Addition of triglycerides with arachidonic acid or docosahexaenoic acid to infant formula has tissue- and lipid class-specific effects on fatty acids and hepatic desaturase activities in formula-fed piglets

The effects of including triglycerides with arachidonic [20:4(n-6)] or docosahexaenoic acid [22:6(n-3)] in formula on plasma chylomicron, LDL and HDL, liver, heart, kidney and brain (n-6) and (n-3) fatty acids were investigated in formula-fed piglets. Piglets were fed formula with (in % total fatty acids) 20% 18:2(n-6) and 2% 18:3(n-3) without or with 0.8% 20:4(n-6) or 0.3% 22:6(n-3) from birth to 18 d. The effects of adding 20:4(n-6) or 22:6(n-3) to the formula differed among different tissues and lipids, with the brain showing resistance to change. Piglets fed formula with 20:4(n-6) had significantly higher plasma, heart and kidney phospholipid and triglyceride, and liver triglyceride 20:4(n-6), but lower plasma and tissue phospholipid 18:2(n-6) than piglets fed formula without 20:4(n-6). Supplementation with 22:6(n-3), in contrast, had no effect on plasma or tissue 18:2(n-6). Higher 22:6(n-3) in liver phospholipid (30-92% greater) and triglyceride (200% greater) in piglets fed formula with 22:6(n-3) rather than without 22:6(n-3) was accompanied by lower 20:4(n-6) in liver phosphatidylethanolamine (mean +/- SEM, 8.6 +/- 0.4 and 10.5 +/- 0.4% fatty acids, respectively), but higher 20:4(n-6) in triglyceride (5.2 +/- 0.4 and 11.5 +/- 0.5%, respectively), and higher liver, heart and kidney phospholipid 20:5(n-3). These results indicate competitive interaction between dietary 20:4(n-6) and tissue 18:2(n-6), and between dietary 20:4(n-6) and tissue 20:5(n-3), rather than 22:6(n-3). The results also show that even at low intakes, dietary 22:6(n-3) or 20:4(n-6) supplementation alters the tissue phospholipid 20:4(n-6) to 20:5(n-3) balance. Studies on the physiologic effects of dietary 20:4(n-6) and 22:6(n-3) supplementation should consider the different sensitivity among tissues to dietary fatty acids.     

Musculoskeletal Disorders: Work-related Risk Factors and Prevention

Unsaturated fatty acids of odd carbons, 13:1(12), 17:1(10trans), 19:1(7) and 19:1(10) inhibited release of myeloperoxidase (MPO) from fMet-Leu-Phe-cytochalasin B-treated neutrophils. The inhibitory effect was smaller than that of aseanostatins which have been isolated as microbial-derived free fatty acids with a methyl blanch (i-14:0 and ai-15:0) (Journal of Antibiotics (1991) 44, 524-532). These unsaturated fatty acids also inhibited lactoferrin release by the same treatment. On the other hand, 13:1(12), 15:1(10) and 19:1(10) inhibited fMet-Leu-Phe-stimulated superoxide generation of neutrophils, and the fatty acids 15:1(10), 17:(10) and 19:2(10,13) induced superoxide generation in both unstimulated cells and the cell-free system. However, none of unsaturated fatty acids of odd carbons tested inhibited beta-glucuronidase release, whereas 15:1(10), 17:1(10), 19:1(10) and 19:2(10,13) rather enhanced an increase in beta-glucuronidase activity liberated from cells at high concentrations over 35 microM, indicating cellular damages by these fatty acids. These observations suggest that unsaturated free fatty acids having odd carbons such as 13, 15, 17 and 19 may act as modulators of neutrophil functions including degranulation and superoxide generation.     

自蔓延高温合成Ti3AlC2陶瓷材料

以Ti、Al、C、TiC粉末为原料,研究掺杂Si及Al含量对自蔓延高温合成Ti3AlC2的影响,合成材料的X射线衍射仪(XRD)及扫描电子显微镜(SEM)分析结果表明:物质的量比n(Ti)∶n(Al)∶n(C)∶n(TiC)∶n(Si)=2∶1.2∶1∶0.9∶0.1的原始混合粉末,经50 MPa压力压制的压坯在空气中...     

