Anti-metastatic and differential effects on protein expression of epigallocatechin-3-gallate in HCCLM6 hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the third highest cause of cancer-related mortality in humans. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has been shown to inhibit the metastatic activity of certain cancer cells. The aim of this study was to determine the effects and molecular mechanism(s) of action of EGCG in human HCC cells. A migration and invasion assay for the metastatic behavior of HCCLM6 cells was performed. The anti-metastatic effects of EGCG were investigated by RT-PCR and gelatin zymography. A total cellular protein profile was obtained using 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE), followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) analyses of proteins with significant differences in expression following treatment with EGCG. The results revealed that EGCG induced apoptosis and inhibited the metastasis of HCCLM6 cells. The anti-metastatic effects of EGCG were associated with the inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 activity. The expression levels of far upstream element (FUSE) binding protein 1 (FUBP1), heat shock protein beta 1 (HSPB1), heat shock 60 kDa protein 1 (chaperonin) (CH60) and nucleophosmin (NPM) proteins, which are associated with metastasis, were significantly altered in the EGCG-treated HCCLM6 cells. The data from the present study suggest that EGCG has potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of HCC.

Psychopharmacology and pregnancy : treatment efficacy, risks, and guidelines

 This book examines the role of psychopharmacological treatment in a range of disorders that may be encountered during pregnancy, including major depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, bipolar affective disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and substance abuse. The natural history of each condition pre- and post-partum is analyzed, and the evidence for the efficacy of drug treatments, evaluated. Special attention is paid to the potential dangers of different treatment options for both mother and fetus, covering risks of malformation, pregnancy and obstetric risks, neonatal risks, and possible long-term consequences. The risks of not treating a particular condition are also analyzed. On the basis of the available evidence, management guidelines are provided that additionally take into account non-pharmacological options. Closing chapters consider the value of complementary and alternative medicine and ECT and explore future research directions.

Creatine supplementation and riluzole treatment provide similar beneficial effects in copper, zinc superoxide dismutase (G93A) transgenic mice

This study investigated the effects of riluzole (Ril), creatine (Cr) and a combination of these treatments on the onset and progression of clinical signs and neuropathology in an animal model of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the G93A transgenic mouse (n=13–17 per group). The onset of clinical signs was delayed (P<0.05) by about 12 days in all treatment groups compared with control; however, no differences occurred between treatments. All animals were killed at 199 days of age. At the end of the experimental period the severity of clinical signs was less (P<0.05) with all treatments compared with control. Again no differences between treatments were observed. The treatments had no effect on the number of neurons in ventral horns of the lumbar region of the spinal cord. Transgenic mice ingesting Cr displayed elevated (P<0.05) total Cr levels in cerebral hemispheres (5%) and spinal cord (8%), but not skeletal muscles. These data demonstrate that treatment with Ril and Cr were both effective in delaying disease onset and clinical disability. To the age of killing, no additional benefit was conferred by co-administration of Ril and Cr.

Users` experiences of heroin and methadone treatment

The present study, conducted in 2003, Melbourne, Australia, examined and compared how different personal and social resources related to participants' use of both heroin and methadone, as well as their experiences of stigma and program regulation, and their evaluation of methadone treatment. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 participants (five men, five women) aged between 25 and 42. Participants who had diverse personal and social circumstances were purposefully sought. Findings showed that users with “non-addict” or “functional” self-concepts had more resources and supportive social relationships that assisted them to develop realistic treatment expectations, avoid the stigma associated with methadone, and focus on the benefits of the treatment. Conversely, “conflicted” users with limited resources, few social connections, and negative self-concept saw methadone as an addiction, and as a highly stigmatizing and disempowering intervention. Social policies that differentiate users and address ways of improving users' personal and social resources are now needed.

Human rights and the treatment of sex offenders

Human rights create a protective zone around persons and allow them the opportunity to further their own valued personal projects without interference from others. All human beings hold human rights and that includes sex offenders, although some of their freedom rights may be legitimately curtailed by the State. In this paper we apply the concept of human rights to sex offenders. First we briefly analyze the concept of human rights, their structure, and justification. Second, we apply our own model of human rights to the assessment and treatment of sex offenders. We conclude that a significant advantage of a human rights approach is that it is able to integrate the value and capability aspects of offender treatment.

Novel and effective treatment modality for medically unexplained symptoms

Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) confound physicians, and the incidence and prevalence of these conditions is poorly documented.  This is not least due to the complex nature of MUS and mimicry of morbidity with conditions that have common clinical assessment and treatment modalities, e.g. migraine headaches which stress headaches commonly are misdiagnosed as.  Effective treatment modalities for MUS have been more or less non-existent.  In the following we present a modality for the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of MUS that in our experience leads to cure, at least in better than half of these cases measured in terms of allowing the individual back to work.  These results are at least twice as high as those described hitherto (see below), and yet, our treatment modality is beset with many obstacles, not the least of which is the intrasigence of a system that will not and/or can not understand why this modality is so much better than what they are able to offer.  The most importance obstacle is financing, as this modality requires long term and committed financing to work.  The economic implications of not dealing with these issues are described.

Prevalence, detection and drug treatment of hypertension in a rural Australian population : the Greater Green Triangle Risk Factor Study 2004

Background: Hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease; however, limited findings are available on its detection and management in rural Australia.

Aim: To assess the prevalence, awareness and treatment of hypertension in a rural South-East Australian population.

Methods: Three cross-sectional surveys in Limestone Coast, Corangamite Shire and Wimmera regions during 2004–2006 using a random population sample (n = 3320, participation rate 49%) aged 25–74 years. Blood pressure was measured by trained nurses. Information on history of hypertension and medication was obtained by questionnaires. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg and/or on antihypertensive drug treatment.

Results: Overall, one-third of participants had hypertension; of these, two-thirds, 54% (95% confidence interval (CI) 47–60) of men and 71% (95% CI 65–77) of women, were aware of their condition. Half of the participants with hypertension were treated and nearly half of these were controlled. Both treatment and control were more common in women (60%, 95% CI 54–67 and 55%, 95% CI 47–64) compared with men (42%, 95% CI 36–49 and 35%, 95% CI 26–44). Monotherapy was used by 55% (95% CI 48–61) of treated hypertensives. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors were the most frequently used class of antihypertensive drugs in men, whereas angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor antagonists and diuretics were all widely used among women.

Conclusion: This study emphasizes suboptimal detection and treatment of hypertension, especially in men, in rural Australia.

Mindfulness and the treatment of anger problems

Clinical interventions based on training in mindfulness skills are an increasingly common part of psychological practice. Mindfulness training can lead to reductions in a variety of problematic conditions including pain, stress, anxiety, depressive relapse, psychosis, and disordered eating but to date there have been few attempts to investigate the effectiveness of this approach with problematic anger. In this paper, the literature in relation to the theory and treatment of problematic anger is reviewed, with the aim of determining whether a rationale exists for the use of mindfulness with angry individuals. It is concluded that anger as an emotion seems particularly appropriate for the application of mindfulness-based interventions, and the potential mechanisms for its proposed effects in alleviating the cognitive, affective and behavioral manifestations of anger are discussed.