scholarly journals Transgenic Chickens Overexpressing Aromatase Have High Estrogen Levels but Maintain a Predominantly Male Phenotype

Endocrinology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 157 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke S. Lambeth ◽  
Kirsten R. Morris ◽  
Terry G. Wise ◽  
David M. Cummins ◽  
Terri E. O'Neil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Sex Differentiation ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Sex Reversal ◽  
High Serum ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Chicken Embryos ◽  
Sex Development ◽  
Multistep Process ◽  
Transgenic Chickens

Abstract Estrogens play a key role in sexual differentiation of both the gonads and external traits in birds. The production of estrogen occurs via a well-characterized steroidogenic pathway, which is a multistep process involving several enzymes, including cytochrome P450 aromatase. In chicken embryos, the aromatase gene (CYP19A1) is expressed female-specifically from the time of gonadal sex differentiation. Ectopic overexpression of aromatase in male chicken embryos induces gonadal sex reversal, and male embryos treated with estradiol become feminized; however, this is not permanent. To test whether a continuous supply of estrogen in adult chickens could induce stable male to female sex reversal, 2 transgenic male chickens overexpressing aromatase were generated using the Tol2/transposase system. These birds had robust ectopic aromatase expression, which resulted in the production of high serum levels of estradiol. Transgenic males had female-like wattle and comb growth and feathering, but they retained male weights, displayed leg spurs, and developed testes. Despite the small sample size, this data strongly suggests that high levels of circulating estrogen are insufficient to maintain a female gonadal phenotype in adult birds. Previous observations of gynandromorph birds and embryos with mixed sex chimeric gonads have highlighted the role of cell autonomous sex identity in chickens. This might imply that in the study described here, direct genetic effects of the male chromosomes largely prevailed over the hormonal profile of the aromatase transgenic birds. This data therefore support the emerging view of at least partial cell autonomous sex development in birds. However, a larger study will confirm this intriguing observation.

scholarly journals Longitudinal assessment of S100B serum levels and clinical factors in youth patients with mood disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Rajewska-Rager ◽  
Monika Dmitrzak-Weglarz ◽  
Pawel Kapelski ◽  
Natalia Lepczynska ◽  
Joanna Pawlak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mood Disorders ◽  
Calcium Binding ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Longitudinal Assessment ◽  
Depressed Group

AbstractMood disorders have been discussed as being in relation to glial pathology. S100B is a calcium-binding protein, and a marker of glial dysfunctions. Although alterations in the S100B expression may play a role in various central nervous system diseases, there are no studies on the potential role of S100B in mood disorders in adolescents and young adults . In a prospective two-year follow-up study, peripheral levels of S100B were investigated in 79 adolescent/young adult patients (aged 14–24 years), diagnosed with mood disorders and compared with 31 healthy control subjects. A comprehensive clinical interview was conducted which focused on clinical symptoms and diagnosis change. The diagnosis was established and verified at each control visit. Serum S100B concentrations were determined. We detected: lower S100B levels in medicated patients, compared with those who were drug-free, and healthy controls; higher S100B levels in a depressed group with a family history of affective disorder; correlations between age and medication status; sex-dependent differences in S100B levels; and lack a of correlation between the severity of depressive or hypo/manic symptoms. The results of our study indicate that S100B might be a trait-dependent rather than a state-dependent marker. Due to the lack of such studies in the youth population, further research should be performed. A relatively small sample size, a lack of exact age-matched control group, a high drop-out rate.

Association between Antiretroviral Treatment and Markers of Systemic Inflammation among HIV Patients in Ghana

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 466-474
Author(s):  
Zelalem T. Haile ◽  
Bismark Sarfo ◽  
Evelyn Y. Bonney ◽  
Eric A. Mensah ◽  
Selase Deletsu
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Inflammation ◽  
Antiretroviral Treatment ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Generalized Additive Models ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Additive Models ◽  
Size Limits ◽  
Factor Α

