The value of LH maximum level in predicting optimal oocyte yield following GnRH agonist trigger.

Background: Risk factors associated with a suboptimal response to Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists include a high or low body mass index (BMI), prolonged use of oral contraceptive pills, and low luteinizing hormone (LH) levels on either the start or trigger days of controlled ovarian stimulation (COS). However, this approach may increase the need for a dual trigger and may also result in a higher incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in hyper-responders. We aimed to investigate whether the maximum LH level during stimulation can serve as a predictive factor for achieving an optimal oocyte yield using the GnRH agonist trigger alone.

The Relationship between Metabolic Syndrome and Plasma Metals Modified by EGFR and TNF-α Gene Polymorphisms.

With the escalating global prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), it is crucial to detect the high-risk population early and to prevent chronic diseases. Exposure to various metals has been indicated to promote MetS, but the findings were controversial, and the effect of genetic modification was not considered. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was proposed to be involved in the pathway of metabolic disorders, and tumor necrotic factor-α (TNF-α) was regarded as an early inflammatory biomarker for MetS.

The Association of Renal Function and Plasma Metals Modified by EGFR and TNF-α Gene Polymorphisms in Metal Industrial Workers and General Population.

Exposure to metals may be associated with renal function impairment, but the effect modified by genetic polymorphisms was not considered in most studies. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and tumor necrotic factor-α (TNF-α) play important roles in renal hemodynamics, and they have been reported to be associated with some renal diseases. The aim of our research is to explore whether genetic variations in EGFR and TNF-α have influence on renal function under exposure to various metals.

A 15-year-long Southern blotting analysis of FMR1 to detect female carriers and for prenatal diagnosis of fragile X syndrome in Taiwan.

Here, we review the results of Southern blotting analyses of the FMR1 gene performed in our reference laboratory in Taiwan over a 15-year period. In total, 725 high-risk women with a family history of fragile X syndrome (FXS) or idiopathic intellectual disability, 3911 low-risk pregnant women without such family history, and prenatal diagnosis data for 32 foetuses from 24 carrier mothers were included. Only 2 carriers were in the low-risk group, which indicated a prevalence of 1 of 1955 women (95% confidence interval: 1/7156-1/539).

Myomectomy through the uterine cervix using forceps under sonographic guidance.

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility of a novel method of forceps myomectomy under sonographic guidance.

Methods: Between June 2005 and August 2006, we performed a prospective study to evaluate the feasibility of forceps myomectomy under sonographic guidance in patients with submucosal myomas. Patients were enrolled into the study if, on transvaginal sonographic or hysteroscopic examination, their myomas were found to have an intramural extension < 75%, absence of 'sinking' and a mean diameter < 8 cm.