Relationship between dose of methotrexate, apoptosis, p53/p21 expression and intestinal crypt proliferation in the rat

Abstract Previous studies have shown that apoptosis is induced by cytotoxic chemotherapy and precedes hypoproliferation of intestinal crypt cells. However, the relationship between the degree of intestinal apoptosis and crypt cell hypoproliferation may not be directly related. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between apoptosis and hypoproliferation with increasing doses of chemotherapy. Eleven groups of breast cancer-bearing DA rats were treated with two doses of methotrexate (MTX) i. m. at varying concentrations (0.5, 1.5, 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg) or saline (control). Animals were killed at 6 or 24 h following treatment. The small and large intestines were examined for apoptosis, villous area (small intestine), crypt length and mitotic count per crypt. Immunohistochemical expression of p53 and p21^waf1/cip1 (p21) were examined quantitatively. Data were analysed using Peritz F-test. Low dose MTX (0.5 mg/kg) did not change p53 expression at 6 h but induced a 15-fold increase in apoptosis in the crypts of the small intestine. This was associated with only a minor reduction in crypt cell proliferation. Higher doses of MTX increased p53 expression and caused a lower (7-fold) but more prolonged peak of apoptosis that was accompanied by reduced villous area, shortened crypts and a more profound reduction in crypt cell proliferation. Unlike the small intestine, apoptosis in the colon was 10-fold lower, proportional to the dose of MTX and did not induce overt damage. Expression of p21 did not change with any dose at either timepoint. We conclude that apoptosis is not always associated with crypt cell hypoproliferation and that the small intestine can recover after low dose MTX despite a heightened peak of apoptosis of crypt cells.     

Variations in food preference and consumption across the menstrual cycle

There is some evidence that food consumption changes across the menstrual cycle. However, archived studies tend to rely on self-report data and do not differentiate among types of food eaten. The present laboratory study was designed to measure women's taste preferences and specific food consumption across the menstrual cycle. Women came into the laboratory, consumed everyday foods, and rated them on taste judgment scales. The foods were weighed before and after the tasting session to determine amount eaten. After the tasting session, subjects completed several questionnaires (e.g., measures of affect, restrained eating, menstrual cycle and menstrual symptoms). Physical measurements (e.g., height, weight) were taken at the end of the session. Sweet food consumption and preference ratings were significantly higher during the premenstrual period. Consumption and ratings of other foods did not differ. There were no differences in levels of mood, obesity, or restrained eating across the menstrual cycle. Low restraint was associated with reporting fewer menstrual symptoms, in general, and slightly better mood. These results support the idea that specific taste preferences change over the menstrual cycle, and that endocrinological factors could be involved in this phenomenon.     

A review of 198 patients (389 implants) who had breast implants removed

Because of the large number of women now returning to their plastic surgeons with concerns about their breast implants many years after surgery, we are afforded an ideal opportunity to evaluate these patients over the long-term. This study reviewed 198 patients (389 implants) who underwent explantation by two surgeons over a 2-year period, correlating prosthesis type, location, and length of time since implantation with two adverse endpoints, implant rupture and symptomatic capsular contracture. Significant findings included a relatively high rate of implant rupture in patients whose implants had been in place over 20 years, an increased incidence of both symptomatic capsular contracture and implant rupture in single lumen gel implants and a positive correlation between severity of capsular contracture and implant rupture.     

The Women's Health Trial Feasibility Study in Minority Populations: changes in dietary intakes.

This randomized clinical trial examined the feasibility of low-fat dietary interventions among postmenopausal women of diverse backgrounds. During 1992-1994, 2,208 women aged 50-79 years, 28% of whom were black and 16% Hispanic, enrolled at clinics in Atlanta, Georgia, Birmingham, Alabama, and Miami, Florida. Intervention/support groups met periodically with a nutritionist to reduce fat intake to 20% of energy and to make other diet modifications. At 6 months postrandomization, the intervention group reduced fat intake from 39.7% of energy at baseline to 26.4%, a reduction of 13.3% of energy, compared with 2.3% among controls. Saturated fatty acid and cholesterol intakes were reduced, but intakes of fruits and vegetables, but not grain products, increased. Similar effects were observed at 12 and 18 months. Black and non-Hispanic white women had similar levels of reduction in fat, but the decrease in Hispanic women was less. Changes did not vary significantly by education. While bias in self-reported intakes may have resulted in somewhat overestimated changes in fat intake, the reported reduction was similar to the approximately 10% of energy decrease found in most trials and suggests that large changes in fat consumption can be attained in diverse study populations and in many subgroups.     

延迟焦化装置综合优化控制策略的开发和应用

综合采用延迟焦化优化系统静态寻优值作为炉出口温度的设定基准值,在线实行急冷油程序控制和炉出口温度程序控制,开发了延迟焦化装置物料平衡的综合优化控制策略。并成功地应用在工业装置上。     

Suprascapular nerve entrapment at the spinoglenoid notch in a professional baseball pitcher

Suprascapular nerve injuries at the spinoglenoid notch are uncommon. The true incidence of this lesion is unknown; however, it appears to be more common in athletes who participate in sports involving overhead activities. When a patient is being evaluated for posterior shoulder pain and infraspinatus muscle weakness, electrodiagnostic studies are an essential part of the evaluation. Electromyography will identify an injury to the suprascapular nerve as well as assist in localizing the site of injury. In addition, imaging studies are also indicated to help exclude other diagnoses that can mimic a suprascapular nerve injury. The initial management should consist of cessation of the aggravating activity along with an organized shoulder rehabilitation program. If the patient fails to improve with 6 months to 1 year of nonoperative management, surgical exploration of the suprascapular nerve should be considered. Release of the spinoglenoid ligament with resultant suprascapular nerve decompression may result in relief of pain and a return of normal shoulder function.     

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: Imaging Evaluation and Management

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease reflects avascular necrosis of the proximal femoral epiphysis and growth plate in children age 4 to 8 years typically. The most likely etiology is vascular deficiency to the epiphysis and growth plate. The pathologic stages consist of necrosis, resorption, reossification, and remodeling. Radiologic findings reflect the pathologic stages. Containment of the femoral head with the acetabulum is the most important component of treatment, with preservation of range of motion also indicated in most patients. Surgical options for treatment include varus or valgus femoral osteotomy, innominate osteotomy, and shelf arthroplasty.