cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevention of depression with escitalopram in patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Importance Major depressive disorder develops in up to half the patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer, resulting in significant morbidity; therefore, preventing depression during cancer treatment may be of great benefit. Objective To determine whether prophylactic use of the antidepressant escitalopram oxalate would decrease the incidence of depression in patients receiving primary therapy for head and neck cancer. Design, Setting, and Participants A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of escitalopram vs placebo was conducted in a group of nondepressed patients diagnosed as having head and neck cancer who were about to enter cancer treatment. Patients were stratified by sex, site, stage (early vs advanced), and primary modality of treatment (radiation vs surgery). Main Outcome and Measure The primary outcome measure was the number of participants who developed moderate or greater depression (scores on the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomology–Self Rated of ≥11). Results From January 6, 2008, to December 28, 2011, 148 patients were randomized. Significantly fewer patients receiving escitalopram developed depression (24.6% in the placebo group vs 10.0% in the escitalopram group; stratified log-rank test, P = .04). A Cox proportional hazards regression model compared the 2 treatment groups after controlling for age, baseline smoking status, and stratification variables. The hazard ratio of 0.37 (95% CI, 0.14-0.96) demonstrated an advantage of escitalopram ( P = .04). Patients undergoing radiotherapy as the initial modality were significantly more likely to develop depression than those undergoing surgery (radiotherapy compared with surgery group; hazard ratio, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.38-9.40; P = .009). Patients in the escitalopram group who completed the study and were not depressed rated their overall quality of life as significantly better for 3 consecutive months after cessation of drug use. Conclusions and Relevance In nondepressed patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer, prophylactic escitalopram reduced the risk of developing depression by more than 50%. In nondepressed patients who completed the trial, quality of life was also significantly better for 3 consecutive months after cessation of drug use in the escitalopram group. These findings have important implications for the treatment of patients with head and neck cancer. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT00536172
Regulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in fibromyalgia

OBJECTIVE: To assess the function of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAA) system in women with fibromyalgia (FM) compared to healthy women. METHODS: Women with FM [n = 14, age 41.0+/-7.2 yrs, body mass index (BMI) 26.4+/-5.4 kg/m2] and healthy women (n = 13, age 40.0+/-7.7 yrs, BMI 25.0+/-5.0 kg/m2) were placed on a low sodium diet (10 mEq sodium/day) for 5 days. After being supine and fasting overnight, subjects received an intravenous infusion of angiotensin II at successive doses of 1, 3, and 10 ng/kg/min for 45 min per dose. Blood pressure (BP), plasma renin activity (PRA), aldosterone, and cortisol were measured at baseline and after each dose of angiotensin II. Prior to sodium restriction, women with FM completed the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-90, which included a question grading the extent of dizziness/faintness on a scale of 0 (none) to 4 (extremely). RESULTS: After dietary sodium restriction, baseline PRA, aldosterone, and supine BP were similar in healthy women and women with FM. Aldosterone and BP rose in response to infused angiotensin II; these responses did not differ significantly between healthy women and women with FM. In women with FM, symptoms of dizziness correlated inversely with BMI (r = -0.81, p < 0.001) and the systolic BP response to 10 ng/kg/min angiotensin II (r = -0.81, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The functioning of the RAA system, including the vascular response to angiotensin II, was intact in women with FM compared to healthy women. However, women with FM who complained of dizziness had a blunted vascular response to angiotensin II. This blunted vascular response may indicate intravascular volume depletion in women with symptoms of dizziness.
Dexamethasone and estradiol treatment in pregnant rhesus macaques: Effects on gestational length, maternal plasma hormones, and fetal growth

To determine the effects of suppressing fetal and maternal adrenal activity on parturition, we treated pregnant rhesus macaques with dexamethasone (0.25 to 4.0 mg, twice a day) from gestation day 130 until delivery (term = 167 days). Long-term dexamethasone treatment increased gestation length: 71% of fetuses were born postmaturely (after day 175 of gestation; X2 = 52.6; P less than 0.001). The dexamethasone decreased basal levels of maternal estradiol and cortisol, but not progesterone, and abolished the prepartum estrogen and prolactin surges; doses greater than 0.16 mg/kg per day resulted in fetal death but not premature delivery. That vaginal delivery was induced by estradiol benzoate in monkeys with prolonged pregnancy and dead fetuses, but not in those with live fetuses, suggests active fetal inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. The dexamethasone retarded fetal growth (410 +/- 16 gm versus 501 +/- 5 gm for controls; P less than 0.001) and decreased thymus, spleen, and adrenal weights (P less than 0.01). A less significant decrease in brain weight was noted (P less than 0.1), as were decreases in biparietal diameter, occipitofrontal diameter, and head circumference (P less than 0.05). These results indicate that corticosteroids do not induce premature labor in primates. On the contrary, long-term dexamethasone administration is associated with prolonged pregnancy and suppression of estrogen biosynthesis.
The combinatorial synthesis of chiral phosphine ligands

Abstract Chemistry is reported that allows for the synthesis and screening of phosphine ligands by standard combinatorial technology. To demonstrate the method a 63 member library of phosphine containing peptides was synthesized. Rhodium was complexed to the phosphine ligands while they were attached to the synthesis support. Each member of the library was screened for its ability to catalyze the asymmetric hydrogenation of enamide ( 3 ). Some correlation between specific substitutions in the primary sequence of the peptide and the highest enantiomeric excesses was observed.
Aggregation-mediated macromolecular uptake by a molecular transporter.

