OBJECTIVETo detect the in-vitro effects of arbidol hydrochloride against 2009 new influenza virus A (H1N1).

METHODSThe activity of arbidol hydrochloride against 2009 new influenza virus A (H1N1) was determined in MDCK cell cultures. Hemagglutination assay, observation of cytopathic effects, RT-PCR and quantitative RT-PCR tests were performed for determination of virus titers. Inhibition concentration 50% and cytotoxic concentration 50% were calculated with Chou's Menu of Dose-Effect Program.

RESULTSArbidol hydrochloride showed low cytotoxicity (cytotoxic concentration 50%>100 μmol/L)and significant anti-2009 new influenza virus A (H1N1) activity in cell cultures. Inhibition concentration 50% were (5.5 ± 0.9), (3.4 ± 0.8), and (1.5 ± 0.2) μmol/L in hemagglutination assay, cytopathic effect test, and quantitative RT-PCR assay, respectively.

CONCLUSIONArbidol has low cytotoxicity and high anti-virus activity and can effectively trigger the activities of interferon and immune response, and therefore can be a valuable anti-influenza virus drug.

Animals ; Antiviral Agents ; pharmacology ; Dogs ; Indoles ; pharmacology ; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype ; drug effects ; Madin Darby Canine Kidney Cells ; Virus Replication ; drug effects

PURPOSE: The purpose of this micro-ethnography is to examine whether science and societal changes impact family communication patterns among a convenience sample of 16 Korean women. METHODS: The authors observed family communication in the context of a new breast cancer genetic screening and diagnostic testing program to detect BRCA gene mutations in Korean women at highest risk. RESULTS: Analysis of in-depth interviews and field notes taken during participant observation illustrated that communication patterns in families vary according to a woman's position in the family. If a grandmother tests positive for a gene mutation, her daughters make decisions on her behalf; they open and maintain the communication channel among family members. If a housewife is diagnosed with cancer and a genetic mutation, she immediately consults her husband and her sisters. The husband creates an open communication channel between his wife, his parents and his siblings. As a result, a woman's cancer is a concern for the whole family not merely a woman's secret or crisis. CONCLUSION: Cultural differences are important to consider when designing new genetic service programs in different countries.
Anthropology, Cultural ; Breast ; Breast Neoplasms ; Diagnostic Tests, Routine ; Female ; Genes, vif ; Genetic Counseling ; Genetic Services ; Genetic Testing ; Health Communication ; Humans ; Nuclear Family ; Parents ; Siblings ; Spouses

ObjectiveTo study the effect of fluorine on proliferation of osteoblast through extra cellular signal-regulated protein kinase(ERK) signaling pathway.MethodsMouse osteoblasts(MC3T3-E1) were cultured in vitro with different concentrations of fluoride for 24 and 48 h (the concentrations of Fˉ were 0,200,400,600,1000,2000,4000,8000,10 000 μmol/L,respectively).The optimum concentration for promotion of cell proliferation was determined by methylthiophene tetrazolium(MTT) assay.According to the optimum concentration,the cells were randomly divided into three groups:control group (0 μmol/L Fˉ); fluorine group (400 μmol/L Fˉ); fluorine and MAPK inhibitor PD98059 group(400 μ mol/L Fˉ + 10 μ mmol/L PD98059).Cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry after 48 h culture.The expression of P-ERK protein was determined by Western blotting and immunofluorescence.ResultsThe optimum concentration of fluorine for proliferation of osteoblasts was 400 μ mol/L.Compared with the control group[(76.12 ± 10.08)％,(2.06 ± 0.31)％],the number of cells in G0/G1 phase[(63.04 ± 8.12)％] reduced and the number of cells in S phase[(9.13 ± 2.08)％] increased in fluorine group (all P ＜ 0.05) ; but the number of cells in G0/G1 phase [(92.11 ± 9.01 ) ％] in fluorine and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) inhibitor PD98059 group was significantly increased(P ＜ 0.05 ).Western blotting results showed that:compared with the control group[(100.00 ± 0.00)％],the expression of P-ERK protein in fluorine group[(131.24 ± 13.88)％] was significantly higher(P ＜ 0.05 ),but the expression of P-ERK protein in fluorine and MAPK inhibitor PD98059 group [(91.33 ± 9.68 )％] was not significantly changed(P ＞ 0.05).The results of immunofluorescence were similar to that of Western blotting.ConclusionsFluorine at the concentration of 400 μmol/L can promote the proliferation of osteoblasts.ERK signaling pathway has played a key role in the proliferation of osteoblasts.

Cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. The replacement of large diameter vessels (≥6 mm), such as the aorta, has been performed successfully with synthetic non-degradable vascular grafts, while it is still a challenge to engineer small diameter vessels with long-term patency. Over the past three decades, the rapid progress in the field of vascular tissue engineering has provided some promising approaches, including in vitro, in vivo, and in situ tissue engineering of vascular grafts. This review is focused on the most recent progress and trends in vascular tissue engineering.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) doubles in the extreme elderly and is higher than in the rest of the population. Warfarin therapy to prevent thromboembolic events secondary to AF is often underutilized and under-prescribed in this subgroup, due to the fear of bleeding and other complications. Newer oral anticoagulants such as rivaroxaban and dabigatran offer alternative therapeutic options for the extreme elderly. We review the clinical trial data of these newer agents in the extreme elderly population. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The primary literature was identified through PubMed, using the following search terms: anticoagulation, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, warfarin, elderly, AF, bleeding, stroke, and aging. Additional references were identified through the review of references from the articles obtained. We included clinical studies evaluating anticoagulation therapies in AF. Selection emphasis was placed on those evaluating anticoagulation in the elderly population. RESULTS: Dabigatran and rivaroxaban have predictable, dose-proportional pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, which make them favorable options for the elderly. Fewer monitoring parameters and drug interactions allow for the greater ease of use. A landmark trial shows that the rate of intracranial hemorrhage with dabigatran is lower in this population compared to warfarin. However, the data is based on a small number of subjects enrolled in the clinical trials. As such, the real-world use of these agents may not replicate the published rates of bleeding and thrombosis in the study populations. CONCLUSION: More research is needed in this area, specifically in this population, before newer agents such as rivaroxaban and dabigatran are widely recommended for use in the extreme elderly patients.
Aged ; Aging ; Anticoagulants ; Atrial Fibrillation ; Benzimidazoles ; beta-Alanine ; Drug Interactions ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Intracranial Hemorrhages ; Morpholines ; Prevalence ; Stroke ; Thiophenes ; Thrombosis ; Warfarin ; Dabigatran ; Rivaroxaban

We report the surgical technique used to perform posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in two patients with a well positioned and functional hip arthrodesis. Intraoperatively, the operating table was placed in an increased Trendelenburg position. Episodically, we flexed the foot of the table by 90degrees to allow maximal knee flexion to facilitate exposure and bone cuts. We opted to resect the patella and tibia first to enable exposure, given the stiffness of the arthritic knee. One patient's medical condition prohibited complex conversion total hip arthroplasty (THA) prior to the TKA. The other patient's scarred soft tissues around the hip, due to chronic infection and multiple operations, made THA risky. The final outcome provided satisfactory results at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. TKA can be successfully performed with adjustments of table position and modification of the sequence of surgical steps in patients with ipsilateral hip fusion.
Acetabulum/injuries/surgery ; Aged, 80 and over ; *Arthrodesis ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/*methods ; Fractures, Bone/surgery ; Hip Fractures/*surgery ; Hip Injuries/surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/*surgery ; War

