Teens' perspectives on yoga as a treatment for stress and depression.

OBJECTIVE: To understand adolescents' experiences and attitudes toward yoga, with a particular focus on acceptability and feasibility of a yoga intervention for depressed adolescents. DESIGN: Qualitative analysis of data from three focus groups and eight individual interviews, for a total of 22 teen participants. SETTING: Outpatient setting in a psychiatric hospital in the U.S. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Teens were asked about their own and their peers' attitudes toward, and experiences with, hatha yoga; reactions to a study-created yoga video; and opinions on class logistics. RESULTS: Teens had both positive and negative attitudes toward, and experiences with, hatha yoga. They commented on "who does yoga;" many responses suggested a limited group (e.g., moms; people with money and time). Participants agreed that yoga could be potentially beneficial for depressed or stressed teens. Self-consciousness while being in a yoga class was a major concern. Overall, teens reacted favorably to the study-created yoga video. Teens had varied opinions about class logistics including class duration and size. Teens cited barriers to class, such as transportation, as well as barriers to home yoga practice. CONCLUSIONS: Key points for developing a yoga class that might be appealing to depressed or stressed teens include: creating a class with variety that teens will find interesting; taking concrete steps to decrease teen self-consciousness; incorporating messages relevant for teens and consistent with yoga philosophy; and actively countering stereotypes about who practices yoga. Limitations of this study include the lack of data from male teens.

Mucinosis linfedematosa asociada a obesidad. reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Lymphedematous mucinosis associated with obesity. a case report and review of the literature

RESUMEN: La mucinosis linfedematosa asociada a obesidad es una dermatosis de reciente reconocimiento que corresponde al grupo de mucinosis cutáneas focales. Presenta un curso clínico caracterizado por la aparición progresiva de lesiones asintomáticas en las piernas de pacientes que concomitantemente cursan con obesidad y linfedema secundario en miembros inferiores.Su diagnóstico implica reconocer otros tipos de mucinosis cutáneas y realizar el diagnóstico diferencial respectivo, de acuerdo con el contexto clínico en el que se presenten las lesiones. Una vez establecido el diagnóstico, su manejo terapéutico debe ir dirigido a lograr una disminución significativa en el peso.

ABSTRACT: Lymphedematous mucinosis associated with obesity is a recently recognized dermatosis that corresponds to the group of focal cutaneous mucinosis. It presents a characteristic clinical course consisting of the progressive and asymptomatic appearance of lesions in the legs of adults who concomitantly have obesity and lymphedema secondary in the lower limbs, as in the clinical case that we will discuss. After having made the differential diagnosis with other possible types of cutaneous mucinosis, according to the clinical context in which the lesions occur, therapeutic management should be aimed at achieving a significant decrease in weight.

Comparative gene expression profiling of post-natal and post-pneumonectomy lung growth.

Although increasing numbers of patients suffer from chronic destructive lung diseases, there are no effective therapeutic options apart from transplantation. Understanding the mechanisms of physiological and regenerative alveolar septation is prerequisite for the development of regenerative therapies for the lung. We compared lung gene expression in the phase of induction of post-natal and post-pneumonectomy alveolarisation to identify regulatory genes involved in both processes. We performed genome-wide microarray screenings of newborn and pneumonectomised mouse lungs 1 and 3 days after birth or surgery. Selected candidates were validated by real-time PCR, Western blot and in situ hybridisation. We found 58 genes to be regulated in both models with 40 candidates being changed likewise. Many of these genes participated in growth and differentiation processes. Additionally, immune system, structural molecules, respiratory chain, signal transduction and metabolism were involved. Some candidates were not yet linked to specific functions. The highest regulatory concordance was observed for various isoforms of (pro-)collagen molecules, elastin and the elastin-associated protein fibrillin1 being corporately upregulated. Our findings do not definitively support a common regulating mechanism for induction of post-natal and adult alveolarisation, but some candidates in the intersection of both models are promising for further investigations.

Catabolic properties of microdissected human endosteal bone lining cells.

