Female Predisposition Research Articles

Coefficients of repeatability for colostrum and milk composition of PLW and PL sows over three consecutive lactations

To date, there have been no studies determining the coefficients of heritability or repeatability for colostrum and milk composition of sows in successive lactations. In the case of sows, estimation of such coefficient of repeatability may give a preliminary indication of whether these traits can be used in the breeding and selection of pigs. The aim of the experiment was to make preliminary estimates of the coefficients of repeatability for the content of the Polish Large White (PLW) and Polish Landrace (PL) sow colostrum and milk components over three consecutive lactations. Subjects were 72 sows of the PLW (30 sows) and PL breeds (42 sows). During three consecutive lactations, samples of colostrum and milk on day 14 of lactation were collected from the first, third and sixth teats of the sows (each sample from teats 1, 3 and 6 totalled 50ml in volume). In total, 432 samples of colostrum and milk were collected from sows of the two breeds. The samples were analysed for fat, crude protein, lactose, solids, and non-protein solids. Summarizing the results, it is concluded that the highest coefficient of repeatability was estimated for colostrum lactose and solids content over two consecutive lactations: second and third (r=0.3). Also in the milk of second- and third-lactation sows, the lactose content was characterized by the highest coefficient of repeatability (r=0.18). Considering the three consecutive lactations, it was found that colostrum produced by the sows had a consistent content of lactose (r=0.18) as well as solids (r=0.17) and protein (r=0.16). Therefore, it can be stated that the lactose content of sow colostrum in the first lactation could be indicative of a female's predisposition to produce colostrum and milk with similar lactose content over two consecutive lactations.

A Modified Cutler-Beard Technique to manage Extensive Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma of Upper Eyelid

ABSTRACT Introduction Sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) is a rare tumor affecting the elderly, with a predisposition for females arising from the meibomian glands and occurring more commonly on the upper eyelid. Diagnosis is difficult because the tumor mimics chalazion or blepharitis. Sebaceous gland carcinoma has a mortality rate of about 5 to 10%. Aim To present a modified Cutler-Beard technique of lid reconstruction to manage a case of extensive SGC of upper lid. Materials and methods A 65-year-old male presented with a rapidly growing extensive mass of right upper eyelid (size 4.2 × 4 × 2.1 cm) causing mechanical ptosis. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis as SGC. Wide excision of the lesion was performed sacrificing the whole upper eyelid. Lid reconstruction was done employing lower eyelid as per the bridged flap technique with the use of 4 mm silicon band to enhance lid stability. Patient achieved a satisfactory functional and cosmetic result following the second stage of the procedure. Conclusion Total loss of upper eyelid is often dealt with classical lid sharing technique of reconstruction first described by Cutler-Beard. For lid stability, use of tarsus from contralateral eye, ear cartilage has their attendant problems. A 4.0 silicon band was used to replace the sacrificed tarsus, achieving good results. How to cite this article Gupta P, Rizvi Y, Goyal E. A Modified Cutler-Beard Technique to manage Extensive Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma of Upper Eyelid. Int J Adv Integ Med Sci 2016;1(4):188-190.

