Expression of the NH2-Terminal Fragment of RasGAP in Pancreatic β-Cells Increases Their Resistance to Stresses and Protects Mice From Diabetes

OBJECTIVE: Our laboratory has previously established in vitro that a caspase-generated RasGAP NH(2)-terminal moiety, called fragment N, potently protects cells, including insulinomas, from apoptotic stress. We aimed to determine whether fragment N can increase the resistance of pancreatic beta-cells in a physiological setting. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A mouse line, called rat insulin promoter (RIP)-N, was generated that bears a transgene containing the rat insulin promoter followed by the cDNA-encoding fragment N. The histology, functionality, and resistance to stress of RIP-N islets were then assessed. RESULTS: Pancreatic beta-cells of RIP-N mice express fragment N, activate Akt, and block nuclear factor kappaB activity without affecting islet cell proliferation or the morphology and cellular composition of islets. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests revealed that RIP-N mice control their glycemia similarly as wild-type mice throughout their lifespan. Moreover, islets isolated from RIP-N mice showed normal glucose-induced insulin secretory capacities. They, however, displayed increased resistance to apoptosis induced by a series of stresses including inflammatory cytokines, fatty acids, and hyperglycemia. RIP-N mice were also protected from multiple low-dose streptozotocin-induced diabetes, and this was associated with reduced in vivo beta-cell apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: Fragment N efficiently increases the overall resistance of beta-cells to noxious stimuli without interfering with the physiological functions of the cells. Fragment N and the pathway it regulates represent, therefore, a potential target for the development of antidiabetes tools

BRAFV600E mutation is highly prevalent in thyroid carcinomas in the young population in Fukushima: a different oncogenic profile from Chernobyl

After the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, the thyroid ultrasound screening program for children aged 0-18 at the time of the accident was started from October 2011. The prevalence of thyroid carcinomas in that population has appeared to be very high (84 cases per 296,253). To clarify the pathogenesis, we investigated the presence of driver mutations in these tumours. 61 classic papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs), two follicular variant PTCs, four cribriform-morular variant PTCs and one poorly-differentiated thyroid carcinoma were analysed. We detected BRAF V600E in 43 cases (63.2%), RET/PTC1 in six (8.8%), RET/PTC3 in one (1.5%) and ETV6/NTRK3 in four (5.9%). Among classic and follicular variant PTCs, BRAF V600E was significantly associated with the smaller size. The genetic pattern was completely different from post-Chernobyl PTCs, suggesting non-radiogenic etiology of these cancers. This is the first study demonstrating the oncogene profile in the thyroid cancers discovered by large mass screening, which probably reflects genetic status of all sporadic and latent tumours in the young Japanese population. It is assumed that BRAF V600E may not confer growth advantage on paediatric PTCs, and many of these cases grow slowly, suggesting that additional factors may be important for tumour progression in paediatric PTCs

ENERGY AND EXERGY ANALYSIS OF A VAPOR ABSORPTION REFRIGERATION SYSTEM IN AN INTERCITY BUS APPLICATION

WOS: 000476619800010A Vapor Absorption Refrigeration (VAR) system driven by the exhaust gas waste heat received from the internal combustion engine of an intercity bus is modeled and analyzed for air-conditioning the intercity bus cabin under different operating parameters. Initially, the hourly comfort cooling load of the intercity bus is calculated for a cooling season spanning five months between May and October in Turkey. After determining the capacity of heat source sufficiency for air-conditioning the intercity bus, energy and exergy analyses of the VAR system are conducted, then designed and compared with the vapor compression refrigeration system in respect to the effect of fuel consumption. The results show that approximately 4,489 kg/year of fuel can be saved by using the VAR system driven by an exhaust gas waste heat in an intercity bus. The maximum coefficient of performance (COP) of the VAR system is obtained as 0.78 at 5 a.m. in May, and the maximum total exergy destruction for the VAR system is obtained as 15.25 kW at 4 p.m. in July. Lastly, the specific time is selected to investigate the effect of operating and environmental parameters on the VAR system

Co-secretion of aldosterone and cortisol by an adrenocortical carcinoma

We report a rare case of adrenocortical carcinoma. A 26-year-old woman presented with hypokalemia and hypertension due to hyperaldosteronism. She had no signs of Cushing's syndrome. Endocrinological data showed excess of aldosterone production and nonsupressible cortisol production on 2 mg of dexamethasone. Magnetic resonance imaging showed left adrenal tumor. Transabdominal left adrenalectomy was performed and histopathological diagnosis was adrenocortical carcinoma. Her blood pressure and hypokalemia returned to normal after adrenalectomy. There is no recurrence after 36 months. We want to emphasis the importance of adrenal tests before the operation even if there are no signs of excess cortisol production. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel

Severe osteomalacia in a patient with idiopathic chronic pancreatitis

We report a 30-year-old woman who was confined to a wheelchair because of severe myopatly. She was first seen by a neurologist because of a convulsive syndrome of unknown etiology when she was nine. She was started on anticonvulsive drugs but the drug was stopped when her serum calcium level was found to be very low. She had a history from childhood of steatorrhea and abdominal pain after a fatty meal and became vegetarian at age five years. She worked in a hospital as a nurse and at home her living room received no direct sunlight. As a result of these conditions osteomalacia progressed. We believe an awareness of chronic pancreatitis (CP) during childhood could have prevented the consequences of the disease in this case

Method comparison in split-sample design and transference of referans intervals of two serum folate assays.

WOS: 00016899640082

A research study on maintaining girls' commitment to education in Turkey

This study is one of many efforts conducted to support girls' education and to prevent early marriages. It was conducted in the Karakeçili district of Ki{dotless}ri{dotless}kkale province which has a relatively low level of school attendance by girls. The current study aimed at supporting self-confidence, decisionmaking and independent behavioural development of the girls attending primary education schools in the Karakeçili district and thus encouraging them to continue with secondary education. The experimental group included 13 female students, while 16 female students participated in the control group. An improvement programme was provided to the experimental group supporting self-concept, decisionmaking and independent behavioural development. Pre-test and post-test results indicated the effectiveness of the programme. © Common Ground, Ayse Belgin Aksoy, Z. Fulya Temel, Ilkay Ulutas, Nilgün Cevher-Kalburan, Zeynep Kurtulmus