Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells undergo nemosis and induce keratinocyte wound healing utilizing the HGF/c-Met/PI3K pathway

We previously showed cell–cell contacts of human dermal fibroblasts to induce expression of the hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF) in a process designated as nemosis. Now we report on nemosis initiation in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Because BMSCs are being used increasingly in cell transplantation therapy we aimed to demonstrate a functional effect and benefit of BMSC nemosis for wound healing. Nemotic and monolayer cells were used to stimulate HaCaT keratinocyte migration in a scratch-wound healing assay. Both indicators of nemosis, HGF production and cyclooxygenase-2 expression, were induced in BMSC spheroids. When compared with a similar amount of cells as monolayer, nemotic cells induced keratinocyte in vitro scratch-wound healing in a concentration-dependent manner. The HGF receptor, c-Met, was rapidly phosphorylated in the nemosis-stimulated keratinocytes. Nemosis-induced in vitro scratch-wound healing was inhibited by an HGF-neutralizing antibody as well as the small molecule c-Met inhibitor, SU11274. HGF-induced in vitro scratch-wound healing was inhibited by PI3K inhibitors, wortmannin and LY294002, while LY303511, an inactive structural analogue of LY294002, had no effect. Inhibitors of the mitogen-activated protein kinases MEK/ERK1/2 (PD98059 and U0126), and p38 (SB203580) attenuated HGF-induced keratinocyte in vitro scratch-wound healing. We conclude that nemosis of BMSCs can induce keratinocyte in vitro scratch-wound healing, and that in this effect signaling via HGF/c-Met is involved.     

“The Chisel Test”—A useful operative, technique for determining adequate, compression during arthrodesis

Healing of an arthrodesis occurs optimally when the prepared joint surfaces are held rigidly under compression [1]. We routinely use the “Chisel test” intra-operatively to determine whether we have achieved adequate compression and rigidity after fixation of our foot and ankle fusions. This previously un-reported technique uses tools already on hand when performing an arthrodesis and takes seconds to perform.     

The prevalence and trends of overweight,obesity and nutrition‐related non‐communicable diseases in the Arabian Gulf States

This paper reviews studies on the prevalence of overweight, obesity and related nutrition‐related non‐communicable diseases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Obesity is common among women; while men have an equal or higher overweight prevalence. Among adults, overweight plus obesity rates are especially high in Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and especially among 30–60 year olds (70–85% among men; 75–88% among women), with lower levels among younger and elderly adults. The rate of increase in obesity was pronounced in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Prevalence of obesity is high among Kuwaiti and Saudi pre‐schoolers (8–9%), while adolescent overweight and obesity are among the highest in the world, with Kuwait having the worst estimates (40–46%); however, comparison of child data is difficult because of differing standards. Among nutrition‐related non‐communicable diseases, hypertension and diabetes levels are very high and increase with age, with the UAE performing the worst because of a rapid rate of increase between 1995 and 2000. Additional monitoring of the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and cancers is necessary. Nationally representative longitudinal surveys with individual, household and community‐level information are needed to determine the importance of various factors that contribute to these troubling trends.     

Toward applying cognitive skill training to memory problems

Four elements of a successful program of cognitive skill training for the elderly include: (a) the use of mnemonic aids for the memorization of new information; (b) the development of motivational techniques to enhance attention to materials and maintenance of cognitive skills acquired through training; (c) the design of techniques which utilize individual differences in abilities personality, and cognitive style to enhance individual programs of cognitive skill training; and (d) the use of appropriate medical and/or psychiatric care when necessary.     

Differences in food patterns at breakfast by sociodemographic characteristics among a nationally representative sample of adults in the United States

BACKGROUND: Eating breakfast is considered an important determinant of a healthy lifestyle. This study explores the different food patterns of breakfast for adults aged 18-65 in the United States. METHODS: Data are from the 1994-1996 Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals, n = 15,641. Dietary assessment method used was the 24-h recall. Nutrient differences among the breakfast food patterns as well as the sociodemographic characteristics of individuals following each eating pattern are examined. RESULTS: The primary food patterns were based on consumption of eggs (15.3% of adults), ready-to-eat cereals (17.4%), bread (21.7%), cooked cereal (4.4%), fruit and fruit juice (5.5%), and coffee, soft drinks, and high-fat desserts (15.1%). Seventeen and three-tenths percent of the adults skipped breakfast. These food patterns provide remarkably different nutrient profiles adjusting for energy intake. The egg pattern is highest in total fat, lowest in fiber density, and low in iron and calcium density. In contrast, the ready-to-eat cereal pattern is high in fiber, highest in calcium density, and very low in fat. Breakfast food patterns differ markedly by various sociodemographic factors such as gender, ethnicity, and educational level. CONCLUSION: Different segments of our population consume different types of foods at breakfast, contributing to differences in their nutrient intakes.