Transcervical artificial insemination in the brown brocket deer (Subulo gouazoubira): a promising method for assisted reproduction in deer.

The present study aimed to test the efficiency of transcervical artificial insemination techniques with cervical immobilization (TCAI-CI) or cervical traction (TCAI-CT), associated or not with the use of oxytocin (OT) as a protocol for cervical dilation, in the brown brocket deer (Subulo gouazoubira). The study was carried out in a crossover design using four adult females in two replicates with an interval of 60 days. Estrus was synchronized with oral melengestrol acetate (MGA) associated with estradiol benzoate and sodium cloprostenol. TCAI techniques were performed from 18 to 24 h after estrus onset. All females received either an i.v. application of 50 IU of OT (G-OT, n = 4) or 1 mL of saline solution (G-Control, n = 4) 20 min before the TCAI procedure. The TCAIs were performed using frozen-thawed semen motility 40%, vigor 3, acrosome integrity 87%, membrane integrity of 95% and 13% of total post-thaw defects from the same batch. Behavioral estrus was observed in 100% of the females, in both replicates. It was achieved a 50% (4/8) success of cervical transposition with semen deposition in the uterine. Regarding inseminations, most of them (87.5%) were performed using the TCAI-CT technique, and the overall conception rate was 50%. Cervical transposition times (< 1 min) and TCAI procedures (~ 17 min) were considered satisfactory. Thus, the performance of the TCAI-CI and TCAI-CT techniques was successful, regardless of using OT as a cervical dilation protocol. This procedure is proposed as a method of choice for artificial insemination with greater applicability in different conservation centers, compared to more advanced reproductive biotechniques, and with a favorable impact on the conservation of deer species.

Assessment of transplacental transmission of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in Neotropical deer: An estimative based on serology.

Transplacental transmission of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii is well known in some domestic species and despite both parasites having been proved to infect deer fetuses during gestation, the congenital transmission rate in South-American deer species is still unknown. This study aimed to estimate the congenital transmission rate of neosporosis and toxoplasmosis in captive deer populations from Brazil, through serological techniques (IFAT and ELISA). Serum samples from 82 deer were tested by both techniques 20.73 % (IFAT) to 25.60 % (ELISA) were seropositive for T. gondii; the kappa test showed an index of 0.277 of agreement between both techniques. For N. caninum, 40.24 % (IFAT) to 39.02 % (ELISA) were seropositive, with an index of 0.833 of agreement between techniques. Family trees for each species were drawn and we estimated the congenital transmission rate of the diseases. We found a rate of 81.25 % congenital transmission of N. caninum and no evidence of congenital transmission of T. gondii. Vertical transmission appears to be the main route of introduction and maintenance of N. caninum in these captive deer populations, while T. gondii seems to be favored by the horizontal route.

Bluetongue and epizootic haemorrhagic disease in wildlife with emphasis on the South American scenario

Bluetongue and epizootic hemorrhagic disease affect domestic ruminants and cervids. However, other species may act as pathogen carriers in the transition of bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV). The wild species affected by these diseases manifest a variable range of clinical signs and lesions, and while some species appear to be extremely susceptible, showing high levels of mortality, some are resistant to these pathogens, acting as potential reservoirs of these orbiviruses.  The purpose of the following review is to describe the clinical and pathological manifestations related to these diseases in wild species and to review studies performed on non-domestic species in South America, emphasizing the challenges of studying infectious diseases in free-living animals and the gaps in knowledge about bluetongue and epizootic haemorrhagic disease epidemiology. These gaps should be filled by more studies on the range of species affected and the transmission mechanisms, including in domestic species.

Evaluation of potential reproductive seasonality in brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) bucks.

Photoperiod is the main cue that controls seasonal reproduction in deer from temperate regions, like secretion of testosterone by the testis, neck enlargement, and testis development. However, little is known about its effect on the reproduction of tropical deer species. This research aimed to assess the potential seasonality of the brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) by melatonin treatment. Reproductive parameters such as testicular volume, neck circumference, and semen quality were evaluated from day 0 to 90, and fecal androgen metabolites (FAM) from day -28 to 91. Melatonin treatment was administered from day 0 to 60. In total, seven individuals were used in the study. Four animals were allocated to the treated group (TG) and three to the control group (CG). The neck circumference and some seminal parameters did not show a significant difference between CG and TG and along the experimental period. High FAM levels were observed for the TG on days 7, 14, 21, 35, 84, and 91 (p < 0.05). The mean testicular volume was reduced from day 0 to 30 (p < 0.05) and from day 0 to 90 (p < 0.05), with no increase in the mean testicular volume from day 30 to 60 (p > 0.05). Sperm motility was the highest on day 60 compared with day 0 (p < 0.05). Although not statistically different, membrane integrity and major defects tended to be higher and lower, respectively, in the TG compared with the CG. For these parameters, the incremental change (%) per individual showed that males from the TG tended to have a higher percentage during the melatonin treatment, hence melatonin might affect these seminal characteristics. These findings suggest that exogenous melatonin might enhance FAM levels and sperm motility.

