A Role for Histone H2B Variants in Endocrine-Resistant Breast Cancer.

Acquired resistance to aromatase inhibitors (AIs) remains a major clinical problem in the treatment of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. We and others have previously reported widespread changes in DNA methylation using breast cancer cell line models of endocrine resistance. Here, we show that the histone variant HIST1H2BE is hypomethylated in estrogen deprivation-resistant C4-12 and long-term estrogen-deprived (LTED) cells compared with parental MCF-7 cells.

Vaginal foreign body: a delayed diagnosis.

Background: To describe a case of prolonged vaginal bleeding in a prepubertal girl. Review of medical record and literature search.

Case: A 7-year-old female was referred to our pediatric and adolescent gynecologic clinic for evaluation of vaginal bleeding and ovarian cyst on ultrasonography.

Progesterone level at oocyte retrieval predicts in vitro fertilization success in a short-antagonist protocol: a prospective cohort study.

Objective: To evaluate the distribution of P levels on the day of oocyte retrieval as it relates to pregnancy outcome in an antagonist protocol, which may be at higher risk for elevated P levels.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Setting: Academic IVF center.

What do healthy women know about the consequences of delayed childbearing?

Female fertility declines dramatically with age, and childbearing at older maternal ages has significant medical consequences for mother and infant that are well-known to health professionals. Despite this, the average maternal age in the United States continues to rise. Many factors likely contribute to this secular trend; to date, no research has examined whether American women are aware of the complications of deferring conception and how this correlates with health literacy.

A first record of obligate halophilic aspergilli from the dead sea.

The isolation of obligate halophilic aspergilli from the Dead Sea and the range of salt tolerance of halophilic fungi isolated, are reported here for the first time. The mycobiota of the Dead Sea isolated in this study, was dominated by Aspergillus and Penicillium species; Cladosporium were found in lesser numbers. All three genera were obtained from the water sample; however, Aspergillus was the only genus obtained from the sediment.

Adolescent gynecology: special considerations for special patients.

Developments in the field of adolescent gynecology highlight the specific expertise and care required by this population. Given the ability to shape their future health choices, adolescents are a critical target for preventative health care. The approach to the evaluation and management of this unique population rests not only on the practitioner's adept ability to recognize the unique clinical challenges that may occur, but also rests on his/her understanding of these problems.

Epigenetics in breast cancer: what's new?

Epigenetic changes are critical for development and progression of cancers, including breast cancer. Significant progress has been made in the basic understanding of how various epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation, histone modification, miRNA expression, and higher order chromatin structure affect gene expression. The present review will focus on methylation and demethylation of histones.

Aneuploidy rates in failed pregnancies following assisted reproductive technology.

Background: Approximately 10%-15% of clinically recognized pregnancies end with a first trimester loss. Cytogenetic analysis of products of conception (POC) has revealed that a large proportion of these spontaneous miscarriages are a result of chromosomal abnormalities. However, relatively few studies have evaluated chromosomal abnormalities in pregnancies achieved using assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

Random-start gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist-treated cycles with GnRH agonist trigger for fertility preservation.

Objective: To describe our experience with random-start IVF with the use of GnRH agonist for final oocyte maturation, to reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

Design: Case series.

Setting: University-based center for reproductive endocrinology and infertility.