Mumps and ovarian cancer: modern interpretation of an historic association

Background Epidemiologic studies found childhood mumps might protect against ovarian cancer. To explain this association, we investigated whether mumps might engender immunity to ovarian cancer through antibodies against the cancer-associated antigen MUC1 abnormally expressed in the inflamed parotid gland. Methods Through various health agencies, we obtained sera from 161 cases with mumps parotitis. Sera were obtained from 194 healthy controls. We used an ELISA to measure anti-MUC1 antibodies and electro-chemiluminescence assays to measure MUC1 and CA 125. Log-transformed measurements were analyzed by t-tests, generalized linear models, and Pearson or Spearman correlations. We also conducted a meta-analysis of all published studies regarding mumps and ovarian cancer. Results Adjusting for assay batch, age, and sex, the level of anti-MUC1 antibodies was significantly higher in mumps cases compared to controls (p = 0.002). Free circulating levels of CA 125, but not MUC1, were also higher in cases (p = 0.02). From the meta-analysis, the pooled odds ratio estimate (and 95% CI) for the mumps and ovarian cancer association was 0.81 (0.68–0.96) (p = 0.01). Conclusion Mumps parotitis may lead to expression and immune recognition of a tumor-associated form of MUC1 and create effective immune surveillance of ovarian cancer cells that express this form of MUC1

Safety, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary assessment of efficacy of mecasermin (recombinant human IGF-1) for the treatment of Rett syndrome

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder mainly affecting females and is associated with mutations in MECP2, the gene encoding methyl CpG-binding protein 2. Mouse models suggest that recombinant human insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) (rhIGF1) (mecasermin) may improve many clinical features. We evaluated the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic profiles of IGF-1 in 12 girls with MECP2 mutations (9 with RTT). In addition, we performed a preliminary assessment of efficacy using automated cardiorespiratory measures, EEG, a set of RTT-oriented clinical assessments, and two standardized behavioral questionnaires. This phase 1 trial included a 4-wk multiple ascending dose (MAD) (40–120 μg/kg twice daily) period and a 20-wk open-label extension (OLE) at the maximum dose. Twelve subjects completed the MAD and 10 the entire study, without evidence of hypoglycemia or serious adverse events. Mecasermin reached the CNS compartment as evidenced by the increase in cerebrospinal fluid IGF-1 levels at the end of the MAD. The drug followed nonlinear kinetics, with greater distribution in the peripheral compartment. Cardiorespiratory measures showed that apnea improved during the OLE. Some neurobehavioral parameters, specifically measures of anxiety and mood also improved during the OLE. These improvements in mood and anxiety scores were supported by reversal of right frontal alpha band asymmetry on EEG, an index of anxiety and depression. Our data indicate that IGF-1 is safe and well tolerated in girls with RTT and, as demonstrated in preclinical studies, ameliorates certain breathing and behavioral abnormalities

Correlation between Thyroid Hormone Values and Carotid Intima Media Thickness in Patients with Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of thyroid-stimulating (TSH) and free thyroxin (fT4) hormones on carotid intima media thickness (cIMT). Material and methods: Sixty nine consecutive patients who attended to the Department of University Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic disorders with newly diagnosed subclinical hypothyroidism (ScH) were evaluated for mean and maximal cIMT. ScH were defined as elevated TSH with normal fT4 serum values. Results: Mean TSH, fT4, cIMT, and max cIMT were: 7,9±3,6 mU/L, 14,5±2,8 pmol/L, 0,61±0,1 mm, and 0,65±0,1 mm, respectively. Statistically significant positive correlation were evaluated between TSH value and mean and max cIMT (r=0,28, and r=0,29, respectively p<0,05). While fT4 statistically significant negative correlated with mean and max cIMT (r=-0,35, and r=-0,33, respectively p<0,01). Conclusion: Thyroid hormone values are correlated with carotid intima media thickness in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. Key words: carotid intima media thickness, thyroid-stimulating hormone, subclinical hypothyroidism