Should Neck Nodes Be Treated in Eyelid Tumors: Unmet Need of Nodal Irradiation

Surgery with adjuvant radiation forms the cornerstone of management. Treatment of neck nodes has remained debatable. We analyzed our database and extracted data of 35 patients with eyelid tumors who underwent treatment at our center between 2006 and 2013. Median age was 55 years (range 30 to 85) with male to female predisposition of 1.05:1. Median duration of symptoms was 12 months. Upper eyelid tumors were 48.5% (17) and lower eyelid tumors were 51.4% (18). Amongst histology sebaceous cell carcinoma 54.2% (19), basal cell carcinoma 22.8% (8), squamous cell carcinoma 11.4% (4), 2.8% (1) each of mucoepidermoid carcinoma, malignant melanoma, adenocarcinoma, poorly differentiated carcinoma. Most commonly performed imaging modality was contrast-enhanced computed tomography of orbit (CECT) 71.4% (25), followed by positron emission tomography 8.5% (3), magnetic resonance imaging 2.85% (1). Staging was according to TNM was stage 0 2.85% (1) IA 22.8% (8), IB 2.85% (1), IC 11.4% (4), II 5.7% (2), IIIA 28.57% (10), IIIB 17.1% (6) IIIC 8.5% (3). In management 91.4% ( 32) underwent surgery, 5.7 % (2) received palliative radiation therapy (RT), 2.857% ( 1) radical RT. Amongst 32 who underwent surgery patients 59.37% (19) received adjuvant RT. Out of 32, 50% (16) underwent exentration and 75% (12) had neck dissection of which 41.6% (5) were type 1, 41.6% (5) were type 3, and 16.65 (2) were type 2. Of 12 patients with neck dissection 66.6% (8) had intra-parotid lymph node group involved, 16.6% (2) in level Ib, 8.3% (1) in level II. Most commonly sebaceous cell carcinoma was associated with positive lymph nodes 75% (9), 8.3% (1) by squamous and malignant melanoma. RT was performed with electrons with corneal tungsten shield in 88% (22) and by photons in 12% (3). Postoperative dose employed was 60 Gray in 30 fractions over 6 weeks. Short term toxicity due to radiation was conjunctivitis in 20% (5), dryness of eyes 20% (5), dermatitis 16% (4). Of 33 patients treated with radical intent, 48.48% (16) had recurrence of which most common histology to recur was sebaceous cell carcinoma 56.255 (9), squamous 12.5% (2). 56.25% (9) with recurrence did not receive postoperative RT (all had local recurrence), 43.75% (7) had recurrence after RT mostly recurred in nodal region 57.1% (4). Salvage therapy most commonly employed was surgery 56.25% (9), followed by RT 43.75% (7). 25% (4) had re-recurrence salvaged with surgery and postoperative radiation. Median duration of follow-up was 24 months with 71.42% (25) with no evidence of disease and 28.57% (10) with progressive disease at last follow-up. Neck dissection and elective neck irradiation should be considered in certain histology like sebaceous and squamous especially if T stage >T3.

Prevalence of congenital heart disease in 76,301 mixed-breed dogs and 57,025 mixed-breed cats

ObjectiveAssess the prevalence of congenital heart disease (CHD) in a large population of mixed-breed dogs and cats. Animals76,301 mixed-breed dogs and 57,025 mixed-breed cats. MethodsRetrospective review of records and examinations based on specified diagnostic criteria. ResultsAmong mixed-breed dogs, the prevalence of CHD was 0.13% (51.4% female) and of innocent murmurs was 0.10% (53.0% male). Pulmonic stenosis was the most common defect followed by patent ductus arteriosus, aortic stenosis, and ventricular septal defect. Among mixed-breed cats, prevalence of CHD was 0.14% (55.2% male) and of innocent murmurs was 0.16% (54.4% male). When the 25 cats with dynamic left or right ventricular outflow obstruction were counted with cases of innocent murmurs, the overall prevalence was 0.2%. Ventricular septal defects were the most common feline CHD followed closely by aortic stenosis and hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. There was no overall sex predilection for CHD in mixed-breed cats or dogs, and no significant difference in CHD prevalence between cats or dogs. Among dogs, subvalvular aortic stenosis and mitral valve dysplasia had a male predisposition while patent ductus arteriosus had a female predisposition. Among cats, valvular pulmonic stenosis, subvalvular and valvular aortic stenosis, and ventricular septal defects had a male predisposition while pulmonary artery stenosis had a female predisposition. ConclusionsThe prevalence of CHD in a mixed-breed dogs and cats is lower than for prior studies, perhaps due to the lack of purebreds in the study population or actual changes in disease prevalence.

