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Summary Epidermal structure of the amphibious mudskipper, Scartelaos gigas (Gobiidae), was investigated in relation to their terrestrial adaptation whereby a histological study on the epidermis of 15 regions including nine body regions, five fins and the sucking disc was carried out. The structure of the epidermis consists of three layers: an outermost layer with polygonal cells or rather flattened cells, small cells and mucous cells; a thick middle layer with voluminous cells swollen by epidermal cells; and the stratum germinativum. A dermal bulge was located at each apical area of the epidermis of almost all body regions, but was not existent in the operculum and the appendages, including none of the fins or the sucking disc. In the epidermis of the body regions, the dermal bulges had numerous dermal capillaries just beneath the stratum germinativum. By contrast, the appendages never had dermal capillaries due to the absence of the dermal bulge. Based on these results, the cutaneous air uptake in S. gigas would seem to be more effective in the upper body regions that are most often exposed to air than in the lower body regions, however, cutaneous air uptake is not likely to occur in the appendages.

Summary To investigate the vascularization and structure of the skin and its relationship to cutaneous respiration in Pseudobagrus brevicorpus, a histological study by light microscopy was carried out on 15 regions of the skin, including eight body regions, six fins and the barbel. The skin consisted of the epidermis, dermis and subcutis in all regions, except for the barbel that had a relatively thin dermis and subcutis. The epidermis was composed of the outermost layer, the middle layer and the stratum germinativum. There were two kinds of gland cells: the unicellular mucus cells and large club cells. The middle layer had a small number of fine blood capillaries accompanied by dermal collagen in all regions; the mean number of blood capillaries ranged from 0.9 to 5.9. The mean diffusion distance between the capillary endothelial cells and the surface of the epidermis ranged from 50.6 to 126.8 μm. Based on these intra-epithelial blood capillaries, the relative surface area of the respiratory epithelium ranged from 0.1 to a maximum value of 1.2%. The dermis lacking scales had collagen bundles arranged parallel to each other, but vertical fiber bundles around the dorso-lateral regions were seen at intervals. Sensory organs such as taste buds, pit organs and lateral canals were found whereby the taste buds in particular were more abundant in the epidermis of the barbel. The vascularization of the skin may be closely related to an additional respiratory system used to deal with an extreme hypoxic condition during dry seasons.

Sesamum indicum L. was used as an important oil crop in the world. An efficient protocol for in vitro plant regeneration via adventitious shoot formation from deem-bryonated cotyledon explants isolated from mature seeds of sesame is developed. Optimal medium for direct adventitious shoot formation was Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 22.2 μM 6-benzylaminopurin (BA) and 5.7 μM indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Abscisic acid (3.8 μM ABA) and AgNO3 (29.4 μM) were effective in enhancing the frequency of adventitious shoot formation. Preculture of cotyledon explants on high sucrose concentration (6–9%) for 2 wk and subsequent transfer to 3% sucrose enhanced the frequency of adventitious shoot induction. Root formation from the adventitious shoots was easily achieved on MS medium containing 2.7 μM of α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). Regenerated plantlets were acclimatized on sand and peat moss (1:1), showing 95% survival with subsequent flowering and seed set. We established the high-frequency plant rege...

