Dental Anxiety as a Risk Factor for Facebook Intrusion.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationships between dental anxiety, Facebook intrusion, and shame. METHODS: A sample of 498 adults aged 16-69 years completed an online questionnaire comprising the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale, the Facebook Intrusion Scale, and the Shame scale from the Test of Self-Conscious Affect. RESULTS: Dental anxiety was positively associated with Facebook intrusion. There were also indirect effects of dental anxiety on Facebook intrusion through shame. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the problem of dental anxiety in the context of Facebook intrusion risk. The findings may be applicable in Internet dependency prevention and treatment, focused on help in coping with the anxiety related to doctors' appointments.

Aromatic amino acids and their relevance in the specificity of the PH domain.

Phosphoinositides are phosphatidylinositol derived, well known to be second messengers in various cell signaling pathways as well as in processes such as cell differentiation, cellular stress response, gene transcription, and chromatin remodeling. The pleckstrin homology domain of phospholipase C-delta 1 is responsible for recognizing and binding to PI(4,5)P2 and for this reason has been widely used to study this phosphoinositide as a biosensor when it is conjugated to a fluorescent tag. In this work, we modified the primary structure of pleckstrin homology domain by site-specific mutagenesis to change the specificity for phosphoinositides. We obtained 3 mutants: K30A, W36F, and W36Y with different specificity to phosphoinositides. Mutant domain K30A recognized PI(4,5)P2 , PI(3,4,5)P3 , phosphatidic acid (PA), and weakly PI(3,5)P2 . Mutant domain W36F recognized all the phosphoinositides studied and the PA. Finally, mutant domain W36Y seemed to interact with PA and all the other phosphoinositides studied, except PI(3)P. The changes in recognition argue against a simple charge and nonpolar region model for these interactions and more in favor of a specific docking region with a specific recognition site. We conducted in silico modeling that explains the mechanisms behind the observed changes and showed that aromatic amino acids appear to play more important role, than previously thought, in the specificity of phospholipids' binding domains.

Adaptation and validation of the Singing Voice Handicap Index into Polish.

OBJECTIVE: To translate and adapt the original Singing Voice Handicap Index (SVHI) for the Polish population and to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Polish SVHI version, such as internal consistency, reliability and construct validity in different groups of dysphonic singers. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case-control study. SETTING: Patients treated at a single institute. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty singers with voice disorders and 57 healthy singers completed the SVHI and the Voice Handicap Index (VHI). Thirty singers completed the SVHI twice within a 2- to 4-week interval. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, discriminant validity, criterion-related validity RESULTS: A strong Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.96) indicates that the SVHI items are measuring the same construct. Evaluating the test-retest reliability, the r-Spearman correlation coefficient was r = 0.797 for the total score of SVHI, which shows a good level of reproducibility. There were significant differences between the control group (CG) and patients with benign vocal fold lesions (P < 0.001), CG and singers with muscle tension dysphonia (P < 0.001), CG and coexistence of muscle tension dysphonia and chronic laryngitis (P < 0.001). There was a positive statistically significant correlation between SVHI and VHI (r = 0.753, P = 0.000*). CONCLUSIONS: The Polish version of SVHI serves as a valid health status instrument, as well as discriminating between singers with voice disorders and singers without voice problems. The SVHI is easy to perform in clinical practice.

Recurrent mutations of BRCA1, BRCA2 and PALB2 in the population of breast and ovarian cancer patients in Southern Poland.

