Willingness to try new foods as predicted by social representations and attitude and trait scales.

The structure and predictive ability of social representation of new foods were investigated and compared with instruments measuring relevant attitudes and traits using a questionnaire quantifying these aspects, completed by 743 respondents. Based on their rated willingness to try, new foods were categorized as modified dairy products, genetically modified (GM), organic, and ethnic products (two examples, snails and passion fruit, were treated separately). The social representation (SR) consisted of five dimensions: suspicion of novelties, adherence to technology, adherence to natural food, eating as an enjoyment, and eating as a necessity. The SR dimensions were strong predictors of willingness to try GM foods (predicted by adherence to technology) and organic foods (predicted by adherence to natural foods). Low food neophobia predicted the rated willingness to try snails and passion fruit. Thus, different constructs predicted willingness to try different categories of new foods, and as a whole, SR dimensions markedly improved the prediction.

Intramedullary fixation of femoral cortical osteotomies with interlocked biodegradable self-reinforced poly-96L/4D-lactide (SR-PLA96) nails.

Femoral diaphyseal osteotomies of adult sheep were fixed with intramedullary (i.m.) biodegradable self-reinforced poly-96L/4D-lactide (SR-PLA96) nails (Phi 10.66-10.78 mmx195-199 mm) that were interlocked with four Phi 1.5 mm metallic Kirschner (K) wires. Hollow i.m. nails used in the pilot study resulted in implant failure and only two of these sheep were followed long term (18 months and 3 years). In the main study, solid nails were used and this resulted in consolidation in 5/6 cases and in one non-union due to failure of both proximal K wires at 3 weeks. Sheep in the main study were followed for 6 and 12 months. Femurs were studied radiographically, microradiographically, histologically and by oxytetracycline labelling. Good bone healing was achieved and histology showed only a mild tissue reaction to the implant at 6-18 months. At 3 years, the implant had almost degraded and numerous foamy macrophages were ingesting the disintegrated material. No accumulations of lymphocytes implying an immunological inflammatory reaction were seen. This investigation demonstrated that absorbable SR-PLA96 i.m. nails can be used together with interlocking metallic K wires in fixation of simple cortical osteotomies in large animals weighing up to 63 kg. The long-term biocompatibility should be studied in a larger population.

Dimensions of novelty: a social representation approach to new foods.

Social representations of new foods were examined with a total of 44 subjects in nine focus groups. Each group was homogenous, defined by age, gender and educational background. Halfway through the interview, commercial packages of functional, genetically modified, organic, nutritionally modified and ethnic foods were presented as visual stimuli for discussion. Thematic and content analyses of the interview data showed that five dichotomies characterized the social representation: trust/distrust, safe/unsafe, natural/artificial, pleasure/necessity, and past/present. Many metaphors were used, with functional products being associated metaphorically with, for example, medicine and genetically modified products being associated with death and terrorism. Chronological references focused on the development of cuisine. The perceived unsafety of new foods was an important argument for women but not for men. The difference between age groups was in relating the discussion to either present time (young subjects) or past time (older subjects). Level of education affected the content of argumentation. In the context of new foods, social representations are formed to cope with the feeling of strangeness evoked by the novelties. They also have a role in cultural acceptance of new products by making them familiar. Overall, the results reflect the development of a new common sense in which popularized scientific notions are anchored in the process of urbanization.

Eye-hand coordination in object manipulation.

We analyzed the coordination between gaze behavior, fingertip movements, and movements of the manipulated object when subjects reached for and grasped a bar and moved it to press a target-switch. Subjects almost exclusively fixated certain landmarks critical for the control of the task. Landmarks at which contact events took place were obligatory gaze targets. These included the grasp site on the bar, the target, and the support surface where the bar was returned after target contact. Any obstacle in the direct movement path and the tip of the bar were optional landmarks. Subjects never fixated the hand or the moving bar. Gaze and hand/bar movements were linked concerning landmarks, with gaze leading. The instant that gaze exited a given landmark coincided with a kinematic event at that landmark in a manner suggesting that subjects monitored critical kinematic events for phasic verification of task progress and subgoal completion. For both the obstacle and target, subjects directed saccades and fixations to sites that were offset from the physical extension of the objects. Fixations related to an obstacle appeared to specify a location around which the extending tip of the bar should travel. We conclude that gaze supports hand movement planning by marking key positions to which the fingertips or grasped object are subsequently directed. The salience of gaze targets arises from the functional sensorimotor requirements of the task. We further suggest that gaze control contributes to the development and maintenance of sensorimotor correlation matrices that support predictive motor control in manipulation.

