Angiographic assessment of variants of basal vein of Rosenthal in idiopathic subarachnoid hemorrhage

Previous studies have reported the possible contribution of a primitive variant of the basal vein of Rosenthal (BVR) in the cause of idiopathic subarachnoid hemorrhage (ISAH). The purpose of this study was to assess the drainage patterns of the BVR among ISAH patients. The venous phase at cerebral angiography was retrospectively analyzed in 19 patients with ISAH and then compared with patients with unruptured aneurysms as controls. A relationship was found between ISAH and the presence of a primitive variant. However, the venous configuration effect on bleeding is still unknown

Advanced oxidation protein products and malondialdehyde — the new biological markers of oxidative stress — are elevated in postmenopausal women

Objectives: The aim of the study was to measure advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) as markers for oxidative stress to evaluate cardiovascular risk in pre- and postmenopausal women and to compare the results with malondialde­hyde (MDA) levels. Material and methods: Twenty premenopausal women and 84 naturally postmenopausal patients were enrolled in the study. AOPP and MDA plasma levels were measured. The postmenopausal group was further subdivided into two groups: postmenopausal age of 40–49 and of 50–59 years. AOPP and MDA levels were compared between premenopausal, 40–49 and 50–59 year old menopausal women. Results: Plasma AOPP and MDA levels in postmenopausal women were increased when compared with their premeno­pausal peers (123.83 ± 55.51 μmol/L vs. 61.59 ± 16.42 μmol/L and 6.50 ± 1.05 μmol/L vs. 5.98 ± 0.77 μmol/L; respectively). Mean plasma AOPP levels in the two menopausal age groups were both significantly higher from the premenopausal group (118.64 ± 59.1 μmol/L vs. 61.59 ± 16.42 μmol/L and 132.31 ± 48.97 μmol/L vs. 61.59 ± 16.42 μmol/L; respectively). No significant difference was found in mean AOPP levels between postmenopausal subjects of 40–49 and 50–59 years age (118.64 ± 59.12 μmol/L vs. 132.31 ± 48.97 μmol/L). Mean plasma MDA levels of each of two postmenopausal age groups were both significantly higher from the premenopausal group (6.50 ± 1.04 μmol/L vs. 5.98 ± 0.77 μmol/L and 6.50 ± 1.10 μmol/L vs. 5.98 ± 0.77 μmol/L; respectively). However, no statistically significant difference between the two postmenopausal age groups (6.50 ± 1.04 μmol/L vs. 6.50 ± 1.10 μmol/L) was found. Conclusions: AOPP and MDA levels are elevated in postmenopausal women as compared to their premenopausal peers, suggesting they can be used as markers for cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women

Rola ultrasonografii trójwymiarowej z punktu widzenia kobiety ciężarnej

Objectives: The role and applicability of three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US) in perinatology has been repeatedly discussed in the literature. Regardless, our knowledge about patient expectations remains limited. We aimed at determining the expectations, perception and knowledge of pregnant women about 3D-US. Material and Methods: Upon admission to the labor unit, the women filled out a questionnaire, with the help of a doctor, investigating sociodemographic data, pregnancy and delivery history, previous experiences and expectations for US imaging. Results: A total of 644 pregnant women were included in the study. Respondents declared that approximately 70% of all kinds of structural abnormalities could be detected by 3D-US and estimated its reliabilityat nearly 70%. While 60% of the participants underwent 3D-US, 70% of them believed that every pregnant woman should undergo such test. Also, 457 (70.9%) of the participants were of the opinion that every pregnant woman must undergo 3D-US imaging, whereas 173 (26.8%) did not think 3D-US imaging was necessary. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this has been the first study on patient opinions regarding the need for 3D-US imaging during pregnancy. Although the participants were not certain about the harmful effects of 3D-US, the majority believed that it was necessary for every pregnant woman to undergo such testing. Obviously, patients must be instructed on the limitations of US imaging before the examination to clarify any misunderstandings about the possibilities such a technique may offer.Cel: Rola i zastosowanie ultrasonografii trójwymiarowej (3D-US) w perinatologii jest częstym tematem dyskusji w literaturze. Mimo to nasza wiedza na temat oczekiwań pacjentek pozostaje ograniczona. Naszym celem było określenie oczekiwań, spostrzegania i wiedzy kobiet ciężarnych na temat 3D-US. Materiał i metoda: Podczas przyjęcia do oddziału porodowego pacjentki wypełniały kwestionariusz, z pomocą lekarza, dotyczący ich danych socjodemograficznych, wywiadu odnośnie ciąż i porodów, poprzednich doświadczeń i oczekiwań w związku z badaniem US. Wyniki: Do badania włączono 644 ciężarne. Kobiety oceniły, że około 70% wszystkich anomalii strukturalnych może być wykrytych w trakcie badania 3D-US i oszacowały ich wiarygodność na blisko 70%. Około 60% ciężarnych przeszło badanie 3D-US, z czego 70% uważa, że każda kobieta w ciąży powinna mieć takie badanie wykonane. Również, 457 (70,9%) respondentek uważało, że każda ciężarna powinna przejść badanie 3D-US, podczas gdy 173 (26,8%) nie uważa aby takie badanie było konieczne. Wnioski: Według naszej wiedzy jest to pierwsze badanie na temat opinii pacjentek na temat potrzeby wykonania badania 3D-US podczas ciąży. Chociaż pacjentki nie miały wiedzy na temat bezpieczeństwa 3D-US w ciąży, większość z nich uważała, że istnieje konieczność aby każda ciężarna przeszła takie badanie. Oczywiście pacjentki muszą być informowane o ograniczeniach badania US aby wyjaśnić nieporozumienia dotyczące możliwości jakie niesie ze sobą ta technika