Partitioning of a fluorescent phospholipid between fluid bilayers: dependence on host lipid acyl chains

The partition coefficient Kp was measured for a headgroup-labeled phospholipid (12:0,12:0)-N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)-PE (12-NBD-PE), equilibrated between LUV of a series of phosphatidylcholines (PC). Fluorescence resonance energy transfer between the 12-NBD-PE and a headgroup-rhodamine-labeled PE was used to find the equilibrium concentration of the 12-NBD-PE in the different LUV. Reliable equilibrium concentrations were obtained by monitoring the approach to equilibrium starting from a concentration below and from a concentration above the ultimate values. Using (16:0,18:1delta9)-PC as the reference lipid, Kp ranged from a high value of 1.65 favoring (16:0,18:1delta9)-PC over (16:1delta9,16:1delta9)-PC, to a low value of 0.90, favoring (22:1delta13,22:1delta13)-PC over (16:0,18:1delta9)-PC. The Kp values enabled calculation of the acyl chain contribution to the excess free energy of mixing for (12:0,12:0) acyl chains at infinite dilution in the L alpha phase of PC having acyl chains of (16:0,18:1delta9), (16:1delta9,16:1delta9), (18:1delta9,18:1delta9), (18:1delta6,18:1delta6), (20:1delta11,20:1delta11), and (22:1delta13,22:1delta13). (14:1delta9,14:1delta9)-PC was found to transfer so rapidly between LUV as to preclude reliable Kp measurement.     

Prevalence and profile of renovascular disease in type II diabetic patients with severe hypertension

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and profile of renal artery stenosis (RAS) in NIDDM population with severe hypertension. 60 consecutive NIDDM with severe HT (> or = 3 hypotensive drugs), 42 F/18 M (SR: 2.8), mean age: 66.6 +/- 6.5 years, diabetes duration: 14.1 +/- 6 years have had metabolic, ABPM and renal investigations: color duplex scan (CDS) (with renal us): n = 60, and/or arteriography: n = 17). 13 (21.5%) renal artery stenosis > or = 70%: 8 unilateral/5 bilateral were proved by arteriography. We compared classic HT (n = 47) versus renovascular HT (n = 13). There was no difference for age (years): 64.8 +/- 8 versus 70.6 +/- 6.4, HT duration (years): 11.6 +/- 6.8 versus 12.3 +/- 6. B.M.I.: 31.5 +/- 6 versus 27.6 +/- 3.3, HBA1C (%): 8.9 +/- 2.2 versus 8.8 +/- 0.9, cholesterol (mmol/L): 5.7 +/- 1.3 versus 5.5 +/- 0.6. Significant difference (p < 0.05) was noticed for S.R. (F/M): 2.9 versus 1.16, diabetes duration (years): 11.7 +/- 5 versus 16.5 +/- 8, frequency of retinopathy (%): 30 versus 61, smoking (%): 10 versus 40, triglycerides (mmol/L): 1.9 +/- 1.1 versus 2.6 +/- 1.1, and (p < 0.01) for blood pressure level (mmHg) (SBP: 142 +/- 20 vs 155 +/- 7, DBP: 81 +/- 13 vs 87 +/- 10, MBP: 103 +/- 16 vs 111 +/- 6), frequency (%) of HT escape (> or = 140/SBP, > or = 90/DBP) on ABPM: 40 versus 75 and 24 versus 40, insulin requirence (%): 36 versus 69, macroangiopathy (%): 51 versus 100 (coronaropathy: 34 vs 61, legs arteritis: 21 vs 69, carotid stenosis: 17 vs 30) and for renal function: frequency (%) of micro-macroalbuminuria: 36 versus 92 creatinaemia (mmol/L): 80 +/- 24 versus 124 +/- 44, creatinaemia clearance (mmL/min): 65 +/- 30 versus 40 +/- 12 while are found 5 renal insufficiencies (> or = 120 mmol/L). In NIDDM population with severe HT, renovascular HT is frequent (21.5%), and RAS must be evocated in unstable HT and/or renal injury with macro angiopathy, old NIDDM (> 15 years), requiring insulin. Colour duplex scan (+ renal US) mays lead to arteriography to confirm renal artery stenosis.     

