The role of international agencies in emerging infections

Emergent and resurgent infections have no respect for national borders. Surveillance programmes, policies and practices, educational activities and control initiatives all require international leadership, multinational funding, and the ability to transcend national barriers if we are to prevent and control these infections. Society seems to expect us to organise ourselves to do this job well without building "impossible to maintain" barriers to the flow of people or goods. As a result, we must determine how international organisations, including United Nations agencies, international societies, and academic groups in universities, can work together with national organisations to achieve effective surveillance, ongoing education, important research and control initiatives to prevent infections from becoming an ever-increasing global threat to our security.     

The emerging role of MIF in septic shock and infection

A case of successful patch angioplasty for the right coronary artery (RCA) orifice dissection following selective coronary perfusion is reported. A 56-year-old woman who had mitral restenosis, aortic stenosis, and atrial fibrillation with bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome was referred to our hospital for operation. The operation, which contained aortic valve replacement and mitral commissurotomy, was performed with hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass and crystalloid cardioplegic arrest. The ascending aorta was opened, and selective coronary perfusion was performed. The right coronary cannula was difficult to insert and dislodged several times. At the second infusion of the cardioplegic solution, the right coronary orifice and ascending aortic wall was dissected. The dissection extended to the proximal RCA. The aortotomy was extended into the RCA beyond its orifice. The Xenomedica pericardial patch was used to enlarge the diameter of the RCA with closing the dissected cavity. Then the patch was brought onto the side of the aorta and the aortotomy was closed in the usual manner. Post operative coronary angiography revealed widely patent RCA orifice and good runoff. Two years after operation the patient is free of angina with unlimited physical activity.     

The emerging role of paclitaxel in breast cancer therapy

Bradykinin and thrombin caused a time- and dose-dependent stimulation of prostanoid biosynthesis in human dental-pulp fibroblasts, as assessed by the release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (the stable breakdown product of prostacyclin). The stimulatory effect of bradykinin and thrombin on PGE2 biosynthesis was maximal within 5-10 min. The concentration of bradykinin producing half-maximal stimulation (EC50) of PGE2 and prostacyclin formation was 10 nM. EC50 for thrombin-induced formation of PGE2 and prostacyclin were 0.05 and 0.2 U/ml, respectively. Bradykinin analogues with affinity to the bradykinin B2 receptor, but not those with affinity to the B1 receptor, caused a burst of PGE2 formation. The stimulatory action of bradykinin and thrombin on PGE2 biosynthesis was abolished by two structurally different cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors and significantly reduced by two corticosteroids. Thrombin dose-dependently enhanced the incorporation of [3H]-thymidine into DNA in pulpal fibroblasts by a mechanism that was unrelated to the effect on prostanoid biosynthesis. Bradykinin did not affect thymidine incorporation. Thrombin, but not bradykinin, stimulated the biosynthesis of type 1 collagen in the pulpal fibroblasts. The stimulatory effect of thrombin on collagen biosynthesis was not affected by cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors. These data show that human dental-pulp fibroblasts are equipped with receptors for bradykinin and thrombin linked to enhanced prostanoid biosynthesis. Occupancy of the thrombin receptors also leads to a prostaglandin-independent stimulation of cell proliferation and collagen biosynthesis.     

The emerging role of the internal coach.

Growing from the demand for flexible, targeted development options and the acceptance of executive coaching emerges the role of the internal coach, a professional within an organization who, as a formal part of his or her job, coaches managers and executives. This article identifies this trend, defines the role of the internal coach, compares it with external coaching, and outlines the key issues that need to be addressed in delivering internal coaching programs. It is hoped that this material provides a foundation for future investigation and discussion as the internal coach role matures into a valuable and frequently used tool in management and executive development. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The emerging role of cytochrome P450 3A in psychopharmacology

Recent advances in molecular pharmacology have allowed the characterization of the specific isoforms that mediate the metabolism of various medications. This information can be integrated with older clinical observations to begin to develop specific mechanistic and predictive models of psychotropic drug interactions. The polymorphic cytochrome P450 2D6 has gained much attention, because competition for this isoform is responsible for serotonin reuptake inhibitor-induced increases in tricyclic antidepressant concentrations in plasma. However, the cytochrome P450 3A subfamily and the 3A3 and 3A4 isoforms (CYP3A3/4) in particular are becoming increasingly important in psychopharmacology as a result of their central involvement in the metabolism of a wide range of steroids and medications, including antidepressants, benzodiazepines, calcium channel blockers, and carbamazepine. The inhibition of CYP3A3/4 by medications such as certain newer antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, and antibiotics can increase the concentrations of CYP3A3/4 substrates, yielding toxicity. The induction of CYP3A3/4 by medications such as carbamazepine can decrease the concentrations of CYP3A3/4 substrates, yielding inefficiency. Thus, knowledge of the substrates, inhibitors, and inducers of CYP3A3/ and other cytochrome P450 isoforms may help clinicians to anticipate and avoid pharmacokinetic drug interactions and improve rational prescribing practices.     