Sex Education and Teenage Pregnancy in the Niger Delta: Implications for Secondary School Biology Curriculum in Nigeria

Previous studies show that when Nigerian adolescent girls, especially those in the Niger Delta, become pregnant theydrop out of school and may never go back again but become low level labourers or miscreants to the society. Thisstudy investigated the extent of teenagers involvement in sex, pre-disposition of females to pregnancy in the NigerDelta of Nigeria, the level of readiness of parents to help their teenage daughters if they become pregnant, the levelof sex education in secondary schools, the content and context of sex education in the Biology curriculum and how itis reflected in the National policy on education and also examined the need to review the policy vis-a-vis sexeducation. The study adopted a survey design using Likert-response questionnaires to elicit responses from students,parents, secondary school teenagers and Biology teachers. The results of the analysis using frequency counts,percentages, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that teenage pregnancy is on the increase in the NigerDelta, sex education is not given a place of priority in the Education National Policy, teachers shy away fromteaching it in schools, parents do not support sex education in schools but there is an urgent need to incorporate itinto the Biology curriculum.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Population-Based Cohort Study in Olmsted County, Minnesota

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may be at higher risk for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). We studied the risk and clinical characteristics of HS in a population-based cohort of patients with IBD. We identified all cases of HS (confirmed by biopsy and/or dermatologic evaluation) in a population-based inception cohort of Olmsted County, Minnesota, residents diagnosed with IBD between 1970 and 2004 and followed up through August 2013. We estimated the incidence rate ratio of HS in patients with IBD compared with the general population, and described the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and management of HS. In 679 IBD patients followed up over a median of 19.8 years, we identified 8 patients with HS (mean age, 44.4 ± 8.3 y; 7 women; 6 obese). Compared with the general population, the incidence rate ratio of HS in IBD was 8.9 (95% confidence interval, 3.6-17.5). The 10- and 30-year cumulative incidence of HS was 0.85% and 1.55%, respectively. Five patients had Crohn's disease, 4 of whom had perianal disease; of 3 patients with ulcerative colitis, 2 had undergone ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Axillae, groin, and thighs were the most common sites of involvement. Six patients had Hurley stage 2 disease (recurrent abscesses with sinus tracts and scarring, involving widely separated areas), and required a combination of antibiotics and surgery; none of the patients were treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor-α agents. In this population-based study, patients with IBD were approximately 9 times more likely to develop HS than the general population, with a female predisposition.

022. Granular cell tumor of the lung

Background Granular cell tumor, also known as granular cell myoblastoma, is an uncommon benign tumor with female predisposition, that involves any part of the oral cavity, but the tongue is the most common site. It is considered to be of mesenchymal origin (myoblastic), but at present, the tumor is believed to derive from Schwann cells, and the granularity of the cytoplasm may be associated with accumulation of lysosomes. Cases of granular cell tumors of the lung/ tracheobronchial tree are extremely rare (6-10% of all the granular cell tumors, 0.2% of the lung neoplasms).

Laparoscopic resection of a rare gastrointestinal stromal tumor in children.

IntroductionGastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are uncommon mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, accounting for 0.1% to 3% of all GI malignancies. Paediatric GIST have an annual incidence of 0.02 per million children, have a female predisposition, are usually located in the stomach (50–60%) and in up to 85% of cases CD117-cKit or PDGFRA mutation is absent, resulting in a decreased efficacy of the target therapy.Case descriptionWe report the case of an incidentally diagnosed gastric GIST in a 14-year-old boy with multiple malformations. Genetic tests and Kariotype resulted negative.Recently, an abdominal US visualized an hypoechoic heterogeneous abdominal mass. The common tumor markers resulted negative and the abdominal CT-scan confirmed the presence of a solid round lesion (42×36mm) in contact with the stomach and the pancreas. Laparoscopy allowed the recognition and the removal of the nodular mass at the posterior margin of the stomach. The histopathologic and the molecular biology findings were consistent with a kit-wilde type GIST. Surgical margins were microscopically free of tumor cells.These results justify the decision not to add other surgical or medical therapy. However, for high risk of recurrence and metastasis, a close follow-up was started.Discussion and evaluationGIST are asymptomatic in 10% to 30% of patients or present nonspecific symptoms and signs. These tumors present usually irregular, lobulated and ulcerated. CT-scan of the abdomen and pelvis or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are mandatory in the diagnostic work-up. The final diagnosis is based on histology and immunohistochemistry. Surgery is the first-line treatment in patients with localized disease.ConclusionGuidelines for the management of pediatric GIST are not presently available for the paucity of reports and data. However it is widely accepted that surgery is the first-line treatment and gross resection with negative microscopic margins can be considered therapeutic and lead to full remission of the pathology. Laparoscopy is a safe surgical approach for the exploration of the abdominal cavity, the evaluation of the disease and the complete removal of the tumor.

