Primary cutaneous alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in a pediatric patient

Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft tissue tumor in childhood; however, it rarely affects only the skin. This case report describes a child with a painful nodule on her face. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma, and a multidisciplinary team then followed up the patient. Soft tissue tumors are responsible for 6% of all childhood tumors, and 53% of these are rhabdomyosarcomas, which may affect any part of the body. Presentation in the form of skin nodules is rare and represents a diagnostic challenge, since there are no clinical characteristics that differentiate this condition from other pathologies.     

Anthocyanins induce cell cycle perturbations and apoptosis in different human cell lines

To investigate the mechanistic basis for the biological properties of anthocyanins, two aglycone anthocyanins [delphinidin (DY) and cyanidin (CY)] were used to examine their effects on cell cycle progression and on induction of apoptosis in human cancer cells (uterine carcinoma and colon adenocarcinoma cells) and in normal human fibroblasts. These compounds differ in the number and position of hydroxyl groups on the beta ring in the molecular structure. Cellular uptake of anthocyanins was confirmed by HPLC analysis and no metabolites were detected. The clonogenic assay showed that CY induces a dose-dependent growth inhibitory effect only in fibroblasts. This effect was confirmed by flow cytometric analysis, showing a significant reduction of cells in S phase. In contrast, DP inhibited cell growth in normal and tumour cell lines. This event is accompanied in fibroblasts by an accumulation of cells in the S phase suggesting a block in the transition from S to G2 phase. On the other hand, in tumour cell lines we observed a reduction of cells in G1 phase, paralleled by the appearance of a fraction of cells with a hypodiploid DNA content, thus demonstrating an apoptotic effect by DP. The occurrence of apoptosis induced by DP was confirmed by morphological and biochemical features, including nuclear condensation and fragmentation, annexin V staining, DNA laddering and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1-proteolysis. Furthermore, the mitochondrial membrane potential of apoptotic cells after treatment with DP was significantly lost. The different effects exerted by DP as compared with CY suggest that the presence of the three hydroxyl groups on the beta ring in the molecular structure of DP may be important for its greater biological activity.     

Fatal pneumonia following maternal HSV-1 viraemia in late pregnancy

Neonatal Herpes simplex virus (HSV) pneumonia without apparent accompanying disseminated infection is a rare condition. We describe a case of neonatal pneumonia following maternal HSV type 1 viraemia in late pregnancy. A review of the literature shows that cases of HSV presenting as pneumonia in the first week of life are the most severe form of neonatal HSV.     

Effects of a Mediterranean Diet,Dairy, and Meat Products on Different Phenotypes of Dyslipidemia: A Preliminary Retrospective Analysis

Background: Dyslipidemia is one of the major causes of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and a Mediterranean Diet (MD) is recommended for its prevention. The objectives of this study were to evaluate adherence to an MD at baseline and follow-up, in a cohort of dyslipidemic patients, and to evaluate how different food intakes can influence lipid profile, especially how different sources of saturated fatty acids impact lipid phenotype. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 106 dyslipidemic patients. Clinical characteristics, lipid profile, and food habits data were collected at baseline and after three months of follow-up with counseling. Adherence to an MD was evaluated with a validated food-frequency questionnaire (MEDI-LITE score). Results: The cross-sectional analysis showed that higher consumption of dairy products correlated independently with higher levels of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and with lower triglycerides (TG) levels. Instead, lower HDL-C and TG levels and higher TC levels were independently associated with higher consumption of meat products. Adherence to an MD significantly improved after the follow-up period, from a mean value of 10 ± 3 (median 10, IQR 8–12) to 13 ± 2 (median 14, IQR 12–15), p < 0.0001. Conclusions: Dyslipidemic patients benefit from counseling for improving their adherence to an MD. The high intake of dairy products was associated with less atherogenic hyperlipidemia, which was characterized by higher levels of TC and HDL-C as compared withs the intake of an excessive amount of meat products, which was associated with higher levels of TC and TG and lower levels of HDL-C.     