Endocytosis is a key process in cellular delivery of macromolecules by molecular transporters, although the mechanism of internalization remains unclear. Here, we probe the cellular uptake of streptavidin using biotinylated guanidinoneomycin (biotinGNeo), a low molecular weight guanidinium-rich molecular transporter. Two distinct modes were explored: (i) incubation of cells with a preformed tetravalent streptavidin-(biotinGNeo)4 conjugate and (ii) preincubation of cells with the biotinGNeo before exposure to streptavidin. A significant enhancement in uptake was observed after preincubation with biotinGNeo. FRET studies showed that the enhanced uptake was accompanied by extensive aggregation of streptavidin on the cell surface. Because guanidinylated neomycin was previously found to exclusively bind to heparan sulfate, our observations suggest that heparan sulfate proteoglycan aggregation is a pivotal step for endocytic entry into cells by guanidinoglycosides. These observations put forward a practical and...
CXCR4 WHIM-like frameshift and nonsense mutations promote ibrutinib resistance but do not supplant MYD88(L265P) -directed survival signalling in Waldenström macroglobulinaemia cells

CXCR4(WHIM) frameshift and nonsense mutations follow MYD88(L265P) as the most common somatic variants in Waldenstrom Macroglobulinaemia (WM), and impact clinical presentation and ibrutinib response. While the nonsense (CXCR4(S338X) ) mutation has been investigated, little is known about CXCR4 frameshift (CXCR4(FS) ) mutations. We engineered WM cells to express CXCR4(FS) mutations present in patients, and compared their CXCL12 (SDF-1a) induced signalling and ibrutinib sensitivity to CXCR4(wild-type (WT)) and CXCR4(S338X) cells. Following CXCL12 stimulation, CXCR4(FS) and CXCR4(S338X) WM cells showed impaired CXCR4 receptor internalization, and enhanced AKT1 (also termed AKT) and MAPK1 (also termed ERK) activation versus CXCR(WT) cells (P < 0·05), though MAPK1 activation was more prolonged in CXCR4(S338X) cells (P < 0·05). CXCR4(FS) and CXCR4(S338X) cells, but not CXCR4(WT) cells, were rescued from ibrutinib-triggered apoptosis by CXCL12 that was reversed by AKT1, MAPK1 or CXCR4 antagonists. Treatment with an inhibitor that blocks MYD88(L265P) signalling triggered similar levels of apoptosis that was not abrogated by CXCL12 treatment in CXCR4(WT) and CXCR4(WHIM) cells. These studies show a functional role for CXCR4(FS) mutations in WM, and provide a framework for the investigation of CXCR4 antagonists with ibrutinib in CXCR4(WHIM) -mutated WM patients. Direct inhibition of MYD88(L265P) signalling overcomes CXCL12 triggered survival effects in CXCR4(WHIM) -mutated cells supporting a primary role for this survival pathway in WM.
Model adequacy: A bayesian viewpoint

We present a BAYEsian theory for testing model adequacy which provides exact results whether the model is linear or nonlinear in the parameters. We consider two cases: (a) replicated data exists, and (b) no replicated data exists but an external estimate of the variance is available. Furthermore, we derive a useful approximation for testing model adequacy when the model is nonlinear in the parameters.
Temporal regulation by estrogen of β-preprotachykinin mRNA expression in the rat ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus

Abstract In the rat, reproduction and sexual behavior are controlled by the gonadal steroid regulation of synaptic interactions within the sexually dimorphic limbic-hypothalamic system. The effects of estrogen on the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus, one nucleus within the circuit, are central to the modulation of this behavior. Involvement of the neuropeptide substance P, a member of the tachykinin family of neuropeptides, has been implicated in the regulation of both lordosis behavior and gonadotropin release. However, previous studies have provided conflicting evidence as to whether levels of substance P in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus are modulated by circulating estrogens. To study this question further, in situ hybridization histochemistry was used to examine levels of β-preprotachykinin mRNA, which encodes substance P and other tachykinins, in the ventrolateral subdivision of the ventromedial hypothalamus at 10 consecutive timepoints over a 4 day period subsequent to an acute administration of estrogen. Following estrogen treatment, β-preprotachykinin mRNA expression was increased in cells of the ventrolateral portion of the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus which constitutively express β-preprotachykinin mRNA; however, there were no statistically significant changes in the number of cells that express detectable levels of β-preprotachykinin mRNA in the ventrolateral portion of the ventromedial nucleus. Estrogen treatment produced two peaks of β-preprotachykinin mRNA expression, the first at 2 h and the second at 48 h after the injection of estrogen. These data indicate that estrogen has both rapid and prolonged effects on β-preprotachykinin mRNA levels, suggesting that estrogen may affect different cellular mechanisms relavent to the induction of β-preprotachykinin mRNA expression.
Reversible Agglomeration Used To Remove Dimethylsulfoxide from Large Volumes of Frozen Blood

