[Binge eating disorder: Links with personality and emotionality]. / Hyperphagie boulimique : liens avec la personnalité et l'émotionnalité.

OBJECTIVES: Our two objectives were: (1) to investigate the relationship between binge eating disorder, dimensions of personality (according to the Big Five model of Costa and McCrae) and those of emotionality in the "tripartite" model of emotions of Watson and Clark; (2) to evaluate the correspondence between the Binge Eating Scale (BES) and the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI-2) scores. METHOD: Four self-administered questionnaires were completed on a shared doc website: the EDI-2, the BES, the BFI-Fr (Big Five Inventory-French version) and the EPN-31 (Positive and Negative Emotionality Scale). The analyses were conducted in a sample of 101 participants (36 men and 65 women), aged 20-59 years (mean age=35.28±9.76) from the general population. RESULTS: We found that 11% of the participants had moderate to severe binge eating disorder. Among them, nearly 4% were overweight and 4% were obese. The correlations analyses indicated that binge eating disorder was associated with two dimensions of personality, the neuroticism (P=0.001) and the consciousness (P=0.010), and with the emotions of joy (P=0.008), tenderness (P=0.036), fear (P=0.011), shame (P<0.001) and sadness (P=0.009). From a comparative perspective, participants with binge eating disorder get higher scores on EDI-2 subscales: search for thinness (P=0.001), bulimia (P<0.001), dissatisfaction with the body (P<0.001) and interceptive awareness (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that binge eating disorder is associated with negative affectivity both as a personality dimension and as an emotional feeling. The patterns of associations, observed with the EDI scale, seem to confirm the good convergent validity of the Binge Eating Scale. Thus, like other eating disorders, emotional functioning should be a prime target for prevention and treatment.

Red/blue spectral shifts of laser-induced fluorescence emission due to different nanoparticle suspensions in various dye solutions.

Red/blue shifts of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) are investigated using several guest dielectric nanoscatterers, such as TiO2, ZnO, Al2O3, and SiO2, in the host Rd6G, RdB, Coumarin 4, and Coumarin 7 ethanolic solutions. A couple of inflection points are identified varying nanoparticle (NP) density into dye solutions based on LIF spectroscopy. The inflection of the spectral shift exhibits that the suspension of NPs in dye solutions significantly involves a couple of competitive chemical and optical mechanisms during photon traveling in scattering media regarding ballistic and diffusive transport. It is shown that the low, medium, and high NP additives in fluorescent suspension induce blue, red, and blue spectral shifts, respectively.

Skin permeation studies of chromium species - Evaluation of a reconstructed human epidermis model.

A reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) model, the EpiDerm, was investigated and compared to human skin ex vivo regarding tissue penetration and distribution of two chromium species, relevant in both occupational and general exposure in the population. Imaging mass spectrometry was used in analysis of the sectioned tissue. The RHE model gave similar results compared to human skin ex vivo for skin penetration of CrVI. However, the penetration of CrIII into the tissue of the RHE model compared to human skin ex vivo differed markedly, such that in the RHE model the CrIII species accumulated in the tissue layer corresponding to stratum corneum whereas in human skin ex vivo, the CrIII species penetrated evenly through the skin tissue. Further, skin lipids such as cholesterol were less abundant in the RHE model compared to the human skin tissue. Results presented here indicate that the RHE models do not possess the same fundamental properties as human skin tissue. As the RHE models appear to be able to give false negative results, experiments using RHE models for the study of skin penetration should be evaluated with caution.

Anhedonia symptoms: The assessment of brain functional mechanism following music stimuli using functional magnetic resonance imaging.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of music stimulation on the brain functional mechanism of depressed patients with anhedonia symptoms using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). METHODS: Participants in this study included 20 healthy subjects as the control group, 25 subjects with depression and no anhedonia as the intervention group A, and 24 subjects with depression and anhedonia as the intervention group B. The safely emotional stimulation was done by Iranian music. To investigate the effect of music therapy on the brain, a task including 50 tracks of 12 s Iranian music (traditional and pop) was used. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPM Toolbox in MATLAB software. RESULTS: The results showed that brain patterns in depressed patients with and without anhedonia could be distinguished based on positive and negative musical stimuli (p < 0.05). Important fMRI biomarker such as effective connectivity strength related to the fronto-limbic network, including the supragenual ACC, subgenual ACC, AMYG, and FFG were evaluated in depressed patients with anhedonia. CONCLUSION: This was the first study to investigate the neural circuits involved in music-related emotional processing in patients with anhedonia symptoms. These findings could help advance neurological understandings of anhedonia and suggest new treatments.