Replacement of chloroform throughout glycosphingolipid isolation

Chloroform, the predominant constituent of solvents used for lipid extraction and chromatography, is believed to give rise to birth defects and serious damage to health, and may also be carcinogenic. Therefore, simple and successful methods have been developed to replace chloroform throughout the isolation of glycosphingolipids (GSLs) by less harmful solvents. Gangliosides of sheep brain (ganglio-series gangliosides GM1, GDla, GD1b and GT1b) and of lymphocyte-derived mouse hybridoma cells (namely GM3) were extracted with six different solvent mixtures. Chloroform:methanol:water (40:80:30, v/v/v) was employed as reference (solvent I). Combinations without chloroform were: n-propanol:water (40:10, v/v) (II), methylisobutylketone:methanol:water (40:80:30, v/v/v) (III), ethylacetate:methanol:water (40:72:28, v/v/v) (IV), methylacetate:methanol:water (40:72:28, v/v/v) (V) and petroleum ether:isopropanol:water (40:112:38, v/v/v) (VI). After extraction and dialysis, the weight of lipid extract as well as the content of sialic acid, gangliosides, sulphatides and phospholipids were determined. Quantitation of GSL yields in crude extracts obtained by the alternative solvent mixtures II to VI showed recoveries of brain gangliosides from nearly 67% up to 104% compared with the reference solvent I. Extraction of hybridoma cells by means of the alternative combinations without chloroform revealed at least the same and mostly better ganglioside yields in the range from 98% to 116% with regard to the reference solvent I. n-Propanol:water (II) and methylisobutylketone:methanol:water (III) were the recommended extractants for both tissues. Therefore, the methods described offer simple, less hazardous and successful strategies for GSL extraction in excellent yield without the need for using chloroform.     

Comparison of polymerically stabilized PEG-grafted liposomes and physically adsorbed carboxymethylchitin and carboxymethyl/glycolchitin liposomes for biological applications

The stabilities of two types of polymerically stabilized liposomes consisting of PEG-grafted (DSPC:CHOL:DSPE-PEG1900, 5:4:1) and physically adsorbed carboxymethylchitin (CMC) and carboxymethyl/glycolchitin (CO) are compared. The polyelectrolyte is adsorbed on positive (DSPC:CHOL:DMTAP, 5:4:1) and neutral (DSPC:CHOL, 1:1) liposomes at different molecular weights (Mw). In PBS buffer (c(s) = 154 mM, pH = 7.4) the theoretical stability ratios (W) calculated using the classical DLVO Theory, indicate that the CMC-coated vesicles and the negative liposomes (DSPC:CHOL:DMPG, 5:4:1) are highly stable (W > 1) compared to the PEG-grafted (W = 0.9511) and CO-coated (W = 0.9550) liposomes. Meanwhile, experimentally determined values of W, prove that the PEG-grafted is the most stable suspension (W = 5.5). Computation of the theoretical values of W for liposome-red blood cell and liposome-macrophage indicates that the electrosterically stabilized suspensions and the negative liposomes are stable. Light scattering results show that the flocculation of liposomes in blood and plasma depends on polymer molecular weight, type of polyelectrolyte and surface charge of the uncoated liposome. Neutral liposomes coated with CMC of Mw = 1.01 x 10(5) and negative liposomes provide a more effective barrier to plasma macromolecular protein adsorption than the grafted PEG groups and are easy to resuspend in blood.     

eaeA genes in Escherichia coli derived from Japanese patients with sporadic diarrhea