Individual and Relational Well-Being at the Start of an ART Treatment: A Focus on Partners' Gender Differences.

Infertility and ART treatments represent stressful experiences for the couples, impacting on the overall psychological well-being of partners as well as on their couple adjustment. Several variables were analyzed as risk factors for infertility-related distress. The impact of these experiences has been well-documented in both women and men, reporting important gender differences. The aim of this study was to assess gender differences in individual and relational well-being in infertile couples. Gender differences for psychological and medical variables predicting psychological distress were investigated. Two hundred and thirty couples who entered an ART program at a public hospital in Milan were recruited. Each partner completed the following scales: ScreenIVF, Dyadic Adjustment Scale, and Experience in Close Relationship Questionnaire. Findings revealed several gender differences with women reporting higher levels of both anxiety and depressive symptoms, anxiety and avoidance attachment, and helplessness, but lower levels of acceptance than men. Differences emerged also in factors predicting well-being: poor support predicted anxiety in men and depression in women. Furthermore, individual well-being was predicted only for men by attachment anxiety and previous treatment. Finally, in the women subsample, couple's adjustment was predicted by anxiety attachment, while in men predictors were helplessness and type of diagnosis. These results suggest the importance of implementing support interventions for couples which take into consideration the specific needs and fragility of each partner as well as focusing on enhancing a sense of partnership.

Influence of social stress on value of minimal anesthetic concentration of isuflurano in guan (Penelope obscura) captured in wildlife / Influência do estresse social sobre o valor da concentração anestésica mínima de isuflurano em jacus (Penelope obscura) capturados em vida livre

This study aimed to determine and evaluate whether there are differences in values of MAC in wildlife captured guan (Penelope obscura) under different conditions of social stress. This study used 27 bird species guan (P. obscura), divided into two groups: animals kept in the same enclosure (Collective Group) and animals kept in individual cages (Individual Group). The research was conducted at the Advanced Research Base of IBAMA, Painel/SC, and at the Clinical Veterinary Hospital of the "Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina", Lages/SC. The birds were captured using network trap with manual disarmament and transported to the Veterinary Hospital in cages. The animals were fasted for 2 to 6 hours before the procedure; anesthetic induction was performed with isoflurane for instrumentation. The isoflurane CAM was placed in the target value 1.3v% in the first animal of each group, and waited 15 minutes for the nociceptive (electric) stimulus, in the value of 50 hertz and 50mA, held in faradic form (3 consecutive simple stimuli, followed by 2 continuous stimuli). The stimulus was performed on the lateral side of the left pelvic limb in the tibiotarsal region, and the electrodes were fixed with a 22G needle at a distance of 5cm between them. The bird's responses to the stimulus were considered positive (wing movements, head or vocalization) or negative (not presented movements of wings, head or vocalization) and the MAC value of the animal was recorded. Negative responses reduced next birds' MAC value by about 10%, and MAC positive responses increased by about 10%. Statistical analysis was done by methods up and down and analyze quantal for MAC and paired t-test for equivalent or t-test for variances not equal variances for the physiological variables. At the end of the experiment, the birds were reintroduced in the same capture area. The MAC value of isoflurane in the Collective Group was 1.4v% and the Individual Group 1.9v% to 0.903atm. It is observed that guan (P. obscura) in the Collective Group showed lesser anesthetic resistance to isoflurane than the birds in the Individual Group, showing that some levels of social stress can influence the MAC values of the isoflurane.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar e avaliar se há diferença nos valores de CAM em jacus (Penelope obscura) capturados em vida livre e submetidos a diferentes condições de estresse social. Foram utilizadas 27 aves da espécie jacu (P. obscura) de vida livre, que depois de capturados foram alocados em dois grupos: 10 animais que permaneceram em grupo no mesmo recinto (Grupo Coletivo) e 17 animais que permaneceram em gaiolas individuais (Grupo Individual). A pesquisa foi realizada na Base de Pesquisa Avançada do IBAMA, Painel/SC, e no Hospital de Clínica Veterinária da Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Lages/SC. A captura foi realizada utilizando armadilha de rede com desarmamento manual e as aves foram transportadas para o Hospital Veterinário em gaiolas. Os animais foram submetidos a um jejum alimentar de 2 a 6 horas antes do procedimento, a indução anestésica foi realizada com isoflurano para instrumentação. A CAM de isoflurano foi colocada no valor alvo 1,3v% no primeiro animal de cada grupo, e esperado 15 minutos para realização do estímulo nociceptivo (elétrico), no valor de 50 hertz e 50mA, realizado de forma farádica (3 estímulos simples consecutivos, seguidos de 2 estímulos contínuos). O estímulo foi realizado na face lateral do membro pélvico esquerdo na região tibiotársica, e os eletrodos fixados com agulha 22G a uma distância de 5cm entre elas. A resposta da ave ao estímulo foi considerada positiva (movimentos de asas, cabeça ou vocalização) ou negativa (não apresentou movimentos de asas, cabeça ou vocalização) e o valor de CAM do animal foi registrado. Para resultados negativos, a CAM da próxima ave foi reduzida em torno de 10%, para positivos a CAM foi aumentada em torno de 10%. A análise estatística foi feita pelos métodos up and down e análise quantal para a CAM e teste t de pareado para variâncias equivalentes ou teste t para variâncias não equivalentes para as variáveis fisiológicas. Ao final do experimento as aves utilizadas foram reintroduzidas na mesma área de captura. O valor da CAM de isoflurano no Grupo Coletivo foi de 1,4v% e no Grupo Individual a CAM de 1,9v% a 0,903atm, sendo o valor do Grupo Coletivo significativamente menor que o Grupo Individual. Observa-se assim que os jacus (P. obscura) que permaneceram em recinto coletivo apresentaram uma menor resistência anestésica ao isoflurano que as aves que permaneceram em recintos individuais, mostrando que alguns níveis de estresse social como os observados aqui podem influenciar sobre os valores da CAM do isoflurano.(AU)

