Degradation dynamics of micrornas revealed by a novel pulse-chase approach

The regulation of miRNAs is critical to the definition of cell identity and behavior in normal physiology and disease. To date, the dynamics of miRNA degradation and the mechanisms involved in remain largely obscure, in particular, in higher organisms. Here, we developed a pulse-chase approach based on metabolic RNA labeling to calculate miRNA decay rates at genome-wide scale in mammalian cells. Our analysis revealed heterogeneous miRNA half-lives, with many species behaving as stable molecules (T1/2 > 24 h), while others, including passenger miRNAs and a number (25/129) of guide miRNAs, are quickly turned over (T1/2 = 4-14 h). Decay rates were coupled with other features, including genomic organization, transcription rates, structural heterogeneity (isomiRs), and target abundance, measured through quantitative experimental approaches. This comprehensive analysis highlighted functional mechanisms that mediate miRNA degradation, as well as the importance of decay dynamics in the regulation of the miRNA pool under both steady-state conditions and during cell transitions

Hyperinsulinemia induced by highly active antiretroviral therapy in an adolescent with polycystic ovary syndrome who was infected with HIV

Objective: To report a case of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in an adolescent infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and lipodystrophy whose insulin resistance was induced by highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Design: Case report. Setting: Academic department of pediatrics. Patient(s): A 14-year-old vertically HIV-infected adolescent receiving HAART. Intervention(s): Clinical observation, metabolic and endocrinologic assessment, imaging of ovaries by ultrasound, and of intra-abdominal adipose tissue content by magnetic resonance imaging. Main Outcome Measure(s): Lipodystrophy, insulin resistance, PCOS. Result(s): After 34 months of HAART this adolescent showed lipodystrophy with central obesity and insulin resistance after oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Ovaries were normal at ultrasonography. After 56 weeks of HAART, the adolescent showed more severe evidence of lipodystrophy and insulin resistance, and she developed acne, hirsutism, and amenorrhea. The following hormone levels were elevated: FSH 5.9 mUI/mL, LH 15.4 mUI/mL, LH/FSH ratio >2.5, free T 5.6 pg/mL, DHEAS 2,070 ng/mL, androstenedione (A) 3.42 ng/mL; whereas 17-\u3b2-E2, P, PRL, and free T4 values were within the normal range. Ultrasonography demonstrated a typical polycystic echographic architecture of the ovaries. Conclusion(s): Lipodystrophy and insulin resistance are well-recognized side effects of HAART. Polycystic ovary syndrome might be an additional side effect secondary to insulin resistance and lipodystrophy

[Law 194 on voluntary abortion]

Between June 1978 and January 1979 300 abortions were performed at the Bassini hospital in Milano, Italy; they were the first abortions performed after the promulgation of law 194 which made abortion legal in Italy. This number represented 57% of the number of requests for abortion during that period. Only 3% of abortions were performed before the 8th week of gestation; 19% of women were below 20, and 10% were minors. 39% of patients had not even completed elementary school education; 29% were housewives. Socioeconomic reasons represented 51% of all motivation for abortion; the partner was favorable to the decision in 90% of cases. Contraceptive practice prior to abortion was ineffective in 95.7% of patients; 40% of patients were young nulliparae, and 60% women with high parity. The Italian law does not contemplate, as yet, a follow-up visit after abortion