Is Fetal Macrosomia Hereditary?

     Fetal macrosomia is a fetus larger than 9 to 10 pounds. Findings in a new study suggest that if you or your partner were larger than average babies at birth, you are likely to have a ‘big baby’. Based on the parents that were studied, even if only one parent was a large baby the chances of having a big baby were  more than double if only the father had been born larger than average. In addition, compared to both parents being macrosomia the chances of having a larger baby was more than three times if only the mother had been larger.

    Not only does studies related to this topic help excited partners when planning for their child, but knowing this type of information can serve as a preventative measure.  Sometimes, when babies are born larger than average there can be complications. However, knowing this chance is hereditary in your family can provide prenatal care and interventions to make sure there is a safe pregnancy and successful birth of the newborn.

Antimicrobial resistance gene

A article by American Society for Microbiology explains how a team of investigators has discovered a new, more powerful variant on an antimicrobial resistance gene common among Staphylococcus species. The gene protects the bacteria from an antiseptic compound widely used in healthcare. The team showed that the newly discovered gene occurs in a highly virulent and multi-resistant clone of Staphylococcus epidermidis, found in healthcare settings worldwide.

Mystery Ailments and Mendelian Inheritance

Currently, scientists have discovered 7,000 Mendelian diseases and many have been discovered by screening adults and children. A recent study has shown that many Mendelian diseases and disorders go undetected. Using a electronic database and DNA samples, scientists found that 3.7 patients in the hospital system carried genetic variants linked to a disease. The researchers estimated that 4.5 percent of apparently non-genetic diseases are result of such mutations. A computer program was used to catch some of these hidden disorders by flagging down clusters of certain symptoms in patients. The use of this system could help doctors recognize disorders, and help patients better deal with their ailments. The co-author of this research, Dr. Joshua C. Denny, said that this study is just the tip of the genetic iceberg. Dr. Denny sees a need for much larger databases so more mutations can be discovered.

To expand their researcher, Dr. Denny and his colleagues turned to Vanderbilt University's hospital system. The researchers found 807 patients carrying mutations in genes for 17 diseases. Out of the 807 only 8 were actually diagnosed with a genetic disease. The mutations that were found often did not fit the standard profile for many diseases. Often the mutations patients had were recessive and they were carrying a single defective copy. Dr. Denny suspects that those carrying a single defective copy had a much milder versions of a disease than those with two copies. The researchers hope that more hospitals will look for Mendelian diseases in patients so as to provide better healthcare. I find this study very interesting because many of us could be walking around with a single copy of a defective gene and not even know it.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/15/health/genetic-mutations-diagnosis.html
http://knowgenetics.org/mendelian-genetics/

Bacteria Resistant of the Strongest Drugs

Recent New York Timesand CBS News articles are discussing a rise in a strain of bacteria that is resistant to even the strongest antibiotics.The spread is seen primarily- and mostly limited to- United States hospitals. There is a "limited window of opportunity" to control the spread. This bacteria is most often located in the gut of humans. The bacteria has acquired a lethal trait for the immunity to last resort antibiotics, including carbapenems. These antibiotics are responsible for inhibiting the cell wall synthesis and are a mainstay of therapy in patients with serious hospital acquired infections.

Director of the Centers for Disease Control, Thomas R. Frieden, nicknamed these organisms "nightmare bacteria." This name stems from their ability to pass on the traits that leave them resistant to drugs. This case has been found in 42 of the 50 United States, and most commonly in the Northeast, specifically New York.

In order to reduce the spread of these infections, hospitals are urged to to ruthlessly scrub all work stations and have all employees and guests constantly wash their hands. They are also encouraged to identify infected people, isolate them, and assign dedicated care teams and equipment to only those infected. Any intravenous line or catheter should be removed as quickly as possible, because they are "avenues of infection."