The emerging role of photodynamic therapy in the management of Barrett''s oesophagus

BACKGROUND: In the rat, indomethacin causes jejunal villous shortening, microvascular distortion, and blood stasis prior to ulceration. The beta3-adrenoceptor agonist CL316,243 (CL) prevents both the early histological changes and ulceration. AIM: To test the hypothesis that the beta3-adrenoceptor agonist CL316,243 exerts its protective effect by prevention and/or reversal of blood flow changes in the rat jejunum exposed to indomethacin. METHODS: In anaesthetized rats, jejunal villous blood flow was measured in surface capillaries using fluorescence microscopy. Stasis of superficial capillary blood flow was induced by combined topical and i.v. indomethacin (100 microg/mL, 2.8 x 10(-4) M). To examine the effect of CL on blood stasis, CL was applied either i.v. (1 mg/kg) or luminally (100 microg/mL, 2.5 x 10(-5)M) at the onset of stasis. Prophylactic protection was assessed by giving i.v. CL simultaneously with indomethacin. Results were compared with controls which received luminal saline applied at blood stasis. The effect of i.v. CL (1 mg/kg) alone, or luminal CL (100 microg/mL) alone on basal villous blood flow was also examined. The small intestines were perfusion-fixed with 10% formol saline, and removed for histology, n = 5 for all groups. RESULTS: Luminal CL given at stasis reversed indomethacin-induced stasis within 10 min, whereas i.v. CL did not. Pretreatment with i.v. CL prevented the onset of stasis. Basal blood flow was raised slightly only by luminal CL. CONCLUSION: The beta-adrenoceptor agonist CL316,243 can protect against indomethacin-induced blood stasis in rat jejunal villi.     

The role of chemical metallurgy in the emerging field of materials science and engineering

Materials science and engineering has been emerging as a unique academic discipline during the last decade and a half. The role of chemical metallurgy in this emerging field is not well defined, yet it has played an important historical role in the intellectual development of the discipline of metallurgical engineering in terms of teaching, research, and technological appli-cations. In this lecture, I have attempted to define the role of chemical metallurgy in this emerg-ing field and, moreover, to propose using the broader term “chemical processing of material” instead of chemical metallurgy. The role is to educate materials scientists and engineers at the baccalaureate degree level as well as the graduate degree level. I believe that if materials sci-entists and engineers have a good grasp of the principles of chemical processing of materials, they will be in an excellent position to tackle many of the challenging and important problems facing us in the materials field. I have also given in this lecture three diverse examples of materials problems that have been studied using the basic principles of chemical processing of materials. These examples are used to demonstrate that the tools of chemical metallurgy can be used effectively to study many contemporary materials science and engineering problems.     

The emerging role of glutamate as a new pharmacologic target.

Neurotransmitters serve as functional substrates for receptor signaling, as well as dynamic mediators of psychotropic drug activity. Identifying dysregulations in specific neurotransmitter systems has greatly contributed to increased understanding of the pathophysiology of various disorders. Several primary neurotransmitters have received the greatest attention as they relate to neuropsychiatric disorders--namely, acetylcholine, and the biogenic monoamines (norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin). In addition to these 'classic' neurotransmitters, various amino acids, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate, aspartate, and glycine, have also been identified as having neurotransmitter properties within the central nervous system (CNS). The excitatory amino acid glutamate, the most prevalent neurotransmitter in the CNS and a primary mediator of excitatory synaptic transmission, has begun receiving attention. Clinicians will benefit from this overview of glutamate's neurobiology, pharmacological activity, and suspected involvement in the pathophysiology of various disease states. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Mental health services and the emerging role of psychology in Greece.