Examining the Role of Dyadic Coping on the Marital Adjustment of Couples Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).

A couple is considered to be infertile if unable to conceive after 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse. An extended body of literature supports that infertility and infertility treatments contribute to emotional, social, sexual, and relational issues that can have a negative impact on each partner's well-being and on the couple relationship. Recent findings suggest that a dyadic approach should be used when working with couples coping with these stressors. However, most research to date has focused on the association between infertility and individual's psychological outcomes, rather than on the experience of infertility-related stress and coping from a relational perspective. Consequently, assuming that infertility is a dyadic stressor and that the ability of the partners to cope with this experience is the result of both individual and relational coping strategies, this study aimed to investigate dyadic coping and marital adjustment among couples at the beginning of an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatment. A sample of 167 heterosexual couples (N = 334) undergoing ART treatment at the fertility clinic of a large hospital in Milan from January to December 2017 was recruited. Each participant completed self-reported questionnaires examining marital adjustment (Dyadic Adjustment Scale) and dyadic coping (Dyadic Coping Questionnaire). Demographics and clinical variables were also collected. Data were analyzed using the Actor Partner Interdependence Model (APIM), testing the effect of each partner's dyadic coping style on their own and their partner's marital adjustment. Results revealed that both women and partners' scores on positive dyadic coping styles (common, emotion-focused, problem-focused, and delegated dyadic coping) contributed to higher marital adjustment. This result suggests that couples unable to engage in this type of reciprocal supportive behaviors and those unsatisfied with their coping efforts may be more vulnerable while undergoing ART treatments. Furthermore, findings highlighted some gender differences for stress communication and negative dyadic coping suggesting the presence of specific dynamics within couples facing an ART treatment. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.

Evidence for Superconductivity above 260 K in Lanthanum Superhydride at Megabar Pressures.

Recent predictions and experimental observations of high T_{c} superconductivity in hydrogen-rich materials at very high pressures are driving the search for superconductivity in the vicinity of room temperature. We have developed a novel preparation technique that is optimally suited for megabar pressure syntheses of superhydrides using modulated laser heating while maintaining the integrity of sample-probe contacts for electrical transport measurements to 200 GPa. We detail the synthesis and characterization of lanthanum superhydride samples, including four-probe electrical transport measurements that display significant drops in resistivity on cooling up to 260 K and 180-200 GPa, and resistivity transitions at both lower and higher temperatures in other experiments. Additional current-voltage measurements, critical current estimates, and low-temperature x-ray diffraction are also obtained. We suggest that the transitions represent signatures of superconductivity to near room temperature in phases of lanthanum superhydride, in good agreement with density functional structure search and BCS theory calculations.

