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Anthropometric measures relating to body size, weight and composition are increasingly being associated with cancer risk and progression. Whilst practical in epidemiologic research, where population-level associations with disease are revealed, it is important to be aware that such measures are imperfect markers of the internal physiological processes that are the actual correlates of cancer development. Body mass index (BMI), the most commonly used marker for adiposity, may mask differences between lean and adipose tissue, or fat distribution, which varies across individuals, ethnicities, and stage in the lifespan. Other measures, such as weight gain in adulthood, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio, contribute information on adipose tissue distribution and insulin sensitivity. Single anthropometric measures do not capture maturational events, including the presence of critical windows of susceptibility ( i.e., age of menarche and menopause), which presents a challenge in epidemiologic work. Integration of experimental research on underlying dynamic genetic, hormonal, and other non-nutritional mechanisms is necessary for a confident conclusion of the overall evidence in cancer development and progression. This article discusses the challenges confronted in evaluating and interpreting the current evidence linking anthropometric factors and cancer risk as a basis for issuing recommendations for cancer prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Dimethylaluminum triflate-mediated activation of tetrafluorobenzoates of enantiomerically pure bromohydrins results in enantiospecific polyene . The initiation of by enantiomerically pure bromonium ions and subsequent propagation is not subject to catastrophic erosion of enantiomeric purity by any or bromonium ion-to-alkene transfer. Chirality 25:692-700, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: The Rho-kinase pathway regulates agonist-induced contractions in several smooth muscles, including the intestine, urinary bladder and uterus, via dynamic changes in the Ca(2+) sensitivity of the contractile apparatus. However, there is evidence that Rho-kinase also modulates other cellular effectors such as ion channels.Experimental Approach: We examined the regulation of colonic smooth muscle excitability by Rho-kinase using conventional microelectrode recording, isometric force measurements and patch-clamp techniques.Key Results: The Rho-kinase inhibitors, Y-27632 and H-1152, decreased nerve-evoked on- and off-contractions elicited at a range of frequencies and durations. The Rho-kinase inhibitors decreased the spontaneous contractions and the responses to carbachol and substance P independently of neuronal inputs, suggesting Y-27632 acts directly on smooth muscle. The Rho-kinase inhibitors significantly reduced the depolarization in response to carbachol, an effect that cannot be due to regulation of Ca(2+) sensitization. Patch-clamp experiments showed that Rho-kinase inhibitors reduce GTPγS-activated non-selective cation currents.Conclusions and Implications: The Rho-kinase inhibitors decreased contractions evoked by nerve stimulation, carbachol and substance P. These effects were not solely due to inhibition of the Ca(2+) sensitization pathway, as the Rho-kinase inhibitors also inhibited the non-selective cation conductances activated by excitatory transmitters. Thus, Rho-kinase may regulate smooth muscle excitability mechanisms by regulating non-selective cation channels as well as changing the Ca(2+) sensitivity of the contractile apparatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence-based health care has become a priority in the National Health Service (NHS), with increased emphasis on clinical practices that are grounded in quality evidence rather than those that persist because of tradition. Turning and positioning of patients are well-accepted nursing activities. Appropriate positioning of the critically ill patient can dramatically improve gas exchange, resulting in a shorter stay in the critical care unit and an improved outcome. This study reviews the current published literature on the subject of positioning and gas exchange, with emphasis on oxygenation. Conclusions made from this study are that nurses need to be aware of how different positions can affect patients' oxygenation. Further research on exploring patients' experience of positioning within the critical care environment and nurses' understanding of positioning and oxygenation is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urinary catheters are associated with a number of complications, and nurses are ideally suited to minimize the associated risks by utilizing the available research in their practice. Urine tract infections caused by urine catheters are associated with increased mortality; however, urine catheter care is a nursing procedure, the importance of which is sometimes overlooked. This study reviews recommended guidelines on urine catheter care and current published literature on the subject. The aim of the study was to identify recommended practice and compare it with the current research and literature to conclude best practice. Conclusions made from this study are that existing guidelines correspond to the recommendations and findings in recent research and literature. However, more detailed guidelines and further research on how to prevent catheter-associated urine tract infections and other complications may be of benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Urinary catheters are associated with a number of complications, and nurses are ideally suited to minimize the associated risks by utilizing the available research in their practice • Urine tract infections caused by urine catheters are associated with increased mortality; however, urine catheter care is a nursing procedure, the importance of which is sometimes overlooked • This study reviews recommended guidelines on urine catheter care and current published literature on the subject • The aim of the study was to identify recommended practice and compare it with the current research and literature to conclude best practice • Conclusions made from this study are that existing guidelines correspond to the recommendations and findings in recent research and literature. However, more detailed guidelines and further research on how to prevent catheter-associated urine tract infections and other complications may be of benefit [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article announces that the article "An Enantiospecific Polyene Cyclization Initiated by an Enantiomerically Pure Bromonium Ion," from this special issue was previously published in Chirality, Volume 25, Issue 11, 2013.