Main trands and prospects of bilingual education development

The paper deals with the system of bilingual education, its development history, causes and effects of transformation of multi-ethnical education into polycultural one. The correlation between the bilingual and polycultural teaching is emphasized, its intensification resulting from the historical and socio-cultural background, as well as the global trends in philosophy, pedagogy and psychology. The author specifies the term of bilingual teaching; examines its various models emphasizing that their preferences depend on the particular socio-lingual backgrounds; demonstrates the relevance of bilingual teaching resulted from the general trend of economic, cultural and political integration. The advantages of bilingual education are enumerated: the access to information in various spheres and in a broader scale, continuing educational growth and competitiveness in the European and world labor markets В статье говорится о системе билингвального образования. Кратко изложены история ее формирования, причины и следствия трансформации многоэтнического образования в поликультурное. Отмечена взаимосвязь билингвального и поликультурного обучения, укрепление которой происходит не только благодаря историческим и социокультурным предпосылкам, но и в связи с развитием общемировых традиций философии, педагогики и психологии. Конкретизировано понятие «билингвальное обучение», рассмотрены его модели. Их предпочтение в каждой стране и в каждом регионе зависит от специфических, порой очень сложных социолингвистических условий. Показана актуальность обучения на двуязычной основе, обусловленная прежде всего тенденцией к всеобщей интеграции в экономической, культурной и политической сферах. Перечислены преимущества билингвального образования, которое обеспечивает учащимся широкий доступ к новой информации в различных областях в соответствии с индивидуальными потребностями, возможности непрерывного повышения своего образовательного уровня, а также конкурентоспособность в будущем на общеевропейском и мировом рынк

Role of Foundations, Funding Research and Innovation in the Bulgarian Society

This report analyses the role of foundations, funding and/or carrying out research and innovation programs in Bulgaria supporting the development of science and scientific institutions. In particular, we examine the types of foundations; origin of their funds and main sources of funding; their investments in research and innovation; supported key research areas; their role in the sphere of research and innovation. Empirical data in the report were collected through a large-scale survey of EU foundations and NGOs, funding and/or engaged in research and innovation, where ISSK – BAS was the Bulgarian partner. The survey was funded by the European Commission and was carried out in the period 2013-2014 in all EU Member States plus Switzerland and Norway. Coordinator of the research was the Department of Social Sciences at the Free University (VU) in Amsterdam

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus – The Impact оf Maternal Body Mass Index аnd Glycaemic Control оn Baby’s Birth Weight

Abstract: Objectives. To asses the influence of the maternal BMI and glycaemic control in women with GDM on the baby's birth weight (BW). Material and methods: We analysed 180 women with GDM. Macrosomia has been defined as BW > 4000 gm, small for gestational age < 2700 gm and appropriate for gestational age between both. According to the baby´s BW the pregnant women were divided into three groups: group 1 (G1) with BW < 2700 gm (n = 26); group 2 (G2) with BW between 2700 to 4000 gm (n = 117), and group 3 (G3) with BW > 4000 gm (n = 37). We also analysed BMI (kg/m²), HbA1c (%), PPG (mmol/L) and time of delivery (WG). Results: Comparisons between G1 and G2 showed: BMI (30.7 ± 5 & 31 ± 5.2; p < 0.7), HbA1c (6.4 ± 0.8 & 5.1 ± 0.8, p < 0.002), PPG (8.2 ± 1.7 & 6.9 ± 1.5, p < 0.02), time of delivery (35.2 ± 3.8 & 38.6 ± 1.5, p < 0.0001) and BW (2289 ± 504 & 3474 ± 334, p < 0.0001). Comparisons between G2 and G3 showed: BMI (31 ± 5. 2 & 33.4 ± 6.1; p < 0.02), HbA1c (5.2 ± 1.1 & 6.4 ± 2.3, p < 0.02), PPG (6.9 ± 1.5 & 8.2 ± 1.9, p < 0.02), time of delivery (38.6 ± 1.5 & 39.3 ± 1.4, p < 0.01) and BW (3474 ± 334 & 4431 ± 302, p < 0.0001). Comparisons between G1 and G3 showed the difference at delivery time and the baby's BW (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Maternal obesity and PPG contribute to macrosomia and also PPG to SGE. Key words: gestational diabetes, large for gestational age, small for gestational age, birth weight, postprandial glycaemia