The clumping that takes place when blood is mixed with isotonic glucose is well known to the clinician. This curious phenomenon has been characterized and used to prepare blood frozen in the presence of dimethylsulfoxide for transfusion. A hypothesis is advanced to explain the mechanism of reversible agglomeration of erythrocrytes in nonelectrolyte solutions.
Testing rational expectations by the use of overidentifying restrictions

A simple econometric test for rational expectations in the case in which unobservable, rationally expected variables appear in a structural equation is presented. Using McCallum's instrumental variable estimator as a base, a test for rational expectations per se and a joint test of rational expectations and hypotheses about the structural equation are presented. The new test is shown to be a new interpretation of Basmann's test of overidentifying restrictions. As an illustration, the hypothesis that the forward exchange rate is the rationally expected future spot exchange rate is tested and rejected.
Isolation of scFv fragments specific for monokine induced by interferon-gamma (MIG) using phage display

Iterative affinity selection procedures were used to isolate a number of single chain Fv (scFv) antibody fragment clones from naive Tomlinson I+J phage display libraries that specifically recognize and bind a chemokine, monokine induced by interferon-gamma (MIG/CXCL9). MIG is an important transplant rejection/biology chemokine protein. ELISA-based affinity characterization results indicate that selectants preferentially bind to MIG in the presence of key biopanning component materials and closely related chemokine proteins. These novel antibody fragments may find utility as molecular affinity interface receptors in various electrochemical biosensor platforms to provide specific MIG binding capability with potential applications in transplant rejection monitoring, and other biomedical applications where detection of MIG level is important.
Variation of crystallinity with temperature for homopolymers and random copolymers

An earlier treatment assumed that crystallization places portions of the polymer molecule between tie-points under strain, which limits the equilibrium crystallinity at any temperature. If these strained chains can be treated in the Gaussian approximation, (1 – ω)−2 should be a linear function of T−1, where ω is the degree of crystallinity. This prediction is unchanged by inclusion of the crystal surface energy. The degree of crystallinity is primarily governed by the deformation entropy at high supercoolings, while near the apparent melting point the crystal surface energy dominates, hence the Hoffman and Weeks procedure for evaluating thermodynamic melting point remains valid. Random introduction of comonomer lowers the apparent melting point and increases the tie-point density. The latter limits both the degree of crystallinity and the initial Young's modulus of a random copolymer at high supercoolings. Values obtained for N (the number of statistical links between tie-points) by fitting crystallinity data near the melting points for isothermally crystallized isotactic polypropylene and linear and branched polyethylene by using the Gaussian approximation, are identical to those previously obtained at high supercoolings by using inverse Langevin statistics. In fact, if the effects of crystal surface energy and the presence of a comonomer are included and the amorphous chains are treated by inverse Langevin statistics, one obtains a satisfactory representation of the variation of crystallinity with temperature over the entire range studied. Finally, the predicted linear variation of ω at high supercoolings with N−½ is verified for polyethylene.
Reevaluation of antipyretics in children with enteric fever

Background The Committee on Infectious Diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends withholding antipyretic administration to patients with enteric fever because of the risk of shock developing as a consequence. Objective. To evaluate the effects of antipyretics on blood pressure in children with enteric fever. Methods. A retrospective review of medical records of patients admitted to Texas Children's Hospital from January, 1977, to October, 1997, with a diagnosis of enteric fever. All febrile episodes were evaluated for the use of antipyretics and evidence of hypotension or cardiovascular decompensation associated with them. Results. Twenty-nine patients with enteric fever were identified. Salmonella typhi caused 23 of these infections. Antipyretics were used in all but one patient. We did not find any association between the use of antipyretics and the development of hypotension. One patient developed shock and adult respiratory distress syndrome >36 h after start of antibiotic therapy and unrelated to fever or antipyretic use. Two patients had evidence of dehydration. No other complications occurred. Conclusions. We did not find any complications associated with the use of acetaminophen or ibuprofen in children with enteric fever. The effects of antipyretics in enteric fever should be further studied.
Network and multidimensional representations of the declarative knowledge of human-computer interface design experts

Abstract A two-part experiment investigated human computer interface (HCI) experts' organization of declarative knowledge about the HCI. In Part 1, two groups of experts in HCI design—human factors experts and software development experts—and a control group of non-experts sorted 50 HCI concepts concerned with display, control, interaction, data manipulation and user knowledge into categories. In the second part of the experiment, the three groups judged the similarity of two sets of HCI concepts related to display and interaction, respectively. The data were transformed into measures of psychological distance and were analyzed using Pathfinder, which generates network representations of the data, and multidimensional scaling (MDS), which fits the concepts in a multidimensional space. The Pathfinder networks from the first part of the experiment differed in organization between the two expert groups, with human factors experts' networks consisting of highly interrelated subnetworks and software experts' networks consisting of central nodes and fewer, less interconnected sub-networks. The networks also differed across groups in concepts linked with such concepts as graphics, natural language, function keys and speech recognition. The networks of both expert groups showed much greater organization than did the non-experts' network. The network and MDS representations of the concepts for the two expert groups showed somewhat greater agreement in Part 2 than in Part 1. However, the MDS representations from Part 2 suggested that software experts organized their concepts on dimensions related to technology, implementation and user characteristics, whereas the human factors experts' organized their concepts more uniformly according to user characteristics. The discussion focuses on (1) the differences in cognitive models as a function of the amount and type of HCI design experience and (2) the role of cognitive models in HCI design and in communications within a multidisciplinary design team.
Nonlinear elastic instability of gravity-driven flow of a thin viscoelastic film down an inclined plane

