Large artery and coronary compliance in health and disease

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Cortisol and sleep in infancy and early childhood

Introduction

Cortisol release is often associated with physiological arousal or perceived stress. Findings in adults as well as in older children and adolescents show that cortisol is also connected to sleep. Furthermore, it is assumed that high-quality sleep is a predictor of regular cortisol release throughout the day.

Objective

This review summarizes the current literature on how sleep and cortisol levels are associated in early childhood.

Methods

In order to identify studies on sleep and cortisol in young children, a structured literature search was performed in the PsychINFO, PsycARTICLES, PSYNDEX, and Google Scholar databases.

Results

A total of 14 studies could be included this review. According to the results of the reviewed publications, daily cortisol release patterns develop within the first 6 months of life. In addition, young children display a cortisol awakening response (CAR) and cortisol levels are influenced by taking naps during the day as well as by the quality of nighttime sleep.

Conclusion

After reviewing the recent findings in the literature concerning children from birth up to the age of 5 years, it can be assumed that sleep patterns and sleep are associated with cortisol secretion in early childhood. This finding could be included in the creation and further development of interventional sleep training programs.

     

Hemodynamic and Biomechanics

Aug.17 ams,00一10,00,10,30一12,00At Room No.1(213)CO一CHAIRMAN Prof.Jos A.E,SPaan Prof.Tao ZulaiTITLEABSTRACT PAGESFlow and regurgitation in meehanieal heart valves:visualization,numberies and exPerimentation 5 .Einav,et al.·······················································································……106Vaseular endothelial eell resPonses to wall shear stress Akira Kamlya,et al…     

Autoimmune regulator and self-tolerance – molecular and clinical aspects

The establishment of central tolerance in the thymus is critical for avoiding deleterious autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune regulator (AIRE), the causative gene in autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type-1 (APS-1), is crucial for the establishment of self-tolerance in the thymus by promoting promiscuous expression of a wide array of tissue-restricted self-antigens. This step is critical for elimination of high-affinity self-reactive T cells from the immunological repertoire, and for the induction of a specific subset of Foxp3⁺ T-regulatory (T_reg) cells. In this review, we discuss the most recent advances in our understanding of how AIRE operates on molecular and cellular levels, as well as of how its loss of function results in breakdown of self-tolerance mechanisms characterized by a broad and heterogeneous repertoire of autoimmune phenotypes.     

The Premenstrual Syndrome and Fibromyalgia—Similarities and Common Features

The aim of the study was to assess the clinical similarities and common features of fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) and premenstrual dysphoric syndrome (PMDD). Thirty young patients who met the diagnostic criteria for PMDD were included in the study and compared to 26 women belonging to the medical staff of a general psychiatry department. All enrollees were interviewed and examined by a skilled physician. They completed the following nine survey items: demographic information, clinical health assessment questionnaire, fibromyalgia impact questionnaire, sleep and fatigue questionnaires, Sheehan disability scales, SF-36 assessment for quality of life, visual analog scale for pain, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) questionnaire (assessment of coexistent psychiatric conditions), and the premenstrual severity scale. Additionally, each individual underwent a physical examination measuring the classical tender points and was asked to describe the distribution and continuum of her pain or tenderness. The PMDD group scored significantly higher in the measures pain and tenderness as well as in severity of premenstrual symptoms compared to the control group. Five patients in the PMDD group and none in the control group had FM. Quality of life measured by the SF-36 was higher in the control group than in the PMDD group and correlated with the degree of tenderness reported. Psychiatric comorbidity was significantly more common in the PMDD group, affecting 16 of the 30 PMDD patients compared to only three of the 26 control patients. In this study, patients with PMDD were found to have higher levels of tenderness, higher psychiatric comorbidity, greater level of physical disabilities, and a lower quality of life. These parameters were highly correlated with a lower pain threshold.     

Coagulation and inflammation—close allies in health and disease

The integrity of our bodies is under constant threat by external forces. Blood coagulation and inflammatory pathways are important, highly efficient defence systems that support health and well-being in both normal and challenged conditions. Being potentially dangerous for the own organism, they are kept under strict control by anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Coagulation and inflammatory pathways are closely integrated by extensive crosstalk and tend to function in concert. They comprise a large number of cellular and molecular actors, which interact in extremely complex manners. A basic principle governing these interactions is the mutual activation of the pathways. Thus, the activation of coagulation leads to concomitant activation of inflammatory pathways, mirrored by the initiation of coagulation by inflammatory pathways. Efficient anticoagulant systems not only keep coagulation reactions under strict control but also exert control on inflammatory reactions. During inflammation, these anticoagulant/anti-inflammatory systems are repressed allowing full activation of coagulation and inflammation. Dysregulation of the delicate balance between these systems contributes to the pathogenesis of many diseases.     

