Tibor Fekete

Photoreceptor distribution in the retinas of subprimate mammals.

Relevant data on the distribution of color cones are summarized, with special emphasis on the marked dorsoventral asymmetries observed in a number of mammalian species. In addition, an overview is given of studies that demonstrate the coexistence of two visual pigments within the same cone cell. The biological significance of these phenomena is discussed in conjunction with comparative immunocytochemical analyses of subprimate retinas. Based on various cone distribution patterns and temporal and spatial visual pigment coexpression, two models of cone photoreceptor differentiation are suggested.

Meta-analysis of gene expression profiles associated with histological classification and survival in 829 ovarian cancer samples.

Transcriptomic analysis of global gene expression in ovarian carcinoma can identify dysregulated genes capable to serve as molecular markers for histology subtypes and survival. The aim of our study was to validate previous candidate signatures in an independent setting and to identify single genes capable to serve as biomarkers for ovarian cancer progression. As several datasets are available in the GEO today, we were able to perform a true meta‐analysis. First, 829 samples (11 datasets) were downloaded, and the predictive power of 16 previously published gene sets was assessed. Of these, eight were capable to discriminate histology subtypes, and none was capable to predict survival. To overcome the differences in previous studies, we used the 829 samples to identify new predictors. Then, we collected 64 ovarian cancer samples (median relapse‐free survival 24.5 months) and performed TaqMan Real Time Polimerase Chain Reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis for the best 40 genes associated with histology subtypes and survival. Over 90% of subtype‐associated genes were confirmed. Overall survival was effectively predicted by hormone receptors (PGR and ESR2) and by TSPAN8. Relapse‐free survival was predicted by MAPT and SNCG. In summary, we successfully validated several gene sets in a meta‐analysis in large datasets of ovarian samples. Additionally, several individual genes identified were validated in a clinical cohort.

Assessment of uterine circulation in ectopic pregnancy by transvaginal color Doppler

OBJECTIVE The aim of our study was to determine the effect of abnormal implantation on uterine circulation and to evaluate whether the assessment of uterinal blood flow can provide additional information for the diagnosis of tubal pregnancies. METHODS Forty-nine patients with ectopic pregnancy were examined by transvaginal color Doppler immediately before surgery. Resistance and pulsatility indices of blood flow in the uterine and tubal arteries were measured. RESULTS The blood flow parameters of the uterine and tubal arteries did not change with gestational age. There was a significant increase in blood flow on the side with the tubal gestation. Differences between sides were higher in the tubal arteries than in the main uterine arteries and showed no dependence on gestational age. CONCLUSION The abnormal implantation and tubal trophoblast invasion in ectopic pregnancy (EP) can cause more marked blood flow changes in the adjacent supplying vessels than in the main uterine arteries.

Factors affecting reproductive outcome following abdominal myomectomy

PurposeFibroids may cause infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss. Studies have analysed the reproductive results after myomectomy according to the size, location and number of fibroids removed, but data are insufficient about comparison of opening the uterine cavity or not during surgery.Materials and methodsTwo hundred twenty-nine abdominal myomectomies with the indication of infertility and/or recurrent pregnancy loss were analysed retrospectively. The main purpose was to compare postoperative pregnancy, delivery and miscarriage rates according to either the uterine cavity was opened or not during the surgery. As a secondary outcome postoperative pregnancy rates were assessed by location, size and number of fibroids.ResultsThere was no significant difference in reproductive results according to either the uterine cavity was opened or remained closed. Preoperative location, size and number of fibroids did not influence significantly the postoperative pregnancy rates.ConclusionOpening the uterine cavity does not impair postoperative pregnancy rates. Preoperative location, size and number of fibroids do not influence postoperative reproductive results.