Influence of protein tyrosine phosphatase gene (PTPN22) polymorphisms on rheumatic heart disease susceptibility in North Indian population

This study was aimed to assess the association of Protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor22 (PTPN22) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) susceptibility in 400 RHD patients and 300 controls. The PTPN22 polymorphisms (rs2476601, rs1217406 and rs3789609) were genotyped using Taqman probes (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA). Statistical analysis was performed by spss and haplotype analysis by snpstat. The frequencies of variant alleles were not different between controls and cases (rs2476601: 2.00% & 1.05%; rs1217406: 36.33% & 34.75%; and rs3789609: 38.17% & 40.00%, respectively]. However, G rs2476601 A rs1217406 T rs3789609 haplotype turned out to be a low risk factor for RHD (P = 0.0042) predisposition in females and adult patients. This study suggests PTPN22 haplotype may modulate the risk to RHD in North Indians.

Abstract 568: Few Carney's Triad patients have mutations in two subunits of the succinate dehydrogenase enzyme (SDHB, SDHC)

Abstract Carney's triad (CTr) is a non-hereditary condition, primarily seen in young women, characterized by gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), extra-adrenal paragangliomas and pulmonary chondromas. Most CTr patients present with GIST and pulmonary chondroma (incomplete CTr). A marked decrease in the enzymatic activity of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) has been detected in these tumors, but the presence or absence of SDH mutations in CTr is controversial. A related disease, known as Carney-Stratakis Syndrome (CSS), has no female predisposition and presents with extra-adrenal paragangliomas and GIST tumors, without pulmonary chondromas. In distinction to CTr, CSS is hereditary due to germline SDH mutations in the enzyme's subunits (SDHA, SDHB, SDHC and SDHD) with corresponding decreased SDH activity in associated tumors. We have investigated 64 patients with CTr for germline mutations and/or deletions in the SDH subunit genes; four patients were found to have germline mutations in SDHB or SDHC. All four patients had multifocal gastric GIST and pulmonary chondromas at diagnosis; two subsequently developed paragangliomas, confirmed by biopsy. One of the patients with CTr and a SDHB mutation had a nephew with the same mutation and a neuroblastoma, confirming a previously reported association of neuroblastoma with gist (JMG 2009; 46:215, and AJMG 2010; 152A: 1531). We conclude that few CTr patients maybe more correctly classified as having CSS; the genetic distinction of CTr from CSS needs further study. [S.A.B. and P.X. should be regarded as joint first authors.] Citation Format: Sosipatros A. Boikos, Paraskevi Xekouki, Fabio R. Faucz, Karel Pacak, Margarita Raygada, Karen Adams, Evan Szarek, Evan Ball, Su Young Kim, Elena Fumagalli, Lee J. Helman, J Aidan Carney, Constantine A. Stratakis. Few Carney's Triad patients have mutations in two subunits of the succinate dehydrogenase enzyme (SDHB, SDHC). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 568. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-568

Involvement of IL-6 and IL-1 receptor antagonist on intellectual disability

Imbalances in the regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines have been increasingly correlated with several neurodevelopmental disorders and their role in neuronal development is being investigated. To assess the possible influence of cytokines on the onset of intellectual disability (ID), we studied the polymorphisms of thirteen proinflammatory cytokine genes in 81 patients and 61 healthy controls. We demonstrated a significant association of interleukin-6 (IL-6) single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (−174 G/C and nt565 G/A), and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) (Mspa-I 11100) SNP with ID. Moreover, the IL-6 SNPs is an unfavorable genetic predisposition for females. The evaluation of circulating levels of IL-6 and IL-1RA showed that the serum concentrations of IL-6 were significantly higher in ID patients than in controls. These data suggest that functional cytokine gene polymorphisms may influence the development of ID.

