Impact of risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy on lipid determinants, HbA1c and CRP.

Objective: Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) is advised before 40-45 years of age for BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. This study describes the effect of RRSO on lipid determinants, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and C-reactive protein (CRP).

Methods: A total of 142 women with increased risk of ovarian cancer were included, 92 premenopausal and 50 postmenopausal.

Lack of spatial and behavioral responses to immunocontraception application in African elephants (Loxodonta africana).

Opinions are divided as to whether human intervention to control elephant (Loxodonta africana) population growth is desirable, partly because of elephant welfare concerns. Female contraception through immunization with porcine zona pellucida (PZP) proteins is viable. The effects of sustained use and application of the PZP vaccine on elephant behavioral and spatial responses were examined by evaluating herd ranging, fission-fusion dynamics, association patterns, and reproductive and sexual behaviors.

Pharmacogenetics of drug-induced birth defects: what is known so far?

A literature review was performed to collect information on the role of pharmacogenetics in six proposed teratogenic mechanisms associated with drug use during pregnancy: folate antagonism, oxidative stress, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition and angiotensin II receptor antagonism, cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 inhibition, 5-hydroxytryptamine-reuptake inhibition and drug transporters in the placenta. Data on the direct relationship between pharmacogenetics and drug-induced birth defects were found for folate metabolism, oxidative stress caused by phenytoin exposure and drug transporters in the placenta. Although no specific data to support pharmacogenetic-related birth defects were found for the NSAIDs, paroxetine and fluoxetine, it might be expected that polymorphisms modify their teratogenic effects.

Implementing immunocontraception in free-ranging African elephants at Makalali conservancy.

The goal of programmes to provide contraception for elephants should be to formulate an approach that does not require the relocation or immobilisation of the same individual year after year, which would be long-lasting and cause minimal disruption to social and reproductive behaviour. The programmes should be simple to administer, safe and cost-effective, and must meet the objectives defined by managers in the field. An immunocontraceptive programme was initiated in a small free-roaming population of elephants at the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve in Limpopo Province in 2000 to determine whether the porcine zona pellucida (pZP) vaccine can successfully control population sizes.

[Diagnostic image (198). Four hospital employees with itch].

Four employees working on an Internal Medicine ward complained of itch after contact with an HIV-positive woman with crusted scabies.

Field applications of immunocontraception in African elephants (Loxodonta africana).

The primary aim of the Makalali elephant immunocontraception programme is to test the efficacy of porcine zona pellucida (PZP) vaccine for practical population control of elephants in small, enclosed reserves, with the goal of stabilizing the current growth rate and reducing it to the 5-10% per annum displayed currently in the Kruger National Park. A secondary aim is to test the hypothesis that PZP treatment does not affect patterns of elephant social behaviour. Eighteen sexually mature cows (age > 12 years) were vaccinated in May 2000 using remote darts.