Lack of association between C385A functional polymorphism of the fatty acid amide hydrolase gene and polycystic ovary syndrome

The endocannabinoid system contributes to the regulation of appetite, food intake and energy balance. Fatty acid amide hydrolase is responsible for degradating anandamide, a key messenger of the endocannabinoid system. C385A is a common, functionally active genetic polymorphism of the gene encoding fatty acid amide hydrolase and has been associated with overweight and obesity. Our aim was to establish whether single nucleotide polymorphism C385A has an association with polycystic ovary syndrome or its clinical features.A monocentric pilot study was performed on 63 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and 67 healthy control subjects. Anthropometric parameters and laboratory data were acquired from subjects. The alleles of the polymorphism were detected using polymerase chain reaction and subsequent cleavage by Eco130I (StyI) restriction endonuclease verified by direct DNA sequencing.No difference was found in minor allele frequency between patient and control groups. Those patients, carrying the C385A polymorphism were associated with higher free thyroxine hormone levels. In the control group, carriers of the polymorphism had significantly lower insulin levels.Our data indicate that the C385A polymorphism of the fatty acid amide hydrolase gene is not a genetic susceptibility factor for the development of polycystic ovary syndrome. However, the polymorphism might have a role in influencing the synthesis or metabolism of different hormones including thyroxin and insulin.

Prenatal ultrasonographic measurement of the fetal iliac angle during the first and second trimester of pregnancy

The aim of this study was to present our results of the sonographic measurement of the fetal iliac angle during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy.

P14.51: Case of exomphalos complicated with umbilical cord teratoma

Congenital teratomas of the umbilical cord are extremely rare. Only eleven case are known in the literature and two of those were associated with exomphalos. A 23-year old mother was performed a routine ultrasound examination in the 17 week of gestation. The ultrasonographic examination revealed a 49 × 25 mm midline sac adjacent to the anterior abdominal wall containing a solid and cystic mass. The parents asked for termination of pregnancy. The fetus weighed 131 g without the tumor. From 4 mm of the fetal end the cord contained a sac, measuring 5.5 × 6 × 6 cm, covered by transparent membranes. Fetal organs, small and large bowels with appendix, and the spleen were herniated into the exomphalos, as well as a solid and cystic tumor mass of 3 × 3.5 × 4 cm. Examination of the did not revealed any further malformation, histology of parenchymal organs showed normal development. The placenta was of normal size and shape but an unusual membranous sac was attached to the fetal surface, marginally. It was connected with the umbilical cord with an amniotic band. Microscopical examination of the tumor revealed complex structure consisting of various tissues from the three germinal layers. Mature tissue types were represented by well differentiated respiratory and intestinal glands, skin with dermal appendages, islets of cartilage, renal glomeruli, smooth muscle fibers, and ganglion cells, scattered in mesenchymal tissue. Large amount of immature neural tissue was present. Malignant component was not detected. The tumor was diagnosed as a benign immature umbilical cord teratoma. In the course of ultrasonographic scanning umbilical cord teratoma might be suspected when a solid and cystic, rapidly growing lesion is seen, attached to the cord in midline location. When the tumor is surrounded by membranous structures and hiding in an omphalocele the narrowing of the cord between the tumor and the abdominal wall could be a useful sign.

P066: Prenatal sonographic measurement of the fetal iliac angle in trisomy 21, 18 and 13

OBJECTIVE To determine whether iliac wing angle measurement in second trimester fetuses is a useful sonographic marker for the detection of trisomy 21, 18 and 13. METHODS During the period between September 1998 and September 2001, 406 fetal iliac angle measurements were performed in women in the second trimester of their pregnancies. The iliac angle measurements in fetuses with trisomy 21 (n = 25), trisomy 18 (n = 10) and trisomy 13 (n = 5) were compared with iliac angle measurement in fetuses with normal karyotypes (n = 333). RESULTS The mean iliac wing angle in the fetuses with trisomy 21 was 92.67 and 79.35 degrees and 74 degrees in fetuses with trisomy 18 and 13 (the mean iliac wing angle in the healthy fetuses was 70.09 degrees ). CONCLUSION The proven larger iliac wing angle in neonates with Downs syndrome can be demonstrated sonographically during the pregnancy, especially during the second trimester, and may be useful in prenatal screening of trisomy 21. The sonographic measurement of the fetal iliac angle cannot be used as a marker for trisomy 18 and 13. We have shown that fetuses with trisomy 18 and 13, on average, have iliac angles only a few degrees larger than healthy fetuses.