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This commentary offers the reader an alternative to mentoring through the use of PODCASTS. By providing the listener with an understanding of the challenges and opportunities for self-reflection and sharing of experiences by the interviewees, we are impacting the listener attitudes and future goals through lessons learned.

Background and aim: The leaves of AnnonareticulataLinn (牛心果niú x ınguǒ; Bullock’s heart), a member of Annonaceae family, have been used extensively in folk medicine; however, its wound healing potential is yet to be explored. Our aim was to investigate the wound healing ability of A. reticulataleaf extract in vitro and in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice model. Material and methods: We observed the plant extract induced proliferation and migration of primary human dermal fibroblast (HDF), human skin fibroblast cell line (GM00637) and human keratinocyte cell line (HACAT). The expression of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9), collagen-1, collagen-3, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) were evaluated by Western blot and gelatin zymography. Excisional diabetic wound model was used for in vivo wound healing assay. Furthermore, we processed wound tissue for histological and immunohistochemical study. Result: A. reticulata L. leaf extract stimulates proliferation and migration of HDF, skin fibroblast and keratinocyte significantly in a dose dependent manner; expression of TGF-β, CTGF, VEGF, α-SMA, MMP-2, MMP-9, collagen-1, collagen-3, FAK increased. Additionally, an enhanced expression of phospho-SMAD2, phospho-SMAD3 in the treated cells indicated the activation of TGF-β signal transduction pathway, similarly increased expression of phospho-AkT suggested activation of PI3/AkT pathway. Expression of CTGF and α-SMA was also increased significantly in wound tissue. Mass spectrometric analysis revealed that mainly two compounds to be present in the extract: quercetin and β-sitosterol. Conclusion: Collective data suggest that A.reticulata leaf extract may have a stimulatory effect in diabetic wound healing.

Background: Annona reticulata Linn, has been shown to possess antipyretic, antihelmintic, hypoglycemic, antiulcer and wound healing properties. However, its immunomodulatory role is yet to be explored. Objective(s): In the present study, we intended to investigate the effects of A. reticulata leaf ethanol extract on various components of the immune system. Material and methods: The effects of A. reticulata leaf extract on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, monocyte (THP1), and human macrophage (U937) cell lines were investigated. An animal study was conducted to observe the effect of the extract on humoral as well as cell mediated immunity. Results: The extract stimulated proliferation of human PBMC, monocytes (THP1), and macrophages (U937) significantly in a dose dependent manner; expression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) increased in western blot analysis. Additionally, the extract treated macrophages exhibited features of activation under the microscope with a significant hike in the NO production. Flow cytometry of extract treated human PBMC revealed increased proliferation of lymphocytes (CD4, CD8 & B-cells) along with enhanced intracellular expression of IL-2, IL-6. Animal study data indicate a significant rise in the antibody titer as well as a strong delayed type hypersensitivity response in the extract (150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg) treated mice; furthermore, the expression of IL-2 and IL-6 in mice PBMC was augmented. Conclusion: The collective data evince the immunomodulatory potential of A. reticulata L. leaf.

In the last two decades, allocation of promotional dollars has moved increasingly from advertising to sales promotions, such as couponing. However, a short-term focus on brand performance could jeopardize long-term brand prospects unless promotional dollars are carefully targeted and based on the needs of the target market. Using scanner panel data, which are widely available, suggests how managers could evaluate current promotional strategies, identify potential opportunities and threats, and refocus promotional efforts to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of promotional plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Points out that since consumers are seldom familiar with all the competing brands or the attributes of these brands, brand uncertainty exists in every market. Presents theoretical and empirical evidence from several disciplines to demonstrate that brand uncertainty affects brand attitudes and preferences, and consequently affects brand performance. Demonstrates the importance of actively managing brand uncertainty. Identifies and discusses marketing tools that can be used to reduce brand uncertainty at different stages in the consumer decision process. Discusses how managers can modify these tools to deal with high-involvement versus low-involvement products, how these tools should be scheduled for maximum impact, and the amount of control managers have over each tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report herein the fluorescence response of pyrene in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelle and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) with Cu2+as an ionic quencher. Pyrene present in the PAA−SDS complex is quenched by Cu2+at pH ∼ 2 (“off” state). Quenched pyrene emission is recovered at pH ∼ 8 (“on” state). Due to easy protonation and deprotonation of the PAA chain in aqueous solution, this pH-controlled micellar ternary system exhibits a highly reversible “off−on−off” switch of the pyrene emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recommends ways for firms in the United States to capture opportunities offered by the growing market of Mexico. Role of the North American Free Trade Agreement; Analysis of Mexico's business environment; Concept of political environment.

Background Patients from various countries may have unique patterns of using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and unique reasons for using it. Objective Our objective was to assess the use of CAM among patients from the Gulf region attending the Executive and International Health Program of the Department of General Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Methods This cross-sectional survey was administered to all patients who were from the Gulf region and were undergoing outpatient evaluation in the Executive and International Health Program. After their initial medical evaluation by a physician, the patients were invited to anonymously complete the modified International Complementary and Alternative Medicine Questionnaire. Results The survey was completed by 69 patients (41 women, 27 men; mean age, 45.4 years). The most frequently seen providers for CAM treatments were physicians (71.0% of patients), spiritual healers (29.0%), and chiropractors (20.3%). CAM treatments most frequently received from a physician were massage therapy (51.0%), hijama (38.8%), spiritual healing (24.5%), and acupuncture or herbs (16.3%). The most frequently used dietary supplements were ginger (42.0%), bee products (30.4%), and garlic (27.5%). The most common self-help therapies were prayers for health (68.1%), meditation (15.9%), and relaxation techniques (11.6%). CAM therapy, including visits to CAM providers, was used by 92.8% of patients. CAM was mainly used to improve well-being and long-term health conditions rather than for acute illnesses. Conclusion The use of CAM was high among our patients from the Gulf region, and the CAM therapies used by this population differed from the ones used by US patients. Physicians providing care to patients from the Gulf region should be aware of how the use of CAM may affect the care needs of these patients.

Maintenance of professional competence remains an exercise of permament learning and an essential requirement for evidence –based medical practice. Physicians attend continuing professional development (CPD) programs to acquire new knowledge. Often CPD programs remain the main source for updates of information. CPD organizers have a considerable responsibility in determining appropriate curriculum for their conferences. Organizing an effective CPD activity often requires understanding of the principles of adult education. Prior to deciding on the curriculum for a CPD, course organizers should conduct needs assessment of physicians. CPD planners should create activities that would consistently improve physician competence. CPD sessions that are interactive, using multiple methods of instructions for small groups of physicians from a single specialty are more likely to change physician knowledge and behavior. The effectiveness of a CPD program should be evaluated at a level beyond measuring physician satisfaction. CPD planners should incorporate methods to determine the course attendees’ improvement of knowledge, skills and attitudes during the CPD activities. Pre and post conference evaluations of physicians using multiple choice questions may form a useful method of assessment.