BACKGROUND: Mutations in the BRCA1, BRCA2 and PALB2 genes are well-established risk factors for the development of breast and/or ovarian cancer. The frequency and spectrum of mutations in these genes has not yet been examined in the population of Southern Poland. METHODS: We examined the entire coding sequences of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and genotyped a recurrent mutation of the PALB2 gene (c.509_510delGA) in 121 women with familial and/or early-onset breast or ovarian cancer from Southern Poland. RESULTS: A BRCA1 mutation was identified in 11 of 121 patients (9.1 %) and a BRCA2 mutation was identified in 10 of 121 patients (8.3 %). Two founder mutations of BRCA1 accounted for 91 % of all BRCA1 mutation carriers (c.5266dupC was identified in six patients and c.181 T > G was identified in four patients). Three of the seven different BRCA2 mutations were detected in two patients each (c.9371A > T, c.9403delC and c.1310_1313delAAGA). Three mutations have not been previously reported in the Polish population (BRCA1 c.3531delT, BRCA2 c.1310_1313delAAGA and BRCA2 c.9027delT). The recurrent PALB2 mutation c.509_510delGA was identified in two patients (1.7 %). CONCLUSIONS: The standard panel of BRCA1 founder mutations is sufficiently sensitive for the identification of BRCA1 mutation carriers in Southern Poland. The BRCA2 mutations c.9371A > T and c.9403delC as well as the PALB2 mutation c.509_510delGA should be included in the testing panel for this population.

Effect of glyphosate, its metabolite AMPA, and the glyphosate formulation Roundup® on brown trout (Salmo trutta f. fario) gut microbiome diversity.

Glyphosate is used worldwide as a compound of pesticides and is detectable in many environmental compartments. It enters water bodies primarily through drift from agricultural areas so that aquatic organisms are exposed to this chemical, especially after rain events. Glyphosate is advertised and sold as a highly specific herbicide, which interacts with the EPSP synthase, an enzyme of the shikimate metabolism, resulting in inhibition of the synthesis of vital aromatic amino acids. However, not only plants but also bacteria can possess this enzyme so that influences of glyphosate on the microbiomes of exposed organisms cannot be excluded. Those influences may result in subtle and long-term effects, e.g., disturbance of the symbiotic interactions of bionts with microorganisms of their microbiomes. Mechanisms how the transformation product aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) of glyphosate might interfere in this context have not understood so far. In the present study, molecular biological fingerprinting methods showed concentration-dependent effects of glyphosate and AMPA on fish microbiomes. In addition, age-dependent differences in the composition of the microbiomes regarding abundance and diversity were detected. Furthermore, the effect of exposure to glyphosate and AMPA was investigated for several fish pathogens of gut microbiomes in terms of their gene expression of virulence factors associated with pathogenicity. In vitro transcriptome analysis with the fish pathogen Yersinia ruckeri revealed that it is questionable whether the observed effect on the microbiome is caused by the intended mode of action of glyphosate, such as the inhibition of EPSP synthase activity.

Clinicopathological characteristics of metaplastic breast cancer - analysis of the basic immunohistochemical profile and comparison with other invasive breast cancer types.

INTRODUCTION: Metaplastic breast cancer (MpBC) is a rare but aggressive type of breast cancer accounting for 0.25-1% of all diagnosed invasive breast cancers. Morphologically, it is characterized by differentiation of the neoplastic epithelium into squamous cells and/or mesenchymal-looking tissue. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed 13 MpBCs selected from the group of 1122 invasive breast cancers. Histopathological examination and analysis of estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR) and HER2 receptors expression in MpBC patients and their comparison to other types of invasive breast cancer has been performed. RESULTS: 13 MpBC cases represented 1.16% of the 1122 invasive breast cancers. The MpBC group presented with a significantly larger tumor size (≥T2, 69% versus 49%, p < 0.001) and with higher grade of histological malignancy (G1-G3) (p < 0.001). MpBC group had significantly more cases with no hormone receptors (ER, PR) and HER2 overexpression/gene amplification compared with the other invasive breast cancer types group (ER-, 69% versus 23%, p < 0.001; PR-, 69% versus 28%, p < 0.001; HER2 0/1+, 93% versus 82%, p = 0.019). Most MpBCs (62%) were triple-negative. We found a correlation between hormone receptors expression and lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001). The analysis of the HER2 expression allowed us to find correlation between its expression and tumor histological grade (G1-G3) (p < 0.001), tumor size (T1a-T4) (p < 0.001) and lymph node metastasis (pN0-pN4) (p < 0.001) in MpBCs. DISCUSSION: MpBCs are usually larger at primary diagnosis and most of MpBCs present with other poor prognostic indicators and show lack of steroid hormone receptors expression as well as HER2. Hormone receptor status and HER2 expression seems to correlate with histological grade of malignancy (G1-G3), tumor size (T1a-T4) and regional lymph node involvement (pN0-pN4) and these features are directly related to MpBC malignancy.

