treatment with assisted reproductive technology was 7.8-9.6% during the study period. The ongoing pregnancy rate was not significantly different between couples with HBV-seropositive wives and seronegative

ones (26.7% versus 30.2%). The ongoing AZD2014 pregnancy rate and the live-birth rate of couples with both partners being HBV surface antigen positive was not significantly different from couples with discordant HBV serostatus and those couples with both partners being HBV surface antigen negative (23% versus 29% versus 30%, respectively; 23% versus 27% versus 27%, respectively). The percentage of normal sperm morphology in HBV-seropositive husbands was significantly lower than that of seronegative counterparts (5.0% versus 10.0%, P = 0.009). In conclusion, there was no adverse effect of HBV infection on the assisted reproduction outcomes. (C) 2010, Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Aim: The BRCA1 promoter is hypermethylated in ovarian cancer patients. We postulated that this hypermethylation might be involved in ovarian cancer progression. Methods: To confirm our hypothesis, tissue and serum samples were collected from ovarian carcinoma patients and categorized according to tumor stage. Healthy or benign ovarian disease tissue samples and corresponding serum samples were used as controls.