Abstract A nonlinear evolution equation for the thickness of a thin viscoelastic film flowing down an inclined plane is derived for an Oldroyd-B fluid, using a long wave approximation. The evolution equation is valid to the second order in a small parameter which measures the relative thickness of the film to a typical wavelength. For a very thin film, viscoelasticity dominates the stability of the film and it can cause a purely elastic instability. The weakly nonlinear development of a monochromatic wave resulting from this elastic instability is studied using the second-order evolution equation which allows us to investigate the effects of inclination angle on the bifurcation. It is found that although extremely long waves bifurcate subcritically, the linearly most amplified wave does bifurcate supercritically when the surface tension parameter J > 13.8035. It is demonstrated that for a fixed bifurcation parameter δ = Wi − Wic, increasing the inclination angle can reduce the equilibrium amplitude for a supercritical bifurcating wave.
Heterogeneous combustion of multicomponent fuels

Abstract The variation of burning-rate coefficient (the time-rate of change of drop cross-sectional area) as a function of composition was determined for single drops of a group of binary fuel mixtures. The results indicate that during combustion the composition of a multicomponent fuel drop changes by a process of simple batch distillation. Drops of fuel mixtures containing components of widely different boiling points demonstrated instability during combustion. Motion pictures of these burning drops reveal the formation of bubbles which expand and burst in the liquid phase. It is suggested that these effects are due to radiative heat transfer from the flame envelope to the liquid, resulting in local vaporization of the more volatile components within the drop. Surface temperatures of burning drops of pure compounds were measured for a drop suspended from a thermocouple junction and for a fuel-tretted, porous, Alundum sphere. The values obtained from these measurements are in close agreement with those calculated on the basis of a spherico-symmetric model of a burning drop.
Collection methods and contamination of bank milk

Bank milk collected by manual expression was less likely to be contaminated than milk collected by other methods. Contamination with coliforms and gentamicin-resistant Gram-negative rods was related to the pumps used by donors in their homes. Stringent precautions reduced but did not eliminate contamination.
THE PROCESS OF OIL FORMATION AND ACCUMULATION IN THE MACADAMIA.

In previous investigations of the problem of oil formation in the pecan it has been shown (4, 16) that the fatty acids, and consequently the oil and fats, are formed from carbohydrates, either stored or currently synthesized. The present paper deals with formation and changes in characteristics of the oil in the Macadamia from the young embryo to the mature fruit. The oil present in the mature Macadamia nut (Macadamia ternifolia F.v.M. var. integrifolia Maiden) is very similar to pecan oil (2), consisting largely of the glyceride of oleic acid with small amounts of the glycerides of palmitic, stearic, and myristic acids (3). It has a saponification value of 197.3, an acid value of 0.57, and an iodine number of 75.2. As pointed out above, carbohydrates provide the principal carbon source from which fats are formed, but M'Clen?h?n (9) believed that in the case of black walnuts the oil was derived from tannins; Scubti and Tommasi (13) thought that the higher alcohol, oleanol, was converted into oil in the olive. The formation of limited amounts of fatty acids from hexoses outside of the living cell has been accomplished by Smedley (14) who prepared these acids by first breaking down hexoses into C3 compounds followed by oxidation of the latter into pyruvic acid which was then condensed into acids with longer carbon chains. It is also of interest to note that fatty acids are prepared commercially from the paraffin hydrocarbons (5).
Induction of α-Amylase in Barley Endosperm by Substrate Levels of Glutamate and Aspartate

Incubation of embryoless barley (Hordeum vulgare) half-seeds for 24 hours with 0.1 m glutamate or aspartate resulted in the release of 17 to 48% as much alpha-amylase as did incubation with 260 mmum gibberellin. With incubation periods of 48 to 51 hours these amino acids were on the average about half as active as response-saturating concentrations of gibberellin, and in some experiments they were essentially as active. Citric acid cycle intermediates, glycolytic pathway intermediates, and cofactors of these pathways failed to induce alpha-amylase synthesis, while the following compounds were active: asparagine, homoserine, diaminopimelate, isoleucine, methionine, glutamine, ornithine, citrulline, argininosuccinate, and delta-aminolevulinate. However, threonine, lysine, beta-alanine, alanine, gamma-aminobutyrate, alpha-ketobutyrate, proline, arginine, glycine, leucine, and putrescine were inactive. Two patterns were noted in the list of active and inactive compounds: (a) all of the active compounds contain an amino group and are biosynthetically derived from citric acid cycle intermediates; and (b) biosynthetic precursors of the amino acids arginine, proline, threonine, and lysine were active whereas these amino acids were not.
Sulfate adsorption on a Au(111) electrode studied by AES, CEELS, LEED and cyclic voltammetry