To identify psychosocial predictors of Trichomonas vaginalis infection among low income African-American adolescent females living in a high risk urban area of the United States.Baseline plus 6 and 12 month follow up data collected as part of an HIV prevention intervention trial were utilised. The baseline sample consisted of 522 African-American females, 14-18 years of age. Recruitment sites were located in low income neighbourhoods of Birmingham, Alabama, characterised by high rates of unemployment, substance abuse, violence, teenage pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections. Self administered vaginal swab specimens were cultured for T vaginalis. Baseline measures collected as part of a self administered survey and face to face interviews were used to predict subsequent infection with T vaginalis at any of the three assessment periods conducted over the span of 1 year.At baseline, 12.9% were diagnosed with T vaginalis. At the 6 and 12 month follow ups, T vaginalis was diagnosed in 8.9% and 10.2%, respectively. The strongest multivariate predictor of T vaginalis infection was biologically confirmed marijuana use; those using marijuana were more than six times as likely to test positive for T vaginalis (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 6.2, p = 0.0003). Other multivariate predictors were reporting that typical sex partners were at least 5 years older (AOR = 2.6; p = 0.005), reporting sex with non-steady partners (AOR = 1.9; p = 0.02), and history of delinquency (AOR = 1.3; p = 0.02). The odds of testing positive increased by 31% for every one unit increase on a six item scale measure of delinquency.Infection with T vaginalis was common and significant multivariate predictors comprised a constellation of problem behaviours, each of which are potentially amenable to behavioural intervention.

Most of the studies associated with condom carrying and use have been conducted with adults. Because minority teenage females are particularly at risk for STD/HIV infection, further investigations specifically focusing on this population are warranted.To determine whether observed condom carrying among adolescent females was associated with multiple measures of self-reported condom use, self-reported history of sexually transmitted diseases, and prevalence of biologically confirmed sexually transmitted diseases.For this study, 522 sexually active African American adolescent females were recruited from low-income neighborhoods in Birmingham, Alabama. Measures of self-reported condom use, STD history, and condom carrying were collected. Adolescents were also tested for three prevalent sexually transmitted diseases.At the time of the assessment, 8% of the adolescents were observed to have a condom with them. Condom carrying was not found to be significantly associated with condom use and prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases.Condom carrying may not be an important outcome of sexually transmitted disease/HIV prevention programs designed to reduce HIV/sexually transmitted disease risk among adolescent females.

This study evaluated the effects of renal impairment (RI) and haemodialysis (HD) on the pharmacokinetics of gemigliptin, a novel dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. After a 100 mg administration to subjects with normal renal function (n = 23) or RI (n = 24), plasma, urine or dialysate samples were analysed. Control subjects were matched to patients based on age, gender and body mass index. Patients with mild, moderate, severe RI and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) showed 1.20, 2.04, 1.50 and 1.66-fold (1.10, 1.49, 1.22 and 1.21-fold) increase of mean area under the time-plasma concentration curve from 0 to infinity (AUCinf) [maximum plasma concentration (Cmax)] of gemigliptin, respectively. Pharmacokinetics of gemigliptin was comparable between HD and non-HD periods in ESRD patients. Less than 4% of the dose was removed by 4 h HD. RI appeared to have modest effect on the gemigliptin disposition. No dose adjustment in patients with RI is proposed on the basis of exposure-response relationship. Impact of HD on the removal of gemigliptin was negligible.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an increasingly prevalent condition affecting adults and children, leading to significant morbidity. It is often associated with the metabolic syndrome, although multiple pathogenetic mechanisms have been suggested. In the coming decades, it promises to be the leading cause of liver disease in industrial countries.To provide a comprehensive, updated review of diagnosis and management of NAFLD and to appraise the evolution of new modalities in these areas.An Ovid MEDLINE search was performed to identify pertinent original research and review articles. Selected references in these articles were also evaluated.The diagnosis of hepatic steatosis and steatohepatitis or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is not yet possible without liver biopsy. This is impractical given the large numbers affected by the condition. Current therapy has focused on improving insulin resistance and mediators of inflammation, factors probably associated with disease progression.There are no proven non-invasive diagnostic modalities to distinguish NAFLD and NASH, but new biomarker panels are approximating the liver biopsy in accuracy. Therapeutic targets of drug development are in early stages, but a multifaceted approach will probably yield several treatment options in the years to come.

