Genomic Medicine, Biomarkers, and Health Sciences

Human adipose-derived stem cells: Isolation, characterization and current application in regeneration medicine

Kuang-Hung Cheng, Tzu-Lei Kuo, Kung-Kai Kuo, Chang-Chun Hsiao — 2011-10-17

Abstract: Stem cell techniques and tissue engineering are the foundation of the emerging field of regenerative medicine, which requires a stable source of stem or progenitor cells. Adipose tissue has been proven to serve as an alternative, rich source of adult stem cells with multipotent ability. There has been increased interest in adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) for tissue engineering applications. Here, we review the current techniques for isolating, cultivating, and differentiating ADSCs, and describe them in detail. The results from many studies that we summarize in this review indicate that ADSCs and their secretory factors show great promise for use in stem cell therapy.

A study on women’s perceptions regarding the requirements and satisfaction of a hospital environment

Hsien Cheng Lin — 2011-10-28

Abstract: Practicing gender-based equal rights is an international trend today. An empirical study was conducted to analyze the individual traits of women and their needs in order to determine how female-friendly hospital environments were by focusing on environments fitted for individuals. A structured questionnaire was distributed to the female users of a model female-friendly hospital recognized by the Health Bureau; 200 questionnaires were issued and 154 replies were valid. Variance and multiple regression analyses were conducted on the valid questionnaires. The results of the study indicate that: (1) the hospital’s efforts to promote a female-friendly hospital environment fell below women’s expectations; (2) when the hospital offered a less female-friendly hospital environment, female patients were less satisfied; and (3) “educational attainment” and “experience of a female-friendly hospital environment” most significantly influence the degree to which female patients would be satisfied with services provided by hospitals. We recommend hospitals educate medical staff and administrators regarding the concept of gender-based equal rights through relevant training in order to cultivate a high level of awareness and enthusiasm for offering female patients more comprehensive services so that they feel respected when receiving medical treatment.

A study of psychosocial problems in families with HIV-infected children in coastal Karnataka

Kadke Shreedhara Avabratha, Bhagyalakshmi Kodavanji, Jeena Vaid — 2011-10-05

Abstract: Individuals infected with HIV and AIDS and their families have to cope with a multitude of stressors. These chronic and stigmatized conditions can affect the overall functioning and lifestyle of affected children and their families. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a child’s illness on psychosocial issues for parents or caregivers and the problems they face. The descriptive study was carried out at Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Mangalore, India. In total, 27 parents or relatives of HIV-positive children were interviewed after obtaining consent. The male/female ratio of affected children was 0.9:1 and the majority of the children were >5 years of age. Ten children were looked after by both parents, 13 by one parent and four by relatives. The majority of the families had a per capita income of

Morphological effects of chronic efavirenz administration on the kidney of adult Wistar rats

2011-10-10

Abstract: Efavirenz is commonly used as part of the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1. The effects of chronic administration of efavirenz on the kidney of adult Wistar rats were investigated. The rats were divided into two groups, those given efavirenz (treatment) and those given water (control), both for 30 days. The animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation on Day 31 of the experiment and kidneys were dissected, weighed and quickly fixed in 10% formalin for histological analysis. The findings indicate that there was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in weight and increase in relative weight of treated right and left kidneys compared to the control group. Kidneys in the treated group showed disruption of the cytoarchitecture of the renal cortical structure, diffuse glomerulonephritis with some cell congestion, and dilation of Bowman’s space compared to the control group. Chronic efavirenz administration may therefore have an adverse effect on the kidney function of adult Wistar rats. Further studies to corroborate these observations should be carried out.

Multicentric gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the stomach with wild-type KIT and PDGFRA

Tzu-Chieh Yin, Sheau-Fang Yang, Jaw-Yuan Wang — 2011-10-10

Abstract: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are usually solitary tumors, mostly situated in the stomach and proximal small intestine. The existence of multiple lesions is thought to be an unusual event in some specific circumstances. Synchronous lesions are commonly viewed as the result of metastatic GIST, especially when the tumors are very different from each other in size and smaller lesions are located on the omentum or peritoneum. Nevertheless, differential diagnosis should include multiple primary sporadic GIST. Here we report a rare sporadic metachronous double GIST of the stomach; both tumors lacked KIT and PDGFRA mutations. The 76-year-old male underwent wedge resection of both gastric tumors and was treated postoperatively with imatinib 400 mg daily. He remained recurrence-free after 20 months of follow-up.

A huge retroperitoneal solitary fibrous tumor

2011-10-05

Abstract: Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are infrequent fibrous neoplasms that arise most commonly in the thoracic cavity. Although initially described as arising from the pleura, SFTs have been reported at a wide range of anatomic sites. Owing to their rarity, accurate diagnosis of SFTs remains a challenge for clinicians. A 38-year-old man presented complaining of difficulty in defecation and a progressive perineal mass. A computed tomography scan revealed a huge pelvic mass characteristic of central necrosis and calcification with a severely compressed adjacent rectum. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a well-delineated mass with a maximal diameter of 15 cm. During surgery, an encapsulated tumor was excised via simultaneous abdominal and perineal approaches because of its huge size. SFT should be kept in mind for differential diagnosis of retroperitoneal tumors.