Abstract We have studied interactions of sulfate anions with a Au(111) electrode using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), low energy electron diffraction (LEED), core electron energy loss spectroscopy ( CEELS ), and electrochemistry, and have employed a nonstandard method of quantitative analysis by AES in which the anion coverage is determined using a thick Na2SO4 film as a reference. A favorable comparison of surface coverage results obtained in this manner with the radiochemical, in situ, data shows that the sulfate adsorbate formed in solution does not desorb upon exposure to ultra-high vacuum (UHV). Since the AES ratio of oxygen-to-sulfur in the sulfate adlattice is 4, and the S(LMM) Auger electron transitions and S(L2, 3) core electron energy loss spectra show a characteristic S6+ surface valency, our results indicate that no decomposition, e.g., dehydration, of the anion occurs in UHV. In a narrow potential range around E = 1.12 V on the potential scale in use, the adsorbate forms an ordered Au(111)( 3 × 3 ) R30° adlattice that gives rise to a clear, but diffuse LEED pattern. This structure is discussed vis-a-vis recent scanning tunneling microscopy results with the same Au(111)/solution interface. In addition to the structural considerations, our companion spectroscopic analyses suggest that surface gold electrons participate in the anion chemisorption. Namely, below 1.12 V, the down-shift in the core electron loss energy is indicative of increasing electron density on sulfur with increasing sulfate-surface bonding via a back-donation into empty electronic orbitals. Above 1.12 V, the electron loss spectra are dominated by the final state effect induced by the decrease in the number of sulfate oxygen atoms that coordinate the electrode surface.
The safety of acupuncture in children and adolescents with cancer therapy-related thrombocytopenia.

Purpose Acupuncture is frequently used to manage the side effects associated with cancer therapy. In acupuncture practice, the presence of thrombocytopenia is a relative contraindication to acupuncture use among patients with cancer. However, the safety of acupuncture in patients with cancer treatment-related thrombocytopenia has not been previously investigated.
Elastic constants of sodium from molecular dynamics

We have performed molecular-dynamics calculations of the adiabatic elastic constants of sodium at three different temperatures, T=198, 299, and 349 K. Our method uses fluctuation formulas appropriate for the microcanonical ensemble which contain the elastic constants. In the simulation we have used a first-principles potential to model the interaction between the sodium atoms. The results, including the shear modulus C44, show good agreement with experiment at all three temperatures. We have analyzed the contributions to the elastic constants from different types of terms appearing in the fluctuation formula and compared these contributions to other model-potential calculations. The volume dependence in the potential has considerable effect on the values of elastic constants. In comparison to some earlier calculations which employed pair potentials with no volume dependence, the fluctuation contributions to elastic constants C11 and C44 are noticeably large (20% of the value of the elastic constants in some cases). We find that the elastic constants do not change by much for the different potential-cutoff ranges employed: 17.85, 23.27, and 27.70 bohrs.
Heritability of metformin renal clearance

Background Twin studies have been used to determine the genetic contribution to variation in hepatic drug metabolism. In contrast, little is known about the contribution of genetic factors to variation in renal drug elimination. In this study, we used monozygotic twin pairs to assess the heritability of the clearance of the anti-diabetic agent, metformin, a drug that is eliminated exclusively in the kidneys. Methods We administered 850 mg metformin to six monozygotic twin pairs and collected plasma and urine samples over 24 hours. Concentrations of metformin were determined by LC-MS. A modified calculation was used for assessing the heritability (H) of renal clearance: H= (Vbetween pairs− Vwithin pairs)/Vbetween pairs, where V is variance. Results In this interim analysis, we observed that 95% of the variation in renal clearance of metformin could be attributed to genetic factors (H=0.95), with an overall correlation coefficient of 0.97. Conclusions While the formal heritability calculation will require the enrollment of dizygotic twin pairs, this initial finding indicates that genetic factors contribute substantially to the renal clearance of metformin. The degree of heritability in renal clearance is similar to that observed in classical twin studies of drugs that are eliminated by hepatic metabolism. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P61–P61; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.12.123
How Does Health Information Influence African American Men’s Health Behavior?

Few researchers have examined where African American men obtain, process, and use health information. A thematic analysis of data from eighteen exploratory focus groups conducted with 154 urban African American men aged 32 years and older revealed that men received health information from a variety of sources, including health professionals, media, and members of their social networks. At times, information raised their awareness of health issues, but trust in the source of the information influenced how this information was perceived. Medical professionals were the most common source of health information, but family members were the most trusted source of health information. Health problems and social support increased men’s motivation to use health information in order to improve their health and healthy behaviors. These findings illustrate that it is critical to identify factors that influence what information men choose to believe and follow or decide to ignore.
Lapatinib in Combination with Radiation Diminishes Tumor Regrowth in HER2+ and Basal-Like/EGFR+ Breast Tumor Xenografts