To investigate the molecular mechanism for the effect of auranofin on the induction of cell differentiation, the cellular events associated with differentiation were analysed in acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) cells.The APL blasts from leukaemia patients and NB4 cells were cotreated with auroanofin and all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) at suboptimal concentration. The HL-60 cells were treated with auroanofin and a subeffective dose of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2 vit D3) in combination. The effect of auroanofin was investigated on histone acetylation at the promoter of differentiation-associated genes and expression of cell cycle regulators.Treatment with auroanofin and ATRA cooperatively induced granulocytic differentiation of fresh APL blasts isolated from patients and NB4 cells. The combined treatment also increased reorganization of nuclear PML bodies and histone acetylation at the promoter of the RARbeta2 gene. Auroanofin also promoted monocytic differentiation of the HL-60 cells triggered by subeffective concentration of 1,25(OH)2 vit D3. The combined treatment of auroanofin and 1,25(OH)2 vit D3 stimulated histone acetylation at p21 promoters and increased the accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 phase. Consistent with this, the expressions of p21, p27 and PTEN were increased and the levels of cyclin A, Cdk2 and Cdk4 were decreased. Furthermore, the hypophosphorylated form of pRb was markedly increased in cotreated cells.These findings indicate that auroanofin in combination with low doses of either ATRA or 1,25(OH)2 vit D3 promotes APL cell differentiation by enhancing histone acetylation and the expression of differentiation-associated genes.

Chlamydia trachomatis is a major human health pathogen due to its role in sexually transmitted diseases. Thus, there is a need to develop an effective vaccine at the mucosal surface against this pathogen. In an effort to develop a mucosal vaccine, a modified cholera toxin gene was genetically linked to the C. trachomatis MoPn NiggII MOMP gene to generate a recombinant protein with the mucosal adjuvant properties of the cholera toxin and immunological antigenicity of the chlamydial protein. The recombinant fusion protein (rMOMP) was expressed in E. coli, purified and analyzed by SDS-PAGE, immunoblot, and GM1-ELISA, and subsequently used to immunize BALB/c mice via intranasal (i.n.) and intravaginal (vag.) routes. The rMOMP protein administered via the i.n. route induced a higher concentration of anti-MOMP specific antibodies in both serum and vaginal washes as compared to mice immunized with Chlamydia or PBS. Antibody isotype analysis revealed that i.n. administration of rMOMP to mice induced higher concentrations of serum and vaginal wash IgA, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b antibodies. Vaginal washes from all immunized mice following a chlamydial challenge infection were analyzed by indirect immunoflourescence to study the level of protection provided by various immunogens. Maximum protection against C. trachomatis as assessed by reduction in C. trachomatis inclusion forming units (IFU) was provided by i.n. immunization of mice with rMOMP. This is a first report using genetic fusion of cholera toxin and MOMP genes and provides a novel approach for the design and development of a mucosal vaccine against Chlamydia.

Chlamydia (C.) trachomatis-infected female teenagers with older partners may be less likely to discuss the infection with their partner(s) and to use condoms and therefore may be more likely to get reinfected. This study aimed to determine if C. trachomatis--infected female teenagers with older partners were more likely to be reinfected than those with same-aged partners. Study participants which comprise females aged 14-18 years who had uncomplicated chlamydial infection were non-pregnant attended clinics in five US cities from June 1995-May 1997 completed treatment and resumed sexual activity were observed at 1 and 4 months for interim history and retesting. Of 225 woman studied 73.3% were Black 34.5% had at least one partner who was 3 or more years older during follow-up 51.6% reported using a condom at the last sex act with all partners 13.8% had a recurrent infection and 47.4% reported they were certain that all of their baseline partners were treated. Partner age was not associated with condom use certainty of partners taking medication or recurrent infections after adjustment for visit. In conclusion older partners accounting for approximately one-third of all partners did not increase the risk of reinfection. Given the high risk for recurrence follow-up testing and enhanced efforts to ensure partner treatment are appropriate for all young women with chlamydial infections. (authors)