Background: Studies from high-income countries have reported that even after receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART), HIV-infected adults may not achieve normal levels of certain inflammatory markers that are known to be associated with the onset and development of non-communicable diseases. Objective: To examine the relationship between ART and markers of systemic inflammation in HIV/AIDS patients at an urban antiretroviral clinic in Ghana. Methods: We examined serum levels of high sensitivity CRP (hsCRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-18(IL-18), and tumor necrosis factor-α (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) from 40 HIV infected patients. Kruskal-Wallis Test was used to examine the differences in markers of systemic inflammation according to the types of ART medication taken. We then utilized generalized additive models (GAM) with non-linear function to examine the association between ART and markers of systemic inflammation after adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Overall, 30 (75.0%) of the participants received ART and 35 (85%) were female. Kruskal-Wallis Test revealed no significant differences in the markers of systemic inflammation among the three categories of ART (none, AZT, 3TC, EFV/NVP, and TDF, 3TC/FTC, EFV/NVP). In the multivariable-adjusted GAM model, we found a significant but nonlinear association between time since diagnosis and CRP levels (p=0.006). Conclusion: Although the relatively small sample size limits the scope of the study's findings, these results suggest that individuals on ART need to be screened periodically for the development of chronic conditions. This line of investigation has the potential to influence treatment and clinical guidelines that will improve the quality of care for HIV-infected patients.

scholarly journals Study of the relationship between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and parathyroid hormone levels in patients undergoing hemodialysis, Isfahan, Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e19-e19
Author(s):  
Azar Baradaran ◽  
Sayed Mohsen Hosseini ◽  
Reyhaneh Shirvani ◽  
Parin Hedayati ◽  
Zahra Hoseini
Keyword(s):  
Parathyroid Hormone ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Hemodialysis Patients ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Neutrophil To Lymphocyte Ratio ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lymphocyte Ratio

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive and irreversible disorder that now is introduced as one of the most important problems of general health (1). Serum levels of inflammatory mediators such as C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) elevate in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Systemic inflammation is correlated with cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, parathyroid hormone (PTH) causes releasing of IL-6 from liver and osteoblast. IL-6 increases lifetime and activity of neutrophils. Therefore, PTH may have a direct correlation with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Objectives: In this study, we aimed to determine the performance of NLR in hemodialysis and its possible correlation with PTH. Patients and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study to evaluate the correlation of NLR and serum intact PTH (iPTH), Ca (calcium) and P (phosphorus) and also Ca×P products (mg2 /dL2 ) in a group of stable hemodialysis patients, including male and female gender subgroups, diabetic versus non-diabetic patients, and also patients with or without chronic hypertensive disease. Results: This study consisted of 136 hemodialysis patients. Our study showed no statistically significant correlation between iPTH (intact parathormone) and NLR in hemodialysis patients (P>0.05). In addition, we test their correlation in other subgroups including hypertensive and normotensive, diabetic and non-diabetics, and male versus female patients. We found no significant correlation between iPTH and NLR in the mentioned subgroups, too. Conclusion: Observed correlation between PTH and NLR in hemodialysis patients may be due to our small sample size. Therefore, further studies on this subject are suggested.

Comparison of preoperative serum VEGF in leiomyosarcoma and uterus myomatosus patients: A proof of concept study.

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e17117-e17117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amelie De Gregorio ◽  
Inga Bekes ◽  
Nikolaus de Gregorio ◽  
Sophia Andres ◽  
Diego Hoffmeister ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Clinical Problem ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Clinical Suspicion ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Pronounced Increase ◽  
Concept Study ◽  
Preoperative Serum

e17117 Background: The preoperative differentiation of a uterine fibroid from a sarcoma is still a pending clinical problem. Currently with the suspicion of a sarcoma (LMS) the more invasive open surgical approach is recommended to minimise the risk of LMS fragmentation and distribution. In a minority of cases, a malignancy is indicated by clinical suspicion, pre-surgical imaging or routine serum blood samples (SBS). Our hypothesis postulates higher VEGF levels in LMS compared to fibroid patients in the pre-surgical SBS. To assess this hypothesis, SBS were taken from patients with the clinical suspicion of LMS after informed consent and analysed after histology confirmed the diagnosis. Methods: Case series of patients with suspected LMS over a 4year time period. Analysis was performed via SBS collected from LMS- and fibroid patients before surgery. Serum VEGF protein was measured by ELISA. The final tumor histology was obtained from the report of the institutional pathologist. VEGF-serum levels were then compared between fibroid and LMS patients using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test. Results: 25 patient SBS were collected prior to surgery. In 9 cases the histopathology confirmed a LMS, with heterogeneous pTNM classifications. On average, VEGF serum levels were higher in the LMS patients as compared to the fibroid patients (628,96 pg/ml vs 351,91 pg/ml; further statistics see Table 1); however, the difference was not statistically significant (Mann-Whitney-U Test, p = 0.141). Conclusions: This proof-of-concept study with a small sample size of pre-surgical SBS indicates that VEGF serum levels may be increased in patients with histologically confirmed LMS; however, larger sample sizes are needed to validate our findings. If additional studies confirm a pronounced increase in pre-surgical serum VEGF levels in LMS patients, serum VEGF levels might routinely be used to assess the risk for a LMS in patients presenting with clinical uterine fibroids. [Table: see text]

scholarly journals Transcriptional Regulation of the Y-Linked Mammalian Testis-Determining Gene SRY

