Effects of endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure on zebrafish ovarian follicles

The process of oocyte maturation involves both nuclear and cytoplasmic events that are essential for the production of viable eggs and subsequent fertilization in sexually reproducing animals. In zebrafish, oocyte nuclear maturation (meiotic resumption) is marked by a transition from opaque to translucent ovarian follicles. This transition is called clearing and results from germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and the transformation of vitellogenin into yolk proteins. Oocyte maturation can be perturbed by endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These EDCs have been broadly shown to interfere with reproductive development. Many herbicides and pesticides used agriculturally act as EDCs. These chemicals can enter aquatic ecosystems via runoff and erosion. To evaluate the effects of EDCs on zebrafish oocyte maturation, zebrafish ovarian follicles were cultured and exposed to various concentrations of either atrazine, 2,4-D, or diazinon. Follicles were evaluated at 2, 3, and 4 hours for size and viability, but clearing was assessed only at 4 hours post-exposure. Atrazine and diazinon significantly reduced follicle clearing at the tested concentrations. No effect was observed with 2,4-D exposure. At low enough concentrations, none of the chemicals produced endocrine-disrupting effects. The results suggest that at or above environmentally relevant concentrations, some EDCs impair oocyte maturation in exposed zebrafish follicles. The results support the need to monitor EDC exposure to prevent harmful effects not only on aquatic organisms, but also on humans and wildlife that are also exposed to these contaminants

Women’s Experiences with Prenatal Care: A Mixed-Methods Study Exploring the Influence of the Social Determinants of Health

Background & Purpose: Racial and ethnic disparities pervade birth outcomes in the United States and the state of Connecticut. While Connecticut’s infant mortality rate is less than the national average, rates for the state’s Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino communities exceed it. This study explored how prenatal care in Connecticut may be enhanced to address these disparities. Methods: In spring 2013, seven focus groups and two semi-structured interviews were conducted (n=47). Participants also self-administered brief surveys. Recruited by local service providers, participants were 18 or older, pregnant and/or in the first year post-partum at the time. Most self-identified as non-white. Results: Even when care was perceived as strong quality, participants perceived a lack of patient-centeredness. Participants knew the importance of prenatal care and actively prioritized it even when experiencing challenges accessing healthcare services or barriers to broader conditions needed to be healthy. Participants also reported experiencing discrimination in healthcare. Conclusions & Implications: The women esteemed providers’ clinical advice, but felt unheard in their prenatal care experiences and faced structural challenges which may be addressed by changing institutional policies and procedures

The Influence of Word Building Strategies on a Delayed Reader

This case study of one child was conducted during the school year when the child was a third grader. His reading ability was below grade level. He was unable to read fluently although he was able to speak fluently and articulate his thoughts. This study showed that, through word building using onset and rime patterns and analogies along with reading leveled and series books, reading ability could be improved. Metacognition played an important role in this study. The child was able to understand the need to think as he was reading and writing. This was probably the most significant aspect of this study

Comparison of Beta-lactamase Genes in Environmental Rahnella Isolates

Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem in the field of healthcare. Antibiotics are becoming less effective as species of bacteria adapt and share resistance mechanisms. If transmission of mechanisms can be better understood at the molecular level, inhibitors could be developed to lessen the likelihood of antibiotic resistance. In this study, Rahnella spp were isolated from environmental sources on MacConkey plates containing 100 µg ml-1 ampicillin, and confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Whole genomic DNA was extracted from isolates and initial amplifications were performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers specific for 16S amplification. New primers were designed based on the sequence of a β-lactamase gene identified in a Rahnella genome. These primers provided strong amplification. The products of these amplifications were sequenced, with the predicted protein products showing high sequence similarities to a previously identified Rahnella β-lactamase gene. Individual sequences were compared and found to cluster into two distinct groups, with each being distinct from the known Rahnella β-lactamase. Additional sequence data was used to determine the full sequences of this class A beta-lactamase gene predicted to be responsible for beta-lactam resistance. Primers were produced to amplify the full gene and a High Fidelity PCR Kit by Qiagen was used to amplify the gene and furthermore, sequence the full gene. Ongoing research is being conducted to understand more about the mechanism by which the class A beta-lactamase gene confers resistance and additionally how this resistance is transferred between bacteria

Parenting Adolescents

The period of adolescence is often thought to be one of intense stress and turmoil. Yet many parents and teens negotiate this developmental stage without extreme family conflict and without sacrificing close relationships. This review summarizes a portion of the literature on parent-adolescent relationships, focusing on monitoring and control of adolescent behavior and parenting style. Basic principles to emphasize when working with adolescents and parents are also included

Parenting Adolescents

The period of adolescence is often thought to be one of intense stress and turmoil. Yet many parents and teens negotiate this developmental stage without extreme family conflict and without sacrificing close relationships. This review summarizes a portion of the literature on parent-adolescent relationships, focusing on monitoring and control of adolescent behavior and parenting style. Basic principles to emphasize when working with adolescents and parents are also included

Improved Continuation Rate of Depot-Medroxyprogesterone Acetate in Adolescent Mothers

Poor compliance and high discontinuation rates of Depot-Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA) and other contraceptive methods are major factors in the continuing problem of adolescent pregnancy. In this study we attempted to determine if providing comprehensive health care for teen mothers and their babies would improve continuation rates of DMPA. Patients who started DMPA between 1/1/96 and 1/1/99 were included. Teen mothers and their babies received all their health care in this clinic, supported by State funding. Key elements regarding DMPA in this clinic were continuity of care, phone and mail reminders of appointments, free DMPA for patients without insurance, counseling at each visit and available evening clinic. In the study period a total of 299 (age 13-22 years) patients were started on DMPA. Fifty-one percent were white, 47% black and 2% others. Sixty-three percent were single, 20% married, 3% cohabitating and 14% undetermined (missing data). Seventy-eight percent had one baby and 22% more than one. A total of 189 patients (63.2%) continued to be compliant after one year of use and 101 patients (33.8% of total) continued beyond the second year. The most common side effect reported was bleeding or spotting (32%), However only seven patients (2.3%) discontinued use because of it. It is concluded that continuity of care (same staff and providers on each visit), regular counseling, flexible hours (evening appointments), financial ease (free DMPA and no visit charge for those without insurance), combined Teen-Tot health visits and regular reminders of appointments may help improve compliance and continuation rates in teen mothers leading to better success in preventing repeat teen pregnancy