The barriers against initiating insulin therapy among patients with diabetes living in Yazd, Iran.

INTRODUCTION: The decision to start insulin therapy is often difficult. Determining the barriers against insulin therapy initiation can facilitate care and treatment strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the barriers against initiating insulin therapy among patients with diabetes living in Yazd, Iran. METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted on 214 patients referred to the Diabetes Center of Yazd University of Medical Sciences in 2015. Participants were randomly selected, and then they completed the insulin noncompliance questionnaire (20 questions). The percentage of adherence and the factors contributing to nonadherence to insulin therapy were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: The most prevalent reason for insulin therapy refusal was expecting a new method of diabetes treatment (54.7%), followed by requiring someone else to administer the injection (19.2%), fear of needles, cost, traveling (18.7%), and stress/emotional problems (18.2%). Lack of trust in the physician was the least restrictive reason for nonadherence to insulin therapy. CONCLUSION: The most common reason given for insulin therapy refusal was the lack of adequate education. Therefore, specialized educational interventions can help minimize barriers and improve patients' outcomes.

Malignant melanoma of the oral cavity: a review of literature.

UNLABELLED: Oral malignant melanoma is a rare aggressive neoplasm of the middle age. This malignancy commonly affects male subjects and is more frequently seen at the level of the hard palate and gingiva. At present, the clinicopathological classification of oral melanoma is not yet clearly outlined; consequently, the skin form is often taken as a reference. In many cases (up to 30%), the diagnosis of melanoma is made on lesions, which have evolved from the pre-existing pigmented lesions. The poor prognosis of oral melanomas requires that pigmented lesions of undetermined origin be routinely biopsied. The surgical approach, combined with the chemotherapeutic one, is the first choice treatment. The purpose of this study is to review literature that has been published about malignant melanoma of the oral cavity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight published articles and 8 textbooks related to oral malignant melanoma and been published in the last two decades are reviewed. CONCLUSION: The review of literature in the field of malignant melanoma of the oral cavity show that this malignancy might be different from cutaneous malignant melanomas, and new criteria for diagnosis and therapy should be considered for this disease. Physicians and dentists who treat problems of the oral cavity should be aware of the need for early diagnosis of oral melanomas and performing biopsies of doubtful pigmented lesions.

Nontoxic combretafuranone analogues with high in vitro antibacterial activity.

A library of thirty two 3,4-diphenylfuranones related to both combretastatin A-4 and antifungal 5-(acyloxymethyl)-3-(halophenyl)-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-ones was prepared. Cytotoxic effects on a panel of cancer and normal cell lines and antiinfective activity were evaluated, and the data were complemented with tests for the activation of caspase 3 and 7. High cytotoxicity was observed in some of the halogenated analogues, eg. 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-(4-methylphenyl)-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-one with IC50 0.12-0.23 µM, but the compounds were also highly toxic against non-malignant control cells. More importantly, notable antibacterial activity indicating G+ selectivity has been found in the 3,4-diarylfuranone class of compounds for the first time. Hydroxymethylation of furanone C5 knocked out cytotoxic effects (up to 40 µM) while maintaining significant activity against Staphylococcus strains in some derivatives. MIC95 of the most promising compound, 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)-4-(4-methylphenyl)-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-one against S. aureus strain ATCC 6538 was 0.98 µM (0.38 µg/mL) and 3.9 µM (1.52 µg/mL) after 24 and 48 h, respectively.

Age at adiposity rebound and body mass index trajectory from early childhood to adolescence; differences by breastfeeding and maternal immigration background.

OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to assess association between breastfeeding and maternal immigration background and body mass index development trajectories from age 2 to 16 years. METHODS: A cohort of children born in Stockholm during 1994 to 1996 was followed from age 2 to 16 years with repeated measurement of height and weight at eight time points (n = 2278). Children were categorized into groups by breastfeeding status during the first 6 months of life and maternal immigration background. Body mass index (BMI) trajectories and age at adiposity rebound were estimated using mixed-effects linear models. RESULTS: Body mass index trajectories were different by breastfeeding and maternal immigration status (P-value < 0.0001). Compared with exclusively breastfed counterparts, never/short breastfed children of Swedish mothers had a higher BMI trajectory, whereas never/short breastfed children of immigrant mothers followed a lower BMI trajectory. Ages at adiposity rebound were earlier for higher BMI trajectories regardless of maternal immigration background. CONCLUSION: Differences in BMI trajectories between offspring of immigrant and of Swedish mothers suggest a lack of beneficial association between breastfeeding and long-term BMI development among children of immigrant mothers. Given the relation between long-term BMI development and risk of overweight/obesity, these differences challenge the notion that exclusive breastfeeding is always beneficial for children's BMI development and subsequent risk of overweight/obesity.

