Changes in physical health among participants in a multidisciplinary health programme for long-term unemployed persons

Background  

The relationship between poor health and unemployment is well established. Health promotion among unemployed persons may improve their health. The aims of this study were to investigate characteristics of non-participants and drop-outs in a multidisciplinary health promotion programme for long-term unemployed persons with health complaints, to evaluate changes in physical health among participants, and to investigate determinants of improvement in physical health.     

Coordination of glioblastoma cell motility by PKCι

Background  

Glioblastoma is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, in part because of its highly invasive nature. The tumor suppressor PTEN is frequently mutated in glioblastoma and is known to contribute to the invasive phenotype. However the downstream events that promote invasion are not fully understood. PTEN loss leads to activation of the atypical protein kinase C, PKCι. We have previously shown that PKCι is required for glioblastoma cell invasion, primarily by enhancing cell motility. Here we have used time-lapse videomicroscopy to more precisely define the role of PKCι in glioblastoma.     

A pilot study of the association between cariogenic oral bacteria and preterm birth*

Objectives: We examined the associations between preterm birth and low birth weight and maternal caries history, maternal periodontal status, and salivary levels of mutans streptococci and Lactobacilli. Design: This study was a matched case–control study in women during their pregnancy or up to 8 weeks after delivery. Subjects and methods: Thirty‐four women delivering before 37 weeks gestation were recruited along with 73 term controls matched for age and race/ethnicity. Demographic and obstetric information was collected from questionnaires and medical records and oral examinations along with commercial salivary tests were completed within the study groups. Main outcome measures: The main outcome variables were the preterm birth and low birth weight status. The independent variables measured were the salivary levels of Lactobacilli and mutans streptococci and the caries and periodontal status of the subjects. Results: The odds ratio comparing low levels of bacteria in preterm mothers and controls was statistically significant for Lactobacilli (odds ratio (OR) = 3.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.27 to 10.00) and almost significant for mutans streptococci (OR = 2.63, 95% CI = 0.95 to 8.33). Clinical caries and periodontal disease measures did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusion: Within the limitation of our study, low levels of Lactobacilli in saliva were found to be associated with preterm birth.     

Antibody-mediated marrow failure after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

Marrow graft failure observed in association with histocompatibility differences between donor and recipient is often attributed to rejection mediated by host-derived cytolytic T lymphocytes. The data presented in this report indicate that persistent host antibodies specific for donor antigen may also mediate graft failure, either by antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), or complement- mediated cytotoxicity. In the case of HLA Class I disparity, where all donor cells express the target antigen, the presence of alpha-donor antibody was associated with complete graft failure and death. In the case of ABO blood group antigen disparity, the presence of alpha-donor antibody resulted in erythroid hypoplasia. The latter cases proved informative insofar as they established that host antibodies could persist for more than 18 months after chemoradiotherapy and impair marrow function.     

IMPOTENCE AND ITS NON-SURGICAL MANAGEMENT

SUMMARY Impotence is a common symptom which can cause considerable distress to both the sufferer and his partner. The use of pharmacotherapy to improve erectile function will continue to increase as safe and effective drugs are developed. However, restoring erectile function should not be the only treatment objective. It is also essential to address personal and emotional factors in the sufferer, conflicts in his relationship with his partner, and sexual problems in his partner, all of which may be instrumental in causing or maintaining the presenting impotence. We advocate a combined approach with appropriate medical treatment and sex and couple therapy