Comparative absorption and variability in absorption of estradiol from a transdermal gel and a novel matrix-type transdermal patch.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the absorption of estradiol from a transdermal gel and a novel matrix-type patch and to study the variability in absorption. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy postmenopausal women were treated in an open, randomized, cross-over study for 18 days with 1.0 mg estradiol daily as a transdermal gel and a transdermal patch releasing estradiol 50 microg/24 h without a wash-out between the periods. Venous blood samples for estradiol pharmacokinetics were taken on the 15th and 18th study days of the gel period and during the 15th-18th study days during the patch period. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in peak estradiol level or area under the estradiol time-concentration curve between the gel and the patch. However, trough estradiol concentration was significantly lower and fluctuation higher with the patch. Estradiol time-concentration curves on the 15th and 18th study days with the gel were almost superimposable. A significant difference was observed in peak estradiol levels, whereas area under the curve or trough estradiol level did not differ between the 15th and 18th study days with the gel. Inter- and intra-individual coefficients of variability were around 30% for peak estradiol level and area under the curve, except for the intra-individual coefficient of variability for area under the curve (21%) for the gel. The total coefficient of variability for area under the curve was 35% for the gel and 39% for the patch. CONCLUSIONS: A daily 1.0 mg estradiol dose as a transdermal gel seems to correspond with a matrix-type patch releasing 50 microg estradiol daily in the extent of estradiol absorption. High variability was associated with both treatments, and both the variabilities within and between the subjects were high with the gel. Wider than generally applied confidence limits should be applied for bioequivalence testing of transdermal estradiol formulations.

Effects of peroral and transdermal oestrogen replacement therapy on glucose and insulin metabolism.

OBJECTIVE: Conflicting data have been reported previously on the effects of oestrogen replacement therapy on glucose tolerance, and the effects on glycosylated haemoglobin GHbA(1c) have been studied only among diabetics. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects on glucose and insulin metabolism among nondiabetic women and to compare the outcomes of peroral and transdermal modes of administration. DESIGN: The effects of peroral oestradiol valerate 2 mg/day with placebo gel were compared to those of transdermal 17 beta-oestradiol gel (1 mg oestradiol/day) and placebo tablets in a randomised, double-blind, double-dummy study for six months. PATIENTS: Seventy-nine hysterectomised, nondiabetic postmenopausal women, 39 women in the peroral oestrogen group and 40 in the gel group. MEASUREMENTS: Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) with blood glucose, serum C-peptide and insulin determinations were performed. GHbA(1c), IGF-I and IGFBP-1 were measured at baseline and after six months of therapy. In addition, insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion indices were obtained from OGTT. RESULTS: A small significant reduction in the GHbA(1c) concentration was observed during both peroral (P < 0.05) and transdermal oestrogen therapy (P < 0.05). However, no effect on insulin sensitivity was observed. The response to a standard 75 g oral glucose load was similar in the study groups. Compared with the baseline values, the area under the curve for C-peptide decreased by 8% both in the peroral group (P < 0.05) and in the gel group (P < 0.01). The fasting and postchallenge glucose and insulin levels or insulin release indices were not significantly altered. Peroral oestrogen decreased IGF-I and increased IGFBP-1, but these findings were not associated with the changes in glucose metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: Neither peroral nor transdermal oestradiol replacement therapy seemed to induce any negative effects on glucose metabolism over a time period of 6 months.

Intramedullary fixation of cortical bone osteotomies with absorbable self-reinforced fibrillated poly-96L/4D-lactide (SR-PLA96) rods in rabbits.