Evaluation of glucose metabolism in children with growth hormone deficiency during long-term growth hormone treatment.

Growth hormone (GH) affects carbohydrate metabolism through direct negative effect on insulin sensitivity and indirectly, via insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which exerts positive insulin-mimetic action. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the influence of long-term GH treatment on glucose homeostasis in 118 children with isolated idiopathic GH deficiency (GHD). Based on this analysis we wanted to determine the usefulness of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and parameters derived from the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in the monitoring of disturbed glucose metabolism during GH treatment and to assess the value of IGF-1 in prediction of those changes. Mean duration of GH treatment was 2.5 ± 1.2 years. Data were analysed in the whole group and according to baseline pubertal status. Significant increases in insulin concentrations, both fasting and during the OGTT, accompanied by a significant increase in fasting glucose and unchanged glucose concentrations during the OGTT, were found after the initiation of GH treatment. HbA1c did not change significantly during GH treatment in comparison to baseline values and remained normal, even in patients with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) found during GH treatment. Changes in glucose metabolism observed after the onset of GH treatment were related to increment in IGF-1 SDS and to GH doses. Significant associations between changes in IGF-1 SDS in the first year of GH treatment and some of the glucose metabolism parameters evaluated after the first, the second and the third year of GH treatment were also confirmed in multiple regression analysis after taking the GH dose into consideration. All cases of IFG and/or IGT detected during GH treatment are reversible after dietary intervention, independently of pubertal status, and do not lead to diabetes mellitus.

Analysis of Distribution of Expanded- and Standard-Criteria Donors and Complications Among Polish Recipients by Kidney Donor Risk Index Value.

INTRODUCTION: The approach toward transplanting kidneys from expanded-criteria donors (ECDs) in Poland is largely site-dependent. The Kidney Donor Risk Index (KDRI) allows for obtaining a more precise characteristic of ECDs and further stratification into "better" and "worse" quality grafts. METHODS: Comparison of the incidence of delayed graft function (DGF) and biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR), median of hospitalization time and median of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 1 year after transplantation among kidney graft recipients (n = 468), divided by donor status (ECD/standard-criteria donor [SCD]) and KDRI value (I: 0.67-1.2, II: 1.21-1.6, III: 1.61-2.0, IV: 2.01-3.48). RESULTS: ECD kidneys have been transplanted to 32.47% of recipients. There were no ECD recipients in KDRI compartment I, 16.55% in compartment II, 79.22% in compartment III, and 100% in IV. In KDRI compartment II, DGF was diagnosed in 34.9% of SCDs and 56% of ECDs (P = .003), BPAR occurred in 7.8% of SCDs and 16% of ECDs (P = .073), median hospital stay was 12 days for SCDs and ECDs (P = 1), and eGFR was 50.7 mL/min for SCDs and 49.4 mL/min for ECDs (P = .734). In KDRI compartment III, DGF was diagnosed in 43.8% of SCDs and 49.2% of ECDs (P = .139), BPAR occurred in 6.3% of SCDs and 31.7% of ECDs (P = .001), median hospital stay was 10 days for SCDs and 12 days for ECDs (P = .634), and eGFR was 49.5 mL/min for SCDs and 45.2 mL/min for ECDs (P = .382). Among ECD recipients, DGF was diagnosed in 56.0%, 49.2%, and 47.7% of patients for KDRI compartments II, III, and IV respectively (P = .776); BPAR occurred in 16% (compartment II), 31.7% (compartment III), and 23.1% (compartment IV) (P = .273); the median hospital stay was 12 days (compartment II), 12 days (compartment III), and 12.5 days (compartment IV) (P = 1); and eGFR was 49.5 mL/min (compartment II), 45.4 mL/min (compartment III), and 36.1 mL/min (compartment IV) (P = .002). CONCLUSION: Assessment using both the ECD and KDRI systems allows for a more precise evaluation of prognosis and predicting complications among recipients.

