Relationship Between Fiber Cell-Wall Deformations and Longitudinal Growth Strain: A Research Note

The relationship between fiber cell-wall deformations and longitudinal growth strain is investigated in trees of Eucalyptus pilularis Sm. (blackbutt) and Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden (rose gum).In E. pilularis a weak correlation (r = 0.39) was observed between the number of cell-wall deformations in fiber walls adjacent to the second marginal ray cell and field measurements of longitudinal growth strain. However, a similar relationship could not be found in E. grandis

The magnetofection method: Using magnetic force to enhance gene delivery

In order to enhance and target gene delivery we have previously established a novel method, termed magnetofection, which uses magnetic force acting on gene vectors that are associated with magnetic particles. Here we review the benefits, the mechanism and the potential of the method with regard to overcoming physical limitations to gene delivery. Magnetic particle chemistry and physics are discussed, followed by a detailed presentation of vector formulation and optimization work. While magnetofection does not necessarily improve the overall performance of any given standard gene transfer method in vitro, its major potential lies in the extraordinarily rapid and efficient transfection at low vector doses and the possibility of remotely controlled vector targeting in vivo

Frequency of sexual dysfunction in outpatients with severe mental illness in Greece

INTRODUCTION: Patients with psychosis can develop sexual dysfunction, which may be related to the disease itself, psychosocial factors, somatic comorbidities, and the use of psychotropic medication. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the type and frequency of sexual dysfunction in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder in order to assess the side effects of antipsychotics in sexual function. METHODS: This is a multicenter, cross-sectional study, involving patients diagnosed with schizophrenia (79.3%) or bipolar disorder (20.7%) treated in the Department of Psychiatry and Community Mental Health Centers from November 2018 to December 2019. Patients were enrolled in the study after signed informed consent. Demographic and clinical data were collected from patients through a semi-structured interview. The Antipsychotics and Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (ASFQ) was administered to assess sexual function. RESULTS: A total of 87 outpatients on antipsychotics were recruited in the study. The mean age was 43.6 years, while the mean duration of the disease was 16.9 years. Overall, only 9.1% of patients spontaneously reported sexual dysfunction. Patients treated with oral first-generation antipsychotics had more difficulties in achieving orgasm and decreased erection capacity. In contrast, patients treated with oral second-generation antipsychotics had decreased ejaculation capacity. Patients on antipsychotic combination therapy were associated with higher rates of sexual anhedonia. DISCUSSION: These results suggest that sexual dysfunction is a side effect of antipsychotic treatment, which was spontaneously rarely reported by patients. It seems essential to obtain a psychosexual clinical history before initiating antipsychotic treatment to evaluate following changes and adopt an individualized strategy to manage sexual dysfunction induced by antipsychotics

FIRST AID TRAINING AT EARLY CHILDHOOD: A REVIEW OF LITERATURE

By teaching first aid at school, the number of bystanders can be increased. Researchers are attempting to identify effective educational methods to teach first aid to children. The literature review examines published studies to provide information on the content of kindergarten first aid training. MEDLINE, Scopus, and ERIC were the major databases searched for related literature published between January 2003 and November 2022. The first aid interventions were varied in content and aimed to improve students' first aid knowledge, skills, and attitude. Combining both theoretical and 'hands-on' training components into the education process was discovered to be a critical factor in delivering material. More research is needed to determine the role of first aid education in kindergarten, as well as interventions for knowledge and skill retention.  Article visualizations