Osteotomies of the femoral diaphysis were fixed with absorbable self-reinforced fibrillated poly-96L/4D-lactide (SR-PLA96) intramedullary rods (4.5 mm x 50-60 mm) in 43 adult rabbits. Follow-up times varied from 3 weeks to 3 yr. After sacrifice histological, oxytetracycline-fluorescence and microradiographic studies of the bones were performed. Strength characteristics and changes in crystallinity and molecular weight of the rods were also measured. All osteotomies were evaluated radiographically. Thirty-six osteotomies (84%) healed uneventfully. The implant disappeared almost totally within 3 yr and histology showed only a minor foreign body reaction. From 6 weeks on, the bending force needed to break the osteotomy was comparable to the bending force needed to break the control bone. The shear strength of the rods displayed only minor changes for the first 24 weeks. Subsequently, the rods rapidly lost their strength and at 48 weeks there was practically no shear strength left, which is ideal for healing of an osteotomy. The present investigation demonstrated, that absorbable. fibrillated SR-PLA96-rods can be used for the intramedullar fixation of simple cortical bone osteotomies in rabbits. These results have encouraged us to continue our studies with the fixation of experimental cortical bone osteotomies in larger species.

Regulation of plasma low density lipoprotein levels in postmenopausal women.

To study the regulation of plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in postmenopausal women (n = 79), fasting plasma lipids and lipoproteins, the fractional catabolic rate (FCR) and production rate for LDL apolipoprotein B (apo B), cholesterol absorption, apolipoprotein E phenotype and polymorphisms of the apo B and 7alpha-hydroxylase genes were determined. The level of LDL cholesterol was related to FCR (r= -0.757, P < 0.001) and the production (r= 0.531, P < 0.001) of LDL apo B and body mass index (r = 0.265, P <0.05). In contrast, cholesterol absorption efficiency, apolipoprotein E phenotype, EcoRI and XbaI polymorphisms of the apo B gene and the polymorphism of 7alpha-hydroxylase gene were found to have no significance for the regulation of LDL cholesterol concentration in these postmenopausal women.

Mechanisms regulating LDL metabolism in subjects on peroral and transdermal estrogen replacement therapy.

To study the mechanisms of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol lowering by peroral and transdermal estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), 79 hysterectomized postmenopausal women aged 48 to 62 years were randomized in a double-blind double-dummy trial to receive either peroral estradiol valerate (2 mg/d) or transdermal estradiol gel (1 mg/d) for 6 months. Plasma LDL cholesterol decreased from 4. 19+/-0.83 (mean+/-SD) to 3.39+/-0.78 mmol/L (P<0.001) in the peroral group and from 4.11+/-0.86 to 3.72+/-0.78 mmol/L (P<0.001) in the transdermal estrogen group. Peroral estrogen did, but transdermal treatment did not, enhance the fractional catabolic rate (FCR) and production of LDL apolipoprotein B (apoB). However, the decrease of LDL cholesterol was related to an increase in FCR for LDL apoB on both peroral and transdermal ERT (r=-0.645, P<0.001 and r=-0.627, P<0.001, respectively). These changes were associated with changes in the serum estrogen level. Both therapies reduced absorption of dietary cholesterol by 6% to 10% (P<0.05). The effects of estrogen were not modified by the polymorphisms of apoE and apoB or cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase. In conclusion, the ERT-induced LDL cholesterol-lowering effect is related to changes in estrogen level, which presumably enhance LDL receptor activity, which is manifested as an increase in FCR for LDL apoB. The small decrease in the absorption efficiency of dietary cholesterol does not seem to contribute largely to the cholesterol lowering on either transdermal or peroral ERT.

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) and IGF-I during oral and transdermal estrogen replacement therapy: relation to lipoprotein(a) levels.

Low levels of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) have recently been associated with several risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The effects of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) on plasma IGFBP-1 levels are, however, unclear. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study for 6 months was conducted in 73 hysterectomized postmenopausal women randomized into two groups: oral estradiol (E2) valerate, 2 mg/day (n = 35) and transdermal E2 gel, 1 mg/day (n=38). Plasma IGFBP-1, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) were determined at baseline, 3 and 6 months. The groups were similar for age and BMI. The baseline levels of estrone (E1), E2, IGFBP-1, IGF-I and Lp(a) did not differ between the groups. During treatment, serum estradiol concentrations increased in both groups. During oral ERT, IGFBP-1 levels increased by 104% (P<0.001), whereas IGF-I levels decreased by 13% (mean, P<0.05). IGF-I and IGFBP-1 levels remained unchanged in the transdermal group. Lp(a) levels decreased by 23% (median, P<0.001) in the oral group, but were unaffected by transdermal therapy. The change in IGFBP-1 concentrations during oral ERT showed an inverse correlation to that in Lp(a) (r = -0.40, P<0.05, Spearman correlation). In conclusion, oral ERT seems to enhance plasma levels of IGFBP-1, which may be one reason for the reduced Lp(a) levels.