Multiple bluetongue virus serotypes causing death in Brazilian dwarf brocket deer (Mazama nana) in Brazil, 2015-2016.

Bela Vista Biological Sanctuary (RBV) is a protected area of Itaipu Binacional, a hydroelectric power company located on the border of Brazil and Paraguay. A captive population of Brazilian dwarf brocket deer (Mazama nana, Cervidae, Artiodactyla) is maintained for conservation purposes. Despite the reproductive success of the animals, outbreaks of a fatal hemorrhagic disease have been registered over the years, compromising conservation efforts. In order to identify the etiological agents of these hemorrhagic diseases, 32 captive Brazilian dwarf brockets were sampled to investigate bluetongue virus (BTV), epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), and adenovirus hemorrhagic disease (AHD), in 2015. Only one deer (1/32; 3.12%) was seropositive for BTV. After this survey, five animals died in the early autumn of 2015 and 2016, again presenting clinical signs of hemorrhagic disease. Using RT-qPCR, RT-PCR and DNA sequencing, five BTV serotypes (3, 14, 18, 19, and 22) were identified in blood and tissues collected during necropsies. These BTV serotypes had not been previously described or isolated in Brazil, either in wild or domestic ruminants. Additionally, differential diagnosis was performed for EHD and AHD, but all samples were negative for both diseases. The multiple distinct BTV serotypes identified in these outbreaks resulted in a high lethality (100%) of Brazilian dwarf brockets and indicated that various BTV serotypes are circulating in the area.

High Bragg reflectivity of diamond crystals exposed to multi-kW†mm-2 X-ray beams.

X-ray free-electron lasers in the oscillator configuration (XFELO) are future fully coherent hard X-rays sources with ultrahigh spectral purity. X-ray beams circulate in an XFELO optical cavity comprising diamond single crystals. They function as high-reflectance (close to 100%), narrowband (∼10 meV) Bragg backscattering mirrors. The average power density of the X-ray beams in the XFELO cavity is predicted to be as high as ∼10 kW mm-2. Therefore, XFELO feasibility relies on the ability of diamond crystals to withstand such a high radiation load and preserve their high reflectivity. Here the endurance of diamond crystals to irradiation with multi-kW mm-2 power density X-ray beams is studied. It is shown that the high Bragg reflectivity of the diamond crystals is preserved after the irradiation, provided it is performed at ∼1 × 10-8 Torr high-vacuum conditions. Irradiation under 4 × 10-6 Torr results in a ∼1 meV shift of the Bragg peak, which corresponds to a relative lattice distortion of 4 × 10-8, while the high Bragg reflectivity stays intact.

Carbon Nitride Nanothread Crystals Derived from Pyridine.

Carbon nanothreads are a new one-dimensional sp3 carbon nanomaterial. They assemble into hexagonal crystals in a room temperature, nontopochemical solid-state reaction induced by slow compression of benzene to 23 GPa. Here we show that pyridine also reacts under compression to form a well-ordered sp3 product: C5NH5 carbon nitride nanothreads. Solid pyridine has a different crystal structure from solid benzene, so the nontopochemical formation of low-dimensional crystalline solids by slow compression of small aromatics may be a general phenomenon that enables chemical design of properties. The nitrogen in the carbon nitride nanothreads may improve processability, alters photoluminescence, and is predicted to reduce the bandgap.

Synthesis and Stability of Lanthanum Superhydrides.

Recent theoretical calculations predict that megabar pressure stabilizes very hydrogen-rich simple compounds having new clathrate-like structures and remarkable electronic properties including room-temperature superconductivity. X-ray diffraction and optical studies demonstrate that superhydrides of lanthanum can be synthesized with La atoms in an fcc lattice at 170 GPa upon heating to about 1000 K. The results match the predicted cubic metallic phase of LaH10 having cages of thirty-two hydrogen atoms surrounding each La atom. Upon decompression, the fcc-based structure undergoes a rhombohedral distortion of the La sublattice. The superhydride phases consist of an atomic hydrogen sublattice with H-H distances of about 1.1 Å, which are close to predictions for solid atomic metallic hydrogen at these pressures. With stability below 200 GPa, the superhydride is thus the closest analogue to solid atomic metallic hydrogen yet to be synthesized and characterized.

