Prenatal evaluation of fetal renal function based on serum beta2-microglobulin assessment

The relationship between fetal renal function (FRF) and fetal serum beta₂-microglobulin (B2MG) was investigated by comparing its value in 112 unaffected fetuses with that of 23 fetuses presenting with urinary tract malformations (UTM). Fetal serum level of B2MG was totally unrelated to gestational age; its value increased in cases of severe impairment of FRF but was similar to controls in all mild uropathies (p<0.05). Evaluating serum B2MG could be beneficial in fetuses with severe renal damage, but is of no use in unilateral UTM since only the global FRF is tested and not the function of each single kidney. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The adaptations of the microbial communities of the savanna soil over a period of wildfire,after the first rains,and during the rainy season

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Annually, the Cerrado ecosystem alternates between dry periods and long rainy seasons. During the dry season, severe forest fires occur, consuming a...     

Diagnosis and significance of cystic hygroma in the first trimester

Thirty cases of cervical cystic hygroma were diagnosed in the first trimester of pregnancy. Karyotype analysis was available in 29 (97 per cent). Fifteen (52 per cent) had a chromosomal abnormality. The ultrasound appearance was described as posterior cervical, lateral cervical, or cervical hygroma with hydrops. Of the 14 euploid embryos, six were electively aborted, two are undelivered, and six have been delivered as phenotypically normal infants. In cases in which the chromosomes were normal and the pregnancy continued, all lesions resolved by 18 weeks.     

Heavy metals monitoring at a Mediterranean natural ecosystem of Central Italy. Trends in different environmental matrixes

The study deals with the evaluation of the impact of heavy metal pollution on a Mediterranean natural ecosystem, and presents the results derived from a monitoring of heavy metals in different environmental matrixes (atmospheric dry depositions, suspended particulate matter (SPM) and stemflow of forest trees). Two sites in Castelporziano Presidential Estate (Rome), one internal and one near the sea-side, were chosen in order to assess the differences in pollutant load. Results showed that heavy metal contamination can arise from local anthropogenic activities, in particular road traffic, and long-range pollution, from industrial and artisan activities near Rome.     

Modelling of the uptake rate of the nitrogen dioxide Palmes diffusive sampler based on the effect of environmental factors

The influence of environmental parameters on the uptake rate of the nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) Palmes diffusive sampler was investigated. The main factors affecting the uptake rate were found to be wind speed, the preponderant factor, followed by relative humidity and temperature. The NO(2) concentration and exposure time, as well as the interactions among the factors were not found to have a significant influence on the uptake rate of the Palmes sampler. As a result, a model able to predict the uptake rate of the Palmes sampler was established. In addition, by using the model-predicted uptake rate, the agreement between chemiluminescence and the Palmes sampler during the field tests was improved. The NO(2) Palmes diffusive sampler was shown to comply with the requirement on accuracy defined by the European Directive for the indicative methods of measurements.     

Prenatal diagnosis of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease using flanking DNA markers and the polymerase chain reaction

A prenatal diagnosis was carried out on a 9-week-old fetus at risk for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Ten members of the family were previously typed using five DNA markers linked to the PKD1 locus on chromosome 16, and one marker linked to the putative PKD2 locus on chromosome 2. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the D16S125 locus. Pairwise and multipoint lod scores indicated that the family was most likely segregating a PKD1 mutation. The fetus inherited the disease haplotype from the affected parent. Diagnostic accuracy was greater than 99 per cent, taking into account the possibility of genetic heterogeneity.     

Psychological reactions to fetoscopy: A controlled study

Twenty woman at risk of carrying a fetus with homozygous beta-thalassemia who underwent fetoscopy and a matched control group of pregnant women were administered the Symptom Questionnaire to evaluate changes in distress. Women who were offered fetoscopy had significantly more anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms and hostility than the control group. Psychological distress significantly decreased after the results of fetoscopy were communicated to the patient, and the decrease was similar in normal control women. Five other patients had a diagnosis of homozygous beta-thalassaemia and their pregnancies were terminated. Their psychological distress increased when they learned the outcome of fetoscopy, but decreased again after termination. Psychological reactions to fetoscopy and amniocentesis appear to be similar, yet women who undergo fetoscopy suffer from more psychological distress.     

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Oceanic variability and coastal topography shape genetic structure in a long-dispersing sea urchin

Understanding the scale of marine population connectivity is critical for the conservation and sustainable management of marine resources. For many marine species adults are benthic and relatively immobile, so patterns of larval dispersal and recruitment provide the key to understanding marine population connectivity. Contrary to previous expectations, recent studies have often detected unexpectedly low dispersal and fine-scale population structure in the sea, leading to a paradigm shift in how marine systems are viewed. Nonetheless, the link between fine-scale marine population structure and the underlying physical and biological processes has not been made. Here we show that patterns of genetic structure and population connectivity in the broadcast-spawning and long-distance dispersing sea urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii are influenced by physical oceanographic and geographic variables. Despite weak genetic differentiation and no isolation-by-distance over thousands of kilometers among samples from eastern Australia and northern New Zealand, fine-scale genetic structure was associated with sea surface temperature (SST) variability and geography along the southeastern Australian coast. The zone of high SST variability is characterized by periodic shedding of eddies from the East Australian Current, and we suggest that ocean current circulation may, through its influence on larval transport and recruitment, interact with the genetic consequences of large variance in individual reproductive success to generate patterns of fine-scale patchy genetic structure. If proven consistent across species, our findings suggest that the optimal scale for fisheries management and reserve design should vary among localities in relation to regional oceanographic variability and coastal geography.