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Naoki Okashita ◽  
Makoto Tachibana
Keyword(s):  
Sex Determination ◽  
Sex Differentiation ◽  
Disorders Of Sex Development ◽  
Sex Reversal ◽  
Cis Acting ◽  
Male Development ◽  
Sex Development ◽  
Epigenetic Modifier ◽  
Male Sex ◽  
Testis Determining Gene

Mammalian male sex differentiation is triggered during embryogenesis by the activation of the Y-linked testis-determining gene <i>SRY</i>. Since insufficient or delayed expression of <i>SRY</i> results in XY gonadal sex reversal, accurate regulation of <i>SRY</i> is critical for male development in XY animals. In humans, dysregulation of <i>SRY</i> may cause disorders of sex development. Mouse <i>Sry</i> is the most intensively studied mammalian model of sex determination. <i>Sry</i> expression is controlled in a spatially and temporally stringent manner. Several transcription factors play a key role in sex determination as trans-acting factors for <i>Sry</i> expression. In addition, recent studies have shown that several epigenetic modifications of <i>Sry</i> are involved in sex determination as cis-acting factors for <i>Sry</i> expression. Herein, we review the current understanding of transcription factor- and epigenetic modifier-mediated regulation of <i>SRY</i>/<i>Sry</i> expression.

Probing the ultrastructure of the mitotic and meiotic spindle in eggs: An expeditious approach based on semi-thin (0.25 μm) serial sections

1983 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
pp. 552-555
Author(s):  
Conly L. Rieder ◽  
S. Bowser ◽  
R. Nowogrodzki ◽  
K. Ross ◽  
G. Sluder
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Meiotic Spindle ◽  
Serial Sections ◽  
Mitotic Apparatus ◽  
Thin Sections ◽  
Cell Cycles ◽  
Ultrastructural Studies

Eggs have long been a favorite material for studying the mechanism of karyokinesis in-vivo and in-vitro. They can be obtained in great numbers and, when fertilized, divide synchronously over many cell cycles. However, they are not considered to be a practical system for ultrastructural studies on the mitotic apparatus (MA) for several reasons, the most obvious of which is that sectioning them is a formidable task: over 1000 ultra-thin sections need to be cut from a single 80-100 μm diameter egg and of these sections only a small percentage will contain the area or structure of interest. Thus it is difficult and time consuming to obtain reliable ultrastructural data concerning the MA of eggs; and when it is obtained it is necessarily based on a small sample size.We have recently developed a procedure which will facilitate many studies concerned with the ultrastructure of the MA in eggs. It is based on the availability of biological HVEM's and on the observation that 0.25 μm thick serial sections can be screened at high resolution for content (after mounting on slot grids and staining with uranyl and lead) by phase contrast light microscopy (LM; Figs 1-2).

Validating the Factor Structure of the Stigma of Suicide Scale–Short Form Spanish Version Among Healthcare Students

Crisis ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Ruthmarie Hernández-Torres ◽  
Paola Carminelli-Corretjer ◽  
Nelmit Tollinchi-Natali ◽  
Ernesto Rosario-Hernández ◽  
Yovanska Duarté-Vélez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Factor Structure ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Spanish Version ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthcare Students ◽  
Spanish Speaking

Abstract. Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death among Spanish-speaking individuals. Suicide stigma can be a risk factor for suicide. A widely used measure is the Stigma of Suicide Scale-Short Form (SOSS-SF; Batterham, Calear, & Christensen, 2013 ). Although the SOSS-SF has established psychometric properties and factor structure in other languages and cultural contexts, no evidence is available from Spanish-speaking populations. Aim: This study aims to validate a Spanish translation of the SOSS-SF among a sample of Spanish-speaking healthcare students ( N = 277). Method: We implemented a cross-sectional design with quantitative techniques. Results: Following a structural equation modeling approach, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported the three-factor model proposed by Batterham and colleagues (2013) . Limitations: The study was limited by the small sample size and recruitment by availability. Conclusion: Findings suggest that the Spanish version of the SOSS-SF is a valid and reliable tool with which to examine suicide stigma among Spanish-speaking populations.

