Evaluation of novel assays for the detection of human papilloma virus in self-collected samples for cervical cancer screening

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of three new high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) assays for primary cervical cancer screening, by using self-collected samples, and to identify an HPV assay that could overcome the major obstacles faced during large-scale population-based screening. Two hundred and ten women showing abnormal cervical cytology (and referred for a colposcopy) were recruited in this study. Self-collected samples obtained from all women were tested with the Cobas, Seq, and BioPerfectus Multiplex Real Time HPV assays; simultaneously, clinician-collected samples (from the same women) were tested with the gold-standard Cobas HPV assay. The results of all the assays were consistent. The sensitivity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2+ (CIN2+) and CIN3+ were comparable between the self-collected samples tested with the three new assays and the clinician-collected samples tested with the Cobas HPV assay (P > 0.05). The single-genotype HPV load per sample did not differ significantly between the self- and clinician-collected samples (P = 0.195). In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrated the applicability of the three new HPV assays for primary cervical cancer screening based on self-collection.

Orbital two-channel Kondo effect in epitaxial ferromagnetic L1(0)-MnAl films

The orbital two-channel Kondo effect displaying exotic non-Fermi liquid behaviour arises in the intricate scenario of two conduction electrons compensating a pseudo-spin-1/2 impurity of two-level system. Despite extensive efforts for several decades, no material system has been clearly identified to exhibit all three transport regimes characteristic of the two-channel Kondo effect in the same sample, leaving the interpretation of the experimental results a subject of debate. Here we present a transport study suggestive of a robust orbital two-channel Kondo effect in epitaxial ferromagnetic L1₀-MnAl films, as evidenced by a magnetic field-independent resistivity upturn with a clear transition from logarithmic- to square-root temperature dependence and deviation from it in three distinct temperature regimes. Our results also provide an experimental indication of the presence of two-channel Kondo physics in a ferromagnet, pointing to considerable robustness of the orbital two-channel Kondo effect even in the presence of spin polarization of the conduction electrons.

In metals, electronic scattering from defects by the two-channel Kondo effect is expected to cause deviation from standard low temperature behaviour, however this effect has not been unambiguously shown. Here, the authors present evidence consistent with all transport signatures of the effect in ferromagnetic L1₀-MnAl films.

Free-Standing Two-Dimensional Single-Crystalline InSb Nanosheets

Growth of high-quality single-crystalline InSb layers remains challenging in material science. Such layered InSb materials are highly desired for searching for and manipulation of Majorana Fermions in solid state, a fundamental research task in physics today, and for development of novel high-speed nanoelectronic and infrared optoelectronic devices. Here, we report on a new route toward growth of single-crystalline, layered InSb materials. We demonstrate the successful growth of free-standing, two-dimensional InSb nanosheets on one-dimensional InAs nanowires by molecular-beam epitaxy. The grown InSb nanosheets are pure zinc-blende single crystals. The length and width of the InSb nanosheets are up to several micrometers and the thickness is down to ∼10 nm. The InSb nanosheets show a clear ambipolar behavior and a high electron mobility. Our work will open up new technology routes toward the development of InSb-based devices for applications in nanoelectronics, optoelectronics, and quantum electronics and for the study of fundamental physical phenomena.

Comparison of two different sevoflurane expelling methods on emergence agitation in infants following sevoflurane anesthesia

PURPOSE

To investigate the effects of two different inhalation anesthetic expelling methods on emergence agitation in infants following sevoflurane anesthesia.

METHODS

100 infants (1~3 years old) with cleft lip and palate and ASA classification I~II were randomized into two groups, a sevoflurane concentration decreasing expelling group (group n = 50 cases) and a low fresh gas flow expelling group (group D = 50 cases). The operation for cleft lip and palate repair was under general anesthesia, in which 30 minutes after initiation of narcosis ending extubation was indicated and after the tubes were removed the patients were sent to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) to record anesthesia times, emergence agitation scores, Ramsay scores and adverse reactions including drowsiness, respiratory depression, nausea and vomiting, chills, hiccough or laryngospasms.

RESULTS

There were no differences in anesthesia times, awaking time and time until extubation between the two groups. 10 min after start of expelling sevoflurane, blood pressure and heart rates were higher in group N than in group D (P < 0.05). The postoperative agitation incidence and the degree of agitation were lower in group D than in group N (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Postoperative agitation is prone to occur in patients with sevoflurane concentration decreasing expelling. Avoiding sevoflurane application maintenance in the stage of sevoflurane expelling reduces the occurrence of postoperative agitation and diminishes physiological and psychological harm.