A field‐based disparity analysis of new 1,2,5‐oxadiazole derivatives endowed with antiproliferative activity

A series of 1,2,5‐oxadiazoles were synthesized as new potential antiproliferative agents. The in vitro cytotoxic activity evaluation of title compounds through MTT assay revealed that some of them showed significant activity against the HCT‐116 cancer cell line. The field‐based disparity analysis provided indications about the electrostatic, hydrophobic, and shape features underlying the cytotoxicity, suggesting that increasing the negative electrostatic field on the heterocyclic core of the structure has positive effects on the activity. The structure–activity relationships (SAR) around a particular compound can be explained allowing for a structural rationale for the differences in activity. The SAR provided by this series of compounds can be exploited to carry out further lead optimization.     

Bone loss induced by dietary magnesium reduction to 10% of the nutrient requirement in rats is associated with increased release of substance P and tumor necrosis factor-alpha

Dietary Mg intake has been linked to osteoporosis. Previous studies have demonstrated that severe Mg deficiency [0.04% of nutrient requirement (NR)] results in osteoporosis in rodent models. We assessed the effects of more moderate dietary Mg restriction (10% of NR) on bone and mineral metabolism over a 6-mo experimental period in rats. At 2, 4 and 6 mo, serum Mg, Ca, parathyroid hormone (PTH), 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin and urine pyridinoline were measured. Femurs and tibiae were collected for measurement of mineral content, microcomputerized tomography, histomorphometry, and immunocytochemical localization. By 2 mo, profound Mg deficiency had developed as assessed by marked hypomagnesemia and up to a 51% reduction in bone Mg content. These features continued through 6 mo of study. Serum Ca was slightly but significantly higher in Mg-deficient rats than in controls at all time points. At 2 mo, serum PTH was elevated in Mg-deficient rats but was significantly decreased at 6 mo in contrast to control rats in which PTH rose. Serum 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D was significantly lower than in controls at 4 and 6 mo. A significant fall in both serum alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin suggested decreased osteoblast activity. Histomorphometry demonstrated decreased bone volume and trabecular thickness. This was confirmed by microcomputerized tomography analysis, which also showed that trabecular volume, thickness and number were significantly lower in Mg-deficient rats. Increased bone resorption was suggested by an increase in osteoclast number over time compared with controls as well as surface of bone covered by osteoclasts and eroded surface, but there was no difference in osteoblast numbers. The increased bone resorption may be due to an increase in TNF-alpha because immunocytochemical localization of TNF-alpha in osteoclasts was 199% greater than in controls at 2 mo, 75% at 4 mo and 194% at 6 mo. The difference in TNF-alpha may be due to substance P, which was 250% greater than in controls in mononuclear cells at 2 mo and 266% at 4 mo. These data demonstrated that a Mg intake of 10% of NR in rats causes bone loss that may be secondary to the increased release of substance P and TNF-alpha.     

捷克中医药发展现状与分析

捷克作为欧洲内陆的议会共和制国家,实施强制保险模式以保障民众健康。导致人口死亡的主要疾病为缺血性心脏病、脑卒中和肺癌,而糖尿病、AD及COPD近年来发病率显著增加。捷克的传统医学包括巴赫花疗法、特异性免疫调节自我疗法、法国耳针治疗等。中医药在捷克具有一定的接受度,尤其是针灸已在神经性疾病中得到广泛应用。但中草药在捷克的使用受到限制,且中医药执业尚未合法化。建议深化多层次、多领域交流合作,并通过加强高水平中医药学位教育,加大中药与非药物疗法宣传和普及力度,推动中医药在捷克的发展。     

Including questionnaires with the invitation package appeared to increase the response fraction among women