Clinical and pathological features of microscopic polyangiitis in 20 children.

To explore the clinical and pathological features of microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) in children. A retrospective analysis was performed of patients with pediatric MPA in our hospital over 10 years. Data for 20 patients were collected; 16 patients had primary MPA (4 boys, 12 girls), with a median age of 8.9 years at the time of disease onset; 4 patients, all female, had antithyroid drug (ATD)-associated MPA, with an age range of 12.5 to 16.2 years at the time of disease onset. All patients exhibited renal involvement. Renal biopsies were performed in 14 patients. Fibrinoid exudation and necrosis of the glomerular capillaries were observed in all biopsy specimens. Crescents and scleroses were noted in 92.9% and 85.7% of these cases, respectively. The most frequent extrarenal organs involved were lungs, followed by the central nervous system (CNS), skin, and digestive system. Ninety percent of patients were positive for perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody, 94.1% were positive for myeloperoxidase, and 88.2% were positive for both. Forty-five percent of the patients had received steroid plus cyclophosphamide (CTX) pulse therapy for more than 3 months, and varying degrees of remission had been achieved in 88.9% of the patients. Both primary and ATD-associated MPA showed a female predisposition. Renal involvement was the most frequently observed condition, followed by involvement of lungs. CNS involvement was not rare in these pediatric patients. The efficacy of steroid plus CTX as induction therapy was evident in these patients.

A study of pattern of acute febrile illnesses at COMS-TH, Bharatpur, Nepal

ObjectiveTo study the pattern of acute febrile illnesses in Central Nepal regarding its underlying etiology and its clinical outcome. MethodsThis study is a hospital based descriptive cross-sectional study during June to November, 2011 over a period of 6 months. All the febrile illnesses data were collected from medical outpatient and inpatient registried and then analysed. There were total 2 873 febrile patients, of whom 883 were inpatients whose data have been analysed. ResultsThe majority of febrile patients were distributed in August (788/2 873=27.43%) followed by July (708/2 873=24.64%). The age distribution ranged from 15 to 84 years with female predisposition (M:F=1:1.5). Majority of the febrile patients were in the 15–30 years age group (292/883=33.07%) followed by elderly (>60 years, 22.88%). Most of the febrile patients admitted in medical ward were diagnosed as respiratory tract infection followed by urinary tract infection, enteric fever, acute gastroenteritis. Of intensive care unit admitted febrile patients (n=187), sepsis with multi-organ dysfunction syndrome was the major diagnosis followed by acute meningoencephalitis. A total of 21 patients (2.37%) died of sepsis with multi-organ dysfunction syndrome followed by acute meningoencephalitis in 5 (0.56%), complicated malaria with acute respiratory distress syndrome in 1 (0.11%) and infective hepatitis with encephalopathy in 1 (0.11%). ConclusionsAcute febrile illnesses mostly viral in origin involving respiratory tracts are more common during monsoon months with lots of mortalities and morbidities. They pose a major threat to the public due to their endemicity as many of them remain undiagnosed or if at all, very late. Early and planned activity of the government and non-government local bodies, epidemic preparedness against susceptible outbreaks including efficient public health awareness are the keys to minimize the hazards.