To investigate the prevalence of attaching and effacing Escherichia coli, we examined 364 strains isolated from the feces of 9,684 patients with diarrhea at the Anjo Kosei Hospital in Japan for the presence of eaeA. Twenty-nine (8%) of the strains were eaeA positive. Of enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), 11 of the 87 (13%) strains were for the positive eaeA gene. The serotypes and the numbers of eaeA-positive strains among the strains tested were as follows: O26:H-(2/3), O55:H7 (4/4), O55:H-(2/ 2) and O128:H2(3/3). Two enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) strains (Verotoxin positive O157:H7) were also eaeA positive. Among 260 non-EPEC strains that were not categorized as diarrheagenic E. coli, 16 (6%) were eaeA positive. Those serotypes were as follows: O15:H2, O20:H6, O28:H28, O63:H6. O153:H7, O28:H6, O153:H19 and O157:H45. EPEC strains including O18:H7 and six other serotypes, enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC), and enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) were all eaeA negative.     

Reports for 1979 of the Regional Associations.

Provides reports from the 1979 regional psychological association meetings. The following association meetings are provided: (1) Western Psychological Association: Report of the Fifty-Ninth Annual Meeting; (2) Midwestern Psychological Association: Report of the Fifty-First Annual Meeting; (3) Southeastern Psychological Association: Report of the Twenty-Fifth Annual Meeting; (4) Eastern Psychological Association: Report of the Fiftieth Annual Meeting; (5) Rocky Mountain Psychological Association: Report of the Forty-Ninth Annual Meeting; and (6) Southern Society for Philosophy and Psychology: Report of the Seventy-First Annual Meeting. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Role of the microtubule cytoskeleton in gravisensing Chara rhizoids

Docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid are deposited in large amounts in the developing central nervous system, and concentrations are particularly high in synaptic plasma membrane and retina ethanolamine phospholipids. Arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid are present in human milk. The precursors linoleic [18:2(n-6)] and alpha-linolenic [18:3(n-3)] acid, but not arachidonic acid or docosahexaenoic acid, are present in formulas. Desaturation and elongation of 18:2(n-6) and 18:3(n-3) to arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, respectively, depend on the dietary content and ratio of 18:2(n-6) and 18:3(n-3), but appropriate levels and ratios of 18:2(n-6) and 18:2(n-3) for formula are not well defined. The effect of formula with 1 or 4% fatty acids 18:3(n-3) and 16, 30 or 35% fatty acids 18:2(n-6) on synaptic plasma membrane and retina ethanolamine phospholipid fatty acids was therefore studied in piglets, with reference to piglets fed milk. Piglets fed 4% fatty acids 18:3(n-3), but not those fed 1% fatty acids 18:3(n-3), had similar central nervous system docosahexaenoic acid levels but had significantly lower brain weights than piglets fed sow milk. Synaptic plasma membrane and retina arachidonic acid were lower in piglets fed the formulas with 4% rather than 1% fatty acids 18:3(n-3). The dietary 18:3(n-3) content, rather than the 18:2(n-6) to 18: 3(n-3) ratio, seemed more important for deposition of docosahexaenoic acid in brain. However, synaptic plasma membrane and retina docosahexaenoic acid levels were further reduced in piglets fed 1% fatty acids 18:3(n-3) (0.4% energy) with 30% rather than with 16% fatty acids 18:2(n-6). The need for further study of upper limits of dietary 18:3(n-3) during development is suggested.     

