Aggressive Prostate Cancer Is Prevented in ERαKO Mice and Stimulated in ERβKO TRAMP Mice

Previous evidence suggests soy genistein may be protective against prostate cancer, but whether this protection involves an estrogen receptor (ER)-dependent mechanism is unknown. To test the hypothesis that phytoestrogens may act through ERα or ERβ to play a protective role against prostate cancer, we bred transgenic mice lacking functional ERα or ERβ with transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice. Dietary genistein reduced the incidence of cancer in ER wild-type (WT)/transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate mice but not in ERα knockout (KO) or ERβKO mice. Cancer incidence was 70% in ERWT mice fed the control diet compared with 47% in ERWT mice fed low-dose genistein (300 mg/kg) and 32% on the high-dose genistein (750 mg/kg). Surprisingly, genistein only affected the well differentiated carcinoma (WDC) incidence but had no effect on poorly differentiated carcinoma (PDC). No dietary effects have been observed in either of the ERKO animals. We observed a very strong genotypic influence on PDC incidence, a protective effect in ERαKO (only 5% developed PDC), compared with 19% in the ERWT, and an increase in the incidence of PDC in ERβKO mice to 41%. Interestingly, immunohistochemical analysis showed ERα expression changing from nonnuclear in WDC to nuclear in PDC, with little change in ERβ location or expression. In conclusion, genistein is able to inhibit WDC in the presence of both ERs, but the effect of estrogen signaling on PDC is dominant over any dietary treatment, suggesting that improved differential targeting of ERα vs. ERβ would result in prevention of advanced prostate cancer.     

Sex, stress and social status: Patterns in fecal testosterone and glucocorticoid metabolites in male Ethiopian wolves

Ethiopian wolves, Canis simensis, live in large multi-male family packs, where males are philopatric and do not disperse. Within a pack, mating and breeding is largely monopolized by the dominant male and female, although extra-pack copulations are common, and subordinate males may sire pups in neighboring packs. Regardless of paternity, all males in a pack help rear the pups. We non-invasively studied patterns in fecal testosterone and glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations using radioimmunoassays of fecal samples collected from nine wild male Ethiopian wolves between August 2007 and February 2008. We tested the predictions of the Challenge Hypothesis, namely that fecal testosterone metabolite concentrations would be higher during the annual mating season, which is the portion of the reproductive cycle when mating and increased aggression typically occur, and lower when there were pups in the pack for which to care. Contrary to the predictions of the Challenge Hypothesis, we did not detect patterns in fecal testosterone metabolite concentrations associated with reproductive stage during our study period. Similarly, we found no patterns associated with reproductive stage in male fecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations. Dominant males had higher average fecal testosterone and glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations than did subordinates, which may be related to higher rates of aggression and mate guarding in dominant males of group-living canids, a pattern also reported in African wild dogs, Lycaon pictus.     

A randomised crossover trial to compare the potential of stannous fluoride and essential oil mouth rinses to induce tooth and tongue staining

This study compared the staining potential of two experimental amine fluoride/stannous fluoride mouth rinses (A and B), a phenolic/essential oil rinse (C) and a negative control, water, rinse (D). The study was a single centre, randomized, single-blind, four treatment crossover study design among healthy participants. Prior to each study period, participants received a dental prophylaxis. On the Monday of each period, subjects suspended oral hygiene, and under supervision, rinsed with the allocated mouth rinse immediately followed by a warm black tea solution at hourly intervals eight times a day for 4?days. On Friday, the area and intensity of staining on the teeth, the primary outcome measure and dorsum of tongue were assessed. This regimen was repeated for all the three subsequent treatment periods. Rinse B produced less stain than rinse A, but the difference was not significant (p?=?0.20). Rinse B produced significantly more stain than rinse C (p?<?0.05) and D (p?<?0.001). For tongue staining, rinse B produced significantly more staining than D (p?<?0.01) but not A or C. Overall, all test rinses produced more staining than placebo with an overall pattern for more staining with stannous formulations. Individuals using stannous or phenolic/essential oil mouth rinse formulations should be advised of the possible staining side effect and that this can be easily removed by a professional dental cleaning.     

Fibro-osseous disease: harmonizing terminology with biology

Classification systems and associated terminology are inherently slow in reflecting rapidly unfolding scientific discoveries in the mechanism and presentation of diseases. Misleading concepts, which often have historical value only, may become entrenched in the literature, leading to confusion and inaccurate communication. The purpose of this communication is to stimulate discussion and debate on inappropriate terminology associated with fibro-osseous disease that continues to be perpetuated in the literature. Use of the terms "cementum," "aggressive," "active," "gigantiform," and "maturation" are questioned, and the criteria applied to the interpretation of secondary changes in fibro-osseous lesions critically are evaluated.     

Validation of the Greek version of the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales for Elderly People (HoNOS65+, version 3)

Objectives: There is a growing need for evaluation of the results of mental health services and clinical treatment in older people, but evidence for effectiveness is limited in Greece. The Health of the Nations Outcome Scales for Elderly People (HoNOS65+) are promising instruments for the assessment of mental, physical and social health in older persons. They have been translated into the Greek language but have not been validated. The aim was to assess the inter-rater reliability, intraclass correlation, concurrent validity, internal consistency and sensitivity to change of HoNOS65+ in a Greek sample of older people with mental health problems.

Method: Two samples, one of inpatients in a psychiatric hospital and the other of older people living in the community were used. In order to test the extent to which the HoNOS65+ were sensitive to change the first sample was reassessed after two months and the second after three months. For each participant HoNOS65+ were completed by two independent raters, and the clinician rated blindly each participant on the Stockton Geriatric Rating Scale and a scale which measured behavioural, physical, cognitive and emotional status.

Results: In both groups (inpatients n?=?50, community n?=?65), the inter-rater reliability, intraclass correlation and concurrent validity were high while internal consistency of the scales taken together was low. At reassessment in 98 participants, HoNOS65+ showed changes comparable to clinician ratings.

Conclusion: The Greek version of HoNOS65+ can achieve high levels of reliability, validity and sensitivity to change for measuring outcomes in older people with mental health problems.     

Contributions of Sunlight and Diet to Vitamin D Status

Vitamin D is made in the skin using ultraviolet radiation of specific low wavelength, 290–315 nm (UVB). For many parts of the world there is a period when there is insufficient intensity of UVB to make vitamin D, which is reflected by a clear seasonal variation in vitamin D status. Sun avoidance practices, melanin in pigmented skin, and sun protection creams (sunscreen), if used properly, can dramatically reduce vitamin D synthesis. Few foods naturally contain vitamin D, although some countries fortify foods with vitamin D. Regulatory mechanisms in the skin mean there is no danger of vitamin D toxicity through sunlight synthesis. Although oral vitamin D is potentially toxic with high-dose supplements, there is a wide safety margin. Long-term safety data covering a range of potential adverse outcomes are limited.