A Review of the Role of Vitamins in Psoriasis in Pregnancy

Psoriasis is an immune mediated chronic inflammatory disorder. Psoriasis treatment regimen is an immune regulation and inhibition of the cell cycle to prevent hyper proliferation of keratinocytes. Psoriasis does not affect the reproductive ability of patients; however, psoriatic women in reproductive period should be aware of the side effects of psoriatic medication. Understanding the molecular mechanisms beyond Psoriasis is crucial in developing effective treatment options for Psoriasis and preventing birth defects such as spontaneous abortions, intermittent fetal bradycardia, malformations and miscarriages.Vitamin A and vitamin D are the skin hormones that regulate the cell cycle of the keratinocytes. Vitamin A and D deliveries are extensively used in psoriasis treatment. Vitamin A is important for neuronal development; however, excessive use of vitamin A is teratogenic. Vitamin D is useful for Psoriasis treatment and is required for bone integrity. Vitamin D is also important for women’s fertility. Both vitamin A and vitamin D play a pleiotropic role in metabolism by regulating different gene expressions. Thus, the use of the vitamins or their derivatives in psoriasis treatment is vital for the fetus development. In this review we focus on the vitamin A and D metabolism, particularly molecular and genetic aspects of psoriasis treatment during pregnancy

A Review on the Link between Psoriasis Vulgaris and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Psoriasis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are both triggered by hormones and chemical messengers. Psoriatic women are also more prone than the general population to PCOS, and both diseases are tightly associated with obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, and metabolic and cardiovascular alterations. The aim of this paper is to review the current knowledge on the association between psoriasis and PCOS, from immunologic and genetic perspectives

Do Bmı or Waıst-to-Hıp Ratıo Interfere wıth The Number of Oocytes Retrıeved ın IVF Cycles?

The effect of obesity on ovarian response to ovulation induction and on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome is controversial. This controversy might stem from the fact that almost all studies on the subject use body mass index (BMI) for obesity measurement. We aimed to determine which obesity measure predicts the possible effect of obesity on ovarian response in IVF patients. In this retrospective study, patients who presented for IVF and underwent an antagonist protocol were included. Their histories and cycle properties were recorded, as well as their BMI and waist-to-hip (W/H) ratios. A total of 35 patients were included. While normal BMI significantly lowered the gonadotropin dose, normal W/H ratio increased the antral follicle count (AFC). Both BMI and W/H ratio did not significantly affect either the number of oocytes retrieved or the metaphase II oocytes. Ovulation induction during IVF cycles can overcome the adverse effects of obesity on ovarian reserve. Large-sample-sized, well-designed studies must be performed to clarify the best obesity measurement method for infertility treatment and to determine the real effect of obesity on IVF success

Is BMI Sufficient to Evaluate the Association between Obesity and Ovarian Reserves?