Poly(anhydride-co-imides): in vivo biocompatibility in a rat model

The degradation and tissue compatibility characteristics of a novel class of biodegradable poly(anhydride-co-imide) polymers: poly[trimellitylimidoglycine-co-1,6-bis(carboxyphenoxy)hexan e] (TMA-gly: CPH) (in 10:90; 30:70 and 50: 50 molar ratios) and poly[pyromellitylimidoalanine-co-1,6-bis(carboxyphenoxy)hexa ne] (PMA-ala:CPH) (in 10:90 and 30:70 molar ratios) were investigated and compared with control poly(lactic acid/glycolic acid) (PLAGA in 50:50 molar ratio) matrices, a well-characterized biocompatible polymer, in rat subcutaneous tissues for 60 days. Polymers were compression-molded into circular discs of 14 mm x 1 mm in diameter. On post-operative days 7, 14, 28 and 60, histological tissue samples were removed, prepared by fixation and staining, and analyzed by light microscopy. PLAGA matrices produced mild inflammatory reactions and were completely degraded at the end of 60 days, leaving implant tissues that were similar to surgical wounds without implants. TMA-gly:CPH (10:90 and 30:70) matrices produced mild inflammatory reactions by the end of 60 days, similar to those seen with PLAGA. TMA-gly: CPH (50: 50) produced moderate inflammatory reactions characterized by macrophages and edema. PMA-ala:CPH matrices elicited minimal inflammatory reactions that were characterized by fibrous encapsulation by the end of 60 days. In vivo degradation rates of poly(anhydride-co-imides) were similar to PLAGA. Both PMA-ala:CPH and TMA-gly: CPH matrices maintained their shapes and degraded at a constant rate over the period of two months. These polymers, possessing good mechanical properties and tissue compatibility, may be useful in weight-bearing applications in bone.     

One year of exercise training does not alter resting left ventricular systolic or diastolic function

This study tested the effects of light schedules on performance and yields of broiler chickens. In Experiment 1, light treatments during Days 1 to 49 of age were: 1) 23 h light (L):1 h dark (D); 2) 16L:8D;3) 16L: 3D:1L:4D; and 4) 16L:2D:1L:2D:1L:2D. In Experiment 2, Light Treatments 1 and 2 were the same as Treatments 1 and 4, respectively, in Experiment 1; 3) 23L:1D Days 1 to 7, 16L:8D Days 8 to 14, the light period was increased by 2 h/wk during Days 15 to 35, and 23L:1D Days 36 to 42; and 4) 23L:1D Days 1 to 7, 16L:8D Days 8 to 14, 16L:3D: 2L:3D Days 15 to 21, 16L:2D:4L:2D Days 22 to 28, 16L: 1D:6L:1D Days 29 to 35, and 23L:1D thereafter. In Experiment 1, BW was greater in Treatment 4 than Treatment 2 at 22 (708 vs 642 g) and 49 d (2,948 vs 2,797 g), percentage leg problems was lower in Treatments 2 to 4 (9, 10 and 6%, respectively) than in Treatment 1 (20%), and percentage Grade A was greater in Treatment 4 than Treatment 2 (60 vs 46%) at 49 d. In Experiment 2, BW was greater in Treatment 1 (692 g) than Treatments 3 (617 g) and 4 (620 g) at 21 d, and the incidence of tibial dyschondroplasia was lower in Treatment 2 (3.1%) than Treatment 3 (15.3%) at 42 d. There were no differences for mortality among treatments in either experiment.     

The state of the art and the progression of science in family therapy research.

Review of books: (1) Handbook of Psychotherapy and Behavior Change, (3rd Ed.), New York: Wiley, 1986, S. L. Garfield and A. E. Bergin (Eds.); (2) Patterns of Change: Intensive Analysis of Psychotherapy Process, New York: Guilford, 1984, L. N. Rice and L. S. Greenberg (Eds.); (3) The Psychotherapeutic Process: A Research Handbook, New York: Guilford, 1986, L. S. Greenberg and W. M. Pinsof (Eds.); (4) Integrating Research and Clinical Practice, 1985, Rockville, MD: Aspen Systems, L. L. Andreozzi (Ed.); and (5) The State of the Art in Family Therapy Research: Controversies and Recommendations, 1988, New York: Family Process Press, L. C. Wynne (Ed.). Reviewed by Varda Shoham-Salomon and Deborah Bice-Broussard. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Myocardial infarction in the elderly. Comparison between 2 groups of patients over 75 and under 65 years of age