The purpose of this study was to determine correlates of worry about pregnancy among a high-risk sample of low-income African-American adolescent females. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that perceived male partner desire for pregnancy and level of sexual communication would be independently associated with adolescent females' worry about becoming pregnant.A survey of sexually active African-American adolescent females, 14-18 years of age.Recruitment was conducted in low-income neighborhoods of Birmingham, Alabama, characterized by high rates of unemployment, substance abuse, violence, and teen pregnancy.Adolescents (N = 522) completed a survey and a face-to-face interview, and provided a urine specimen for pregnancy testing.Nonpregnant adolescents reporting steady relationships with a male sex partner (over the past 6 months) and indicating no immediate desire to become pregnant were included in the analysis (n = 196). Two questionnaire items assessed level of worry about becoming pregnant.Compared to adolescent females reporting their partner did not desire pregnancy, those perceiving their partner desired pregnancy were nearly three times more likely to experience high worry about becoming pregnant (AOR = 2.85; P =.009). Engaging in sex unprotected by a condom was an equally important correlate of high worry (AOR = 2.84; P =.013). Level of communication between partners about pregnancy prevention was not significant.Adolescent females may experience high worry about becoming pregnant due to desires of their male partner as well as their recent sexual risk behavior.

Socioeconomic status is often used to explain race differences in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), yet the independent association of socioeconomic status and STDs among adolescents has been understudied.To examine the associations between socioeconomic status and self-reported gonorrhea among black female adolescents, after controlling for sexual risk behaviors.Interviews and surveys were completed by 522 sexually active black adolescent females residing in low-income urban neighborhoods.Adolescents whose parents were unemployed were more than twice as likely to report a history of gonorrhea, compared with those with employed parents. Adolescents living with two parents were less likely to report a history of gonorrhea.The results of this study indicate that gonorrhea is associated with low socioeconomic status among black adolescent females regardless of the level of sexual risk behaviors. Lower socioeconomic status may be an marker for risky sociosexual environments.

The isoprenoid pathway is a versatile biosynthetic network leading to over 23,000 compounds. Similar to other biosynthetic pathways, the production of isoprenoids in microorganisms is controlled by the supply of precursors, among other factors. To engineer a host that has the capability to supply geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP), a common precursor of isoprenoids, we cloned and overexpressed isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) isomerase (encoded by idi) from Escherichia coli and GGPP synthase (encoded by gps) from the archaebacterium Archaeoglobus fulgidus. The latter was shown to be a multifunctional enzyme converting dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP) to GGPP. These two genes and the gene cluster (crtBIYZW) of the marine bacterium Agrobacterium aurantiacum were introduced into E. coli to produce astaxanthin, an orange pigment and antioxidant. This metabolically engineered strain produces astaxanthin 50 times higher than values reported before. To determine the rate-controlling steps in GGPP production, the IDI-GPS pathway was compared with another construct containing idi, ispA (encoding farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) synthase in E. coli), and crtE (encoding GGPP synthase from Erwinia uredovora). Results show that the conversion from FPP to GGPP is the first bottleneck, followed sequentially by IPP isomerization and FPP synthesis. Removal of these bottlenecks results in an E. coli strain providing sufficient precursors for in vivo synthesis of isoprenoids.

The African-American adolescent female population is disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted disease (STD) and the HIV epidemic in the United States.1,2 Like other adolescents, African-Americans also have a high rate of teenage pregnancy. One important, yet understudied, protective influence that could reduce African-American adolescents' sexual risk behaviour may be their involvement in community organisations. A recent study of low income minority adolescents found that pro-social activities mediated the relation between family structure and sexual risk behaviour. Pro-social activities also mediated an observed relation between family class position and sexual risk behaviour.3 In addition, participation in boys and girls clubs has been associated with positive adolescent health outcomes and youth development, for example, less substance misuse and increased parental involvement.4 Similarly, more recent evidence suggests that participation in school based extracurricular activities may be a protective factor reducing the risk of adolescent substance misuse.5 These initial studies suggest that more intensive investigation of potential associations between adolescent participation in community organisations and sexual risk behaviour is warranted. African-American adolescent female populations constitute an important starting point for these investigations. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to examine the association between high risk African-American adolescent females' membership in community organisations and their recent sexual risk …