Bone lining cells cover > 80% of endosteal surfaces of human cancellous bone. Current research assigns to them a dual role: (1) as a biological membrane regulating exchange of substrates between the bone fluid compartment and the extracellular fluid of bone marrow and (2) as a signaling link between the osteocytic network as mechanical receptor and the osteoclastic cell pool for local induction of bone resorption. Furthermore, a catabolic role has been considered. We therefore examined the presence of matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their physiological tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) as putative proteolytic elements. Firstly, human cancellous bone from 60 patients was examined by immunofluorescence with antibodies against MMPs and TIMPs. Secondly, we applied laser-assisted microdissection (LMD) to isolate bone lining cells from frozen sections of human trabecular bone. mRNA analysis was performed using a single-cell PCR protocol. Three laser microdissection systems were tested: the new generation of Leica LMD and P.A.L.M. laser pressure catapulting (LPC) were compared to P.A.L.M. laser microdissection and micromanipulation (LMM). In a few pooled cell profiles, mRNA of MMP13, MMP14, TIMP1, and CBFA-1 was clearly detected. By immunofluorescence MMP13 and -14 as well as TIMP1 and -2 were strongly present in lining cells, while MMP2, TIMP3, and TIMP4 showed weak or negative signals. Although the functional impact of these enzymatic components remains open, there is additional evidence for a catabolic function of lining cells. The new diode-laser microdissection with LMD and LPC proved to be especially suitable to gain new insights into the properties of bone lining cells.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) viral load and HPV type in the clinical outcome of HIV-positive patients treated with imiquimod for anogenital warts and anal intraepithelial neoplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of 5% imiquimod in HIV-positive male patients with anogenital warts or anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN), and to elucidate whether human papillomavirus (HPV) type and viral load were important for clinical outcome and recurrences. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients with histologically proven anogenital warts or AIN were enrolled. Topical 5% imiquimod was applied three times per week for more than 8 h overnight for 16 weeks, although patients were allowed to continue therapy for 4 more weeks if they did not have complete clearance of lesions. RESULTS: Mean age was 34 years. The perianal area was the main lesion location. Thirty-three patients had CD4 counts of < 500 cells/mm(3). Eighteen patients had a histopathological diagnosis of AIN-1. Main HPV types detected corresponded to low-risk HPV types. At 20 weeks of therapy, 46% patients achieved total clearance whereas 14 patients had > 50% clearance. Recurrence was observed in 5 of 17 patients who cleared. Clearance was not influenced by patients' CD4 counts, wart location, HIV viral load or HPV viral load. CONCLUSIONS: The assumption that visible perianal warts are benign lesions in HIV-positive patients has to be reevaluated since an important number of such lesions could correspond to low-grade anal disease, which in turn could progress to high-grade anal disease or cancer. In addition, our results in this preliminary study indicate that imiquimod appears to be effective in treating AIN in HIV-positive patients. Further studies are needed to document its utility to prevent high-grade dysplasia and/or anal cancer.

Aerobic biotransformation of 4-fluorocinnamic acid to 4-fluorobenzoic acid.

The biotransformation of 4-fluorocinnamic acid (FCA) using non-acclimated industrial activated sludge was investigated. FCA is a common intermediate in organic synthesis, and it is often present in aqueous waste streams. Hence, the biotransformation reactions this compound undergoes when exposed to activated sludge micro-organisms should be understood before waste streams are sent to biological wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). FCA biotransformation was monitored using a wide range of analytical techniques. These techniques were used to monitor not only FCA disappearance, but also the formation of degradation products, in order to propose the metabolic pathway. FCA was biotransformed to 4-fluorobenzoic acid via the formation of 4-fluoroacetophenone. The removal of FCA up to 200 mg L(-1) followed first order kinetics. The half-lives for removal of FCA from the test solutions supplied with 200 mg L(-1), 100 mg L(-1), and 50 mg L(-1) were 53, 18, and 5 hours respectively.

Sulfur-specific detection of impurities in cimetidine drug substance using liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and electrospray mass spectrometry.

The use of liquid chromatography coupled to sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SF-ICP-MS) for the specific detection of sulfur-containing compounds is described. In the sulfur-containing drug substance cimetidine, structurally related impurities well below the 0.1% mass fraction level relative to the main drug substance could easily be detected. The structure of most of the impurities was confirmed by electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and thus, the complementarity of the two techniques for drug analysis is shown. The limit of detection by SF-ICP-MS for cimetidine in solution was approximately 4-20 ng x g(-1), but it was blank-limited.

Accurate mass liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry on quadrupole orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight mass analyzers using switching between separate sample and reference sprays. 2. Applications using the dual-electrospray ion source.

A new electrospray dual sprayer, LockSpray, was developed for accurate mass measurements on a quadrupole orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight mass spectrometer (oa-Q-ToF). With the dual-sprayer ion source, both sprays are orthogonal to each other. A mechanism similar to the one employed on the multiplexed electrospray source (MUX) allows switching between reference and sample sprayer. The reference sprayer is optimized for low flow rates, whereas the sample sprayer is a conventional Z-spray type sprayer. Earlier work using a modified MUX ion source on an orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight instrument showed promising results. In this paper, examples obtained with the LockSpray, specifically designed for accurate mass measurements on an oa-Q-ToF, are presented. The examples include results obtained for the identification of impurities in drug substances such as cimetidine and rosiglitazone, using accurate mass tandem mass spectrometry in both positive and negative ion electrospray modes. Good mass accuracies, i.e., within 2 mDa of the theoretical value, were obtained in MS and MS/MS operation.

