Biomarkers.

Background: Subcortical ischemic vascular cognitive impairment (SIVCI) is the most common form of vascular cognitive impairment. Exercise is a potentially effective intervention for SIVCI. However, the mechanisms through which exercise promotes brain health and cognitive function are not well understood.

Establishment of a CYP2C19 genotyping assay for clinical use.

Conversion of clopidogrel (Plavix) to its active metabolite is catalyzed largely by the P450 enzyme 2C19 (CYP2C19). Numerous allelic variants of CYP2C19 exist. The *1 allele is considered wild type, whereas the *2 and *3 alleles have no in vivo enzymatic activity.

Widespread retinal degenerative disease mutation (rdAc) discovered among a large number of popular cat breeds.

The recent discovery of a mutational variant in the CEP290 gene (CEP290: IVS50+9T>G), conferring recessive retinal degeneration in Abyssinian and Somali (long-haired Abyssinian) cats (rdAc) prompted a survey among 41 cat breeds (846 individuals) to assess the incidence, frequency and clinical consequence of rdAc. The rdAc allele displayed widespread distribution, observed in 16/43 (37%) breeds, exhibiting a high allele frequency (∼33%) in North American and European Siamese populations. Clinical evaluations demonstrated high concordance between rdAc pathology and the CEP290 (IVS50+9T>G) homozygous genotype (P=1.

Using interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (I-FISH) to detect the transfer of infant cells during breastfeeding.

Using fluorochrome-labeled probes for the X and Y chromosomes, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to test for the presence of male cells in the milk of women breastfeeding male babies. After breastfeeding, the women wiped one breast and collected a test sample. Wiping efficiency was evaluated in 2 mothers by running a solution over the nipple after wiping.

Histological characteristics of singleton placentas delivered before the 28th week of gestation.

Aims: The placenta is a record of the fetal environment and its examination may provide information about the baby's subsequent growth and development. We describe the histological characteristics of 947 singleton placentas from infants born between 23 and 27 weeks gestation.

Methods: Consent was obtained from mothers who delivered before 28 weeks (clinical estimate).