Identification of Antheridiogens in Lygodium circinnatum and Lygodium flexuosum.

Antheridiogens in two species of Schizaeaceous ferns, Lygodium circinnatum and Lygodium flexuosum, were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In L. circinnatum, gibberellin A73 (GA73) methyl ester (GA73-Me), which had originally been identified in L. japonicum, was identified as a principal antheridiogen, and the methyl esters of five known GAs (GA9, GA20, GA70, GA88, and 3-epi-GA88) were also identified as minor antheridiogens. In addition, four compounds corresponding to isomers of monohydroxy-GA73-Me were detected. One of these was shown to be 12[beta]-hydroxy-GA73-Me, the parent acid of which has been allocated the GA assignment GA96. The other three compounds, tentatively named X1, X2, and X3, have not been fully characterized. In L. flexuosum, GA73-Me was also identified as a major antheridiogen, with X2 being detected as a minor one. The total antheridium-formation activity in the culture medium of 7-week-old prothallia of L. circinnatum and L. flexuosum was more than 1000 times higher than that of L. japonicum. On the other hand, the response of gametophytes of the former two Lygodium ferns to GA73-Me was more than 100 times lower than that of L. japonicum.

Biosynthesis of GA73 Methyl Ester in Lygodium Ferns.

Biosynthesis of GA73 methyl ester (GA73-Me), the principal antheridiogen in Lygodium ferns, was investigated. From the methanol extract of prothallia of Lygodium circinnatum, GA25, GA73, GA73-Me, GA88-Me, and a few unknown GA73 derivatives were detected by GC-MS. Because the presence of GA25 suggests that GA24, a direct precursor of GA25, could also be present in L. circinnatum prothallia, we used feeding experiments to investigate the possibility that GA24 is a precursor of GA73-Me. In L. circinnatum prothallia, [2H2]GA24 was converted into [2H2]GA73-Me and a trace amount of [2H2]GA9-Me, whereas [2H3]GA9 was converted into [2H3]GA9-Me and [2H3]monohydroxy-GA9-Me. Because GA73-Me, GA9-Me, and their monohydroxy derivatives had been identified by GC-MS from the culture medium of L. circinnatum prothallia, our results suggest that GA73-Me is biosynthesized from GA24 via GA73, and that neither GA9 nor GA9-Me is a precursor of GA73-Me. Though the possibility had been suggested that GA73-Me is biosynthesized from 9,15-cyclo-GA9 (GA103), [2H2]GA103 was not converted into [2H2]GA73-Me.

Disposition study of a new potential antineoplastic agent dimefluron in rats using high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet and mass spectrometric detection.

The disposition of a new potential antineoplastic drug dimefluron after an oral administration to rats was investigated. Dimefluron, 3,9-dimethoxy-5-(2-dimethylaminoethoxy)-7H-benzo[c]fluoren-7-one hydrochloride, was administered in a single oral dose (250 mg kg(-1) of body weight) in the form of an aqueous solution via a gastric probe. Dimefluron metabolites were being searched for in rat faeces. Synthetic standards of the expected phase I metabolites (the products of O- and N-desmethylation, N-oxidation and carbonyl reduction of dimefluron) were prepared and used together with dimefluron and internal standard in the development of two HPLC bioanalytical methods based on different separation principles. The first separation of dimefluron and the phase I metabolites was tested on a 250 mm x 4 mm chromatographic column with LiChrospher 60 RP-selectB 5 microm (Merck) using an isocratic mobile phase containing 0.01 M nonylamine buffer (pH 7.4) and acetonitrile in the 1:2 ratio (v/v). The second separation was performed on a 250 mm x 4 mm chromatographic column Discovery HS F5, 5 microm (Supelco) using a linear gradient mode with the mobile phase containing acetonitrile and phosphate buffer (0.05 M KH2PO4, pH 3). The flow rate was 1 ml min(-1) in both cases. UV detection was performed in the dual wavelength mode, with 317 nm having been used for dimefluron and all 7H-benzo[c]fluoren-7-one metabolites, 367 nm for 7H-benzo[c]fluoren-7-ol metabolites. A higher homologue of dimefluron served as an internal standard. The identity of the dimefluron metabolites in biological samples was confirmed using HPLC-MS experiments. The elimination study showed that the concentration maximum for dimefluron and its metabolites in rat faeces was reached 48 h after the administration of the parent drug. O-Desmethylated derivatives of dimefluron prevailed among the phase I metabolites.

A new flavonoid: tinctosid from Anthemis tinctoria L.