Purpose To determine whether lapatinib, a dual epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/HER2 kinase inhibitor, can radiosensitize EGFR+ or HER2+ breast cancer xenografts. Methods and Materials Mice bearing xenografts of basal-like/EGFR+ SUM149 and HER2+ SUM225 breast cancer cells were treated with lapatinib and fractionated radiotherapy and tumor growth inhibition correlated with alterations in ERK1 and AKT activation by immunohistochemistry. Results Basal-like/EGFR+ SUM149 breast cancer tumors were completely resistant to treatment with lapatinib alone but highly growth impaired with lapatinib plus radiotherapy, exhibiting an enhancement ratio average of 2.75 and a fractional tumor product ratio average of 2.20 during the study period. In contrast, HER2+ SUM225 breast cancer tumors were highly responsive to treatment with lapatinib alone and yielded a relatively lower enhancement ratio average of 1.25 during the study period with lapatinib plus radiotherapy. Durable tumor control in the HER2+ SUM225 model was more effective with the combination treatment than either lapatinib or radiotherapy alone. Immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated that radiosensitization by lapatinib correlated with ERK1/2 inhibition in the EGFR+ SUM149 model and with AKT inhibition in the HER2+ SUM225 model. Conclusion Our data suggest that lapatinib combined with fractionated radiotherapy may be useful against EGFR+ and HER2+ breast cancers and that inhibition of downstream signaling to ERK1/2 and AKT correlates with sensitization in EGFR+ and HER2+ cells, respectively.
Técnicas de imagen en la evaluación de la función y cicatriz tras el infarto

Resumen Las pruebas de imagen resultan esenciales en la valoracion clinica de los pacientes que han sufrido un infarto de miocardio. Permiten no solo evaluar el dano isquemico inicial, sino ademas detectar subgrupos de pacientes con mayor riesgo de eventos en la evolucion. La ecocardiografia sigue siendo el test inicial de eleccion, capaz de facilitar a pie de cama predictores potentes como los volumenes ventriculares, la funcion ventricular general y segmentaria o la presencia de regurgitacion valvular. Nuevas tecnicas de estudio de la mecanica ventricular, fundamentalmente de la deformacion miocardica, estan mostrando aspectos relevantes de la adaptacion ventricular tras el infarto. La principal tecnica alternativa a la ecocardiografia es la cardiorresonancia magnetica, cuya principal ventaja es, aparte de su exactitud en la determinacion de los volumenes y la funcion ventriculares, la capacidad de caracterizar el miocardio y demostrar procesos que el dano isquemico conlleva, como necrosis/fibrosis, edema, obstruccion microvascular o hemorragia intramiocardica. Esto no solo permite detectar y cuantificar el tamano del infarto, sino que pone de manifiesto ciertas caracteristicas del tejido infartado con valor pronostico adicional.
Antihistamines Block Radiation-Induced Taste Aversions

When rats are treated with an antihistamine prior to being given sublethal doses of ionizing radiation, the formation of a conditioned saccharin aversion is completely inhibited. A profound aversion could be conditioned with histamine diphosphate as the aversive stimulus. The increase in histamine production after radiation exposure represents the physiological basis of radiation-induced taste aversions.
Reactions of trimethylaluminum and ammonia on alumina at 600 K — surface chemical aspects of AlN thin film growth

Abstract The reactions of trimethylaluminum (TMAl) and ammonia (NH 3 ) on γ-alumina at 600 K were studied by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to explore fundamental issues of AlN film growth. FTIR and XPS assignments for surface species present after the deposition process have been directly correlated from measurements taken in the same instrument. Sequential exposure of TMAl and NH 3 leads to self-limiting adsorption of TMAl and site-selective reaction with NH 3 to form a thin layer of AlN along with dinitrogen and NH 2 species. The coexposure of TMAl and NH 3 leads to continuous deposition resulting in a thick film of AlN with NH 2 and dinitrogen species present at the AlN/alumina interface and NH terminating the AlN vacuum interface. These processes are discussed in terms of A1N thin film growth strategies.
The acrosomal protein Dickkopf-like 1 (DKKL1) is not essential for fertility.

Objective To determine the role of Dkkl1 on mouse development, viability, and fertility. Design Prospective experimental study. Setting Government research institution. Animal(s) Mice of C57BL/6 and 129X1/SvJ strains, as well as transgenic mice of mixed C57BL/6 and 129X1/SvJ strains were used for the studies. Intervention(s) Mice were constructed that lacked a functional Dkkl1 gene. Main Outcome Measure(s) Deletion of the gene was confirmed by DNA, RNA, and protein analyses; in vivo fertility was examined by continuous mating scheme. Result(s) Previous studies have shown that Dkkl1 , a gene unique to mammals, is expressed predominantly, if not exclusively, in developing spermatocytes, and the DKKL1 protein accumulates in the acrosome of mature sperm. Subsequent studies (reported in the accompanying article) demonstrate that Dkkl1 also is expressed in the trophectoderm/placental lineage. Taken together, these results strongly suggested that DKKL1 protein is required for terminal differentiation either of trophoblast giant cells or of sperm, both of which are directly involved in fertility. To challenge this hypothesis, conditional targeted mutagenesis was used to ablate the Dkkl1 gene in mice. Surprisingly, Dkkl1 nullizygous embryos developed into viable, fertile adults, despite the fact that they failed to produce any portion of the DKKL1 protein. Conclusion(s) DKKL1 is a mammalian-specific acrosomal protein that is not essential either for development or fertility.
Anti-angiogenic gene transfer decreases capillary formation in colon cancer