Is the adiposity-associated FTO gene variant related to all-cause mortality independent of adiposity? Meta-analysis of data from 169,551 Caucasian adults

Previously, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs9939609, in the FTO gene showed a much stronger association with all-cause mortality than expected from its association with body mass index (BMI), body fat mass index (FMI) and waist circumference (WC). This finding implies that the SNP has strong pleiotropic effects on adiposity and adiposity-independent pathological pathways that leads to increased mortality. To investigate this further, we conducted a meta-analysis of similar data from 34 longitudinal studies including 169,551 adult Caucasians among whom 27,100 died during follow-up. Linear regression showed that the minor allele of the FTO SNP was associated with greater BMI (n = 169,551; 0.32 kg m(-2) ; 95% CI 0.28-0.32, P < 1 × 10(-32) ), WC (n = 152,631; 0.76 cm; 0.68-0.84, P < 1 × 10(-32) ) and FMI (n = 48,192; 0.17 kg m(-2) ; 0.13-0.22, P = 1.0 × 10(-13) ). Cox proportional hazard regression analyses for mortality showed that the hazards ratio (HR) for the minor allele of the FTO SNPs was 1.02 (1.00-1.04, P = 0.097), but the apparent excess risk was eliminated after adjustment for BMI and WC (HR: 1.00; 0.98-1.03, P = 0.662) and for FMI (HR: 1.00; 0.96-1.04, P = 0.932). In conclusion, this study does not support that the FTO SNP is associated with all-cause mortality independently of the adiposity phenotypes.

Stereo and enantioselective separation and identification of synthetic pyrethroids, and photolytical isomerization analysis

Permethrin, cypermethrin and cyfluthrin are three important pyrethroids with similar structures and contain four, eight and eight stereoisomers, respectively. All the stereoisomers were completely resolved by a combination of achiral and chiral high-performance liquid chromatography with hexane/isopropanol as the mobile phase. The absolute configurations for the stereoisomers were also assigned on the basis of enantioselective resolution of permethrinic acid. For cypermethrin and cyfluthrin, although there is the only difference being one F atom substitution in cyfluthrin, the cis-I diastereomer exhibited a reversal of enantiomer order. Three specific stereoisomers were further isolated to investigate the photolysis and chiral stability of synthetic pyrethroids at the enantiomeric level. The results clearly revealed that significant isomerization occurred along with the photolysis process. The isomerization occurred at chiral 1-C position, 3-C position or both in the cyclopropyl ring, and the chiral 3-C exhibited a higher inversion tendency.

Correlation between carbonic anhydrase IX (CA-9), XII (CA-12) and hypoxia inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α) in breast cancer

Hypoxia inducible factor 2α (HIF-2α) can trigger the expression of several genes related to many aspects of tumor progress under hypoxia. As an independent factor, the role of HIF-2α is different from other hypoxia-mediated elements, including HIF-1α. Carbonic anhydrase (CA) were also regarded as important enzymes that involve in the tumor microenvironment pH. To find clinical-pathological features of breast cancer in plateau and explore the impact of CAIX, XII (CA-9, CA-12) and HIF-2α on patients with breast cancer. Clinical data were collected and summarized in 94 patients with breast cancer. The expression of HIF-2α, CA-9 and CA-12 were detected, using immunohistochemistry of specimens. The relation between expressions and clinical-pathology was analyzed. Under normoxia, hypoxia, and after being pretreated with the JNK inhibitor SP600125, HIF- 2α, CA-9 and CA-12 expressions were detected, and adhesion and invasion assays were performed in MCF-7 cells and HIF- 2α shRNA cells, respectively. There are higher expressions of HIF-2α in tumor classification 2 and clinical stage 2 (P < 0.05). High expression of CA-12 was observed in clinical stage 2 (P < 0.05). CA-9 expression is significantly correlated with CA-12 expression (r = 0.376, P = 0.0001). HIF-2α expression is not correlated with both CA-9 expression (P = 0.21) and CA-12 expression (P = 0.27). Breast cancer cells in vitro showed that HIF-2α, CA-9 or CA-12 had an increase expression under hypoxia (1% O2). CA-9 or CA-12 expression was observed in HIF-2α shRNA cells. JNK inhibitor SP 600125 reduced the HIF-2α expression and inhibited the adhesion and invasion of breast cancer cell. Slight inhibition effect on CA-9 and CA-12 expression was found. In conclusion, HIF-2α, CA-9 and CA-12 are important hypoxia responsive elements in breast cancer. HIF-2α was involved in metastasis and invasion of breast cancer cells under hypoxia, by the involvement of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) signal pathway. CA-9 and CA-12 may tend to be regulated by HIF-1α more often than by HIF-2α under hypoxia.

