Das Wohlbefinden der Väter und die Wochenarbeitszeit der Mütter

'In diesem Artikel wird der Zusammenhang zwischen dem Wohlbefinden der Väter und der Wochenarbeitszeit ihrer berufstätigen Partnerinnen untersucht. Vertreter der folgenden zwei Vätergruppen nahmen an der Studie teil: der moderne Vater, der Haushalts- und Familienaufgaben übernimmt und der traditionellere Vater, der oft Vollzeit arbeitet. Es zeigt sich, dass für beide Gruppen Folgendes gilt: Es besteht ein Zusammenhang zwischen der (relativen) Wochenarbeitszeit der Mütter und dem körperlichen und psychischen Wohlbefinden der Väter. In der Studie werden folgende zwei Hypothesen miteinander verglichen: Es besteht ein negativer Zusammenhang zwischen der tatsächlichen Wochenarbeitszeit der Frau und dem Wohlbefinden ihres Partners. Oder als zweite Hypothese: Diese Auswirkungen hängen mehr mit 'symbolischen' Faktoren zusammen, gemessen durch den relativen Anteil der Frau am Familieneinkommen oder durch die relative Stundenzahl, die sie berufstätig ist (die Wochenarbeitszeit der Frau im Vergleich zu der des Mannes). Beide Hypothesen wurden in der Studie bestätigt, die Hypothese des 'Unfulfilled Husband' (ihre relative Wochenarbeitszeit) wurde jedoch am meisten unterstützt. Finanzielle Faktoren spielen dabei eine weniger wichtige Rolle. Erwähnenswert ist außerdem, dass ein positiver Zusammenhang besteht zwischen der Wochenarbeitszeit erwerbstätiger Männer und ihrem körperlichen und seelischen Befinden.' (Autorenreferat)'This investigation studies the relation between the well-being of fathers and the number of hours that their wives work outside the home. Two groups of fathers were involved in the investigation: the modern, caring fathers, and the more traditional fathers, who are often in full-time employment outside the home. It would appear to be true for both groups that the amount of hours their wives work, correlates negatively with the well-being of fathers both physically and mentally. Two hypotheses were compared: does the well-being of fathers correlate mainly with the actual absence of the wife, measured by the absolute number of hours that she works? Or does it correlate more with 'symbolic' factors, measured by her relative share in the family income or the relative number of hours that she works (her working hours compared with his). Confirmation was found for both hypotheses, but the unfulfilled husband hypothesis had the most support. Financial factors play a rather less important rote. Finally, it must be observed that the number of hours that men themselves work still has a positive correlation with their well-being.' (author's abstract)

Cancer metabolism: current perspectives and future directions

Cellular metabolism influences life and death decisions. An emerging theme in cancer biology is that metabolic regulation is intricately linked to cancer progression. In part, this is due to the fact that proliferation is tightly regulated by availability of nutrients. Mitogenic signals promote nutrient uptake and synthesis of DNA, RNA, proteins and lipids. Therefore, it seems straight-forward that oncogenes, that often promote proliferation, also promote metabolic changes. In this review we summarize our current understanding of how ‘metabolic transformation' is linked to oncogenic transformation, and why inhibition of metabolism may prove a cancer′s ‘Achilles' heel'. On one hand, mutation of metabolic enzymes and metabolic stress sensors confers synthetic lethality with inhibitors of metabolism. On the other hand, hyperactivation of oncogenic pathways makes tumors more susceptible to metabolic inhibition. Conversely, an adequate nutrient supply and active metabolism regulates Bcl-2 family proteins and inhibits susceptibility to apoptosis. Here, we provide an overview of the metabolic pathways that represent anti-cancer targets and the cell death pathways engaged by metabolic inhibitors. Additionally, we will detail the similarities between metabolism of cancer cells and metabolism of proliferating cells

Clinical and biological progress over 50 years in Rett syndrome

In the 50 years since Andreas Rett first described the syndrome that came to bear his name, and is now known to be caused by a mutation in the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene, a compelling blend of astute clinical observations and clinical and laboratory research has substantially enhanced our understanding of this rare disorder. Here, we document the contributions of the early pioneers in Rett syndrome (RTT) research, and describe the evolution of knowledge in terms of diagnostic criteria, clinical variation, and the interplay with other Rett-related disorders. We provide a synthesis of what is known about the neurobiology of MeCP2, considering the lessons learned from both cell and animal models, and how they might inform future clinical trials. With a focus on the core criteria, we examine the relationships between genotype and clinical severity. We review current knowledge about the many comorbidities that occur in RTT, and how genotype may modify their presentation. We also acknowledge the important drivers that are accelerating this research programme, including the roles of research infrastructure, international collaboration and advocacy groups. Finally, we highlight the major milestones since 1966, and what they mean for the day-to-day lives of individuals with RTT and their families

Ouderlijke conflicten als bron van ouderverstoting

In het vorige nummer van dit tijdschrift staat een forumbijdrage te lezen van Joep Zander met de titel 'Ouderverstoting en de vergeten vaderlijke opvoedingsverantwoordelijkheid". De redactie heeft mij gevraagd om een aantal opmerkingen te maken naar aanleiding van dit artikel