DNA Commission of the International Society for Forensic Genetics: revised and extended guidelines for mitochondrial DNA typing

Parson,W.; Gusmao,L.; Hares,D.R.; Irwin,J.A.; Mayr,W.R.; Morling,N.; Pokorak,E.; Prinz,M.; Salas,A.; Schneider,P.M.; Parsons,T.J.; The DNA Commission of the International Society of Forensic Genetics (ISFG) regularly publishes guidelines and recommendations concerning the application of DNA polymorphisms to the question of human identification. Previous recommendations published in 2000 addressed the analysis and interpretation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in forensic casework. While the foundations set forth in the earlier recommendations still apply, new approaches to the quality control, alignment and nomenclature of mitochondrial sequences, as well as the establishment of mtDNA reference population databases, have been developed. [Read More]

Does climate therapy at moderate altitudes improve pulmonary function in asthma patients? A systematic review

Massimo,T.; Blank,C.; Strasser,B.; Schobersberger,W.; Purpose Allergic bronchial asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide. For many years, the climate at moderate altitude has been used as an alternative therapy for patients suffering from bronchial asthma. The aim of such therapy is to reduce the medication dose and to improve the quality of life for each patient. The aim of our current work was to assess published data evaluating the effects of climate therapy at moderate altitude on the health status of patients with bronchial asthma. [Read More]

Does obesity interfere with anastrozole treatment? Positive association between body mass index and anastrozole plasma levels

Hubalek,M.; Oberguggenberger,A.; Beer,B.; Meraner,V.; Sztankay,M.; Oberacher,H.; Schubert,B.; Wildt,L.; Seeber,B.; Giesinger,J.; Kemmler,G.; Holzner,B.; Sperner-Unterweger,B.; INTRODUCTION: The efficacy of adjuvant endocrine treatment with aromatase inhibitors (AIs), inhibiting the conversion of androgens to estrogen in adipose tissue, might depend on the overall volume of adipose tissue. However, little evidence is available regarding the pharmacokinetic behavior of AIs in women with obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction between body mass index (BMI) and anastrozole treatment as well as estrogenic activity. [Read More]