Abstract Introduction: The development of new blood vessels by angiogenic mediators, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), contributes to tumor growth and metastases. The purpose of this study was to determine if production of a soluble anti-VEGF protein would decrease angiogenesis in colon cancer. Methods: The soluble VEGF receptor gene (Flk-1/KDR) was PCR amplified and cloned between an SV40 promoter and polyA tail. The resulting plasmid was transfected into HCT8 human colon cancer cells. After 36 hours, conditioned media from transfected cells was collected and VEGF (5 ng/ml) was supplemented to appropriate samples. This media was used to plate human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and Matrigel assays were performed in quadruplicate. Capillaries were counted after a 12-hour incubation. Results: HUVEC incubated in VEGF-supplemented media from Flk-1/KDR transfected HCT8 cells yielded a 47% reduction (p Conclusion: These results suggest that colon cancer cell expression of anti-angiogenic factors such as Flk-1/KDR decreases angiogenesis, potentially reducing tumor growth and metastases.
cAMP- and calcium-mediated modulation of intrinsic factor secretion in isolated rabbit gastric glands.

Abstract We have studied the role of cAMP-mediated and calcium-mediated secretagogues in stimulating secretion of intrinsic factor (IF) from parietal cells in isolated rabbit gastric glands. The magnitudes of IF release caused by maximally stimulating doses of the following agents were compared: histamine (5 × 10−5M), forskolin (10−5M), 8-bromo-cAMP (10−3M), pentagastrin (10−7M), carbachol (10−5M), and the calcium ionophore A23187 (10−3M). Each agent was tested simultaneously in gastric glands prepared from the same animal so as to minimize the effects of variations between preparations. Gastric glands were incubated 30 min alone (unstimulated) or with each of the secretagogues. IF release into the culture medium was measured using an assay based on the binding of IF to 57Co-cyanocobalamin. Results were expressed as percentages IF release above unstimulated levels. Three cAMP-mediated agents significantly (P 0.05). In this study, cAMP-mediated secretagogues stimulated significantly (P
The colonic H+,K+-ATPase functions as a Na+-dependent K+(NH4+)-ATPase in apical membranes from rat distal colon.

Recent studies have suggested that the colonic H+,K+-ATPase (HKα2) can secrete either Na+ or H+ in exchange for K+. If correct, this view would indicate that the transporter could function as either a Na+ or a H+ pump. To investigate this possibility a series of experiments was performed using apical membranes from rat colon which were enriched in colonic H+,K+-ATPase protein. An antibody specific for HKα2 was employed to determine whether HKα2 functions under physiological conditions as a Na+-dependent or Na+-independent K+-ATPase in this same membrane fraction. K+-ATPase activity was measured as [γ-32P]ATP hydrolysis. The Na+-dependent K+-ATPase accounted for approximately 80% of overall K+-ATPase activity and was characterized by insensitivity to Sch-28080 but partial sensitivity to ouabain. The Na+-independent K+-ATPase activity was insensitive to both Sch-28080 and ouabain. Both types of K+-ATPase activity substituted NH4+ for K+ in a similar manner. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that when incubated with native distal colon membranes, the blocking antibody inhibited dramatically Na+-dependent K+-ATPase activity. Therefore, these data demonstrate that HKα2 can function in native distal colon apical membranes as a Na+-dependent K+-ATPase. Elucidation of the role of the pump as a transporter of Na+ versus H+ or NH4+ versusK+ in vivo will require additional studies.
The Molecular Genetics of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Genomic Mechanisms, Neuroimmunopathology, and Clinical Implications

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have become increasingly common in recent years. The discovery of single-nucleotide polymorphisms and accompanying copy number variations within the genome has increased our understanding of the architecture of the disease. These genetic and genomic alterations coupled with epigenetic phenomena have pointed to a neuroimmunopathological mechanism for ASD. Model animal studies, developmental biology, and affective neuroscience laid a foundation for dissecting the neural pathways impacted by these disease-generating mechanisms. The goal of current autism research is directed toward a systems biological approach to find the most basic genetic and environmental causes to this severe developmental disease. It is hoped that future genomic and neuroimmunological research will be directed toward finding the road toward prevention, treatment, and cure of ASD.
Trouble bipolaire à début précoce : considérations cliniques et de recherche

Resume Cet article examine certaines des raisons de la confusion et de la controverse concernant la question de la frequence du diagnostic de trouble bipolaire, specialement chez l'enfant prepubere. Quatre vignettes cliniques permettront d'illustrer les questions soulevees par les manifestations d'euphorie et de grandiosite, la variance liee aux sources d'information, les implications diagnostiques liees a l'effet iatrogene des traitements medicamenteux, et les consequences des antecedents familiaux sur le traitement. Malgre la litterature croissante concernant certaines de ces questions, des recherches specifiques sont necessaires pour aboutir a des reponses definitives.
Unifocal and multifocal reactive lymphoid hyperplasia vs follicular lymphoma of the ocular adnexa.

