Dipeptidyl peptidase IV is down-regulated in rat hepatoma cells at the mRNA level

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) is a cell surface ectopeptidase that has been implicated in cell-extracellular matrix interactions, lymphocyte growth and the regulation of biological peptides. Previous studies have shown that immunostaining for DPP-IV and DPP-IV enzyme levels is decreased in hepatoma cells and levels have been correlated with the ability of such cells to adhere in vitro. The aim of this paper was to measure DPP-IV enzyme levels in rat hepatoma cells and to examine whether changes were associated with alterations at the mRNA level. The results indicate a greater than 90% reduction in DPP-IV enzyme levels in two rat hepatoma cell lines, HTC and H35, compared with rat hepatocytes. Enzyme levels of the control enzyme leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) were not decreased. mRNA studies indicated that these changes were associated with similar reductions in rat DPP-IV mRNA. It is concluded that DPP-IV is markedly reduced at the protein, enzyme and mRNA levels in rat hepatoma cells. The significance of these changes is unclear but may lead to decreased extracellular matrix interactions by such cells.     

Ethical dilemmas in providing tobacco to developing countries: the case of China

We should recognize that we have a responsibility to people who live outside our own borders, and view ourselves as part of the global community. Looking at China we are faced with ethical dilemmas which require consideration. First, there is the ethical dilemma of business versus health. The opening and development of the tobacco business in China, which includes vigorous marketing, is considered against the health consequences of tobacco use which is estimated to cost 600 000 lives annually in China, rising to 2 million by 2025 without effective tobacco control programmes. A second ethical dilemma is employment versus impoverishment, in which the opportunities for work in the tobacco industry are considered against a background of malnutrition caused in part by a proportion of household budgets used to buy tobacco, and the erosion of the land, as trees are used to produce tobacco. Gains have already been made in tobacco control in China, with the way open for much development in the future.     

A Five-year study of Hudron root canal fillings

A prospective clinical and radiographic study was conducted in order to compare Hydron and laterally condensed gutta-percha/AH-26 root canal fillings. Paralleling technique periapical radiographs were taken preoperatively, postoperatively and at recall appointments at post-treatment intervals of 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years and 5 years. Clinical examination at the recall appointments revealed no adverse signs or symptoms amongst all the patients who attended (mean attendance 44.5% at each interval). Radiographs were scored according to the periapical status of the treated root, and comparable bone healing rates were observed between the two root-filling materials. Among the patients attending recall appointments, there were no radiographic signs of failure of any of the 39 gutta-percha/AH-26 root canal fillings. However, three of the 35 canals filled with Hydron were classified as failures, and four required further assessment after the 5-year recall appointment. This study indicated that Hydron and gutta-percha/AH-26 root canal fillings were well accepted but, on the basis of radiographic assessment, success with gutta-percha/AH-26 was more predictable.     

The genes coding for phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase-1 (PCK1) and neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α4 subunit (CHRNA4) map to human chromosome 20, extending the known region of homology with mouse chromosome 2

The mouse genes for cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase-1 ( Pck-1 ) and neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor a4 subunit ( Acra-4 ) both map to distal chromosome 2 (Siracusa et al. 1989; Bessis et al. 1990). We have utilized Southern blot analysis on human/rodent somatic cell hybrids to map the human homologues of both of these genes, PCK1 and CHRNA4, to human chromosome 20.     

The death drive exemplified in a case of alcohol dependence

• ? When Freud first advanced the death drive it was considered a highly controversial theoretical idea. However, with the passage of time it has been slowly gaining support in certain psychoanalytical quarters.
• ? This paper aims to demonstrate the clinical usefulness of this theory in accordance with the Freudian and Kleinian model.
• ? Although the case history to be discussed is a severe case of alcohol dependence which had, previously, been unresponsive to treatment, many other maladies, both mental and physical, can be better understood in the context of the death drive being the principal motivating factor.

     

Exploring Paternal Influences on the Dieting Behaviors of Adolescent Girls

In this article we investigate fathers influence on the dieting behavior of their adolescent daughters. Fifty father-daughter dyads (N = 100) participated. The girls completed a questionnaire concerning their beliefs and behaviors with respect to dieting, their body satisfaction, and their perception of the advantages of being thinner. Fathers were surveyed in order to ascertain their perceptions of the advantages of slimness for adolescent girls and their beliefs regarding the importance of physical appearance and weight control in females of all ages. Associations were found between fathers attitudes to physical attractiveness in females, their perceptions of the impact of being slimmer for adolescent girls, and their daughters dieting behavior. Fathers who believed strongly in the importance of attractiveness and careful control of food intake by females were significantly more likely to have daughters who induced vomiting to lose weight. Fathers play an influential role in determining the dieting behavior of their adolescent daughters.     

ANAESTHESIA IN UNTREATED MYXOEDEMA: Report of Two Cases

General anaesthesia can precipitate cardiovascular collapsein patients with untreated myxoedema. This is illustrated bytwo case reports. Emergency surgery may be necessary in thesepatients but should be delayed for a few hours until therapywith triiodothyronine and cortisone has been started. Narcoticanalgesics, sedatives, and tranquillizers should be avoidedas they may cause marked respiratory depression. Hypothermiamay develop but active rewarming is dangerous and unnecessaryas the temperature will return to normal as soon as treatmentwith triiodothyronine is started. General anaesthesia may besatisfactorily carried out with nitrous oxide, oxygen, relaxantsand positive pressure ventilation. Present address: Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, England.