Novel explant model to study mechanotransduction and cell-cell communication.

To understand in situ behavior of osteocytes, we characterized a model of osteocytes in their native bone matrix and demonstrated real-time biologic activity of osteocytes while bending the bone matrix. Using 43 male Sprague-Dawley rats, dumbbell-shaped explants were harvested from stainless steel femoral implants after 6-12 weeks and incubated in culture medium or fixed. Sixteen specimens were used to determine bone volume density (BV/TV), volumetric bone mineral density (BMD) and histology for different implantation periods. Osteocyte viability was evaluated by L-lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in 12 cultured explants. Confocal microscopy was used to assess tracer diffusion in three explants and changes in osteocyte pH of a mechanically loaded explant. From 6 to 12 weeks, explant BV/TV and volumetric BMD trended up 92.5% and 101%, respectively. They were significantly and highly correlated. Tissues were uniformly intramembranous and all bone cell types were present. Explants maintained LDH activity through culture day 8. Diffusion at 200 microM was limited to 1,209 Da. Explants appeared capable of reproducing complex bone biology. This model may be useful in understanding osteocyte mechanotransduction in the context of a physiologically relevant bone matrix.     

Localized Kaposi''s sarcoma in a patient with pemphigus vulgaris

We report the case of a patient with a 13-year history of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) treated with immunosuppressive agents, prednisone and mycophenolate mofetil who had developed lesions of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) on a sole plaque of PV that had been previously treated with intralesional injections of steroids. The lesions were surgically removed and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) demonstrated human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) DNA. There were neither recurrences nor later dissemination of KS following gradual decrease of the immunosuppressive therapy. We suggest that the treatment with intralesional steroids may have influenced the local reactivation of a latent infection of the virus, determining the appearance of this localized KS.     

The expression of emotion through nonverbal behavior in medical visits

Relationship-centered care reflects both knowing and feeling: the knowledge that physician and patient bring from their respective domains of expertise, and the physician’s and patient’s experience, expression, and perception of emotions during the medical encounter. These processes are conveyed and reciprocated in the care process through verbal and nonverbal communication. We suggest that the emotional context of care is especially related to nonverbal communication and that emotion-related communication skills, including sending and receiving nonverbal messages and emotional self-awareness, are critical elements of high-quality care. Although nonverbal behavior has received far less study than other care processes, the current review argues that it holds significance for the therapeutic relationship and influences important outcomes including satisfaction, adherence, and clinical outcomes of care.     

Hood versus mask nebulization in infants with evolving bronchopulmonary dysplasia in the neonatal intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE: To compare infants' discomfort, nursing-time and caregiver preference, and assess the clinical efficiency (as a secondary outcome) of hood versus facemask nebulization in infants with evolving bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in the neonatal intensive care unit. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, open, randomized, controlled crossover clinical trial. In total, 10 infants with BPD who were on inhaled beta-agonist bronchodilators and corticosteroids were randomly assigned to receive their nebulized treatments either by a facemask, or by a hood for 2-3 days, and then crossover to receive the same treatments with the other technique for another 2-3 days. Infants' discomfort, nursing-time, caregiver preference and clinical efficiency were compared. RESULTS: At baseline there was no significant clinical difference between the groups. Nurse-time required for administering the hood nebulization (mean+/-s.e.m.: 1.9+/-0.1 min) was significantly shorter than the time for mask nebulization (12.0+/-0.6 min, P<0.0001). Infants' discomfort score was significantly lower (0.1+/-0.04) for hood versus mask nebulization (2.5+/-0.2, P<0.0001). Nurses and parents unequivocally preferred the hood treatment. During both mask and hood nebulization therapies (2-3 days) clinical efficiency was comparable. While both methods caused an immediate (20 min post) clinical improvement, the immediate respiratory assessment change score was significantly greater for the hood versus the mask nebulization (0.62+/-0.27 versus 0.13+/-0.14, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Nebulization of aerosolized medications in infants with evolving BPD by hood was less time-consuming for caregivers and was much better tolerated by the infants while being at least as effective as the conventional facemask nebulization.     

The European Menopause Survey 2005: women's perceptions on the menopause and postmenopausal hormone therapy.

OBJECTIVES: To identify and describe current women's thoughts about the menopause, hormone treatment (HT) and perceptions about breast cancer. METHODS: Between December 2004 and January 2005, 4201 postmenopausal women in seven European countries were interviewed via a standardized computer-aided telephone interview protocol. RESULTS: Almost all women reported to have experienced climacteric symptoms, and 63% of the women rated them as being severe. Only 52% of women were aware of the benefits of HT for relief of climacteric symptoms. Although 84% felt that severe symptoms should be treated, only 40% had used HT at some point in time. Thirty-four percent of the women preferring treatment with natural products did so because of the risk of breast cancer associated with HT. HT was recognized by 59% of the women as one of the most important contributors to an increased breast cancer risk. Most women received their information about HT and breast cancer risk from the media. CONCLUSIONS: This European survey reveals that the majority of women experience climacteric symptoms but that their decision whether or not to use HT is highly dependent on their concern about breast cancer risk. An increase in knowledge of the benefits and risks of HT is required for women to make appropriate decisions about hormone use.     

Gr?fenberg ring retained for 15 years: a case report.

A 41-year-old Chinese lady had a Gr?fenberg ring in utero for 15 years. During that period of time, she had one normal vaginal delivery a year after insertion, followed by an ectopic pregnancy 12 years later. We discuss the possible mechanism of action of the Gr?fenberg ring and sequelae of its prolonged presence in the uterus.     

Impaired helix 12 dynamics due to proline 892 substitutions in the androgen receptor are associated with complete androgen insensitivity

Human Molecular Genetics (2006) 15, 921–931;     

Substituting human chorionic gonadotropin by gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist to trigger final follicular maturation, during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, results in less systemic inflammation.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the degree of systemic inflammation, as reflected by serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, associated with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist for the induction of final follicular maturation. DESIGN: Prospective, observational study. SETTING: An in vitro fertilization (IVF) unit of an academic medical center. PATIENTS: Twenty-four women undergoing COH and IVF with the flexible GnRH antagonist protocol were prospectively assigned to receive hCG or GnRH agonist for the induction of final follicular maturation. METHODS: Blood was drawn three times during COH for measurement of sex-steroid and CRP levels: the day on which adequate suppression was obtained (Day-0); the day of or prior to administration of hCG (Day-hCG); and (3) the day of ovum pick-up (Day-OPU). Levels were compared among the three time points in the two groups. RESULTS: No between-group differences were observed in terms of patient age, gonadotropin dosage, duration of stimulation or number of oocytes retrieved. Serum CRP levels were significantly higher on Day-OPU than on Day-hCG and Day-0, but the difference was significant only in the hCG group (p<0.03 for both). The percentage change in CRP levels after hCG administration (Day-OPU vs. Day-hCG) (96%) was higher than that after GnRH administration (23%). CONCLUSION: Administration of GnRH agonist in patients undergoing COH for IVF yields a lesser degree of systemic inflammation, as reflected by CRP levels, than hCG.