Sex comparison of familial predisposition to anterior cruciate ligament injury

In an effort to identify risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, many potential risk factors have been proposed, including familial predisposition. However, no study has evaluated familial predisposition in male or females separately. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a familial predisposition to ACL injury exists in both males and females. One hundred and twenty (78 males and 42 females) patients who had undergone surgical ACL reconstruction were recruited as the ACL group, and 107 patients (67 males and 40 females) that had undergone arthroscopic partial menisectomy, with no previous history of ACL injury, were recruited as the referent control group. A familial ACL injury and subject particulars questionnaire was completed. When all subjects were combined, the ACL group (20.0 %, 24 of 120) did not demonstrate a higher familial (first-degree relative) prevalence (n.s.) of ACL injury compared to the referent control group (15.0 %; 16 of 107 patients). When the data were stratified by sex, the male ACL group (19.2 %, 15 of 78) demonstrated a significantly higher familial (first-degree relative) prevalence (P = 0.02) of ACL injury compared to the male referent control group (7.5 %; 5 of 67 patients). There were no differences among the females (n.s.). The results of this study show that male patients with ACL tears are more likely to have a first-degree relative with an ACL tear compared to male referent control subjects. Future research is warranted to better delineate sex-specific risk factors for ACL injuries could help guide intervention programs aimed at preventative treatment strategies, especially in high-risk families.

Blimp-1 and systemic lupus erythematosus

Our laboratory has been studying the impact of low Blimp-1 expression on dendritic cell function in SLE, analyzing both a mouse model of SLE in which there is a deletion of Blimp-1 in CD11c dendritic cells (DC Blimp-1KO mice) and healthy individuals with the SLE risk allele of Blimp-1. This allele leads to reduced Blimp-1 expression in dendritic cells. Low expression of Blimp-1 alters cytokine expression following TLR activation and antigen-processing machinery. This leads to a highly distinct TCR repertoire in T-follicular helper cells in DC Blimp-1KO mice. Much of this phenotype is under estrogen regulation. These data therefore provide an integrated explanation for altered cytokines, autoantibodies and female predisposition in SLE.

Pattern of Hypnotic Drug Prescription in South Korea: Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service-National Patients Sample

Insomnia is a commonly reported clinical symptom. The annual prevalence of insomnia symptoms has been reported to range from 35–50% of the population,1 including cases of insomnia disorders occurring at 10–22%,2,3 although the exact frequency depends on the diagnostic criteria applied. The prevalence of insomnia symptoms in Korea was reported to be 17– 23%,4,5 including Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition diagnosis in 5% of the patients.4 Insomnia is predictive of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders, and alcohol or drug abuse, and is also associated with physical function and quality of life. The prevalence of insomnia is greater in the elderly population.4,5 Insomnia shows a female predisposition which is consistent and progressive with age, becoming more prevalent in the elderly.6 Additionally, it has been reported that chronic benzodiazepine or hypnotic drug users are most often elderly.7,8 The pharmacokinetics and clearance of hypnotic drugs may be altered in elderly individuals compared to younger individuals. It is well known that benzodiazepine, which has a long half-life, may be associated with an increased incidence of adverse events, such as confusion or falling down, among the elderly.9-11 Several hypnotic drugs have been approved by the Korean Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). Physicians can also prescribe many hypnotic medications for insomnia without KFDA indication, including antipsychotics, benzodiazepine, and sedative antidepressants such as amitriptyline and trazodone antihistamine. Many people who suffer from sleep problems do not Received: July 18, 2014 Revised: September 15, 2014 Accepted: September 26, 2014

The neolithic demographic transition and oral health: The Southeast Asian experience

The purpose of this article is to present new oral health data from Neolithic An Son, southern Vietnam, in the context of (1) a reassessment of published data on other Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron Age Southeast Asian dental series, and (2) predictions of the Neolithic Demographic Transition (NDT). To this end, frequencies for three oral conditions (caries, antemortem tooth loss, and alveolar lesions) were investigated for seven Southeast Asian adult dental series from Thailand and Vietnam with respect to time period, age-at-death and sex. A clear pattern of elevated rates for oral disease in the Neolithic followed by a marked improvement in oral health during the Bronze and Iron Ages was observed. Moreover, rates of caries and antemortem tooth loss for females were almost without exception higher than that for males in all samples. The consensus view among Southeast Asian bioarchaeologists that oral health did not decline with the adoption/intensification of agriculture in Southeast Asia, can no longer be supported. In light of evidence for (1) the low cariogenicity of rice; (2) the physiological predisposition of females (particularly when pregnant) to poorer oral health; and (3) health predictions of the NDT model with respect to elevated levels of fertility, the most plausible chief explanation for the observed patterns in oral health in Southeast Asia is increased levels of fertility during the Neolithic, followed by a decline in fertility during the subsequent Bronze and Iron Ages.

