Residential Development and Hierarchical Governance: Multifamily Housing and Multilevel Analysis

This study investigates factors that influence multifamily housing zoning from a hierarchical governance perspective. Local zoning is a product of interactive processes among various stakeholders and of local politics. Since local zoning represents community interests in land development and has an exclusionary characteristic, multifamily housing zoning is controversial in some localities. We hypothesize that a hierarchical governance structure influences the supply of local multifamily housing zoning. The result of a hierarchical generalized linear model shows evidence that state smart growth reform and state intervention in local land use are positively associated with the establishment of local multifamily housing zoning. The decisions are also affected by local factors such as the supply of land, density restrictions, cost of new infrastructure, and city budget constraints. This study concludes that state authority and smart growth reform make it possible for local governments to commit to multifamily housing zoning to achieve housing affordability and high-density development

Effects of Huang Bai (Phellodendri Cortex) and Three Other Herbs on GnRH and GH Levels in GT1–7 and GH3 Cells

The present study was to evaluate the effects of Huang Bai, Zhi Mu, Mai Ya, and Xia Ku Cao on hormone using the GT1–7 and GH3 cells. The GT1–7 and GH3 cell lines were incubated with DW; DMSO; and 30, 100, or 300 μg/mL of one of the four extract solutions in serum-free media for 24 hours. The MTT assay was performed to determine the cytotoxicity of the four herbs. The GT1–7 and GH3 cells were incubated in DW, estradiol (GT1–7 only), or noncytotoxic herb solutions in serum-free medium for 24 hours. A quantitative RT-PCR and western blot were performed to measure the GnRH expression in GT1–7 cells and GH expression in GH3 cells. Huang Bai, Zhi Mu, Xia Ku Cao, and Mai Ya inhibited the GnRH mRNA expression in GT1–7 cells, whereas Huang Bai enhanced GH mRNA expression in GH3 cells. Additionally, Xia Ku Cao inhibited GnRH protein expression in GT1–7 cells and Huang Bai promoted GH protein expression in GH3 cells. The findings suggest that Huang Bai can delay puberty by inhibiting GnRH synthesis in the hypothalamus while also accelerating growth by promoting GH synthesis and secretion in the pituitary

Prognostic Factors and Clinical Outcomes of High-Dose Chemotherapy followed by Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Peripheral T Cell Lymphoma, Unspecified: Complete Remission at Transplantation and the Prognostic Index of Peripheral T Cell Lymphoma Are the Major Factors Predictive of Outcome

AbstractHigh-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (HDT/ASCT) offers a rescue option for T cell lymphoma patients with poor prognosis. However, the effectiveness of HDT/ASCT in patients with various peripheral T cell subtypes, optimal transplant timing, and the prognostic factors that predict better outcomes, have not been identified. We retrospectively investigated the clinical outcomes and prognostic factors for HDT/ASCT in 64 Korean patients with peripheral T cell lymphoma, unspecified (PTCL-U) between March 1995 and February 2007. The median age at transplantation was 44 years (range: 15-63 years). According to the age-adjusted International Prognostic Index (a-IPI) and the prognostic index of PTCL (PIT), 8 patients (12.5%) were in the high-risk group and 16 (26.6%) had the 2-3 PIT factors, respectively. After a median follow-up of 29.7 months, the 3-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 53.0% ± 7.5% and 44.3% ± 7.0%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that poor performance status, high lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, high a-IPI score, high PIT classes, failure to achieve complete response (CR) at transplantation, and nonfrontline transplantation were associated with poor OS. Multivariate analysis showed that failure to achieve CR at transplantation (hazard ratio [HR] 2.23; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.78-7.93) and 2-3 PIT factors (HR 3.76; 95% CI 1.02-5.42) were independent prognostic factors for OS. Failure to achieve CR at transplantation and high PIT are negative predictable factors for survival following HDT/ASCT in patients with PTCL-U

Chronic Idiopathic Myelofibrosis Presenting as Cauda Equina Compression due to Extramedullary Hematopoiesis: A Case Report

Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is occasionally reported in idiopathic myelofibrosis and is generally found in the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes several years after diagnosis. Myelofibrosis presenting as spinal cord compression, resulting from EMH tissue is very rare. A 39-yr-old man presented with back pain, subjective weakness and numbness in both legs. Sagittal magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple anterior epidural mass extending from L4 to S1 with compression of cauda equina and nerve root. The patient underwent gross total removal of the mass via L4, 5, and S1 laminectomy. Histological analysis showed islands of myelopoietic cells surrounded by fatty tissue, consistent with EMH, and bone marrow biopsy performed after surgery revealed hypercellular marrow and megakaryocytic hyperplasia and focal fibrosis. The final diagnosis was chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis leading to EMH in the lumbar spinal canal. Since there were no abnormal hematological findings except mild myelofibrosis, additional treatment such as radiothepary was not administered postoperatively for fear of radiotoxicity. On 6 month follow-up examination, the patient remained clinically stable without recurrence. This is the first case of chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis due to EMH tissue in the lumbar spinal canal in Korea

Relationship between insulin resistance, obesity and serum prostate-specific antigen levels in healthy men

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between insulin resistance, obesity and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in healthy men with serum PSA level below 4 ng mL -1 . The men included in the study cohort were 11 827 healthy male employees of the Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co., LTD who had undergone medical checkups including fasting glucose, fasting insulin and serum PSA between January 2003 and December 2008. Insulin resistance was calculated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA [fasting glucose × fasting insulin]/22.5) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI; 1/[log (fasting insulin) + log (fasting glucose)]). Age-adjusted body mass index (BMI) was significantly increased according to increasing quartile of insulin resistance as determined by HOMA and QUICKI, respectively, in analysis of variance (ANOVA) test and Duncan's multiple comparison test (P < 0.001), but age-adjusted serum PSA concentration was significantly decreased according to increasing quartile of insulin resistance as determined by HOMA and QUICKI (P < 0.001). Age, BMI, insulin resistance by HOMA or QUICKI were significantly independent variables to serum PSA level in a multivariate linear regression analysis (P < 0.001). Insulin resistance was a significant independent variable to serum PSA level along with BMI. Insulin resistance and BMI were negatively correlated with serum PSA level in healthy men. Insulin resistance was positively correlated with BMI