A proGDNF-related peptide BEP increases synaptic excitation in rat hippocampus

The glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) precursor contains several putative sites for prohormone convertase-mediated excision of short peptides. Here, we show that one of the predicted peptides, named BEP (brain excitatory peptide), induces a substantial increase in the synaptic excitability in rat CA1 pyramidal neurons. The excitation is sensitive to N-ethylmaleimide, suggesting involvement of a G-protein-coupled receptor.     

Quantification of angiogenesis by the Chalkley method and its prognostic significance in epithelial ovarian cancer

AimThe aim of the present study was to clarify prognostic role of angiogenesis in epithelial ovarian cancer.MethodsQuantification of angiogenesis was performed by the Chalkley method after immunostaining of 175 epithelial ovarian cancer specimens with an antibody against CD34.ResultsThe Chalkley count was categorised into two groups according to the median value: low <8 or high ⩾8. The low Chalkley count correlated significantly with serous and clear cell histological subtype of the tumour (p < 0.0005), whereas there existed no association with FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) stage, histological grade, presence of primary residual tumour, age at diagnosis, or chemotherapy response. In univariate analysis, the high Chalkley count predicted poor overall survival in the subgroup of patients with FIGO stages III–IV tumours (p = 0.007) but not in the entire study cohort. However, in multivariate analysis, the Chalkley count was found to be an independent predictor of death from ovarian cancer in the entire study cohort (p = 0.044, RR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.01–2.21) as well as in the subgroup of FIGO stages III–IV tumours (p = 0.046, RR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.01–2.46) together with the presence of primary residual tumour (p < 0.0005, RR = 5.10, 95% CI 3.02–8.62, and p = 0.002, RR = 4.28, 95% CI 1.34–13.73, respectively).ConclusionsThe Chalkley count seems to be suitable for evaluation of angiogenesis and to have prognostic significance in ovarian cancer.     

Association of serotonin transporter promoter regulatory region polymorphism and cerebral activity to visual presentation of food

Recent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have revealed links between genetic polymorphisms and cognitive and behavioural processes. Serotonin is a classical neurotransmitter of central nervous system, and it is connected to the control of appetite and satiety. In this study, the relationship between the functional variation in the serotonin transporter gene and the activity in the left posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), a brain area activated by visual food stimuli was explored. Thirty subjects underwent serial fMRI studies and provided DNA for genetic analyses. Subjects homozygous for the long allele exhibited greater left PCC activity in the comparison food > non-food compared with individuals heterozygous or homozygous for the short allele. The association between genotype and activation was linear, the subjects with two copies of the long allele variant having the strongest activation. These results demonstrate the possible genetically driven variation in the response of the left PCC to visual presentation of food in humans.     

Gender-related differences in the management of non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome patients

OBJECTIVES: To compare management and outcome of female and male non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. DESIGN: FINACS Studies are prospective registries of non-ST-elevation ACS patients conducted in 2001, 2003, and 2005 in nine hospitals. RESULTS: The studies enrolled 1,399 patients from which 39% were women. During hospitalisation women were treated less often than men with aspirin (odds ratio [OR]) for women 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41 to 0.88, p=0.03). Women underwent less often in-hospital coronary angiography than men (adjusted OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.93, p=0.01). Also in the subgroup of younger (<75 years) high-risk patients, female sex was independent predictor for not performing in-hospital angiography (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.97, p=0.04). Age-adjusted mortality at 6 months was similar between men and women. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to men women received less often aspirin. Women were referred less often to in-hospital coronary angiography. Under-use of in-hospital angiography was evident also in patients with high-risk features when guidelines recommend early invasive treatment.     

Registered nurses' psychological capital: A scoping review

Aims

The aim was to examine the extent and scope of empirical research concerning registered nurses' psychological capital.

Background

In a time of global nursing shortage, identifying variables that could positively contribute to the retention of the nursing workforce is essential. Prior research has shown that psychological capital correlates positively with employees' better performance and well-being.

Design

A scoping review.