ObjectiveThe Breast Cancer Environment and Employment Study (BCEES) is a case–control study that began in 2009. The study experienced a lower than expected response fraction, a trend that appears to be occurring internationally. A 32-page questionnaire was included in the initial invitation to participate, and previous research suggests that long questionnaires decrease response fractions. The aim of this study was to test whether removal of the questionnaire from the invitation package increased participation.Study Design and SettingA randomized controlled trial was undertaken among the BCEES controls from June to August 2010. One group of 250 received the questionnaire in the initial invitation package, and the other group of 250 received only the invitation package and was sent the questionnaire after their consent was received. The proportion of responses for the two groups was compared using contingency tables and chi-square statistics.ResultsThose who received the questionnaire with the invitation package were more likely to consent to participate than those who did not (40.8% and 33.2%, respectively). However, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.078).ConclusionTo improve response fractions and reduce time in following up nonresponses, questionnaires should be included in the invitation package.     

Synthesis of (+)- and (-)-cis-2-[(1-adamantylamino)-methyl]-1-phenylcyclopropane derivatives as high affinity probes for sigma1 and sigma2 binding sites

Selective ligands for either sigma1 (sigma1) or sigma2 binding sites are potentially useful for gaining a better understanding of the physiological functions of these proteins. Moreover, potent and selective homochiral sigma1 and sigma2 binding site ligands represent leads to potential radioligands for tumour imaging with positron emission tomography (PET). On the basis of their structural similarity to previous leads, new (+)- and (-)-cis-2-[(1-adamantylamino)-methyl]-1-phenylcyclopropane derivatives were synthesised and their binding affinities for sigma1 and sigma2 binding sites were determined. Each enantiomer showed high affinity for both sigma1 and sigma2 binding sites, but only (-)-cis-methyl-2-[[1-adamantyl(methyl)amino]methyl]-1-phenylcyclopropane-carboxylate, (-)-4, showed appreciable selectivity for binding to sigma1 versus sigma2 sites. The enantiomers of cis-(2-[[1-adamantyl(methyl)amino]methyl]-1-phenylcyclopropyl)methanol, 6, expressed the highest affinity for sigma1 and sigma2 binding sites. Ligands (-)-4, (+)-6 and (-)-6 might be rapidly labelled in their N-methyl groups by methylation of the N-desmethyl analogues with [11C]iodomethane to provide prospective radioligands for PET. The N-desmethyl analogues, which are also high affinity ligands, were prepared and shown to undergo satisfactory methylation with iodomethane.     

Sexual practices, risk perception and knowledge of sexually transmitted disease risk among lesbian and bisexual women

CONTEXT: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be spread between female sex partners, probably through the exchange of cervicovaginal fluid and direct mucosal contact. Additionally, lesbians have a high prevalence of bacterial vaginosis, which may represent an STD in this population. However, few data on sexual practices or perceived STD risk among lesbians are available to guide development of interventions aimed at reducing the risk. METHODS: To inform the development of a safer-sex intervention for women who have sex with women, focus group discussions were conducted with 23 lesbian and bisexual women aged 18-29. Topics included sexual practices, STD transmission and prevention, and knowledge about bacterial vaginosis. RESULTS: Although six participants had had bacterial vaginosis and three an STD, women reported little use of preventive measures with female partners (washing hands, using rubber gloves and cleaning sex toys). Participants said that vaginal penetrative practices using sex toys and fingers or hands are common, and that partners frequently share sex toys during a sexual encounter, generally without condoms. Knowledge of potential for STD transmission between women, and of bacterial vaginosis, was limited. Participants viewed use of barrier methods (gloves or condoms) as acceptable, provided that there is a reason (usually STD-focused) to use them and that they are promoted in the context of sexual health and pleasure. CONCLUSIONS: Safer-sex messages aimed at lesbian and bisexual women should emphasize the plausibility of STD transmission between women, personal responsibility and care for partners' well-being; should target common sexual practices; and should promote healthy sexuality.