Preliminary investigation of the application of on-line membrane extraction of trifluoroacetic acid as an aid to improvement of negative ion electrospray mass spectrometry data.

We have recently investigated the biodegradation of a number of acidic aromatic compounds that give excellent chromatography using trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) based HPLC methods. Unfortunately HPLC methods using TFA are not usually compatible with detection by negative ion mass spectrometry as TFA suppresses ionisation of the analyte during the electrospray process. We present a preliminary investigation of the use of an anion-exchange micro-membrane suppressor to remove TFA on-line post column with the aim of improvement of mass spectral data using an aromatic acid as an example, Thus LC-MS using a TFA based HPLC method with negative ion mass spectral detection is shown to be possible with good sensitivity.

The use of particle beam mass spectrometry for the measurement of impurities in a nabumetone drug substance, not easily amenable to atmospheric pressure ionisation techniques.

Liquid chromatography/particle beam mass spectrometry (LC/PB-MS) was used for the structural elucidation of some impurities in nabumetone as this compound poorly ionises by atmospheric pressure ionisation (API) techniques. PB-MS was optimised for nabumetone and a sensitivity study was carried out. To obtain full scan electron ionisation spectra a minimum of 100 ng of compound on column was needed. By using 20 mg/mL solutions of nabumetone, impurities at levels of about 250 ppm mass fraction relative to nabumetone could be detected. Results were compared with LC/API-MS and previous GC/MS.

Accurate mass liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry on orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight mass analyzers using switching between separate sample and reference sprays. 1. Proof of concept.

This paper describes the use of two separate electrosprays for introducing sample and reference for accurate mass liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) on an orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight mass analyzer. This is carried out using an adaptation of the multiplexed electrospray ion source in which only two of the sprays are utilized. Results are shown for the positive ion detection of trace-level components in complex matrixes and good mass accuracies are obtained, even for very low level components. An example of accurate mass measurements obtained using negative ion LC/MS is also shown. To obtain additional structural information, an example of cone voltage fragmentation is included and shows that good mass accuracy can be obtained for both precursor and fragment ions.

New ultraviolet signal actuated switching valve for the measurement of low level impurities by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry.

A new ultraviolet (UV) signal actuated switching valve for diverting the main matrix compound to waste, preventing it entering the ion source of the mass spectrometer is described. Sensitivity for trace impurities eluting after the drug substance cimetidine or related compounds could be enhanced by a factor of 4-5. The increase in sensitivity was dependent on the type of ion source which interfaced the mass spectrometer. The benefit of the switching valve was greater with a line of sight type source than with an orthogonal one. The detection limit for a trace compound in a matrix compound was improved by up to a factor of 10 with the line of sight type source but only by a factor of 5 with the orthogonal source.

Stability studies and purification procedure for nitrite solutions in view of the preparation of isotopic reference materials.

The lack of reference materials, accurately certified for nitrite, is a problem in view of the importance of this species for environmental and medical reasons. This work outlines a plan for the preparation of nitrite isotopic reference materials (IRMs) in the form of high purity solutions, certified for their nitrite-nitrogen isotopic composition and nitrite concentration. To achieve the desired accuracy (expanded uncertainty U with a coverage factor k=2 of

Traceable values for nitrate in water samples by isotope dilution analysis using a small thermionic quadrupole mass spectrometer.

An isotope dilution mass spectrometric procedure was developed for the determination of nitrate in water samples. The isotope dilution experiments were carried out using the Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements's 15N-enriched nitrate spike reference material IRMM-627. Nitrate was isolated from the matrix by precipitating it as nitron nitrate, from which emission of negative thermal NO2-ions was found to be best. The ions were produced in the ion source of a small, low-cost, easy-to-handle thermionic quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with a secondary electron multiplier coupled to an ion counter. The procedure developed was applied to the measurement of nitrate in a certified reference material (stimulated rainwater, CRM 409 from Community Bureau of Reference), in sparkling mineral water, and in tap water. Results were compared with those obtained using ion chromatography. Good agreement (within 1%) was found between the concentration determined by isotope dilution mass spectrometry, the values from ion chromatography, and the certified value. The procedure developed allowed accurate and traceable determinations of nitrate in water samples, with an expanded uncertainty (coverage factor k = 2) of 2-5%, and the detection limit was found to be 2 mumol kg-1.