Notes that, of the few mental health services available in Greece, those resources that do exist are centralized in large cities and few psychologists are involved. The majority of persons requesting help receive pharmaceutical treatments; psychotherapy and counseling are rare. The present authors discuss how recently psychology is rapidly emerging as a science/profession in Greece. Licensure now is required of most academic psychologists, who are expected to practice as well as teach and do research. Although all Greek psychologists must be trained abroad, this multicultural education provides opportunity for broader theoretical perspectives; however, this same multicultural orientation may also pose difficulties in establishing standards for practice. Current increasing demand for psychological services may result in needed support for training programs within Greece. (31 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The emerging role of hospitalists--will family physicians continue to practice hospital medicine?

Adult intussusception is rare and is usually caused by a tumor serving as a lead point. Surgery is necessary to treat obstruction and rule out malignancy. However, if a benign cause (lipoma, fibroma, or Meckel's diverticulum) is suspected preoperatively, a minimally invasive surgical approach should be considered. This case illustrates the laparoscopic management of benign small bowel intussusception due to lipoma.     

An emerging role for the national laboratories in materials research

The mission of the Department of Energy National Laboratories should be expanded to include as an item of high priority collaborative research in support of high technology industry, including the materials industry. There are numerous reasons for doing this. The original missions of the laboratories, other than those of the weapons laboratories, have been deemphasized or disappeared. The laboratories have superior facilities, often unique, and high quality staffs experienced in the interdisciplinary approach to problem solving. Perhaps most important, domestic industry, especially high technology industry, should have this resource available if it is to meet the challenge of remaining competitive. In this position he has responsibility for liaison to the three Department of Energy Laboratories managed by the University: the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and the Los Alamos National Laboratory. He assumed this position in February, 1985. Dr. Kane received the B.S. degree in 1950 from Montana State University and the Ph.D. degree in 1955 from the University of California in Berkeley. Both degrees were in chemistry. He was at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory from 1955 to 1974; at the time he left the Laboratory he was the Head of the Department of Chemistry and Materials Science. From 1974 until 1985 Dr. Kane worked in Washington,     

An emerging role for the national laboratories in materials research

The mission of the Department of Energy National Laboratories should be expanded to include as an item of high priority collaborative research in support of high technology industry, including the materials industry. There are numerous reasons for doing this. The original missions of the laboratories, other than those of the weapons laboratories, have been deemphasized or disappeared. The laboratories have superior facilities, often unique, and high quality staffs experienced in the interdisciplinary approach to problem solving. Perhaps most important, domestic industry, especially high technology industry, should have this resource available if it is to meet the challenge of remaining competitive.     

An emerging role for the national laboratories in materials research

The mission of the Department of Energy National Laboratories should be expanded to include as an item of high priority collaborative research in support of high technology industry, including the materials industry. There are numerous reasons for doing this. The original missions of the laboratories, other than those of the weapons laboratories, have been deemphasized or disappeared. The laboratories have superior facilities, often unique, and high quality staffs experienced in the interdisciplinary approach to problem solving. Perhaps most important, domestic industry, especially high technology industry, should have this resource available if it is to meet the challenge of remaining competitive.     

Patterns of home leaving and subjective well-being in emerging adulthood: The role of motivational processes and parental autonomy support.

In Western, postindustrial societies, the timing of home leaving is increasingly delayed. The diversity of home-leaving patterns, resulting from this evolution, has not yet been systematically studied from a psychological perspective. In this study, the authors aimed to examine how emerging adults’ living arrangements—and the motives underlying those arrangements, as conceptualized in self-determination theory—relate to subjective well-being. A Belgian sample of 224 emerging adults and their parents completed self-report questionnaires. Analyses that used structural equation modeling showed that autonomous motivation for one’s living arrangement is more strongly related to emerging adults’ well-being than the living arrangement per se. Further, autonomy-supportive parenting was found to relate positively to an autonomously regulated residential status. Implications for the meaning and development of autonomy during emerging adulthood are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Mental health promotion in children and adolescents: An emerging role for psychology.

Reports that the results of child development research are beginning to make substantial contributions to child and adolescent health and health care. Health promotion is discussed in the context of mental health promotion. Research in developmental psychopathology suggests that particular skills, feelings, and attitudes characterize mentally healthy children. Social competence, cognitive problem-solving skills, coping with emotional stress, and perceiving oneself to have good social support from others appear to be important correlates of positive adjustment in childhood and adolescence. It is suggested that these characteristics deserve consideration in the development of children's mental health promotion initiatives. (French abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)