Purpose To determine young adults9 self-assessment of health knowledge and the preventive services received from health care providers. Methods Participants: Matriculating freshmen at a historically black university during the fall of 2003. Study Design: Confidential cross-sectional survey. Level of knowledge on health issues was measured by 7 items, α = 0.75. Preventive service use experience was measured by the question, “Has a doctor or clinic staff EVER discussed with you… 10 different health issues. Results 653 participants (mean age 18.5 ± 1.1 years) completed the survey; 56% females; 96% African American. 93% had seen a doctor within the last year, 76% within the last 6 months. 52% reported their last medical visit was for a check-up. 34.7% assessed their knowledge on diet/proper eating on health as high; 50.2% high knowledge of the effect of alcohol on health. STD/HIV prevention knowledge was reported as high by 81.4%; high pregnancy prevention knowledge was reported by 66.9%. 60% were aware of their BP and 75% knew their cholesterol level. Over two-thirds reported being counseled on STD prevention (73%), HIV prevention (73%), healthy foods and healthy eating (69%). 61% had received counseling on pregnancy prevention. Approximately half of those surveyed reported discussions about tobacco use (54%), alcohol use (55%), marijuana and other illegal drug use (55%). Less than half received counseling on injury prevention (45%) and depression (34%) or were offered HIV testing (44%). Females were more likely to report receipt of counseling on pregnancy prevention (p Conclusions Adolescents and young adults receive suboptimal preventive services and screening, with male adolescents reporting significantly less exposure to reproductive health services than females. Efforts are needed to improve preventive service delivery to both female and male adolescents. Young adults9 knowledge on health issues will likely improve with better preventive service delivery.

Purpose To determine the prevalence of youth who have a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 85th percentile and related characteristics (elevated blood pressures, dietary and physical habits) among rural participants. Methods Cross-sectional assessment of adolescents (ages 10 to 14 years) participating in the 2003 National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) in a rural southeastern US city was done. Heights, weights, and blood pressures were collected during pre-participation examinations. BMIs and percentiles were calculated based on gender standards. During the first week of the 2003 NYSP, a questionnaire regarding dietary habits and physical activities was administrated. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed using SPSS software. Results 236 youth (mean age 11.9 years) had pre-participation examinations; 8 were excluded for invalid variables, resulting in 228 analyzable participants. The mean BMI percentile was at the 70th (range 1-99th). 42% (N = 99) of the youth had a BMI ≥ 85th percentile for their age and gender. Having an elevated systolic or diastolic blood pressure (greater than 90th percentile for height and gender) was significantly associated with having a BMI ≥ 85th percentile (p = .015 and p = .022 respectively). Of those who received medical assessments, 124 youth had completed questionnaires. 85% of respondents reported both eating less than 4 fruits and vegetables per day; 78% had 2 or more sodas per day, and 50% drank milk one time or less per day. Fast food was eaten more than twice per week by 81% of participants and 59% visited the convenience store more than twice per week for snacks. 61% stated that they ate breakfast five times or less per week. From the questions regarding physical activity, 78% and 57% of youth respectively watched TV or played computer/video games more than 3 hours per day. 68% stated that there was not a park near their house, with 71% stating that they did not feel safe getting physical activity at a park. Nearly half (48%) did not participate in a sport team after school. No significant associations between having a BMI ≥ 85th percentile and these dietary or physical activity habits were found. Conclusions The study demonstrated the need for interventions to promote healthy eating and physical activities in rural NYSP participants. Programs targeting obesity prevention and intervention as well as blood pressure control are feasible in this setting. The NYSP, often implemented through venues at historically black universities/colleges, is attended by over 50,000 disadvantaged youth annually.

Opportunistic Urine Ligase Chain Reaction Screening for STDs in Adolescents Attending an Urban Emergency Department