Decreased concentrations of soluble interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein levels in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis.

Interleukin 1 (IL1) may play an important role in endometriosis-associated pelvic inflammation, and natural specific inhibitors, including soluble IL1 receptor accessory protein (sIL1RAcP) and soluble IL1 receptor type 2 (sIL1R2), are critical for counterbalancing the pleiotropic effects of IL1. The objective of this study was to evaluate the levels of sIL1RAcP, together with those of sIL1R2 and IL1β, in the peritoneal fluid of women with and without endometriosis. Peritoneal fluid samples were obtained at laparoscopy and assessed by ELISA.

Physical activity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: prevalence, predictors, and positive health associations.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence and predictors of physical activity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to explore the potential health benefits that are associated with physical activity in this population.

Study Design: This was a cross-sectional assessment of 150 women with PCOS. Active women (those who met Department of Health and Human Services [DHHS] guidelines for exercise) were compared with inactive women with regards to demographic and psychosocial variables and health characteristics.

Theoretical investigations of nitric oxide channeling in Mycobacterium tuberculosis truncated hemoglobin N.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis group I truncated hemoglobin trHbN catalyzes the oxidation of nitric oxide (NO) to nitrate with a second-order rate constant k approximately 745 microM(-1) s(-1) at 23 degrees C (nitric oxide dioxygenase reaction). It was proposed that this high efficiency is associated with the presence of hydrophobic tunnels inside trHbN structure that allow substrate diffusion to the distal heme pocket. In this work, we investigated the mechanisms of NO diffusion within trHbN tunnels in the context of the nitric oxide dioxygenase reaction using two independent approaches.

A randomized study comparing skin closure in cesarean sections: staples vs subcuticular sutures.

Objective: We sought to compare postoperative pain according to the skin closure method (subcuticular sutures vs staples) after an elective term cesarean section.

Study Design: A randomized controlled trial of 101 women was performed. Women were randomly assigned to subcuticular sutures or staples.