Overexpression of X-Linked genes in T cells from women with lupus

Women develop lupus more frequently than men and the reason remains incompletely understood. Evidence that men with Klinefelter's Syndrome (XXY) develop lupus at approximately the same rate as women suggests that a second X chromosome contributes. However, since the second X is normally inactivated, how it predisposes to lupus is unclear. DNA methylation contributes to the silencing of one X chromosome in women, and CD4+ T cell DNA demethylation contributes to the development of lupus-like autoimmunity. This suggests that demethylation of genes on the inactive X may predispose women to lupus, and this hypothesis is supported by a report that CD40LG, an immune gene encoded on the X chromosome, demethylates and is overexpressed in T cells from women but not men with lupus. Overexpression of other immune genes on the inactive X may also predispose women to this disease. We therefore compared mRNA and miRNA expression profiles in experimentally demethylated T cells from women and men as well as in T cells from women and men with lupus. T cells from healthy men and women were treated with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-azacytidine, then X-linked mRNAs were surveyed with oligonucleotide arrays, and X-linked miRNA's surveyed with PCR arrays. CD40LG, CXCR3, OGT, miR-98, let-7f-2*, miR 188-3p, miR-421 and miR-503 were among the genes overexpressed in women relative to men. MiRNA target prediction analyses identified CBL, which downregulates T cell receptor signaling and is decreased in lupus T cells, as a gene targeted by miR-188-3p and miR-98. Transfection with miR-98 and miR-188-3p suppressed CBL expression. The same mRNA and miRNA transcripts were also demethylated and overexpressed in CD4+ T cells from women relative to men with active lupus. Together these results further support a role for X chromosome demethylation in the female predisposition to lupus.

Lipid rich plaque, female gender and proximal coronary stent edge dissections

We hypothesized that women are more prone to develop coronary dissections during PCI due to potential balloon-oversizing or gender specific plaque and vascular characteristics. To date, a gender related difference in edge dissection has not been systematically studied. The Massachusetts General Hospital Optical Coherence Tomography (MGH OCT) Registry is an international registry of patients undergoing OCT procedures. We identified 206 consecutive patients (159 men, 47 women) with stable or unstable coronary syndromes demonstrating adequate OCT images for gender specific comparison in areas of non-overlapping stents. Presence of proximal edge dissection, its characteristics, plaque composition at stent borders and luminal diameters were assessed. A multivariate logistic regression model was applied to determine if female gender was predictive of proximal coronary dissection after adjusting for clinical, procedural and plaque characteristics. Proximal coronary dissection was significantly more common in women as compared to men (30.6 vs 15.6%, p = 0.02). No gender differences were observed in age, presentation, and stents per patient or plaque characteristics. The characteristics of edge dissections were different in women compared to men with a significant female predisposition to more complex proximal coronary dissection. In multivariable analysis, female gender was not a predictor of coronary dissection; on the other hand, stent oversizing and especially lipid rich plaque at proximal edge were independent predictors of proximal dissection. OCT confirms that female gender is associated with a greater than twofold increased risk of developing proximal coronary edge dissections as compared to men. But, the most potent independent predictor of proximal coronary edge dissection is the presence of a proximal lipid rich plaque.

Role of X-Chromosome encoded miRNAs in Autoimmunity: Suppressing the suppressor and Female Predisposition

Role of skewed X inactivation may in part explain high prevalence of autoimmune diseases in women. Human X chromosome encodes approximately 7% of the total microRNAs identified. Recent studies have implicated over expression of X-linked miRNA in women affected by the autoimmune diseases. Potential biological targets of them include critically important genes such as FOXP3, CTLA-4, PDCD1 and, members of CBL and SOCS family ubiquitin ligases, which play an important role in the immune suppressive mechanisms and maintenance of tolerance. X-linked miRNA mediated post transcriptional suppression of immunosuppressive genes is an open area of study with potential to better understand why women develop many autoimmune disorders more often than men.