[Clinical outcome evaluation of midpalatal mini-implant anchorage system in orthodontic treatment]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of midpalatal mini-implant anchorage system in fixed appliance treatment.

METHODS

In this study, 14 adolescents who had skeletal class I or II malocclusions were involved. Maximal anchorage was required during orthodontic treatment. Maxillary first premolars of the selected individuals were extracted and the individuals were treated by fixed appliance. One mini-implant was inserted in the midpalatal suture region and a transpalatal arch (TPA) made of 0.019 inch×0.022 inch(1 inch=2.54 cm) stainless steel was adhered to the mini-implant and upper first molars. Cephalometric radiographs taken after mini-implants inserted (T0) and before mini-implants removing (T1) were traced and measured. SN-7 plane and PP plane were used as reference planes. Student's t-test was used.

RESULTS

The successful rate of midpalatal mini-implant was 73.9%. All the items measured were found with no significant difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

This mini-implant system as orthodontic anchorage in midpalatal region can be an alternative method of maximal anchorage during orthodontic treatment.

[Analysis of hydrogen-production performance in a UASB system at low pH]

This experiment used upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) with brown sugar water as fermentation substrate and sewage sludge as the initiation sludge of the reaction, which was made into granular sludge by adding activated carbon. Emphasis was placed on assessing the hydrogen production performance of the UASB hydrogen bio-production system in the stable ethanol-type fermentation. Under the conditions that the influent COD was 4000 mg x L(-1), the temperature was (35 +/- 1) degrees C and the hydraulic retention time (HRT) was 8 h, a certain amount of NaHCO3 was added to adjust pH from 3.72 to 3.80, 3.85, 3.94 and 4.04, the hydrogen production rate increased correspondingly from the initial 5.5 L x d(-1) to about 7.0, 8.0, 9.5 and 6.0 L x d(-1), which was improved by 27.27%, 45.45%, 72.73% and 9.09%, respectively. The highest hydrogen production rate and gas yield were observed at pH 3.94. The maximal gas yield was 15.83 L x d(-1), which was 1.75 times as high as the initial production. Meanwhile, the hydrogen production efficiency was 58.05%. This study broke through the lower limit pH value 4.0 in fermentative hydrogen production.

Pleiotropic effects of obesity-susceptibility loci on metabolic traits: a meta-analysis of up to 37,874 individuals

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Genetic pleiotropy may contribute to the clustering of obesity and metabolic conditions. We assessed whether genetic variants that are robustly associated with BMI and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) also influence metabolic and cardiovascular traits, independently of obesity-related traits, in meta-analyses of up to 37,874 individuals from six European population-based studies.

METHODS

We examined associations of 32 BMI and 14 WHR loci, individually and combined in two genetic predisposition scores (GPSs), with glycaemic traits, blood lipids and BP, with and without adjusting for BMI and/or WHR.

RESULTS

We observed significant associations of BMI-increasing alleles at five BMI loci with lower levels of 2 h glucose (RBJ [also known as DNAJC27], QPTCL: effect sizes -0.068 and -0.107 SD, respectively), HDL-cholesterol (SLC39A8: -0.065 SD, MTCH2: -0.039 SD), and diastolic BP (SLC39A8: -0.069 SD), and higher and lower levels of LDL- and total cholesterol (QPTCL: 0.041 and 0.042 SDs, respectively, FLJ35779 [also known as POC5]: -0.042 and -0.041 SDs, respectively) (all p < 2.4 × 10(-4)), independent of BMI. The WHR-increasing alleles at two WHR loci were significantly associated with higher proinsulin (GRB14: 0.069 SD) and lower fasting glucose levels (CPEB4: -0.049 SD), independent of BMI and WHR. A higher GPS-BMI was associated with lower systolic BP (-0.005 SD), diastolic BP (-0.006 SD) and 2 h glucose (-0.013 SD), while a higher GPS-WHR was associated with lower HDL-cholesterol (-0.015 SD) and higher triacylglycerol levels (0.014 SD) (all p < 2.9 × 10(-3)), independent of BMI and/or WHR.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

These pleiotropic effects of obesity-susceptibility loci provide novel insights into mechanisms that link obesity with metabolic abnormalities.