[The micronuclei frequencies in the buccal cell epithelium of young people of different age and gender in Ukraine].

The results of study of micronuclei (MN) frequencies among the participants of Ukrainian school biological olympiads are presented. Totally 266 persons have been inspected. The distribution of MN frequencies correspond to the Poisson's distribution with lambda = 2.5. The average frequency of micronuclei in males was 2.4 +/- 0.15%, in females it was 2.7 +/- 0.14%. The difference of the average MN frequencies for these two groups was statistically insignificant. The individual micronuclei frequencies varied from 0 to 8.3%, the average MN frequency in the general group was 2.5 +/- 0.11%, (limits 2-5%). The micronuclei frequencies in different age groups of males and females were compared. Significantly higher MN frequencies in females than in males at the age of sixteen were detected. The age-related changes of micronuclei frequencies (14-18 age) were different for females compared to males.

Pharmacokinetics and toxicity of two schedules of high dose epirubicin.

Epirubicin, a stereoisomer of doxorubicin, is reported to have equal antitumor activity with lower cardiac and systemic toxicity. Recently the maximum tolerated dose of this drug has been revised upwards with reported increased response rates. However, the pharmacokinetics of epirubicin at high doses have never been reported. Accordingly, this study was designed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of epirubicin when administered as either a 15-min i.v. bolus or a 6-h i.v. infusion in a phase I study at high doses. Nineteen patients with a variety of malignancies were given a total of 52 cycles of epirubicin at doses of 90 to 150 mg/m2 given once every 3 weeks. The maximum tolerated dose was 150 mg/m2 epirubicin given either as a bolus or as an infusion. The major dose-limiting toxicity was neutropenia. Interpatient variation occurred in the pharmacokinetics at each dose level but overall there were dose-dependent pharmacokinetics. This was manifested as a disproportionate increase in plasma levels and areas under the curve as the epirubicin dose was increased from 90 to 150 mg/m2. The pharmacokinetics of epirubicin could best be described by an open two-compartment model. Peak plasma concentrations were attained at a median of 12 min following the bolus injection and concentrations approached the steady state within a median of 55 min following the start of the 6-h infusion. Administration of the 150 mg/m2 dose over the 6 h compared to the bolus administration was associated with a 92% decrease in peak concentration from 3088 +/- 1503 to 234 +/- 126 ng/ml. This was not associated with an appreciable change in hematological or nonhematological toxicities. The median distribution half-life was 10 min and the median elimination half-life was 42.0 h. The cumulative renal excretion of the parent compound accounted for less than 2% of the administered dose. The major metabolites in both plasma and urine samples were 4'-O-beta-D-glucuronyl-4'-epidoxorubicin, 13-S-dihydro-4'-epidoxorubicin, and 4'-O-beta-D-glucuronyl-13-S-dihydro-4'-epidoxorubicin. This study demonstrates that a 135 mg/m2 bolus infusion given on a 3-weekly schedule is an appropriate initial dose for further clinical studies.

[Alterations of nucleolar DNA localization caused by simulated microgravity].

The functions of the nucleolus responsible for the biosynthesis of ribosomes in altered gravity are still unclear. The location of nucleolar DNA both in control and simulated microgravity has been investigated using fluorescent and immunogold cytochemistry. We have determined the redistribution of rDNA in the nucleolar components accompanied by their ultrastructure changes. According to this the lowering of rDNA transcription level under simulated microgravity was supposed.

