Haplotypes of CYP1B1 and CCDC57 genes in an Afro-Caribbean female population with uterine leiomyoma

Ccdc57 is required for straightening the body axis by regulating ciliary motility in the brain ventricle of zebrafish

Recently, cilia defects have been proposed to contribute to scoliosis. Here, we demonstrate that coiled-coil domain-containing 57 (Ccdc57) plays an essential role in straightening the body axis of zebrafish by regulating ciliary beating in the brain ventricle (BV). Zygotic ccdc57 (Zccdc57) mutant zebrafish developes scoliosis without significant changes in their bone density and calcification, and the maternal-zygotic ccdc57 (MZccdc57) mutant embryos display curved bodies since the long-pec stage. The expression of ccdc57 is enriched in ciliated tissues and immunofluorescence analysis reveals colocalization of Ccdc57-HA with acetylated α-tubulin, implicating it in having a role in ciliary function. Further examination reveals that it is the coordinated cilia beating of multiple cilia bundles (MCB) in the MZccdc57 mutant embryos that is affected at 48 hours post fertilization, when the compromised cerebrospinal fluid flow and curved body axis have already occurred. Either ccdc57 mRNA injection or epinephrine treatment reverses the spinal curvature in MZccdc57 mutant larvae from ventrally curly to straight or even dorsally curly and significantly upregulates urotensin signaling. This study reveals the role of ccdc57 in maintaining coordinated cilia beating of MCB in the BV.

Characterizing the impact of menstrual and pelvic health disorders in a convenience sample of women in Barbados

Objective:

To describe the impact of menstrual and pelvic health disorders on a sample of Barbadian women living with one or more disorders.

Design and methods:

Responses from a survey taken online by a sample of women living in Barbados (⩾18 years) were assessed. Variables collected included, age, disorder(s) diagnosed, and symptoms. The Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) Questionnaire: Specific Health Problem, was administered to measure impact on work and other activities. T-tests, chi- square tests, odds ratios, ANOVA, and multivariate analysis were conducted to estimate the associations between patient characterization, disorder characteristics and outcomes.

Results:

A total of 247 unique responses were received and after data were reviewed 192 responses (77.7%) from this convenience sample were analyzed. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome was the most frequently reported diagnosis (34.7%). The most frequently reported symptom was fatigue (53%). There was an OR of 2.17 (95% CI 0.54–8.74) of missing work due to menorrhagia and 2.60 (95% CI: 1.31–5.17) of missing work if diagnosed with endometriosis. The WPAI revealed endometriosis to be the condition with the most substantial impact on work in the subgroup of persons with one diagnosis, with presenteeism of 49.2%, absenteeism of 13.3% and an impact on other activities of 56.4%.

Conclusion:

Pelvic and menstrual disorders have a significant impact on productivity and other activities of Barbadian women. More research is necessary to elucidate the impacts of menstrual and pelvic disorders and treatments on patient outcomes.