Purpose To characterize the differentiating histopathologic and immunophenotypic features of reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (RLH) and follicular lymphoma of the ocular adnexa. Design Retrospective case study with clinical follow-up and review of the literature. Methods Clinical records of 9 cases of RLH and 6 cases of follicular lymphoma from 2 institutions were reviewed. Light microscopic evaluation and immunohistochemical stains including CD20, CD3, CD5, CD21, CD23, BCL-2, BCL-6, CD10, kappa, lambda, and Ki67 were used to distinguish the 2 categories. Results RLH preferentially involved the conjunctiva, whereas follicular lymphoma had a propensity to involve the lacrimal gland. Microscopic analysis with immunohistochemical staining distinguished RLH from follicular lymphoma. BCL-2 was positive in follicular centers of follicular lymphoma but not in RLH. CD10 identified follicular center cells and Ki67 quantified cells in S-phase. CD21 and CD23 detected dendritic cell scaffoldings of indistinct germinal centers. None of the patients with RLH developed lymphoma during their clinical courses (up to 18 years). However, 3 patients with orbital, but not conjunctival, RLH developed immunohistochemically proven multifocal nonophthalmic supradiaphragmatic adnexal RLH (sites included lung, parotid, axillary nodes, and uvea). All 6 patients with follicular lymphoma had disseminated disease. Conclusions A correct diagnosis of RLH vs follicular lymphoma can be reliably established employing immunohistochemical methods. A heretofore undescribed "multifocal RLH" syndrome must be distinguished from follicular lymphoma. Conjunctival RLH can usually be managed surgically without radiotherapy, but "multifocal RLH" required systemic treatment in 2 of 3 patients. Follicular lymphoma requires systemic chemotherapy if discovered beyond stage 1E.
The Role of Religion in Adolescence for Family Formation in Young Adulthood.

This paper examines the role of religion in adolescence for shaping subsequent family formation. Data were drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N = 13,895). We explored the role of three dimensions of religious life—affiliation, attendance, and religious fervor—both singly and in combination for the transition to either marriage or cohabitation. Although each dimension predicted subsequent union formation, it was the particular combination of these dimensions that was important for understanding the likelihood of cohabiting. We also found evidence that patterns of religious identity, attendance, and fervor in adolescence were associated with the length of cohabitation, the likelihood of the cohabitation ending in marriage, and beliefs about the purpose of cohabitation.
Elevated serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations in the hypercalcemia of sarcoidosis: Correction by glucocorticoid therapy

AN EVALUATION of hypercalcemia in a 9-year-old girl revealed a low normal immunoreactive PTH level, cutaneous anergy, and abnormal macrophage suppressor activity. Numerous noncaseating granulomata were seen in a liver biopsy specimen confiming diagnosis of sarcoidosis. The patient had hypercalcemia (serum calcium of 14.8 mg/dl), hypercalcuria ( > 300 mg daily), an abnormal urinary calcium/creatinine ration, and a reduced creatinine clearance. An assay of vitamin D metabolites revealed normal 25(OH)-vitamin D~ and D3 levels, normal 24,25(OH)~-vitamin D, and supranormal 1,25(OH)~-vitamin D (calcitriol) concentrations of 91 and 75 pg/ml (normal 42 + 12 pg/ml; SD). Oral prednisone therapy resulted in lower serum calcitriol concentrations and normalized the abnormalities of calcium metabolism. This is the first case in a child supporting the hypothesis that abnormalities of calcium metabolism in sarcoidosis are related to elevated calcitriol concentrations. Sarcoidosis is infrequent during childhood, but abnormalities of calcium metabolism are found in 30 to 50% of childhood cases? These abnormalities of calcium metabolism are similar to those found in vitamin D intoxication. 2 Subjects with sarcoidosis have increased sensitivity
Role of molecular mimicry to HIV-1 peptides in HIV-1–related immunologic thrombocytopenia

Patients with early HIV-1 infection develop an autoimmune thrombocytopenia in which antibody is directed against an immunodominant epitope of the β3 (glycoprotein IIIa [GPIIIa]) integrin, GPIIIa49-66. This antibody induces thrombocytopenia by a novel complement-independent mechanism in which platelets are fragmented by antibody-induced generation of H2O2 derived from the interaction of platelet nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and 12-lipoxygenase. To examine whether sharing of epitope between host and parasite may be responsible for this immunodominant epitope, we screened for antibody-reactive peptides capable of inhibiting platelet lysis and oxidation in vitro, using a filamentous phage display 7-mer peptide library. Fourteen of these phage-peptide clones were identified. Five shared close sequence similarity with GPIIIa49-66, as expected. Ten were molecular mimics with close sequence similarity to HIV-1 proteins nef, gag, env, and pol. Seven were synthesized as 10-mers from their known HIV-1 sequence and found to inhibit anti–GPIIIa49-66–induced platelet oxidation/fragmentation in vitro. Three rabbit antibodies raised against these peptides induced platelet oxidation/fragmentation in vitro and thrombocytopenia in vivo when passively transferred into mice. One of the peptides shared a known epitope region with HIV-1 protein nef and was derived from a variant region of the protein. These data provide strong support for molecular mimicry in HIV-1-immunologic thrombocytopenia within polymorphic regions of HIV-1 proteins. A known epitope of nef is particularly incriminated.