To define the clinical characteristics, prognosis and treatment of myocardial infarction (MI) in the elderly, we retrospectively compared the files of 101 patients aged > or = 75 years (mean: 82 +/- 4 years) and of 120 others aged < or = 65 years (mean: 55 +/- 4.7 years). The figures corresponding to younger patients are presented in brackets. The elderly group included 60.4% women (5%: p < 0.001), 58.9% hypertensive subjects (38.3%: p = 0.005); 30.4% diabetics (11.7%: p = 0.0013) and 12.6% smokers (66.1%: p < 0.001); 20.8% of the elderly had a history of MI (10%: p = 0.002), 15.8% of arteriopathy of the lower limbs (8.3%: p = 0.001) and 6.9% of cerebrovascular accident (1.7%: p = 0.02). Elderly patients were admitted after an average of 26.6 hours (10.4 hours: p < 0.001). Only 56.4% (79.2%) reported typical MI pain, 22.8% (7.5%) had a painless form, 31.8% (4.2%) an initial left ventricular failure, 21.8% (7.5%) a global cardiac dysfunction and 20.8% (4.2%) a cardiogenic shock (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). 63.4% had an anterior MI (40.8%: p < 0.001), 40.6% a Q-form (29.6%: p = NS) and 22.2% an atrial fibrillation (0.8%: p < 0.001). Serum myoglobin and total CK concentrations were significantly lower in elderly subjects. 20.8% of them received beta-blockers (86.7%), 43.6% aspirin (80%), 14.6% oral anticoagulant (56.7%), but 63.4% were given diuretics (25.2%) and 31.7% digitalis alkaloids and positive inotropic drugs (6.7%) (p < 0.001 for all these comparisons). Heparin, nitrates, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors and antiarrhythmics were prescribed as often regardless of age. Only 10 elderly patients (9.9%) were treated with thrombolytics (77: 65%: p < 0.001); 6 (5.9%) underwent coronary angiography (43: 35.8%: p < 0.001), 2 (2%) angioplasty (11: 9.2%) and one (1%) coronary bypass surgery (12: 10%). 35 elderly patients (34.7%) died while in hospital (5: 4.2%), 22 suddenly, 10 in cardiogenic shock and 3 due to arrhythmias. 38 cases (37.8%) of heart failure (21: 17.5%), 21 (20.8%) recurrences of coronary insufficiency (8: 6.7%) and 11 (10.9%) mechanical complications of MI (4: 3.3%) were also observed (p < 0.001 for all these comparisons). Due to lack of sufficient data, we could not define the status of the surviving patients discharged from hospital. The wider use of thrombolytics, angiography and angioplasty (coronary bypass surgery still having a heavy mortality and morbidity) is probably the best way to improve the prognosis of MI in the elderly.     

Implication of dopamine transporter system on 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium and rotenone effect in striatal synaptosomes

Absorption and endogenous excretion of P by male broiler chicks (14-29 d old) were quantitatively evaluated at different Ca:P ratios (1, 1:1; 2, 1.5:1; 3, 2:1; 4, 2.5:1) in four groups given experimental diets ad lib. The P content was the same in all diets. An isotope-dilution technique was used to determine endogenous faecal and renal excretion. Ca and P retentions in the whole body were estimated according to the comparative slaughter technique. P absorption was calculated from retention and endogenous excretion. Absorption and endogenous excretion of P amounted to (mg P/d per chick): 304, 270, 160 and 158; and 135, 109, 31 and 30 in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Widening of the Ca:P ratio in the feed limited the P absorption. Availability of feed P amounted to (%): (1) 66, (2) 57, (3) 32 and (4) 30, and the amounts of absorbed P retained were (%): (1) 56, (2) 60, (3 and 4) 81. The increasing Ca concentration in the feed showed a greater effect on P absorption than on P retention. The ratios of relative retention to relative endogenous excretion of absorbed P were: (1) 1.27, (2) 1.50, (3 and 4) 4.26.     