Data sources

A systematic literature search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Scopus covering the period from 1 January 2005 to 7 May 2023.

Review methods

The JBI methodological guidance for scoping reviews was followed. The results were summarized narratively.

Results

A total of 111 studies reported in 114 peer-reviewed articles were included. Studies were carried out across 20 countries, with the majority from China (45), Australia (nine), Pakistan (nine), Canada (eight), South Korea (eight) and the United States (eight). A positive correlation was found between registered nurses' psychological capital and desirable work-related outcomes, such as work engagement, commitment and retention intention.

Conclusion

A comprehensive overview of research evidence suggests that psychological capital is associated with many positive work-related outcomes and might therefore be a valuable resource for reducing nurse turnover.     

Breast milk – immunomodulatory signals against allergic diseases

Breastfeeding holds a key position with regard to the increasing burden of allergic diseases in the industrialized countries. Not only does it provide the infant with nutrients for growth and development, it also confers immunological protection during a critical period in life, when the infant's own defense mechanisms are immature. A delicate balance of stimulatory, even inflammatory, maturational signals, together with a myriad of anti-inflammatory compounds, is transferred from mother to infant via breastfeeding. Breastfeeding mothers, however, do not constitute a uniform group. The composition of breast milk shows marked individual variation and so, consequently, does the success of breastfeeding in reducing the risk of disease. Recent clinical studies indicate that the potential of breastfeeding to counteract allergic disease may be promoted by dietary means. While uncoordinated elimination diets result in a risk of general nutritional inadequacy or deficiency of essential single nutrients, a balanced diet following current dietary recommendations, specifically containing fresh fruits and vegetables (antioxidants) and fat of predominantly vegetable origin, may be associated with a lower incidence of atopy in the infant. As early nutrition appears to program the subsequent health of the child, the importance of the maternal dietary composition during breastfeeding should be emphasized. In future, an improved understanding of the mechanisms of this programming may offer specific therapeutic modalities for the prevention of allergic disease.     

Neuroimaging supports the clinical diagnosis of methanol poisoning

In addition to visual loss, methanol intoxication can cause brain damage that is revealed by neuroimaging. We report on a 34-year-old man whose visual acuity deteriorated dramatically during his journey round the world, shortly after an evening with excessive alcohol consumption. Two months after the start of visual disturbances he returned to Finland. At examination, poor visual acuity and glaucomatously cupped pale optic discs were detected. The history and clinical findings indicated possible methanol intoxication, which was supported by both CT and MRI. The MRI findings are discussed in the light of the MRI appearance of the pallidum nuclei among patients of different age groups.     

Eight-Row Multidetector Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography Evaluation of Significant Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate whether 8-row multidetector computed tomography coronary angiography (MDCT-CA) could replace invasive conventional coronary angiography (CCA) in patients with acquired severe aortic valve stenosis (AS). Coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnosis should be obtained with a noninvasive method in patients with AS undergoing valvular replacement. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of MDCT-CA in detecting high-grade (≥50%) stenoses in the main coronary arteries in patients with AS.Methods Twenty-three patients with acquired severe AS underwent both CCA and MDCT-CA. We calculated the total and volumetric calcium scores and evaluated the image quality of each coronary segment as assessable or nonassessable for stenosis. The images of the arteries were evaluated for the occurrence of artifacts and the presence of high-grade stenoses (≥50%) by visual estimation and comparison with that of CCA.Results Of the 322 segments screened 224 were assessable for stenosis. Heavy calcium load rendered 37 (38%) of the 98 coronary segments nonassessable.Compared to CCA, MDCT-CA had a sensitivity of 63%, a specificity of 96%, a positive predictive value of 52%, and a negative predictive value of 98% for ≥50% stenoses in the main coronary arteries.Conclusions Eight-row MDCT-CA revealed a low sensitivity in detecting significant coronary artery disease in patients with acquired severe AS. High calcium burden decreased visualization of the lumen and complicated most often a correct assessment. In this patient group, CCA should still remain the primary pre-surgical test to rule out coronary lesions requiring revascularization.