Effect of an estradiol gel with monthly or quarterly progestogen on menopausal symptoms and bleeding.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the acceptability, efficacy and endometrial safety of transdermal estradiol gel (Divigel/Sandrena) combined with monthly or quarterly oral progestogen (medroxyprogesterone acetate). METHODS: This 12-month, multicenter, open-label study was carried out at 12 study centers in Finland and Sweden. A total of 395 postmenopausal women received 1 mg estradiol in 1 g gel, daily, with oral medroxyprogesterone acetate 10 mg for the first 12 days every month (groups I and III) or every 3 months (group II). The main outcome measures were relief of climacteric symptoms, bleeding patterns and endometrial safety. RESULTS: All regimens reduced the severity of hot flushes, sweating episodes and vaginal dryness. In groups I and III, approximately 80% and 70% of women, respectively, had regular monthly withdrawal bleeding (excepting the first cycle), with irregular bleeding in 8.3% and 5.3% of treatment months. In group II, approximately 94% of women had regular tri-monthly withdrawal bleeding, with irregular bleeding in 10.7% of the treatment months. Endometrial hyperplasia was observed in 0.3% of women. More than 87% of subjects completed the study, and 97% of these rated the gel as acceptable or convenient. CONCLUSIONS: Both the 1- and 3-month regimens were equally effective in controlling climacteric symptoms and protecting against endometrial hyperstimulation. The bleeding patterns were comparable between groups and were similar to those reported for oral estrogens. Estradiol gel was highly acceptable to the majority of women.

Material properties of absorbable self-reinforced fibrillated poly-96L/4 D-lactide (SR-PLA96) rods; a study in vitro and in vivo.

A study was carried out to investigate changes in mechanical properties and degradation of self-reinforced fibrillated poly-96L/4D-lactide (SR-PLA96) rods in vitro and in vivo. The viscosity-average molecular weight, Mv, of the intact sterile (gamma irradiated) rods was around 50,000 g mol(-1). The SR-PLA96 rods of diameter 1.1 mm by 30 mm and diameter 4.5 mm by 50 mm were immersed in phosphate-buffered saline or implanted in the dorsal subcutis of rabbits. Bending, shear and torsion strength and bending modulus, together with the changes of viscosity and crystallinity, were measured up to 24 wk. The strength values showed only a slight decrease during the follow-up period with the exception of torsion strength, that decreased to 52% of the initial value during 24 wk. There were no statistically significant differences in the strength retention between in vitro and in vivo groups. Crystallinity increased over time, being 46-49% at 24 wk. The Mv of the rods decreased over 50% by 24 wk. These promising results motivated us to continue the studies with the fixation of experimental cortical bone osteotomies with SR-PLA96 intramedullary rods.

Molecular cloning and characterisation of a mouse gene encoding an isoform of the neuronal cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) activator.

We have isolated and characterised the mouse gene for the p39 activator, designated p39is, which encodes a protein of 369 amino acids. The mouse p39 protein exhibits 95% amino acid identity to a previously characterised human p39 cDNA and the novel gene sequence corresponds to a single genomic locus in mouse. The p39is mRNA is highly expressed in the mouse central nervous system.

Thiamin biosynthesis in Escherichia coli. Identification of ThiS thiocarboxylate as the immediate sulfur donor in the thiazole formation.

ThiFSGH and ThiI are required for the biosynthesis of the thiazole moiety of thiamin in Escherichia coli. The overproduction, purification, and characterization of ThiFS and the identification of two of the early steps in the biosynthesis of the thiazole moiety of thiamin are described here. ThiS isolated from E. coli thiI+ is post-translationally modified by converting the carboxylic acid group of the carboxyl-terminal glycine into a thiocarboxylate. The thiI gene plays an essential role in the formation of the thiocarboxylate because ThiS isolated from a thiI- strain does not contain this modification. ThiF catalyzes the adenylation by ATP of the carboxyl-terminal glycine of ThiS. This reaction is likely to be involved in the activation of ThiS for sulfur transfer from cysteine or from a cysteine-derived sulfur donor.

