MAPlex - A massively parallel sequencing ancestry analysis multiplex for Asia-Pacific populations.

Current forensic ancestry-informative panels are limited in their ability to differentiate populations in the Asia-Pacific region. MAPlex (Multiplex for the Asia-Pacific), a massively parallel sequencing (MPS) assay, was developed to improve differentiation of East Asian, South Asian and Near Oceanian populations found in the extensive cross-continental Asian region that shows complex patterns of admixture at its margins. This study reports the development of MAPlex; the selection of SNPs in combination with microhaplotype markers; assay design considerations for reducing the lengths of microhaplotypes while preserving their ancestry-informativeness; adoption of new population-informative multiple-allele SNPs; compilation of South Asian-informative SNPs suitable for forensic AIMs panels; and the compilation of extensive reference and test population genotypes from online whole-genome-sequence data for MAPlex markers. STRUCTURE genetic clustering software was used to gauge the ability of MAPlex to differentiate a broad set of populations from South and East Asia, the West Pacific regions of Near Oceania, as well as the other globally distributed population groups. Preliminary assessment of MAPlex indicates enhanced South Asian differentiation with increased divergence between West Eurasian, South Asian and East Asian populations, compared to previous forensic SNP panels of comparable scale. In addition, MAPlex shows efficient differentiation of Middle Eastern individuals from Europeans. MAPlex is the first forensic AIM assay to combine binary and multiple-allele SNPs with microhaplotypes, adding the potential to detect and analyze mixed source forensic DNA.

Contribution of diminished ovarian reserve to hypofertility associated with endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if ovarian reserve, as measured by day 3 levels of E2 and FSH, was different in patients with endometriosis as compared to controls. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study of 75 women with laparoscopically staged endometriosis and 75 age-matched controls undergoing in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer for male factor infertility. RESULTS: In women with stage III/IV endometriosis (revised American Fertility Society staging), day 3 E2 and FSH levels were significantly higher than control levels (51.9 pg/mL and 12.6 mIU/mL versus 34.7 pg/mL and 9.7 mIU/mL, P < .03). In contrast, women with stage I/II endometriosis did not differ significantly when compared to controls (36.8 pg/mL and 10.4 mIU/mL versus 34.0 pg/mL and 10.2 mIU/mL). The total group showed significantly higher E2 levels (41.8 pg/mL versus 34.1 pg/mL, P < .03), but no significant differences in FSH levels were observed. CONCLUSION: These data show that women with stage III/IV endometriosis have relatively diminished ovarian reserve, while this situation is not noted in women with stage I/II endometriosis. This observation is consistent with progressive loss of ovarian reserve in women with increasing stages of endometriosis independent of age.

Literacy in the health professions today.

Multiple literacies are needed to be successful in the health professions today. This article outlines five general types or spheres of literacies that health care workers, professionals and clients need to possess to some degree to function effectively in the current complexities and multiple areas of modern health. Examples of each kind or sphere of literacy are given as well as suggestions for how such literacies may be promoted in the workplace.

Stimulating adult development in the workplace through critical thinking.

The workplace often requires the use of critical thinking which, in turn, may stimulate certain aspects of adult development. This article proposes several characteristics of critical thinking that may contribute to adult development as it occurs in the workplace. The concepts considered apply to managers and workers in a variety of situations.

Scientific literacy: a goal of educating people in and for the health professions.

Scientific literacy driven by the underlying habits of scientific thinking should be the focus of educating people in the health professions. This article identifies 23 characteristics of scientific thinking as well as other concepts relevant to scientific literacy. Examples are provided as to how these characteristics and concepts apply to the work of medical lab technicians, nurses and medical researchers.