Inhibition of natural killer cells protects the liver against acute injury in the absence of glycine N-methyltransferase

Glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT) catabolizes S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), the main methyl donor of the body. Patients with cirrhosis show attenuated GNMT expression, which is absent in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) samples. GNMT(-/-) mice develop spontaneous steatosis that progresses to steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and HCC. The liver is highly enriched with innate immune cells and plays a key role in the body's host defense and in the regulation of inflammation. Chronic inflammation is the major hallmark of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) progression. The aim of our study was to uncover the molecular mechanisms leading to liver chronic inflammation in the absence of GNMT, focusing on the implication of natural killer (NK) / natural killer T (NKT) cells. We found increased expression of T helper (Th)1- over Th2-related cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-R2/DR5, and several ligands of NK cells in GNMT(-/-) livers. Interestingly, NK cells from GNMT(-/-) mice were spontaneously activated, expressed more TRAIL, and had strong cytotoxic activity, suggesting their contribution to the proinflammatory environment in the liver. Accordingly, NK cells mediated hypersensitivity to concanavalin A (ConA)-mediated hepatitis in GNMT(-/-) mice. Moreover, GNMT(-/-) mice were hypersensitive to endotoxin-mediated liver injury. NK cell depletion and adoptive transfer of TRAIL(-/-) liver-NK cells protected the liver against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) liver damage. CONCLUSION: Our data allow us to conclude that TRAIL-producing NK cells actively contribute to promote a proinflammatory environment at early stages of fatty liver disease, suggesting that this cell compartment may contribute to the progression of NASH.     

Pediatric dentoalveolar surgery

Dentoalveolar surgery in children presents general dentists with unique challenges not encountered in adults. The long-term effects that treatments have on these children must always be taken into consideration. A clear understanding of the growth and development of pediatric patients is necessary to correctly identify dental abnormalities.     

“The Shoop Shoop Song”

In this paper I describe how I integrate the interpersonal psychoanalytic idea of transference–countertransference with the systems idea of couple's fit. I define the two constructs as I use them, including a redefinition of couple's fit. The redefinition includes both the similarity of a couple's fears and the complementarity of the partners' styles of coping with those fears. I also contrast this integrative approach with that of projective identification. Finally, I describe a countertransference enactment with a couple to show that discussing such enactments can offer great therapeutic leverage. After the discussion, the therapist may find the connections between how the two people in the couple relate to each other and how the therapist and couple related. Clinical vignettes illustrate these ideas.     

BRIDGE 2 (Building the Relationship Between Body Image and Disordered Eating Graph and Explanation): Interventions and Transitions

BRIDGE 2 (Building the Relationship Between Body Image and Disordered Eating Graph and Explanation): Interventions and Transitions, builds upon the framework presented in the first publication of BRIDGE. BRIDGE 2 moves beyond increasing the understanding of the relationship between body image and eating disorders and encourages a movement into action. First, it suggests the appropriate point of intervention for both parents and teachers. Second, the continuum of health care from promotion to prevention, to early intervention, and to basic and specialized treatment services is positioned on the BRIDGE framework. This added dimension offers a new level of understanding specific to eating disorders by utilizing concepts from mental health promotion and mental illness prevention literature.     

Understanding Associations between Information Seeking and Scanning and Health Risk Behaviors: An Early Test of the Structural Influence Model

This study examined proposed direct and mediating relationships in the Structural Influence Model (SIM) of Communication within the chronic disease context. Using data from the Annenberg National Health Communication Survey (N = 14,472), we tested the potential mediating roles of information seeking, information scanning, and social capital between social determinants of health and four chronic disease risk behaviors: exercise level, fruit and vegetable intake, cigarette smoking, and excessive alcohol use. Information seeking, information scanning, and social capital received support as potential mediators. Our results are largely consistent with predictions of the SIM and highlight the important role of communication in reducing health risks and increasing healthy behaviors.