Note: simultaneous measurements of magnetization and electrical transport signal by a reconstructed superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer

We have developed a sample rod which makes the conventional superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer capable of performing magnetization and electrical transport measurements simultaneously. The sample holder attached to the end of a 140 cm long sample rod is a nonmagnetic drinking straw or a 1.5 mm wide silicon strip with small magnetic background signal. Ferromagnetic semiconductor (Ga,Mn)As films are used to test the new sample rod, and the results are in good agreement with previous report.

Ferromagnetic interfacial interaction and the proximity effect in a Co2FeAl/(Ga,Mn)As bilayer

The magnetic properties of a Co2FeAl/(Ga,Mn)As bilayer epitaxied on GaAs (001) are studied both experimentally and theoretically. Unlike the common antiferromagnetic interfacial interaction existing in most ferromagnet-magnetic semiconductor bilayers, a ferromagnetic interfacial interaction in the Co2FeAl/(Ga,Mn)As bilayer is observed from measurements of magnetic hysteresis and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism. The Mn ions in a 1.36 nm thick (Ga,Mn)As layer remain spin polarized up to 400 K due to the magnetic proximity effect. The minor loops of the Co2FeAl/(Ga,Mn)As bilayer shift with a small ferromagnetic interaction field of +24 Oe and -23 Oe at 15 K. The observed ferromagnetic interfacial coupling is supported by ab initio density functional calculations. These findings may provide a viable pathway for designing room-temperature semiconductor spintronic devices through magnetic proximity effect.

[Effects of forest gap size and light intensity on herbaceous plants in Pinus koraiensis-dominated broadleaved mixed forest]

1 m x 1 m fixed quadrats were parallelly arranged with a space of 2 m in each of six forest gaps in Pinus koraiensis-dominated broadleaved mixed forest, taking the gap center as the starting point and along east-west and south-north directions. In each quadrat, the coverage and abundance of herbaceous plants at different height levels were investigated by estimation method in June and September 2011, and the matrix characteristics within the quadrats were recorded. Canopy analyzer was used to take fish-eye photos in the selected overcast days in each month from June to September, 2011, and the relative light intensity was calculated by using Gap Light Analyzer 2.0 software. The differences in the relative light intensity and herbaceous plants coverage and richness between different gaps as well as the correlations between the coverage of each species and the direct light, diffuse light, and matrix were analyzed. The results showed that in opening areas and under canopy, the relative light intensity in large gaps was higher than that in small gaps, and the variation ranges of diffuse light and direct light from gap center to gap edge were bigger in large gaps than in small gaps. The direct light reaching at the ground both in large gaps and in small gaps was higher in the north than in the south direction. In the Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z4 zones, both the coverage and the richness of herbaceous plants were larger in large gaps than in small gaps, and the differences of species richness between large and small gaps reached significant level. The coverage of the majority of the herbaceous plants had significant correlations with diffuse light and matrix, and only the coverage of a few herbaceous plants was correlated with direct light.

[Effects of gap size on the spatial heterogeneity of soil water in Pinus koraiensis-dominated broad-leaved mixed forest]

In August-October 2011, the soil water content (SWC) at different depths in different sized gaps in Pinus koraiensis-dominated broad-leaved mixed forest of Xiaoxing' an Mountains, Northeast China was continuously measured by grid nesting method and time domain reflectometry (TDR), and the spatial heterogeneity of the SWC was analyzed by the principles and approaches of geostatistics. The SWC was most abundant in medium gap, followed by in large gap and in small gap whereas the maximum difference of SWC was the biggest in large gap, followed by in medium gap, and in small gap. The variation range of the nugget of SWC at different depths in the large, medium, and small gaps was 0.001-0.404, 0.001-0.273, and 0.001-0.261, respectively. The SWC heterogeneity resulted from random part and the total system SWC spatial heterogeneity were decreased in the order of large gap > medium gap > small gap. The spatial distribution pattern of SWC was most complicated in medium gap, while the spatial dependence in the variation of the SWC pattern was the strongest in large gap. High-grade patches (SWC was 50%-60%) occupied the largest area in medium gap, followed by in large gap, and there was no high-grade patch in small gap. As for the SWC at same depths and in same months, its grade distribution was most simple in small gap, but relatively complicated in large and medium gaps. The maximum value of SWC increased with increasing gap size.

