Functional characterization of a neuropeptide F-like receptor from Drosophila melanogaster

A cDNA clone encoding a seven-transmembrane domain, G-protein-coupled receptor (NPFR76F, also called GPCR60), has been isolated from Drosophila melanogaster. Deletion mapping showed that the gene encoding this receptor is located on the left arm of the third chromosome at position 76F. Northern blotting and whole mount in situ hybridization have shown that this receptor is expressed in a limited number of neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems of embryos and adults. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence suggests that this receptor is related to vertebrate neuropeptide Y receptors. This Drosophila receptor shows 62-66% similarity and 32-34% identity to type 2 neuropeptide Y receptors cloned from a variety of vertebrate sources. Coexpression in Xenopus oocytes of NPFR76F with the promiscuous G-protein Galpha16 showed that this receptor is activated by the vertebrate neuropeptide Y family to produce inward currents due to the activation of an endogenous oocyte calcium-dependent chloride current. Maximum receptor activation was achieved with short, putative Drosophila neuropeptide F peptides (Drm-sNPF-1, 2 and 2s). Neuropeptide F-like peptides in Drosophila have been implicated in a signalling system that modulates food response and social behaviour. The identification of this neuropeptide F-like receptor and its endogenous ligand by reverse pharmacology will facilitate genetic and behavioural studies of neuropeptide functions in Drosophila.     

Neuropsychological effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ecstasy) in recreational users

While neuropsychological studies on 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ecstasy) users have been emerging, results have been inconsistent, possibly due to methodological issues. The current study examined the performance of 22 recreational MDMA users compared to 28 age, education, and IQ comparable normal control subjects on a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests. Results revealed no significant differences in cognitive functioning between the MDMA users and normal controls. However, greater use of MDMA was associated with poorer scores on several measures of nonverbal memory, and greater frequency users (> or = 50 times) evidenced significantly lower scores on 2 of 3 nonverbal memory tests compared to lesser frequency users (< 50 times). Our results suggest that a subgroup of MDMA patients, specifically heavy MDMA users, evidence declines in nonverbal (visual) memory, however, other cognitive areas appear to be spared.     

Use of complementary and alternative medicine and quality of life: changes at the end of life

The purpose of this study was to compare the physical, psychological and social dimensions associated with quality-of-life outcomes over the last year of life, between advanced cancer users and nonusers of complementary and alternative medicine. One hundred and eleven patients were identified through Queensland Cancer Registry records, and followed up every four to six weeks until close to death using standardized protocols. Outcome measures were symptom burden, psychological distress, subjective wellbeing, satisfaction with conventional medicine and need for control over treatment decisions. At the initial interview, 36 (32%) participants had used complementary/alternative medicine the previous week; mainly vitamins, minerals and tonics and herbal remedies. Among all participants, 53 (48%) used at least one form of complementary/alternative medicine over the study period. Only six (11%) visited alternative practitioners on a regular basis. Overall, complementary/alternative medicine users reported higher levels of anxiety and pain, less satisfaction with conventional medicine and lower need for control over treatment decisions compared with nonusers. These differences tend to change as death approaches. A more rigorous assessment of complementary/alternative medicine use, psychological distress, pain and subjective wellbeing among patients with advanced cancer is needed in the clinical setting.     

Alternative method of gifted identification using the AMI: an apparatus for measuring internal meridians and their corresponding organs

OBJECTIVES: To determine if meridian energy (qi or bioelectricity), as measured by the Apparatus for Measuring the Internal Organs and their Corresponding Meridians (AMI), could distinguish between gifted and average boys and to gather evidence to assess if the AMI device could be effective as an educational diagnostic tool, specifically for identifying gifted children. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental design using discriminant analysis to determine how accurately the AMI could predict group membership previously determined by intelligence tests. SETTINGS/LOCATION: Practitioner's office within clinic in Albuquerque, New Mexico. SUBJECTS: Thirty-three (33 boys; gifted, n = 11 and average, n = 22) ranging in age from 9 to 12 years. OUTCOME MEASURES: Meridian nervous system energy levels as measured by the AMI. RESULTS: On average, boys in the gifted group had statistically significantly calmer nervous system measures than the boys in the average group. The discriminant function generated from the AMI nervous system measures accurately predicted group membership 70% of the time. Classification accuracy by groups indicated that 55% of the gifted cases and 82% of the average cases were correctly classified. Upon cross-validation, accuracy by group stayed consistent with the average group (82%) and improved with the gifted group (64%). CONCLUSIONS: Bioelectrical energy patterns of the nervous system, as measured by the AMI, could distinguish between gifted and average boys. The accuracy found in this current study using the AMI as a screening tool to detect giftedness is promising, however, further studies will need to be conducted to see if the findings can be replicated.     

The relevance of health anxiety to chronic pain: Research findings and recommendations for assessment and treatment

Health anxiety is a dimensional construct that is characterized by extreme concern about one’s health at one end of the continuum and lack of concern about health on the other. Research evidence is consistent with the notion that high levels of health anxiety among patients with pain represent a poor prognostic indicator. Moreover, the experience of chronic pain can serve to increase health anxiety levels. This article concludes with a series of practical recommendations to assist practitioners in the assessment and management of patients with health anxiety.     

Discovering and addressing the client's lay construct of genetic disease: an important aspect of genetic healthcare?

Genetic health care includes provision of information about (a) the cause of the condition, (b) recurrence risks, and (c) options for avoiding or treating the disease. This specialized aspect of health care may be offered by appropriately trained nurses, doctors or genetic counselors, but for brevity in this article the term "genetic counselor" will be used to describe any health professional providing such care. The accepted definitions of genetic counseling emphasize the transfer of information from the counselor to the client, to facilitate the client in making informed decisions (Ad Hoc Committee on Genetic Counseling, American Society of Human Genetics, 1975; Harper, 1998). However, it is important to recognize that both clients and counselors bring to the process of genetic counseling their own knowledge, values, and beliefs (Hallowell & Richards, 1997). The information provided during the genetic counseling process may not be novel to the client, and will be received against a background of the client's previous knowledge about the condition.     

Expression of focal adhesion kinase and phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx

OBJECTIVES: Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is overexpressed in a variety of human cancers including those derived from the oral cavity. The purpose of this work is to determine the expression patterns of FAK and its activated form, FAK pY397, in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and to correlate FAK expression with tumor differentiation and clinical parameters. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study using archival tissue. METHODS: Thirty-five paraffin embedded tissue specimens of laryngeal carcinoma were obtained from the Department of Pathology at the University of Florida College of Medicine. Immunohistochemical staining of the specimens for FAK and activated phospho-FAK (FAK pY397) was performed. Intensity of staining, distribution of staining, and percentage of cells stained was determined by one pathologist. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant correlation between FAK staining intensity and tumor differentiation. Poorly differentiated tumors stained more intensely than moderately differentiated tumors (P <.001). There was no correlation between FAK pY397 staining and differentiation (P =.163). However, FAK pY397 staining was unexpectedly found in the nuclei of many specimens. FAK was present in the basal layer of cells within nontransformed squamous mucosa derived from tonsillectomy specimens and in blood vessels. A small amount of FAK pY397 was also localized to blood vessels in nontransformed squamous mucosa. CONCLUSION: FAK and phospho-FAK are overexpressed in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx. FAK expression correlates with differentiation. Future investigations will examine the potential of FAK and FAK pY397 expression both as a prognostic indicator and a point of therapeutic inhibition.