Patuletin 7-O-beta-D-(6"-caffeoylglucoside) was isolated from the methanolic extract of the flowers of Anthemis tinctoria L. (Asteraceae). The isolated compound was identified by spectroscopic means and by comparison with authentic samples after enzymatic hydrolysis. A new flavonoid glycoside, tinctosid, from Anthemis tinctoria L. was isolated from a plant source for the first time.

Construction of recombinant fusion protein of influenza, a virus neuraminidase and heat shock protein 70 gene: expression in baculovirus and bioactivity.

Background: Two structural antigens, hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, are a major component for the development of influenza vaccine candidates. Recombinant vaccines are produced by a simple method, although expected to induce an immune response to a specific antigen, remaining to be further improved for their high effectiveness. In general, heat shock protein 70 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, as a potent adjuvant, is commonly used to improve antigen-presenting cell (APC) function and thereby elicit T lymphocytes. Objective: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of the NA antigen fused to the C-terminus of HSP70, as a vaccine candidate, in the induction of potent, protective immune answers specific to the vaccine antigen. Material and Method: The NA gene was strengthened via a polymerase chain reaction and then cloned to a eukaryotic expressing vector pFastBac HTA. Subsequently, a recombinant NA protein fusing to HSP70 was expressed in Baculovirus. The purity of the expressed NA-HSP70 fusion protein was investigated on the SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. Western blot was carried out to investigate the expression of NA-HSP70. Additionally, an immunofluorescence assay was used qualitatively to assess the biological and antigenicity activity profiles of the protein of recombinant, NA-HSP70, on the infected Sf9 cell surface by using immunized rabbit antiserum. Result and conclusion: Interestingly, the findings in the present studies suggested that HSP proteins have the ability to both stimulate and increase potent humoral- and cell-mediated immune responses, and play an adjuvant role when combined with other proteins. Therefore, a recombinant protein fusing to HSP raised hope regarding the development of an HSP-based vaccine.

The effect of sildenafil on gastric emptying in patients with end-stage renal failure and symptoms of gastroparesis.

BACKGROUND: Delayed gastric emptying is a common disorder among patients with end-stage renal failure (ESRF). Pyloric relaxation, a major determinant of gastric emptying, is a nitric oxide (NO)-mediated process. NO-induced smooth muscle relaxation is mediated through its second messenger cyclic guanosine monophosphate, which is broken by tissue phosphodiesterases (PDEs). Thus the inhibition of cyclic guanosine monophosphate breakdown by PDE inhibitors can potentiate NO-mediated responses and facilitate pyloric relaxation. In an animal model of diabetes mellitus, treatment with sildenafil (a PDE-5 inhibitor) restored NO-mediated pyloric relaxation and improved gastric emptying. The aim of our study was to examine the hypothesis that sildenafil may improve gastric emptying in patients with ESRF and symptoms of gastric paresis. METHODS: We studied 12 patients with ESRF (6 men; age range, 54-80 years; 5 with diabetic nephropathy; 4 +/- 1 years receiving long-term renal replacement therapy) after either placebo or a 25-mg tablet of sildenafil (Viagra; Pfizer Inc). Gastric emptying of a solid meal (one medium-sized fried egg mixed with 37 MBq [1 mCi] technetium Tc 99m phytate plus 1 slice of bread and 150 mL of water at the end of the meal) was assessed 1 hour after dosing by use of a single-headed camera. Images were acquired every 30 seconds for 90 minutes immediately after patients ate. RESULTS: The gastric emptying rate was decreased at baseline (after placebo), to 33% +/- 6% (normal, > or =50%). Treatment with sildenafil had no effect on gastric emptying rates after 90 minutes (from 33% +/- 6% after placebo to 30% +/- 6% after sildenafil, P =.9). CONCLUSIONS: Sildenafil did not improve gastric emptying in patients with ESRF and gastric paresis. Sildenafil may have opposing effects on gastric peristalsis (causing gastric relaxation) compared with its effects on pyloric relaxation. Studies combining sildenafil with prokinetic drugs are of interest.

3-Phenyl-5-acyloxymethyl-2H,5H-furan-2-ones: synthesis and biological activity of a novel group of potential antifungal drugs.

3-(Substituted phenyl)-5-acyloxymethyl-2H,5H-furan-2-ones related to the natural product (-)incrustoporine were synthesized and their in vitro antifungal activity evaluated. The compounds with halogen substituents on the phenyl ring displayed much higher antifungal effect against Aspergillus fumigatus than selected representatives of azole antifungal drugs. In particular, the activity (1.34 microg/mL) of the most promising derivative, 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-pivaloyloxymethyl-2H,5H-furan-2-one, was comparable to that of amphotericin B (0.5 microg/mL). Preliminary evaluation of the toxicity of the compound was carried out as well. Considering the size and properties of these molecules in comparison with those of amphotericin B, further development of this novel group of antifungals may lead to substances with better pharmacological profiles than that of the standard anti-Aspergillus drug.

The bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide enhances seizure susceptibility in mice: involvement of proinflammatory factors: nitric oxide and prostaglandins.

Central nervous system (CNS) inflammation in cases such as head trauma, infection and stroke has been associated with the occurrence of epileptic seizures. Microglia, the principal immune cells in the brain, readily become activated in response to injury, infection or inflammation. The bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces the activation of microglia and the production of proinflammatory factors including nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandins (PGs). We examined the effect of LPS on seizure susceptibility of mice, by using the sensitive test, threshold of clonic seizures induced by i.v. infusion of pentylenetetrazole. LPS decreased the seizure threshold in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Pretreatment of mice with the NO synthase inhibitor, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester or cyclooxygenase inhibitor, piroxicam or the opioid receptor antagonist, (-)-naloxone completely reversed the proconvulsant effect of LPS. These results indicate that NO, PGs and endogenous opioid peptides seem to be involved in LPS-induced decrease in seizure threshold.

Resolution of surgically induced right bundle-branch block.

In a retrospective study, the serial electrocardiograms of all patients with surgically induced right bundle-branch block (RBBB) were reviewed. None of these patients had had RBBB prior to operation. Seven patients who had RBBB from 6 to 16 days after operation showed resolution in ECGs done 3 to 8 months later. Two patients are reported, with documentation by vectorcardiogram, in whom RBBB resolved by 3 and 12 years after operation. The origin of transient forms of RBBB may be different from the long-standing form. If RBBB of long duration is due to operative injury to the proximal right bundle, Purkinje fiber network, or distal branch or branches of the right bundle, or to combinations of these tracts, one may speculate about the possibility of regeneration of the right ventricular conduction system. Since no data are available concerning the long-term prognosis of RBBB and since a progressive conduction disturbance can occur, the resolution of RBBB after many years might carry a better prognosis than its persistence.

Effect of nicotine on sniffing induced by dopaminergic receptor stimulation.

Effects of nicotine on sniffing induced by amphetamine and apomorphine have been tested in rats. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of nicotine (0.5 and 1 mg/kg), amphetamine (1-6 mg/kg) or apomorphine (0.1-1 mg/kg) induced sniffing. Nicotine (0. 25-1 mg/kg) potentiates sniffing induced by amphetamine (1 mg/kg). Nicotine (1 mg/kg) also potentiates the response induced by different doses (0.1-1 mg/kg) of apomorphine. Atropine induced sniffing and increased the response of both amphetamine and nicotine. Higher doses of hexamethonium decreased the sniffing response induced by amphetamine and the response induced by combination of amphetamine and nicotine. Sulpiride reduced the response induced by nicotine or amphetamine plus nicotine, while SCH23390 reduced normal sniffing behaviour of the animals and sniffing induced by either amphetamine or amphetamine plus nicotine. The data may indicate that nicotinic receptor mechanism(s) may be involved in the sniffing induced by dopaminergic receptor stimulation.

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of tramadol and its O-desmethylated metabolite in blood plasma. Application to a bioequivalence study in humans.

Simultaneous HPLC determination of the analgetic agent tramadol, its major pharmacodynamically active metabolite (O-desmethyltramadol) in human plasma is described. Simple methods for the preparation of the standard of the above-mentioned tramadol metabolite and N1,N1-dimethylsulfanilamide (used as the internal standard) are also presented. The analytical procedure involved a simple liquid-liquid extraction of the analytes from the plasma under the conditions described previously. HPLC analysis was performed on a 250x4 mm chromatographic column with LiChrospher 60 RP-selectB 5-microm (Merck) and consists of an analytical period where the mobile phase acetonitrile-0.01 M phosphate buffer, pH 2.8 (3:7, v/v) was used, and of a subsequent wash-out period where the plasmatic ballast compounds were eluted from the column using acetonitrile-ultra-high-quality water (8:2, v/v). The whole analysis, including the equilibration preceding the initial analytical conditions lasted 19 min. Fluorescence detection (lambda(ex) 202 nm/lambda(em) 296 nm for tramadol and its metabolite, lambda(ex) 264 nm/lambda(em) 344 nm for N1,N1-dimethylsulfanilamide) was used. The validated analytical method was applied to pharmacokinetic studies of tramadol in human volunteers.