Spontaneous symmetry breaking and bifurcations in ground-state fidelity for quantum lattice systems

Spontaneous symmetry breaking occurs in a system when its Hamiltonian possesses a certain symmetry, whereas the ground-state wave functions do not preserve it. This provides such a scenario that a bifurcation, which breaks the symmetry, occurs when some control parameter crosses its critical value. It is unveiled that the ground-state fidelity per lattice site exhibits such a bifurcation for quantum lattice systems undergoing quantum phase transitions. The significance of this result lies in the fact that the ground-state fidelity per lattice site is universal, in the sense that it is model independent, in contrast to (model-dependent) order parameters. This fundamental quantity may be computed by exploiting the developed tensor network algorithms on infinite-size lattices. We illustrate the scheme in terms of the quantum Ising model in a transverse magnetic field and the spin-1/2 XYX model in an external magnetic field on an infinite-size lattice in one spatial dimension.

Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations on size effect of glassy polyethylene particles

The size effect on mechanical properties of glassy polyethylene (PE) nanoscale particles has been investigated by extensive coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. The diameter of the PE particles varies in the range of 5-40 nm, we confirm that the particle's behaviour under compressive stress strongly depends on its size-the smaller the particle diameter is, the stiffer the particle behaves. The present mechanical responses of compressed particles are in good agreement with our previous experimental phenomena of micron-sized polymer particles measured by a nanoindentation-based flat punch method. Possible reasons for the size effect are discussed.

An indirect ELISA for detection of Theileria sergenti antibodies in water buffalo using a recombinant major piroplasm surface protein

In this study we investigated the prevalence and enzootic potential of Theileria spp. in water buffalo in the Hubei province in China. An indirect ELISA based on a recombinant major piroplasma surface protein was developed. The complete ORF of the 33-kDa major piroplasma surface protein (p33) was obtained from Theileria sergenti genomic DNA by PCR, cloned into the pET-28(a) vector and expressed in E. coli as a His-fusion protein. Then the recombinant p33 (rp33) was purified and used as the antigen to develop an iELISA. Specificity test showed that there was no cross-reaction with Babesia orientalis, Schistosoma japonicum, Anaplasma marginale and Toxoplasma gondii. 178 water buffaloes raised in different locations in Hubei province in China were detected by this iELISA, all samples were also examined by PCR and microscopy at the same time. The iELISA result showed a higher positive rate (27.5%) than PCR (22.5%) and microscopy (12.9%). This result indicated that the iELISA is a suitable method for the diagnosis of T. sergenti infection and could be used in serological surveys to map out the prevalence of the disease.

Association between serotonin 5-HT-2C receptor gene (HTR2C) polymorphisms and obesity- and mental health-related phenotypes in a large population-based cohort

OBJECTIVE

Studies have shown that common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the serotonin 5-HT-2C receptor (HTR2C) are associated with antipsychotic agent-induced weight gain and the development of behavioural and psychological symptoms. We aimed to analyse whether variation in the HTR2C is associated with obesity- and mental health-related phenotypes in a large population-based cohort.

METHOD

Six tagSNPs, which capture all common genetic variation in the HTR2C gene, were genotyped in 4978 men and women from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC)-Norfolk study, an ongoing prospective population-based cohort study in the United Kingdom. To confirm borderline significant associations, the -759C/T SNP (rs3813929) was genotyped in the remaining 16 003 individuals from the EPIC-Norfolk study. We assessed social and psychological circumstances using the Health and Life Experiences Questionnaire. Genmod models were used to test associations between the SNPs and the outcomes. Logistic regression was performed to test for association of SNPs with obesity- and mental health- related phenotypes.

RESULTS

Of the six HTR2C SNPs, only the T allele of the -759C/T SNP showed borderline significant associations with higher body mass index (BMI) (0.23 kg m(-2); (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.01-0.44); P=0.051) and increased risk of lifetime major depressive disorder (MDD) (Odds ratio (OR): 1.13 (95% CI: 1.01-1.22), P=0.02). The associations between the -759C/T and BMI and lifetime MDD were independent. As associations only achieved borderline significance, we aimed to validate our findings on the -759C/T SNP in the full EPIC-Norfolk cohort (n=20 981). Although the association with BMI remained borderline significant (beta=0.20 kg m(-2); 95% CI: 0.04-0.44, P=0.09), that with lifetime MDD (OR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.94-1.09, P=0.73) was not replicated.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that common HTR2C gene variants are unlikely to have a major role in obesity- and mental health-related traits in the general population.