Mechanochemical Synthesis of Carbon Nanothread Single Crystals.

Synthesis of well-ordered reduced dimensional carbon solids with extended bonding remains a challenge. For example, few single-crystal organic monomers react under topochemical control to produce single-crystal extended solids. We report a mechanochemical synthesis in which slow compression at room temperature under uniaxial stress can convert polycrystalline or single-crystal benzene monomer into single-crystalline packings of carbon nanothreads, a one-dimensional sp3 carbon nanomaterial. The long-range order over hundreds of microns of these crystals allows them to readily exfoliate into fibers. The mechanochemical reaction produces macroscopic single crystals despite large dimensional changes caused by the formation of multiple strong, covalent C-C bonds to each monomer and a lack of reactant single-crystal order. Therefore, it appears not to follow a topochemical pathway, but rather one guided by uniaxial stress, to which the nanothreads consistently align. Slow-compression room-temperature synthesis may allow diverse molecular monomers to form single-crystalline packings of polymers, threads, and higher dimensional carbon networks.

Effects of Molecular Geometry on the Properties of Compressed Diamondoid Crystals.

Diamondoids are an intriguing group of carbon-based nanomaterials, which combine desired properties of inorganic nanomaterials and small hydrocarbon molecules with atomic-level uniformity. In this Letter, we report the first comparative study on the effect of pressure on a series of diamondoid crystals with systematically varying molecular geometries and shapes, including zero-dimensional (0D) adamantane; one-dimensional (1D) diamantane, [121]tetramantane, [123]tetramantane, and [1212]pentamantane; two-dimensional (2D) [12312]hexamantane; and three-dimensional (3D) triamantane and [1(2,3)4]pentamantane. We find the bulk moduli of these diamondoid crystals are strongly dependent on the diamondoids' molecular geometry with 3D [1(2,3)4]pentamantane being the least compressible and 0D adamantane being the most compressible. These diamondoid crystals possess excellent structural rigidity and are able to sustain large volume deformation without structural failure even after repetitive pressure loading cycles. These properties are desirable for constructing cushioning devices. We also demonstrate that lower diamondoids outperform the conventional cushioning materials in both the working pressure range and energy absorption density.

Origin of colossal magnetoresistance in LaMnO3 manganite.

Phase separation is a crucial ingredient of the physics of manganites; however, the role of mixed phases in the development of the colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) phenomenon still needs to be clarified. We report the realization of CMR in a single-valent LaMnO3 manganite. We found that the insulator-to-metal transition at 32 GPa is well described using the percolation theory. Pressure induces phase separation, and the CMR takes place at the percolation threshold. A large memory effect is observed together with the CMR, suggesting the presence of magnetic clusters. The phase separation scenario is well reproduced, solving a model Hamiltonian. Our results demonstrate in a clean way that phase separation is at the origin of CMR in LaMnO3.

Amorphous diamond: a high-pressure superhard carbon allotrope.

Compressing glassy carbon above 40 GPa, we have observed a new carbon allotrope with a fully sp(3)-bonded amorphous structure and diamondlike strength. Synchrotron x-ray Raman spectroscopy revealed a continuous pressure-induced sp(2)-to-sp(3) bonding change, while x-ray diffraction confirmed the perseverance of noncrystallinity. The transition was reversible upon releasing pressure. Used as an indenter, the glassy carbon ball demonstrated exceptional strength by reaching 130 GPa with a confining pressure of 60 GPa. Such an extremely large stress difference of >70 GPa has never been observed in any material besides diamond, indicating the high hardness of this high-pressure carbon allotrope.

Prevalence and incidence of depressive and anxious symptoms in couples undergoing assisted reproductive treatment in an Italian infertility department.

