We report the first ubiquitous green fluorescent protein expression in chicks using a lentiviral vector approach, with eGFP under the control of the phosphoglycerol kinase promoter. Several demonstrations of germline transmission in chicks have been reported previously, using markers that produce tissue-specific, but not ubiquitous, expression. Using embryos sired by a heterozygous male, we demonstrate germline transmission in the embryonic tissue that expresses eGFP uniformly, and that can be used in tissue transplants and processed by in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry. Transgenic tissue is identifiable by both fluorescence microscopy and immunolabeling, resulting in a permanent marker identifying transgenic cells following processing of the tissue. Stable integration of the transgene has allowed breeding of homozygous males and females that will be used to produce transgenic embryos in 100% of eggs laid upon reaching sexual maturity. These results demonstrate that a transgenic approach in the chick model system is viable and useful even though a relatively long generation time is required. The transgenic chick model will benefit studies on embryonic development, as well as providing the pharmaceutical industry with an economical bioreactor.
FP is both safe and efficacious for eligible cancer patients. Only 10% of patients returned to use cryopreserved specimens, and almost half used a gestational carrier, suggesting the need for further research into reproductive decision-making in cancer survivors.
Objective
To prospectively assess anxiety, depression, coping, and appraisal in female fertility preservation patients compared to infertile patients.
Design
Prospective pre- and post-treatment survey.
Setting
Academic medical center.
Patients
47 women with cancer (FP) and 91 age-matched infertile patients.
Interventions
None.
Main Outcome Measures
Depression, anxiety, coping, infertility–related stress, appraisal of treatment, and medical outcomes.
Results
FP patients reported more symptoms of anxiety and depression than infertile patients, but infertile patients’ symptoms worsened over time. 44% of FP and 14% of infertile patients’ scores exceeded the clinical cut-off for depression at pre-treatment. The interval between surveys and medical treatment data did not predict changes in mood symptoms. Coping strategies and infertility-related stress did not differ between groups and avoidant coping predicted higher depression and anxiety scores.
Conclusion
FP patients reported more anxiety and depression than infertile patients at enrollment in treatment, with more than one third of FP patients reporting clinically significant depressive symptoms. However, infertile patients’ anxiety and depressive symptoms increased across treatment. This increase was not related to time between registration for IVF and oocyte retrieval or the medical aspects of treatment. FP and infertile patients should be provided psychological consultation prior to treatment to identify mood and anxiety symptoms and to refer patients for counseling as needed to prevent worsening of symptoms.
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