[Correlation of expression of P-glycoprotein and inhibitor of apoptosis proteins to chemosensitivity in gastrointestinal carcinoma tissues]

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) mediated classical drug resistance and inhibition of the apoptotic pathway are the two mostly investigated mechanisms of multidrug resistance (MDR). Coexpression and interaction of MDR-related factors result in pleiotropic drug resistance in cancer cells. This study was to investigate the correlation of expressions of multiple MDR-related factors, such as P-gp, p53, Survivin or bcl-2, to chemosensitivitity in gastrointestinal carcinomas.

METHODS

Eighty-four tissue specimens of gastrointestinal carcinomas were analyzed. Expressions of P-gp, p53, Survivin and bcl-2 were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Drug chemosensitivity of nine drugs to cancer cells were measured by MTT assay.

RESULTS

The positive staining of P-gp, p53, Survivin and bcl-2 were detected in 96.4%, 64.3%, 89.3% and 60.7% of all specimens, respectively. The expression of P-gp and bcl-2 (r=0.5072, P<0.05), and the expression of survivin and bcl-2 (r=0.3027, P<0.05) were positively correlated. The inhibition rates of paclitaxel (PTX), oxaliplatin (OXA) or cisplatin (DDP) on cancer cells were significantly lower in the group with strong P-gp expression than that with weak P-gp expression (all P<0.05). The strong expression of p53 was correlated with decreased inhibition rates of PTX and DDP on cancer cells (P<0.05, P<0.01). When the expression of Survivin was increased, the inhibition rates of vincristine (VCR) or DDP on cancer cells were reduced significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01), but the inhibitory effect of OXA was remarkably increased (P<0.01). The inhibition rates of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), VCR, epirubicin (EADM) and OXA on cancer cells were lower in the group with strong expression of bcl-2 than in that with weak expression of bcl-2 (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of MDR-related factors in gastrointestinal carcinomas is associated with drug resistance of only certain chemotherapy drugs. Multiple factors and mechanisms should be considered when assessing the influence of MDR related factors on drug resistance.

Human umbilical cord blood serum in culture medium on oocyte maturation In vitro

In vitro maturation (IVM) of immature oocytes for infertile patients is an attractive treatment. It can avoid side effects of ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins. However, at the present the successful results of IVM treatment are lower than conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. The key issue may be the IVM medium for immature oocyte maturation. In the present study, we compared 20% (v/v) human follicular fluid (hFF) and 20% (v/v) human umbilical cord serum (hUS) as a supplement to IVM medium. A total of 47 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) underwent 47 IVM treatment cycles. Immature oocytes (349) collected from 32 patients were cultured in IVM medium supplemented with hFF, and immature oocytes (160) collected from 15 patients were culture in IVM medium supplemented with hUS. The results indicate that the final maturation rate of oocytes cultured in IVM medium supplemented with hUS (93.8%) is significantly higher than those cultured in IVM medium supplemented with hFF (77.1%). The percentage of high-quality embryos produced from IVM medium supplemented with hUS (50.0%) is significantly higher than IVM medium supplemented with hFF (23.8%). In addition, the results also indicate that the final maturation rate of oocytes is higher in IVM medium supplemented with hUS and the time course of oocyte maturation is hastened. Following transfer 6 out of 15 patients (40.0%) become pregnant when IVM medium was supplemented with hUS, and 7 out of 31 patients (22.6%) were pregnant when IVM medium was supplemented with hFF. These results suggest that IVM medium containing hUS appears to be a more effective means to stimulate in vitro oocyte maturation and is capable of achieving a promising clinical outcome.

Association of alpha-synuclein gene haplotypes with Parkinson's disease

In a previous study, we detected an association between a dinucleotide repeat (Rep1) in the alpha-Synuclein (SNCA) gene and sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD). To extend our previous finding in a larger sample and further determine the role of SNCA in the development of PD, we screened a sample of 194 familial PD (FPD), 327 sporadic PD (SPD), and 215 controls with the Rep1 marker and 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (770 and int4) in the SNCA gene. There was significant difference in allele frequency between African American and American Indian groups for Rep1 marker (p=0.03). These two samples were excluded from further analysis because of sample size. Comparison of allele frequency differences between PD and controls for the single-locus was significant only for Rep1 and SPD (p=0.017). The global case control association was highly significant for the three loci haplotypes comparisons. Our results indicate that Rep1 locus may be in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with a mutation in the gene or itself could be a risk factor for SPD.