An Initial Investigation of Suicide Attempt Disclosures Among US Veterans

Crisis ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Brooke A. Ammerman ◽  
Sarah P. Carter ◽  
Heather M. Gebhardt ◽  
Jonathan Buchholz ◽  
Mark A. Reger
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Attempt ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Psychiatric Treatment ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Romantic Partners ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Professional Care ◽  
Patient Disclosure ◽  
Previous Suicide Attempt

Abstract. Background: Patient disclosure of prior suicidal behaviors is critical for effectively managing suicide risk; however, many attempts go undisclosed. Aims: The current study explored how responses following a suicide attempt disclosure may relate to help-seeking outcomes. Method: Participants included 37 veterans with a previous suicide attempt receiving inpatient psychiatric treatment. Veterans reported on their most and least helpful experiences disclosing their suicide attempt to others. Results: Veterans disclosed their suicide attempt to approximately eight individuals. Mental health professionals were the most cited recipient of their most helpful disclosure; romantic partners were the most common recipient of their least helpful disclosures. Positive reactions within the context of the least helpful disclosure experience were positively associated with a sense of connection with the disclosure recipient. Positive reactions within the most helpful disclosure experience were positively associated with the likelihood of future disclosure. No reactions were associated with having sought professional care or likelihood of seeking professional care. Limitations: The results are considered preliminary due to the small sample size. Conclusion: Findings suggest that while positive reactions may influence suicide attempt disclosure experiences broadly, additional research is needed to clarify factors that drive the decision to disclose a suicide attempt to a professional.

Investigating the Dynamics of Suicidal Ideation

Crisis ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Hallensleben ◽  
Lena Spangenberg ◽  
Thomas Forkmann ◽  
Dajana Rath ◽  
Ulrich Hegerl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Unipolar Depression ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
History Of ◽  
Severity Of Depression ◽  
Ecological Momentary ◽  
Depressive Episodes ◽  
Ema Method ◽  
Shed Light

Abstract. Background: Although the fluctuating nature of suicidal ideation (SI) has been described previously, longitudinal studies investigating the dynamics of SI are scarce. Aim: To demonstrate the fluctuation of SI across 6 days and up to 60 measurement points using smartphone-based ecological momentary assessments (EMA). Method: Twenty inpatients with unipolar depression and current and/or lifetime suicidal ideation rated their momentary SI 10 times per day over a 6-day period. Mean squared successive difference (MSSD) was calculated as a measure of variability. Correlations of MSSD with severity of depression, number of previous depressive episodes, and history of suicidal behavior were examined. Results: Individual trajectories of SI are shown to illustrate fluctuation. MSSD values ranged from 0.2 to 21.7. No significant correlations of MSSD with several clinical parameters were found, but there are hints of associations between fluctuation of SI and severity of depression and suicidality. Limitations: Main limitation of this study is the small sample size leading to low power and probably missing potential effects. Further research with larger samples is necessary to shed light on the dynamics of SI. Conclusion: The results illustrate the dynamic nature and the diversity of trajectories of SI across 6 days in psychiatric inpatients with unipolar depression. Prediction of the fluctuation of SI might be of high clinical relevance. Further research using EMA and sophisticated analyses with larger samples is necessary to shed light on the dynamics of SI.

Participant Reactions to Suicide-Focused Research

Crisis ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (5) ◽  
pp. 367-374
Author(s):  
Sarah P. Carter ◽  
Brooke A. Ammerman ◽  
Heather M. Gebhardt ◽  
Jonathan Buchholz ◽  
Mark A. Reger
Keyword(s):  
Medical Records ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Psychiatric Inpatient ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Inpatient Unit ◽  
Online Laboratory ◽  
Psychiatric Inpatient Unit ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Participant Reactions

Abstract. Background: Concerns exist regarding the perceived risks of conducting suicide-focused research among an acutely distressed population. Aims: The current study assessed changes in participant distress before and after participation in a suicide-focused research study conducted on a psychiatric inpatient unit. Method: Participants included 37 veterans who were receiving treatment on a psychiatric inpatient unit and completed a survey-based research study focused on suicide-related behaviors and experiences. Results: Participants reported no significant changes in self-reported distress. The majority of participants reported unchanged or decreased distress. Reviews of electronic medical records revealed no behavioral dysregulation and minimal use of as-needed medications or changes in mood following participation. Limitations: The study's small sample size and veteran population may limit generalizability. Conclusion: Findings add to research conducted across a variety of settings (i.e., outpatient, online, laboratory), indicating that participating in suicide-focused research is not significantly associated with increased distress or suicide risk.

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