Comparative study of the pharmacokinetics and toxicity of high-dose epirubicin with or without dexrazoxane in patients with advanced malignancy.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the toxicity and pharmacokinetics of the combination of dexrazoxane with epirubicin at dexrazoxane/epirubicin dose ratios of 5 to 9:1 in a controlled, crossover phase I study in patients with advanced malignancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with a variety of malignancies were enrolled. Assessable patients received two cycles of chemotherapy consisting of epirubicin alone and in combination with dexrazoxane. Comparisons were made between the toxicity and pharmacokinetics of epirubicin in the two treatment arms, using each patient as his or her own control. Dexrazoxane and epirubicin were delivered at dose levels of 600/120 mg/m2, 900/120 mg/m2, 900/135 mg/m2, 900/150 mg/m2, and 1,200/135 mg/m2, respectively. Twenty-six patients completed two cycles of chemotherapy and were therefore assessable. RESULTS: The maximum-tolerated doses (MTDs) of dexrazoxane/epirubicin were 1,200/135 mg/m2, with the dose-limiting toxicities being neutropenia, infection, and stomatitis. There was no difference in the nadir neutrophil or platelet counts between single-agent and combination treatment at any of the dose levels. Severe vomiting and stomatitis occurred less frequently following administration of epirubicin and dexrazoxane when compared with epirubicin alone (P = .01 and .02, respectively). Prior administration of higher doses (900 mg/m2 and 1,200 mg/m2) of dexrazoxane increased the systemic clearance of epirubicin, resulting in a decrease in the area under the curve (AUC). Elimination half-life, maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), and apparent volume of distribution of epirubicin were not significantly affected by dexrazoxane. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decreased by greater than 10% in two patients, but neither developed clinical or radiologic evidence of cardiac failure. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that dexrazoxane can be safely combined with escalating doses of epirubicin at dose ratios of 5 to 9:1 without having an adverse impact on toxicity. Studies are need to determine the optimal dose ratio for cardioprotection and to explore further the pharmacokinetic interactions of the two drugs at increasing doses of epirubicin supported by hematopoietic growth factors.

[Altered gravity affects subnucleolus localization of fibrillarin and NopA64, the most important proteins of rRNA processing].

Fibrillarin and plant nucleolin homologue NopA64 are two important nucleolar proteins involved in pre-rRNA processing. To understand better the effects of the altered gravity environment on the nucleolus functioning we have investigated the location of fibrillarin and NopA64 in nucleolar subcomponents of cress (Lepidium sativum L.) root meristematic cells grown under simulated microgravity that was compared to the control cells grown in normal conditions at I g. Cress fibrillarin was first shown to have the molecular weight 41 kDa. Both fibrillarin and NopA64 in the cress cell nucleolus are located in the zones known to contain processing pre-rRNA molecules as it has been previously reported in other species. The data confirm participation of these proteins in processomes--RNP complex particles involved in pre-rRNA processing. Under altered gravity a decrease in the quantity of both fibrillarin and NopA64 in the transition zone between fibrillar centres and the dense fibrillar component was observed, compared to control, which could point out to a lowering of the level of early pre-rRNA processing in these experimental conditions. This decrease was also detected in the bulk of the dense fibrillar component. These data support the idea that altered (reduced) gravity results in lowering the level of functional activity of the nucleolus.

[Tumour-stroma interactions in urothelial cancer]. / Tumor-Stroma-Interaktionen im Harnblasenkarzinom.

BACKGROUND: The histopathological structure of malignant tumours involves two essential compartments - the tumour parenchyma with the actual transformed cells, and the supportive tumour stroma. The latter consists of specialized mesenchymal cells, such as fibroblasts, macrophages, lymphocytes and vascular cells, as well as of their secreted products, including components of the extracellular matrix, matrix modifying enzymes and numerous regulatory growth factors and cytokines. In consequence, the tumour stroma has the ability to influence virtually all aspects of tumour development and progression, including therapeutic response. AIM: In this article we review the current knowledge of tumor stroma interactions in urothelial carcinoma and present various experimental systems that are currently in use to unravel the biological basis of these heterotypic cell interactions. RESULTS: For urothelial carcinoma, an extensive tumour stroma is quite typical and markers of activated fibroblasts correlate significantly with clinical parameters of advanced disease. Another clinically important variable is provided by the stromal expression of syndecan-1. CONCLUSION: Integration of markers of activated stroma into clinical risk evaluation could aid to better stratification of urothelial bladder carcinoma patients. Elucidation of biological mechanisms underlying tumour-stroma interactions could provide new therapeutical targets.

A categorical analysis of the social attributions of learning-disabled children.