OBJECTIVE: We have conducted a longitudinal observational study in order to evaluate the prevalence and the incidence of depressive and anxious symptoms in women and men seeking infertility treatment and to analyze associated factors or risk factors for these kinds of disorders. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 1000 consecutive couples that visited our center for the first time were asked to join this study. Depressive and anxious symptoms were assessed with self-rating Zung Depression Scale (ZDS) and Zung Anxiety Scale (ZAS) questionnaires. A second assessment was planned at the time of ß HCG dosage (or at the moment of cycle suspension). A standard questionnaire was used to investigate socio-demographic information and the psychological aspects of couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. The fertility history and outcome of IVF treatment were collected from patients' medical records. RESULTS: 14.7% of women had anxious symptoms and 17.9% depressive symptoms, whereas 4.5% of men had anxious symptoms and 6.9% depressive symptoms. Women with depressive and anxious symptoms were younger, more often had an anxious partner and had a longer history of infertility. Men with depressive and anxious symptoms more frequently had a temporary job, they had an anxious partner and they were more frequently at the first in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. The incidence of depressive and/or anxious symptoms was 18.5% in women and 7.4% in men. Age and previous IVF treatments seem not to be associated with incidence of depressive or anxious symptoms. CONCLUSION: Both the prevalence and incidence of depressive and/or anxious symptoms in couples undergoing IVF treatment were worthy of note and should not be underestimated. More attention must be paid to psychological aspects in young women and in couples with a long history of infertility or previous failure treatments. Having an anxious partner was associated with anxious and depressive symptoms. For this reason, both males and females might benefit from psychological intervention, which could also help them to be supportive to each other.

Beneficial effects of iodized salt prophylaxis on thyroid volume in an iodine deficient area of southern Italy.

OBJECTIVE AND SUBJECTS: Goitre prevalence in school-age children is an indicator of the severity of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) in an endemic area. The aims of the present study were (i) to provide ultrasound thyroid volume (TV) reference values in a healthy population of school-children aged 11-14 year living in iodine-sufficient areas of Calabria region (ii) to assess both goitre prevalence and urinary iodine (UI) concentration in all children aged 11-14 year from four mildly iodine-deficient areas in which we have carried out a program of salt iodization and (iii) to evaluate the efficacy of the iodoprophylaxis in an adult population living in a small village of the same endemic area. DESIGN: Cross-sectional and prospective studies. METHODS: TV was assessed by ultrasonography and iodine intake was estimated by measuring iodine excretion in spot urine samples. Results We provided the ultrasound normal reference values as a function of age and body surface area, which displayed significant differences from those recommended by the World Health Organization. By adopting local criteria, the prevalence of goitre in children ranged from 23.4% to 27.7% normalized for age and body surface area, respectively, while the UI excretion was < 100 microg/l in 38% of subjects studied. In an adult population living in the same endemic area, goitre prevalence was lowest in the 18-27-year-old age group, and increased progressively with age. CONCLUSION: We propose for the first time local reference ultrasound values for TV in a population of 11-14-year-old school-children that should be used for monitoring IDDs and have demonstrated the beneficial effects of iodoprophylaxis in consistent with reduced goitre prevalence in children and in the young adult population studied.

Splice variants of TLE family genes and up-regulation of a TLE3 isoform in prostate tumors.

The TLE genes constitute a family of important transcriptional co-repressors involved in many cellular processes. We found evidence of alternatively spliced mRNAs for human TLE1-4 containing premature stop codons, thus encoding putative shortened proteins. Microarray experiments and Real-time RT-PCR assays showed that alternatively spliced isoforms of TLE1, TLE2 an d TLE3 were preferentially expressed in prostate in comparison to liver and kidney tissues. We identified by orientation-specific R T-PCR an antisense partially intronic non-coding RNA that overlaps a novel exon of the TLE3 gene, raising the possibility of regulation of alternative splicing by this non-coding transcript. The alternatively spliced isoform of TLE3 was up-regulated (6- to 17-fo ld) in prostate tumors in comparison to matched non-tumor adjacent tissue from 7 out of 11 (64%) patients and in four prostate tumor cell lines in comparison to a normal prostate cell line. These results demonstrate that different isoforms of TLE genes are commonly transcribed in human tissues and suggest that TLE3 could be involved in prostate cancer development.

Health-related quality of life and need for IVF in 1000 Italian infertile couples.

BACKGROUND: A specific and still poorly investigated issue in the field of infertility is represented by the impact that the need for IVF techniques may have on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). METHODS: A total of 1000 consecutive couples (1000 women and 1000 men) were invited to complete the Health Survey Short Form (SF-36) questionnaire separately, prior to initiating their first IVF attempt in our unit. Patients were also invited to report about demographic and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 1936 (96.8%) agreed to participate. Male SF-36 scores were higher than those reported by women. Duration of infertility and previous IVF attempts significantly influenced HRQoL (P < 0.01). When scores were plotted in relation to the normative source of the Italian general population stratified by gender, corresponding age and geographical area, the subjective health profile did not significantly differ from the normative sample for both women and men. CONCLUSION: The need for IVF did not seem to markedly influence subjective health status. Conversely, duration of infertility and failure to achieve a pregnancy through IVF might have a negative impact.