Conclusions: At the time of term Caesarean section, preexisting maternal obesity, and its associated insulin resistance, is associated with higher cord plasma chemerin

concentrations.”
“The slow-freezing method is widely used to freeze human oocytes, both for fertility preservation and MK5108 manufacturer in routine IVF programmes. Slow freezing damages some of the cell’s structures, including the meiotic spindle (MS) and the zona pellucida (ZP). Polarized light microscopy was used to study the variations induced by slow freezing on the MS and the ZP of human oocytes and to analyse the relationship between slow-freezing effects on the gamete and some clinical characteristics, such as age, body mass index and ovarian responsiveness to ovulation induction (expressed as total follicle-stimulating hormone dose/retrieved oocyte). Both the MS and the ZP (particularly its inner layer) underwent significant changes during slow-freezing procedure. The MS became thinner and structurally less organized (lower

retardance) (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively), whereas the ZP became thicker LY2835219 ic50 and its inner layer lost structural organization (both P < 0.05). These morphological changes were unrelated to the patient’s age or body mass index, but ZP variations in thickness and retardance were significantly related to ovarian responsiveness (P = 0.033 and P = 0.026, respectively), suggesting that patients with a higher response to gonadotrophins AG-120 ic50 produce oocytes better able to preserve their characteristics after freezing-thawing. (C) 2010, Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Objectives: To compare outcomes of neonates born from women with Class III obesity with those whose mothers were of normal body weight. Methods: A retrospective cohort

study of live-born singleton infants was undertaken. Maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) defined matched normal and Class III obese cohorts. Multivariable regression models were used to determine adjusted relative odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for selected adverse neonatal outcomes. Results: Newborns exposed to maternal Class III obesity had greater risks of fetal overgrowth and low cord artery pH. Class III obesity was protective against small for gestational age and low birthweight. There was no difference in the risk of preterm delivery, meconium in the amniotic fluid or breastfeeding initiation. Conclusions: The new knowledge generated by this study provides further information on unique challenges faced by newborns of women with Class III obesity, suggesting more specialized care in the intrapartum and neonatal periods may be beneficial.”
“Morphological features of granulosa cells can reflect their functional status.