Differences between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism and bulimic symptoms in young women

Researchers have found some evidence of a link between narcissism and bulimia nervosa (BN). It is increasingly recognized, however, that there are two forms of narcissism: grandiose and vulnerable. Unfortunately, extant research on this relation has failed to distinguish between these forms. This is important as they differ in underlying traits, etiology, and outcomes. In the current study, we examined the relations between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism and BN and tested whether the relation between vulnerable narcissism and BN is confounded by trait levels of neuroticism. As hypothesized, only vulnerable narcissism was related with BN symptoms and much of this relation was explained by neuroticism. Future research should examine what vulnerable narcissism adds to the prediction of BN above and beyond neuroticism.     

Elastin-like polypeptide incorporated thermally sensitive liposome improve antibiotic therapy against musculoskeletal bacterial pathogens

Abstract

Musculoskeletal infections caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in children and adults can lead to adverse outcomes including a need for extensive surgical debridement and limb amputation. To enable targeted antimicrobial release in infected tissues, the objective of this study was to design and investigate novel elastin-like polypeptide (ELP)-based thermally sensitive liposomes in vitro. ELP biopolymers can change their phase behaviour at higher temperatures. We hypothesised that ELP-TSL will improve therapeutic efficacy by releasing antimicrobial payloads locally at higher temperatures (≥39?°C). ELP-TSL library were formulated by varying cholesterol and phospholipid composition by the thin film and extrusion method. A broad-spectrum antimicrobial (Ciprofloxacin or Cipro) was encapsulated inside the liposomes by the ammonium sulphate gradient method. Cipro release from ELP-TSLs was assessed in physiological buffers containing ～25% serum by fluorescence spectroscopy, and efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was assessed by disc diffusion and planktonic assay. Active loading of Cipro achieved an encapsulation efficiency of 40–70% in the ELP-TSL depending upon composition. ELP-TSL Cipro release was near complete at ≥39?°C; however, the release rates could be delayed by cholesterol. Triggered release of Cipro from ELP-TSL at ～42?°C induced significant killing of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa compared to 37?°C. Our in vitro data suggest that ELP-TSL may potentially improve bacterial wound therapy in patients.     

Targeted antibiotic delivery using low temperature-sensitive liposomes and magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound hyperthermia

Chronic non-healing wound infections require long duration antibiotic therapy, and are associated with significant morbidity and health-care costs. Novel approaches for efficient, readily-translatable targeted and localised antimicrobial delivery are needed. The objectives of this study were to 1) develop low temperature-sensitive liposomes (LTSLs) containing an antimicrobial agent (ciprofloxacin) for induced release at mild hyperthermia (～42?°C), 2) characterise in vitro ciprofloxacin release, and efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus plankton and biofilms, and 3) determine the feasibility of localised ciprofloxacin delivery in combination with MR-HIFU hyperthermia in a rat model. LTSLs were loaded actively with ciprofloxacin and their efficacy was determined using a disc diffusion method, MBEC biofilm device, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Ciprofloxacin release from LTSLs was assessed in a physiological buffer by fluorescence spectroscopy, and in vivo in a rat model using MR-HIFU. Results indicated that < 5% ciprofloxacin was released from the LTSL at body temperature (37?°C), while >95% was released at 42?°C. Precise hyperthermia exposures in the thigh of rats using MR-HIFU during intravenous (i.v.) administration of the LTSLs resulted in a four fold greater local concentration of ciprofloxacin compared to controls (free ciprofloxacin?+?MR-HIFU or LTSL alone). The biodistribution of ciprofloxacin in unheated tissues was fairly similar between treatment groups. Triggered release at 42?°C from LTSL achieved significantly greater S. aureus killing and induced membrane deformation and changes in biofilm matrix compared to free ciprofloxacin or LTSL at 37?°C. This technique has potential as a method to deliver high concentration antimicrobials to chronic wounds.     

Wallerian degeneration after cerebral infarction: evaluation with sequential MR imaging

The dynamic signal intensity changes at magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in active and chronic wallerian degeneration in the corticospinal tract were evaluated. Forty-three patients with wallerian degeneration seen on MR images after cerebral infarction were studied. When possible, patients with acute stroke were examined with MR imaging prospectively at the onset of symptoms and then at weekly intervals for several months. Focal infarction without distal axonal degeneration is demonstrated for the 1st month following onset of clinical symptoms. At 4 weeks, a well-defined band of hypointense signal appears on T2-weighted images in the topographic distribution of the corticospinal tract. After 10-14 weeks, the signal becomes permanently hyperintense. Over several years, accompanying ipsilateral brain stem shrinkage occurs. The dark signal intensity observed on T2-weighted images between 4 and 14 weeks is believed to result primarily from transitory increased lipid-protein ratio.