The effects of transdermal oestradiol and oral progestogens on haemostasis variables.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of 1 g (1 mg oestradiol) transdermal oestradiol gel continuously combined with 10 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate orally 12 days either monthly or every third month on haemostasis variables. DESIGN: An open, parallel stratified study. SETTING: Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 48 peri- and postmenopausal women less than 65 years of age participated in this study. Twenty-seven women, who had from 2 months to 3 years since their last period were included in group I. Twenty-one women, who were more than 3 years postmenopausal, comprised group II. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The following parameters were determined: von Willebrand factor antigen, factor VII antigen, fibrinogen, antithrombin, protein C, protein S, plasminogen activator inhibitor activity, tissue plasminogen activator antigen, prothrombin fragment 1 + 2, thrombin-antithrombin complex and platelets. RESULTS: Both regimens decreased fibrinogen, factor VII antigen as well as antithrombin. CONCLUSIONS: These changes were mainly 'in an anti-thrombotic direction'. The overall impression is that the transdermally administered oestrogen in combination with an oral progestogen induced favourable, although slight changes in the haemostatic system. The possible influence of these changes on the risk of cardiovascular disease remains yet to be studied.

Metabolic changes induced by peroral oestrogen and transdermal oestradiol gel therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes in plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels induced by peroral oestrogen replacement and transdermal oestradiol gel therapy. DESIGN: The effects of peroral oestradiol valerate tablets (2 mg) and placebo gel were compared with 1g transdermal oestradiol gel (1mg oestradiol) and placebo tablets in a randomised, double-blind, double-dummy study for 6 months. SETTING: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Oulu and Oulu Deaconess Institute, Oulu, Finland. POPULATION: Seventy-nine hysterectomised, postmenopausal women, 39 women in the peroral oestrogen group and 40 in the gel group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cholesterol and triglycerides in total plasma and in various lipoprotein fractions, and sex hormones. RESULTS: In the peroral oestrogen group total and LDL cholesterol were decreased and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were increased. In the oestradiol gel group plasma total, LDL and VLDL cholesterol and the ratio of LDL/HDL cholesterol were significantly decreased, but no change in HDL cholesterol and triglycerides was observed. Overall the decrease in LDL levels was correlated with the increase in oestrogen levels. CONCLUSIONS: Both peroral and transdermal replacement therapy had beneficial effects on plasma lipids by lowering total and LDL cholesterol and LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio. These changes seem to be associated with changes in oestrogen levels.

Cloning of a new chicken trkC extracellular isoform and its mRNA expression in E9 sensory and autonomic ganglia.

Neuronal development and maintenance are regulated by trophic interactions with the target tissues and the innervating nerve. The neurotrophin family of polypeptide growth factors, consisting of nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and neurotrophin-4/5 (NT-4/5), are produced in limited amounts in target areas. They bind to tyrosine receptor kinases of the trk family, including trkA, trkB and trkC, which mediate intracellular signalling in the responding neurons. There are reports of different isoforms of trkA, trkB and trkC having different signalling capacities. This study reports a novel deletion of the first cysteine-rich domain in the extracellular part of chicken trkC. We describe the mRNA expression of this isoform compared to non-deleted forms in E9 peripheral ganglia studied by reversetranscriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization. We also compare the mRNA expression pattern of two existing signal peptide sequences and the distribution of trkC mRNA detected by the use of a kinase specific probe. The results show that the novel isoform is expressed in peripheral sensory and autonomic ganglia. Moreover both signal peptide forms are detected in these ganglia by RT-PCR. In addition, in situ hybridization results showed a weak mRNA expression of the novel isoform in the E9 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) but not in Remak's ganglion. The two existing signal peptides are equally expressed in the DRG and Remak's ganglion, at labelling densities comparable to those for the full-length catalytic form of trkC.

REMAC: a video-based motion analyser interfacing to an existing flexible sampling system.

A new video-based movement recording system called REMAC is described in this article. The REMAC system is based on real-time processing of video images to recognize multiple passive markers and to compute their co-ordinates. It has a spatial accuracy of 1/13,000 of the viewing field in 2 dimensions with up to 18 markers and an adjustable frame rate of between 40 and 105 Hz. Optionally, up to 36 markers may be tracked at slightly lower accuracy. The REMAC system interfaces with an existing flexible sampling system (SC/ZOOM) and is synchronized with its sampling of analog signals (10 Hz-26 kHz sampling frequency). The movement recordings can be processed as general channels in the sampling and analysis system.