ABSTRACT
The atherosclerotic potential of the methyenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene mutation 677 C --> T substitution remains controversial. In this study, we describe the association of this mutation in a Southern Texan patient population of multiracial ethnic background with risk and extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) as measured by luminal narrowing. Sixty nine patients who were 50 years or younger composed our population. Chi-square analysis was used to analyze the data and found a significant association between CAD and this mutation (P value=0.03). In addition, in the small number of patients in this study who had diabetes, those who had mutation have more severe disease than those without the mutation. This study highlights the potential cardiovascular prognostic significance of the MTHFR 677 C --> T in the studied population.
Subject(s)
Coronary Artery Disease/genetics , Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-NH Group Donors/genetics , Adult , Age of Onset , Chi-Square Distribution , Coronary Artery Disease/complications , Coronary Artery Disease/diagnosis , Diabetes Complications , Diabetes Mellitus/genetics , Female , Humans , Male , Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2) , Middle Aged , Pilot Projects , Prognosis , Risk Factors , Texas/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotyping is important for determining the treatment protocol for hepatitis C patients. Since amplified material from the Roche HCV Monitor kit is compatible with the Innogenetics INNO-LiPA HCV II kit (line probe assay), amplicons from the Monitor assay can be used to identify the HCV genotype. The Monitor package insert recommends using amplicons within a 7-day period (at 4 degrees C) following amplification. It was hypothesized that storage of amplicons for 4 weeks and longer (at -20 degrees C) would not affect the sensitivity of the genotyping assay. After denaturation, amplicons from two genotypes were stored for 7-386 days prior to performing the genotyping assay. Storage of amplicons did not hamper the ability to identify the genotype. Additionally, the sensitivity of the assay was evaluated by analyzing five genotypes with low viral loads. HCV genotypes were detected most consistently at viral levels of 10,000 copies/mL. In conclusion, the Innogenetics genotyping assay can use stored amplicons, thus reducing the cost of the assay by avoiding additional PCR reactions. Determining the sensitivity of this assay facilitates the efficient use of this test by incorporating a sensitivity cutoff of >or=10,000 copies/mL.
Subject(s)
Hepacivirus/genetics , Specimen Handling/methods , Genotype , Humans , Viral LoadABSTRACT
The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Texas received a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to develop a financially self-sustaining program of nontraditional, homebased supportive services for the elderly in March 1987. The new, fee-for-service program, VNA Independence Plus, used market research to develop a service package that would meet the needs of area elderly. Services offered include housekeeping, transportation, yard care, and handyman services.