Very little information is available regarding psychiatry in North Korea, which is based on the legacy of Soviet psychiatry. This paper reviews the characteristics of psychiatry in former socialist countries and discusses its implications for North Korean psychiatry. Under socialism, psychiatric disorders were attributed primarily to neurophysiologic or neurobiological origins. Psychosocial or psychodynamic etiology was denied or distorted in line with the political ideology of the Communist Party. Psychiatry was primarily concerned with psychotic disorders, and this diagnostic category was sometimes applied based on political considerations. Neurotic disorders were ignored by psychiatry or were regarded as the remnants of capitalism. Several neurotic disorders characterized by high levels of somatization were considered to be neurological or physical in nature. The majority of "mental patients" were institutionalized for a long periods in large-scale psychiatric hospitals. Treatment of psychiatric disorders depended largely on a few outdated biological therapies. In former socialist countries, psychodynamic psychotherapy was not common, and psychiatric patients were likely to experience social stigma. According to North Korean doctors living in South Korea, North Korean psychiatry is heavily influenced by the aforementioned traditions of psychiatry. During the post-socialist transition, the suicide rate in many of these countries dramatically increased. Given such mental health crises in post-socialist transitional societies, the field of psychiatry may face major challenges in a future unified Korea.
Biological Therapy ; Capitalism ; Democratic People's Republic of Korea ; Hospitals, Psychiatric ; Humans ; Korea ; Mental Health ; Neurotic Disorders ; Psychotherapy, Psychodynamic ; Psychotic Disorders ; Social Stigma ; Socialism ; Suicide

In the adult brain, neural stem cells have been found in two major niches: the dentate gyrus and the subventricular zone [corrected]. Neurons derived from these stem cells contribute to learning, memory, and the autonomous repair of the brain under pathological conditions. Hence, the physiology of adult neural stem cells has become a significant component of research on synaptic plasticity and neuronal disorders. In addition, the recently developed induced pluripotent stem cell technique provides a powerful tool for researchers engaged in the pathological and pharmacological study of neuronal disorders. In this review, we briefly summarize the research progress in neural stem cells in the adult brain and in the neuropathological application of the induced pluripotent stem cell technique.
Hippocampus ; cytology ; metabolism ; Humans ; Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Models, Biological ; Neural Stem Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; transplantation ; Neurodegenerative Diseases ; metabolism ; pathology ; prevention & control ; Neurogenesis ; Signal Transduction

Major branches of the aortic arch and visceral aorta pose a particular challenge for endovascular repair of aneurysms involving these regions. To preserve perfusion through these essential branches, fenestrated and branched endografts have been used. Current fenestrated and branched aortic endografts have evolved into modular devices in which the aortic main body provides appropriate access to the target branch vessel either through reinforced fenestrations or directional cuffs as the hinge point for bridging stent grafts (BSGs). BSGs are used to connect the aortic main body and target branch vessel, and must provide both unhindered flow and a seal. Appropriate selection of BSG for target vessels in branched and fenestrated endovascular aortic repair is critical for technical success and durability. At present, there are no dedicated devices for use as BSGs, and a variety of stent grafts are currently used off-label. In this report, we review the available published series on the performance of presently available BSGs in relation to their design and selection.

Major branches of the aortic arch and visceral aorta pose a particular challenge for endovascular repair of aneurysms involving these regions. To preserve perfusion through these essential branches, fenestrated and branched endografts have been used. Current fenestrated and branched aortic endografts have evolved into modular devices in which the aortic main body provides appropriate access to the target branch vessel either through reinforced fenestrations or directional cuffs as the hinge point for bridging stent grafts (BSGs). BSGs are used to connect the aortic main body and target branch vessel, and must provide both unhindered flow and a seal. Appropriate selection of BSG for target vessels in branched and fenestrated endovascular aortic repair is critical for technical success and durability. At present, there are no dedicated devices for use as BSGs, and a variety of stent grafts are currently used off-label. In this report, we review the available published series on the performance of presently available BSGs in relation to their design and selection.