The social attributions of learning-disabled and control children with either similar or higher social acceptance ratings were assessed within an open-ended interview format. In addition, measures of social self-esteem and expectation of social success were obtained. The learning-disabled group used luck more frequently and personality interaction less frequently as explanations for social outcomes than did the other two groups. Learning-disabled children also had the lowest expectation of social success and, like the low acceptance group, had a poorer social self-image. Possible explanations for the development of these attributions and the implications for holding them were discussed.

Effects of methylphenidate (Ritalin) on selective attention in hyperactive children.

This study investigated the effect of methylphenidate (Ritalin) on the selective attention of hyperactive children designated as favorable or adverse responders to stimulant medication. Using a type II incidental learning paradigm, it was found that children in the drug condition recalled more central and less incidental stimuli than those children in the placebo condition. While no differential effects on recall were found for responder type, methylphenidate did affect the spontaneous overt labeling of central stimuli by the favorable responder group. Results were interpreted in terms of the role of methylphenidate in narrowing the focus of attention. Implications for the classification of hyperactive children as favorable and adverse responders were also discussed.

Parents' attributions for achieving compliance from attention-deficit-disordered children.

Ninety-one parents provided reasons for the compliance and noncompliance of either their attention-deficit-disordered, hyperactive (ADDH) or non-ADDH child in six different situations. These attributions were rated on Weiner's (1979) dimensions of locus, stability, and controllability. While parents used the same categories to explain the reasons for their children's compliance behavior, they used different dimensional ratings for these explanations. Mothers rated attributions for noncompliance as more external than did fathers. Mothers of ADDH children viewed the causes of their children's behavior to be more unstable than did mothers of control children. Also, ADDH parents had lower expectations of achieving future compliance from their child than did non-ADDH parents. Results were discussed in terms of parental experiences, the need to consider an idiosyncratic approach to attributional meaning, and treatment implications.

A re-examination of the relationship between locus of control and voluntary heart rate change.

The present study was an attempt to resolve some of the inconsistencies and discrepancies in previous studies examining the relationship between Rotter's locus control construct and voluntary heart rate (HR) change. Twelve internals and 12 externals received two sessions (one week apart) of bidirectional HR control trials with or without feedback. Internals, relative to externals, were better able to increase their HR and showed more improved performance with feedback. Neither group was able to lower their HR significantly during any decrease phase of either session. It was suggested that (a) HR slowing may involve different psychophysiological processes than HR speeding, and/or (b) HR slowing may have been perceived to be a task involving chance rather than skill, in which case no difference between groups would be expected in light of the locus of control literature.

Segmenting health maintenance organizations to study productivity and profitability.

As the decade ended, health maintenance organizations (HMOs) were increasing in popularity as a means of health care delivery. These groups take many forms, so it is important for the analyst to see if the efficiency and financial results for these different forms vary. The four major forms are profit vs. not-for-profit, chain vs. non-chain, group/staff vs. individual practice association (IPA), and federally qualified vs. non-federally qualified. Using a nationwide database of all the HMOs in the United States, the article compares liquidity rates, leverage ratios, profitability ratios, marketing, and per member ratios across the four groups using paired t tests. The two classifications that showed the most differences were group/staff vs. IPA and federally qualified vs. non-federally qualified. IPAs have a better liquidity position and lower leverage ratios than group/staff but their administrative costs are higher and the time to receive payments and to pay debts is higher. Non-federally qualified have somewhat higher liquidity ratios and higher profitability ratios. These significant differences in financial outcomes indicate that studies of HMOs should segment different major forms of organizations and study them separately before trying to show the effects of different policies on HMO efficiency and effectiveness.

[Microflora of the sputum and indicators of natural resistance in patients with acute pneumonia]. / Mikroflora mokroty i pokazateli estestvennoi rezistentnosti u bol'nykh ostroi pnevmoniei.

The paper is concerned with the results of quantitative studies on the sputum of 106 patients with acute pneumonia. Etiological structure of acute pneumonia, the dependence of a clinical course of disease on a sputum microflora composition type and some indices of natural resistance and immunity were shown.