Body fat content and distribution might have an effect on ovarian reserves. Here, we studied the effects of body fat distribution on the antral follicle count (AFC) of women who consulted for infertility. In this two-center study, the ovarian reserves of patients who came to the hospital for infertility treatment was evaluated based on their AFC and early follicular phase follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. In addition, adiposity was evaluated using their body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratios (WHRs), the subcutaneous tissue thickness of the bicipital and tricipital regions, and the body adiposity index (BAI). Body fat distribution was evaluated using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). We evaluated 58 patients in this study. While we failed to show a relationship between BMI and WHR based on the AFC, there was a significant relationship between body fat percentage and the AFC. The AFC in patients with < 35% body fat and ≥ 35% body fat was 11.54 ± 4.27 and 9.00 ± 3.95, respectively (p = 0.029). There was no significant relationship between the AFC and the WHR, BAI, and bicipital and tricipital subcutaneous tissue thickness. BMI may not reflect the adiposity of every patient. When evaluating the ovarian reserves of patients, we must consider other measures of obesity that reflect body fatness. Further large studies must be conducted to investigate the relationship between body fat and infertility

The evaluation of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is considered a cause of conditions such as depression and eating disorders, and hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Material and methods: This study was conducted as a prospective study at Ankara Ataturk Training and Research Hospital in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The study included 73 pregnant women with singleton pregnancies (32 pregnant women with HG and 41 pregnant women without hyperemesis). Serum BDNF levels were compared between the two groups. Results: The mean age of the study group was 27.3 ± 3.5 years and the body mass index (BMI) was 22.4 ± 2.7 kg/m2. There is no statistically significant difference between the study group and the control group in terms of demographic data (p > 0.05). The pregnant women with HG were found to have significantly higher serum BDNF levels compared to the control group (349.1 ± 94.6 pg/mL vs 292. 3± 86.01, p = 0.009) Conclusions: Serum BDNF levels that are low in psychiatric disorders such as depression or anxiety were found as high in pregnant women with HG

Differential cross section measurements for the production of a W boson in association with jets in proton–proton collisions at √s = 7 TeV

Measurements are reported of differential cross sections for the production of a W boson, which decays into a muon and a neutrino, in association with jets, as a function of several variables, including the transverse momenta (pT) and pseudorapidities of the four leading jets, the scalar sum of jet transverse momenta (HT), and the difference in azimuthal angle between the directions of each jet and the muon. The data sample of pp collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 7 TeV was collected with the CMS detector at the LHC and corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 5.0 fb[superscript −1]. The measured cross sections are compared to predictions from Monte Carlo generators, MadGraph + pythia and sherpa, and to next-to-leading-order calculations from BlackHat + sherpa. The differential cross sections are found to be in agreement with the predictions, apart from the pT distributions of the leading jets at high pT values, the distributions of the HT at high-HT and low jet multiplicity, and the distribution of the difference in azimuthal angle between the leading jet and the muon at low values.United States. Dept. of EnergyNational Science Foundation (U.S.)Alfred P. Sloan Foundatio

Juxtaposing BTE and ATE – on the role of the European insurance industry in funding civil litigation

One of the ways in which legal services are financed, and indeed shaped, is through private insurance arrangement. Two contrasting types of legal expenses insurance contracts (LEI) seem to dominate in Europe: before the event (BTE) and after the event (ATE) legal expenses insurance. Notwithstanding institutional differences between different legal systems, BTE and ATE insurance arrangements may be instrumental if government policy is geared towards strengthening a market-oriented system of financing access to justice for individuals and business. At the same time, emphasizing the role of a private industry as a keeper of the gates to justice raises issues of accountability and transparency, not readily reconcilable with demands of competition. Moreover, multiple actors (clients, lawyers, courts, insurers) are involved, causing behavioural dynamics which are not easily predicted or influenced. Against this background, this paper looks into BTE and ATE arrangements by analysing the particularities of BTE and ATE arrangements currently available in some European jurisdictions and by painting a picture of their respective markets and legal contexts. This allows for some reflection on the performance of BTE and ATE providers as both financiers and keepers. Two issues emerge from the analysis that are worthy of some further reflection. Firstly, there is the problematic long-term sustainability of some ATE products. Secondly, the challenges faced by policymakers that would like to nudge consumers into voluntarily taking out BTE LEI