Gene expression analysis on the early development of pig embryos exposed to malathion

Malathion is a widely used pesticide and there is evidence that it could alter mammal's germ and somatic cells, as well as cell lines. There are not enough studies showing how the nonacute malathion doses affect gene expression. This study analyzes gene expression alterations in pig morular embryos exposed in vitro, for 96 h, to several malathion concentrations after in vitro fertilization. cDNA libraries of isolated morular embryos were created and differential screenings performed to identify target genes. Seven clones were certainly identified. Genes related to mitochondrial metabolism as cytochrome c subunits I and III, nuclear genes such as major histocompatibility complex I (MHC I), and a hypothetical protein related with a splicing factor were the target of malathion's deregulation effect. The widespread use of malathion as a pesticide should be regarded with reproductive implications and more detailed analysis would yield more about molecular mechanisms of malathion injury on embryo cells.     

Group Interpersonal Psychotherapy for depressed youth in IDP camps in Northern Uganda: adaptation and training

This article reviews the use of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) with depressed youth living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in North Uganda. This youth has been exposed to severe losses and disruptions in relationships with caregivers, family, and community members; limited access to formal education; exposure to malnutrition and infections; and pressure to prematurely assume adult family roles. The process of adaptation to the content and training of IPT for these youth is presented and illustrated with case examples.     

Increases in sucrose consumption, but not ethanol consumption, following ICV NPY administration

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a centrally acting neuromodulator that influences both consummatory behaviors and anxiety. NPY's effects on feeding are primarily regulated through Y5 receptors in hypothalamic sites, whereas NPY-induced anxiolysis appears to be mediated by Y1 receptors in the amygdala. Recently, NPY has been postulated to play a role in the regulation of ethanol consumption. The present study assessed the influence of intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of NPY on the consumption of 10% ethanol or 2% sucrose in rats. Male Wistar rats were trained to self-administer 10% ethanol using the sucrose-substitution procedure and then implanted with an intracerebroventricular (ICV) cannula. The effects of NPY (0-15 microg) on ethanol consumption and sucrose consumption were then examined. ICV NPY infusion had no significant effects on the consumption of 10% ethanol, however, NPY significantly increased the consumption of 2% sucrose, [F(1, 11) = 6.18, p = 0.03]. These data suggest that ethanol intake and sucrose intake are differentially regulated by NPY. It is hypothesized that ICV infusion of NPY may be affecting both Y1 and Y5 receptors producing increased consummatory drive and anxiolysis, two factors that have opposing effects on subsequent ethanol consumption. Therefore, additional studies including site specific injection of NPY will be necessary to provide further insight into the role of NPY on ethanol consumption.     

Neoadjuvant Hormone Therapy Before Radical Prostatectomy: Update on the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Trials

We report here the latest follow-up of the Phase II and III trials evaluating pathologic results and relapse-free survival, as judged by serum prostate specific antigen (PSA), in patients with localized prostate cancer who had radical prostatectomy performed at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Center (MSKCC) either with or without neoadjuvant hormone therapy (NHT). Pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLND), radical prostatectomy, or both with or without NHT was performed in 141 patients enrolled in a Phase II trial comparing patients receiving NHT with concurrent controls and 140 patients in a randomized Phase III trial. In the Phase II study, there was a significant difference in the pathologic results, with only 35 (49%) of the 72 patients in the control group having organ-confined margin-negative disease compared with 48 (70%) of the 69 patients in the NHT arm (P = 0.0057; chi(2) test). With a median follow-up of 57 months, there was no significant difference in the PSA relapse rates in the two arms (P = 0.92; log-rank test). In the Phase III study, 39 (59%) of the 66 patients in the control arm had organ-confined margin-negative disease compared with 52 (70%) of the 74 patients in the NHT arm (P = 0.17; chi(2) test). However, the positive-margin rate was significantly lower in the NHT arm (19%) than in the control arm (37%) (P = 0.023; chi(2) test). With a median follow-up of 35 months, there was no significant difference in the PSA relapse rates in the two arms (P = 0.73; log-rank test). Thus, although NHT improves the pathologic results, further follow-up is necessary to determine if this marked reduction in the positive-margin rate will translate into improved disease-free survival.     

Hypertension in multicultural and minority populations: Linkin communication to compliance

Cardiovascular disease disproportionately affects minority populations, in part because of multiple sociocultural factors that directly affect compliance with antihypertensive medication regimens. Compliance is a complex health behavior determined by a variety of socioeconomic, individual, familial, and cultural factors. In general, provider-patient communication has been shown to be linked to patient satisfaction, compliance, and health outcomes. In multicultural and minority populations, the issue of communication may play an even larger role because of linguistic and contextual barriers that preclude effective provider-patient communication. These factors may further limit compliance. The ESFT Model for Communication and Compliance is an individual, patient-based communication tool that allows for screening for barriers to compliance and illustrates strategies for interventions that might improve outcomes for all hypertensive patients.     

Microbiological assessment of ambient waters and proposed water sources for restoration of a Florida wetland

This study evaluated the microbial quality of reclaimed and storm water as proposed sources for restoration of a Florida wetland. Bacterial indicators, bacteriophages and waterborne pathogenic microorganisms (Cryptosporidium, Giardia and infectious enteric viruses) were analysed during a 1-year period in order to determine potential public health risks associated with exposure to the proposed water sources for restoration. Ambient waters within the wetland (four active water wells and four major lakes) were included in the study in order to determine the microbial water quality before restoration. Storm water and lakes had the highest level of microbial contamination. Much lower levels of microbial indicators and waterborne pathogens were found in reclaimed water and groundwater. Pathogen occurrence in groundwater was intermittent. Owing to the small percentage of source waters (3.3%) migrating to the water wells, ambient concentration of microbial constituents in surface and groundwater could dominate microbial risk. The results of this study indicate that, in the light of the uncertainties involved in computing average Cryptosporidium concentrations, additional characterization of the current ambient water quality should be ongoing prior to restoration.