Relationship between transdermal energy of electroporation and iontophoresis and permeably fluxes of tetracaini hydrochlordum and naproxenum

INTRODUCTIONWiththedevelopmentofmedicinetechnique,peoplehavebeenrealizedthatoralorinjectionlimitsmanypharmaceuticalsbybiotechnologyfromwidelyusing.Be-causealmostthesedrugsconsistofproteinsorpolypeptideseasydegraded.Trans-dermaldrugdelivery(TDD)providesano…     

Microstructural and mechanical differences between digested collagen–fibrin co-gels and pure collagen and fibrin gels

Collagen and fibrin are important extracellular matrix (ECM) components in the body, providing structural integrity to various tissues. These biopolymers are also common scaffolds used in tissue engineering. This study investigated how co-gelation of collagen and fibrin affected the properties of each individual protein network. Collagen–fibrin co-gels were cast and subsequently digested using either plasmin or collagenase; the microstructure and mechanical behavior of the resulting networks were then compared with the respective pure collagen or fibrin gels of the same protein concentration. The morphologies of the collagen networks were further analyzed via three-dimensional network reconstruction from confocal image z-stacks. Both collagen and fibrin exhibited a decrease in mean fiber diameter when formed in co-gels compared with the pure gels. This microstructural change was accompanied by an increased failure strain and decreased tangent modulus for both collagen and fibrin following selective digestion of the co-gels. In addition, analysis of the reconstructed collagen networks indicated the presence of very long fibers and the clustering of fibrils, resulting in very high connectivities for collagen networks formed in co-gels.     

NK cell development and function – Plasticity and redundancy unleashed

Bone marrow-derived natural killer (NK) cells constitute the major subset of cytotoxic lymphocytes in peripheral blood. They provide innate defense against intracellular infection or malignancy and contribute to immune homeostasis. Large numbers of NK cells are also present in tissues, including the liver and uterus, where they can mediate immunosurveillance but also play important roles in tissue remodeling and vascularization. Here, we review the pathways involved in NK cell lineage commitment and differentiation, discussing relationships to other lymphocyte populations and highlighting genetic determinants. Characterizing NK cells from distinct tissues and during infections have revealed subset specializations, reflecting inherent cellular plasticity. In this context, we discuss how different environmental and inflammatory stimuli may shape NK cells. Particular emphasis is placed on genes identified as being critical for NK cell development, differentiation, and function from studies of model organisms or associations with disease. Such studies are also revealing important cellular redundancies. Here, we provide a view of the genetic framework constraining NK cell development and function, pinpointing molecules required for these processes but also underscoring plasticity and redundancy that may underlie robust immunological function. With this view, built in redundancy may highlight the importance of NK cells to immunity.     

Muscle�Ctendon structure and dimensions in adults and children

Muscle performance is closely related to the architecture and dimensions of the muscle–tendon unit and the effect of maturation on these architectural characteristics in humans is currently unknown. This study determined whether there are differences in musculo‐tendinous architecture between adults and children of both sexes. Fascicle length and pennation angle were measured from ultrasound images at three sites along the length of the vastus intermedius, vastus lateralis, vastis medialis and rectus femoris muscles. Muscle volume and muscle–tendon length were measured from magnetic resonance images. Muscle physiological cross‐sectional area (PCSA) was calculated as the ratio of muscle volume to optimum fascicle length. Fascicle length was greater in the adult groups than in children (P < 0.05) but pennation angle did not differ between groups (P > 0.05). The ratios between fascicle and muscle length and between fascicle and tendon length were not different (P > 0.05) between adults and children for any quadriceps muscle. Quadriceps volume and PCSA of each muscle were greater in adults than children (P < 0.01) but the relative proportion of each head to the total quadriceps volume was similar in all groups. However, the difference in PCSA between adults and children (men ～ 104% greater than boys, women ～ 57% greater than girls) was greater (P < 0.05) than the difference in fascicle length (men ～ 37% greater than boys, women ～ 10% greater than girls). It is concluded that the fascicle, muscle and tendon lengthen proportionally during maturation, thus the muscle–tendon stiffness and excursion range are likely to be similar in children and adults but the relatively greater increase in PCSA than fascicle length indicates that adult muscles are better designed for force production than children’s muscles.     

