Markers of small cell lung cancer

Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer death; however, no specific serum biomarker is available till date for detection of early lung cancer. Despite good initial response to chemotherapy, small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) has a poor prognosis. Therefore, it is important to identify molecular markers that might influence survival and may serve as potential therapeutic targets. The review aims to summarize the current knowledge of serum biomarkers in SCLC to improve diagnostic efficiency in the detection of tumor progression in lung cancer. The current knowledge on the known serum cytokines and tumor biomarkers of SCLC is emphasized. Recent findings in the search for novel diagnostic and therapeutic molecular markers using the emerging genomic technology for detecting lung cancer are also described. It is believed that implementing these new research techniques will facilitate and improve early detection, prognostication and better treatment of SCLC.     

Distribution and abundance of marine turtles in the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam

To establish baseline data on the distribution, abundance and threats to marine turtles in Viet Nam we conducted surveys with local fishers, community members and provincial Ministry of Fisheries staff from 17 of Viet Nam’s 29 coastal provinces. These data indicate that five species of marine turtle reside in Viet Nam’s waters (loggerhead, olive ridley, leatherback, green and hawksbill turtles), and four species nest on Viet Nam’s beaches (all of the above except the loggerhead turtle). It is evident from these data that significant declines have occurred in both foraging and nesting populations of all five marine turtle species found in Viet Nam. The greatest current threats to marine turtle populations in Viet Nam are habitat degradation, the accidental and opportunistic of turtles capture by fishers and the direct take of nesting females and their eggs. Successful conservation efforts have been made in recent years through collaboration between international Non Government Organisations and several Vietnamese Government Ministries. Continued success of these projects and the development and implementation of marine conservation policy will depend upon building awareness among Government employees, fishers and the general public about marine turtle biology, ecology, and the need to protect them.     

云南省沼气及其综合利用发展预测与分析

云南省气候适宜,农村有机废弃物丰富,是以展沼气的理想区域．沼气综合利用前景广阔,沼气发酵系统与农业相结合,能使农业的发展容能源、经济、社会和生态效益为一体,有力地促进农村经济的发展,是我国农业奔小康的理想途径之一．针对云南省沼气发展现状,在对沼气及其综合利用发展预测与分析的基础上,对云南省发展沼气提出一些看法     

18β-甘草次酸抑制微动脉平滑肌细胞外向电流

本文旨在观察18β-甘草次酸(18β-glycyrrhetinic acid,18βGA)对微动脉平滑肌细胞膜电流的影响。分离出豚鼠小脑前下动脉(anterior inferior cerebellar artery,AICA)和肠系膜动脉(mesenteric artery,MA)后,用酶消化法制备单个血管平滑肌细胞(vascular smooth muscle cells,VSMCs),应用全细胞膜片钳技术记录平滑肌细胞外向电流的变化。结果显示:(1)1mmol/L4氨基吡啶(4-aminopyridine,4-AP)和1mmol/L tetraethylammonium(TEA)都可以部分抑制微动脉平滑肌细胞的外向电流。(2)18βGA电压和浓度依赖性地抑制微动脉平滑肌细胞外向电流。18βGA主要抑制0～+40mV电压区间的激活电流,其中对+40mV激活电流的抑制作用最强。10、30和100μmol/L18βGA对AICA平滑肌细胞外向电流(+40mV)的抑制率分别为(25.3±7.1)%、(43.1±10.4)%和(68.4±3.9)%,对MA平滑肌细胞外向电流(+40mV)的抑制率分别为(13.2±...     

Phosphorylated guanine nucleotide exchange factor C3G,induced by pervanadate and Src family kinases localizes to the Golgi and subcortical actin cytoskeleton

Background  

The guanine nucleotide exchange factor C3G (RapGEF1) along with its effector proteins participates in signaling pathways that regulate eukaryotic cell proliferation, adhesion, apoptosis and embryonic development. It activates Rap1, Rap2 and R-Ras members of the Ras family of GTPases. C3G is activated upon phosphorylation at tyrosine 504 and therefore, determining the localization of phosphorylated C3G would provide an insight into its site of action in the cellular context.     

Genome wide survey of G protein-coupled receptors in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tetraodon nigroviridis</Emphasis>

Background  

The G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute one of the largest and most ancient superfamilies of membrane proteins. They play a central role in physiological processes affecting almost all aspects of the life cycle of an organism. Availability of the complete sets of putative members of a family from diverse species provides the basis for cross genome comparative studies.     

Withholding the artificial administration of fluids and food from elderly patients with dementia: ethnographic study

ObjectiveTo clarify the practice of withholding the artificial administration of fluids and food from elderly patients with dementia in nursing homes.DesignQualitative, ethnographic study in two phases.Setting10 wards in two nursing homes in the Netherlands.Participants35 patients with dementia, eight doctors, 43 nurses, and 32 families.ResultsThe clinical course of dementia was considered normal and was rarely reason to begin the artificial administration of fluids and food in advanced disease. Fluids and food seemed to be given mainly when there was an acute illness or a condition that needed medical treatment and which required hydration to be effective. The medical condition of the patient, the wishes of the family, and the interpretations of the patients'' quality of life by their care providers were considered more important than living wills and policy agreements.ConclusionsDoctors'' decisions about withholding the artificial administration of fluids and food from elderly patients with dementia are influenced more by the clinical course of the illness, the presumed quality of life of the patient, and the patient''s medical condition than they are by advanced planning of care. In an attempt to understand the wishes of the patient doctors try to create the broadest possible basis for the decision making process and its outcome, mainly by involving the family.

What is already known on this topic

Debate has focused on whether it is beneficial to withhold the artificial administration of fluids and food from patients with advanced dementia

What this study adds

The course of dementia, the patient''s quality of life, and the patient''s current medical condition influence doctors'' decision making more than advanced planning of careDoctors try to create the broadest possible basis for the decision making process and its outcome, mainly by involving the family