Cardiac hemangioma of the right ventricle--report of a case

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of obesity and thinness is unknown among Iranian high-school age girls. We determined the prevalence of overweight and underweight among Iranian high-school girls from Kerman (south-east province of Iran). DESIGN: A cross-sectional study of indicative cluster sample. MEASUREMENTS: Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), chest, waist, abdomen, hip and thigh circumference of 1000 Iranian high-school girls aged 14-21 y (mean (standard deviation, s.d.) 16.2 (1.3)) were measured. The criteria for very underweight, underweight, desirable weight, grade 1, 2 and 3 overweight used in the present study were: BMI in kg/m2 < 15, 15-19.9, 20-24.9, 25-29.9, 30-39.9 and > or = 40, respectively. RESULTS: 4.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 3.4%-6.1%) were grade 1 overweight (BMI = 25.0-29.9), 0.7% (95% CI: 0.3%-1.4%) were grade 2 overweight (BMI = 30-39.9), and none were grade 3 overweight (BMI > or = 40), while 54.6% (95% CI: 51.5%-57.7%) were underweight (BMI = 15-19.9) and 1.6% (95% CI: 0.9%-2.6%) were very underweight (BMI < 15). The mean (s.d.) BMI was 19.8 (2.9) (95% CI: 19.6-20.0). The mean (s.d.) waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), abdomen-to-hip ratio and chest-to-hip ratio values were 0.8 (0.06) (95% CI: 0.8-0.81), 0.8 (0.07) (95% CI: 0.8-0.81) and 0.9 (0.07) (95% CI: 0.9-0.91), respectively, in this sample. CONCLUSION: The results suggest a low prevalence of overweight among Iranian young women.     

Studies on the enzymology of aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 in genetically modified HeLa cells

OBJECTIVE: To determine if low doses of estrogen and testosterone can improve the semen quality in oligospermic men. DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized, noncontrolled, clinical study. SETTING: Primary level care in private practice. PATIENT(S): Fourteen physically healthy and androgenized oligospermic men were selected for the study. INTERVENTION(S): Combined low-dose estrogen-testosterone was administered orally for 4 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Semen parameters. RESULT(S): Nine cases (64.2%) showed definite improvement in the semen quality, five cases (35.8%) did not show much improvement. The wives of three patients (21.4%) became pregnant within 6 months of the initiation of therapy. CONCLUSION(S): Low-dose estrogen and testosterone may significantly improve the semen quality in men with oligospermia.     

Reports for 1978 of the Regional Associations.

This article provides reports from the regional psychological associations for the year 1978. The following regions are included: (1) Western Psychological Association: Report of the Fifty-Eighth Annual Meeting; (2) Midwestern Psychological Association: Report of the Fiftieth Annual Meeting; (3) Eastern Psychological Association: Report of the Forty-Ninth Annual Meeting; (4) Southern Society for Philosophy and Psychology: Report of the Seventieth Annual Meeting; (5) Rocky Mountain Psychological Association: Report of the Forty-Eighth Annual Meeting; and (6) Southeastern Psychological Association: Report of the Twenty-Fourth Annual Meeting (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Nicotine patch and paroxetine for smoking cessation.

Smokers (N?=?224) were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: (a) transdermal system (TNS) + placebo; (b) TNS + paroxetine (20 mg); (c) TNS + paroxetine (40 mg). Assignment to treatment was double-blind. Nicotine patch (TNS) treatment was provided for 8 weeks; paroxetine or placebo was provided for 9 weeks. Abstinence rates at Weeks 4, 10, and 26 were as follows: (a) TNS + placebo: 45%, 36%, and 25%; (b) TNS + paroxetine (20 mg): 48%, 33%, and 21 %; (c) TNS + paroxetine (40 mg): 57%, 39%, and 27%. The differences were not statistically significant. The combined treatment was more effective in reducing both craving and depression symptoms associated with smoking cessation. A subgroup analysis comparing compliant participants was also conducted. Abstinence rates at Weeks 4, 10, and 26 were as follows: (a) TNS + placebo: 46%, 35%, and 24%; (b) TNS + paroxetine (20 mg): 64%, 43%, and 33%; (c) TNS + paroxetine (40 mg): 74%, 51%, and 38%. The differences between paroxetine groups and placebo at Week 4 were statistically significant. Although paroxetine may add value to the current standard of care in excess of potential risk, more conclusive evidence is needed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)