TGF-β and Regulatory T Cell in Immunity and Autoimmunity

Introduction  The immune response is controlled by several inhibitory mechanisms. These mechanisms include regulatory T cells, which exist in multiple classes. Notable among these are Foxp3-expressing regulatory T cells (Treg), NKT cells, and Tr1 cells. Common to these mechanisms are inhibitory cytokines such as interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). TGF-β and Foxp3-expressing Treg cells are critical in maintaining self-tolerance and immune homeostasis. Discussions  The immune suppressive functions of TGF-β and Treg cells are widely acknowledged and extensively studied. Nonetheless, recent studies revealed the positive roles for TGF-β and Treg cells in shaping the immune system and the inflammatory responses. In this paper, we will discuss the role of these mechanisms in the control of immunity and autoimmunity and the mechanisms that underlie how these molecules control these responses.     

Jeune syndrome with tongue lobulation and preaxial polydactyly,and Jeune syndrome with situs inversus and asplenia: Compound heterozygosity Jeune-Mohr and Jeune-Ivemark?

We report on a male infant with internal hydrocephalus, absence of corpus callosum, papillomas and lobulation of the tongue, notches of the alveolar ridges, short ribs, dysplastic pelvis, hypospadias, short limbs with bowed long tubular bones and postaxial polydactyly of hands, and preaxial polydactyly in one foot. Radiologically this case shares manifestations with Jeune syndrome; the tongue lobulation and the preaxial polydactyly are similar to findings in Mohr syndrome, or short-rib polydactyly syndrome (SRPS), type Majewski. In addition, a female newborn presented with manifestations of Jeune and Ivemark syndromes. One explanation for this overlap may be compound heterozygosity for these syndromes. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Mothers’ mental distress and parenting practices with infants and toddlers

Summary The purpose of this study was to examine whether maternal mental distress affects parenting practices related to monitoring activities (i.e. daily routines, enrichment activities). The nationally representative sample consisted of 1638 mothers. Maternal mental distress was assessed by the 5-item Mental Health Index (MHI). Logistic regression models were conducted, controlling for covariates (e.g. marital status, education level, etc.). Approximately 14% of the women reported high levels of mental distress and 25% of the women failed to engage in enrichment activities or consistent daily routines with their children. There was a significant adverse relationship between mental distress and routines, with women who were mentally distressed being more likely to not engage in daily routines. There was no significant relationship between mental distress and enrichment activities. Race differentials were evident among these relationships. These findings highlight the prevalence of maternal mental distress and its deleterious effects on select parenting behaviors.     

MET and autism susceptibility: family and case�Ccontrol studies

Autism is a common, severe and highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorder. The International Molecular Genetic Study of Autism Consortium (IMGSAC) genome screen for linkage in affected sib-pair families identified a chromosome 7q susceptibility locus (AUTS1), that has subsequently shown evidence of increased sharing in several independent multiplex samples and in two meta-analyses. Taking into account the location of the MET gene under this linkage peak, and the fact that it has recently been reported to be associated with autism, the gene was further analyzed as a promising autism candidate. The gene encodes a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase of the hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF). MET is best known as an oncogene, but its signalling also participates in immune function, peripheral organ development and repair, and the development of the cerebral cortex and cerebellum (all of which have been observed earlier as being disregulated in individuals with autism). Here we present a family-based association analysis covering the entire MET locus. Significant results were obtained in both single locus and haplotype approaches with a single nucleotide polymorphism in intron 1 (rs38845, P<0.004) and with one intronic haplotype (AAGTG, P<0.009) in 325 multiplex IMGSAC families and 10 IMGSAC trios. Although these results failed to replicate in an independent sample of 82 Italian trios, the association itself was confirmed by a case–control analysis performed using the Italian cohort (P<0.02). The previously reported positive association of rs1858830 failed to replicate in this study. Overall, our findings provide further evidence that MET may play a role in autism susceptibility.