Explaining the influence of biophilic design on employee well-being.

Biophilic workplace design has been proposed as an effective strategy to increase employee well-being in open-plan offices. To expand our understanding of why and for whom indoor nature exposure increases well-being, the aim of this study was to evaluate vigor as a mediator and to examine whether nature relatedness is a direct antecedent of nature exposure or a moderator of the relationship between exposure to nature and vigor. Based on longitudinal data obtained from a two-wave panel design with white-collar workers in open-plan offices (Study 1, n = 345; Study 2, n = 291), using a rival model strategy and two dependent variables, i.

Does loving-kindness meditation elicit empathic emotions? The moderating role of self-discrepancy and self-esteem on guilt.

Our understanding of the emotions elicited by loving-kindness meditation (LKM) at early stages of practice is limited, despite the influence that these emotions may have on later engagement. Past work suggests that LKM may elicit emotional ambivalence at early stages of the practice, but it is still unclear whether the content of LKM activates this ambivalence and who is more likely to experience it. Given the specific content of LKM, we defend that this meditation is likely to elicit empathetic emotions, both positive (compassion and gratitude) and negative (guilt), to a greater extent than an active control.

What makes implementation intention interventions effective for promoting healthy eating behaviours? A meta-regression.

This study examines the efficacy of implementation intentions (II), a widely used self-regulatory strategy to help people achieve their goals. Although previous research has shown that the effect of II interventions is significantly higher in promoting healthy eating behaviours than in diminishing unhealthy eating behaviours, the factors that can moderate the effectiveness of these interventions remain unclear. In a meta-analysis of 70 interventions (N = 9689), we confirmed that II interventions for healthy eating behaviours yielded a medium significant effect size (d = 0.

Histoepigenetic analysis of HPV- and tobacco-associated head and neck cancer identifies both subtype-specific and common therapeutic targets despite divergent microenvironments.

Although head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has in the past been largely associated with tobacco use, human papillomavirus (HPV+) oropharynx cancer has in recent years emerged as the fastest growing type of HNSCC. Patients with HPV+ HNSCC have a better prognosis; however, the 5-year survival for both HPV+ and HPV- subtypes with recurrent or metastatic disease is poor. To gain insights into the tumor microenvironments of both HNSCC subtypes and identify potential therapeutic targets, we performed epigenomic deconvolution on 580 HNSCC samples from the TCGA dataset.

Allele-specific epigenome maps reveal sequence-dependent stochastic switching at regulatory loci.

To assess the impact of genetic variation in regulatory loci on human health, we constructed a high-resolution map of allelic imbalances in DNA methylation, histone marks, and gene transcription in 71 epigenomes from 36 distinct cell and tissue types from 13 donors. Deep whole-genome bisulfite sequencing of 49 methylomes revealed sequence-dependent CpG methylation imbalances at thousands of heterozygous regulatory loci. Such loci are enriched for stochastic switching, which is defined as random transitions between fully methylated and unmethylated states of DNA.

Reducing fat intake using implementation intentions: A meta-analytic review.

Purpose: To study the efficacy of forming implementation intentions for fat intake reduction as well as possible moderating variables.

Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 empirical studies (N = 3,323) published in English and Spanish in the Web of Science (Core Collection) and MEDLINE (1990-January 2016) databases.

Results: This study found that the efficacy of planning interventions on fat consumption reduction was higher than expected, as a moderate overall effect of implementation intentions was observed (d = 0.

Complexity and diversity of F8 genetic variations in the 1000 genomes.

Background: Hemophilia A (HA) is an X-linked bleeding disorder caused by deleterious mutations in the coagulation factor VIII gene (F8). To date, F8 mutations have been documented predominantly in European subjects and in American subjects of European descent. Information on F8 variants in individuals of more diverse ethnic backgrounds is limited.

Oligomers of β-amyloid protein (Aβ1-42) induce the activation of cyclooxygenase-2 in astrocytes via an interaction with interleukin-1β, tumour necrosis factor-α, and a nuclear factor κ-B mechanism in the rat brain.

Despite growing evidence indicating the effects of cytokines, including interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα), and the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in Alzheimer's diseases, little is known about the signalling mechanisms that mediate its activation in response to beta-amyloid protein (Aβ). The aim of this study was first to investigate whether Aβ1-42 peptide induced the up-regulation of COX-2. We then examined the expression of COX-2 and cytokines, such as IL-1β and TNFα, in reactive astrocytes.

Soluble oligomeric forms of beta-amyloid (Abeta) peptide stimulate Abeta production via astrogliosis in the rat brain.

The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction between beta-amyloid (Abeta) peptide and astrogliosis in early stages of Abeta toxicity. In Wistar rats, anaesthetised with equitesine, a single microinjection of Abeta1-42 oligomers was placed into the retrosplenial cortex. Control animals were injected with Abeta42-1 peptide into the corresponding regions of cerebral cortex.

[Macronutrients intake in school teenagers in Soria capital].

Objectives: To study the macronutrients intake in Soria teenagers from 10 to 19 years, as well as their body mass index (BMI).

Methods: A seven-day diet questionnaire filled in by an accidental sample of teenagers (54 boys and 56 girls) from public schools in the capital. Working out the average daily intake of energy, carbohydrates, lipids and proteins by the software of "Alimentación y Salud" which also gives values of individual recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) related to each individual's particular characteristics.

VIP and PACAP receptors coupled to adenylyl cyclase in human lung cancer: a study in biopsy specimens.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) are important neuropeptides in the control of lung physiology. Both of these commonly bind to specific G protein coupled receptors named VPAC(1)-R and VPAC(2)-R, and PAC(1)-R (with higher affinity for PACAP). VIP and PACAP have been implicated in the control of cell proliferation and tumor growth.

Impairment of adenylate cyclase activity and G-proteins in human uterine leiomyoma.

The mechanisms responsible for the growth of uterine leiomyoma (a frequent cause of infertility in women) are largely unknown. Some data supports that cAMP plays a role in the growth of uterine cells but there are no reports on the status of the cAMP producing system in this human benign neoplasia. In this study, biopsies from leiomyoma and the adjacent myometrium were taken from menstruating women subjected to total hysterectomy for leiomyoma.

Immunomagnetic tumor cell selection--implications for the detection of disseminated cancer cells.

Background: The optimal method for the detection of disseminated epithelial cancer cells has not yet been found. The standard method, using immunocytochemistry, offers a sensitivity of up to 10(-6). Molecular methods such as cytokeratin-19 RT-PCR are about 10 times as sensitive, but they are hampered by interference such as illegitimate gene expression.

A randomized comparison of once versus twice daily recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (filgrastim) for stem cell mobilization in healthy donors for allogeneic transplantation.

To evaluate the schedule dependency of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) (filgrastim) for stem cell mobilization, we conducted a randomized comparison in 50 healthy donors, with one subcutaneous daily injection of 10 microg/kg G-CSF (n = 25) compared with twice injections daily of 5 microg/kg G-CSF (n = 25). The two groups were well balanced for age, body weight and sex. G-CSF application was performed on an out-patient basis and leukapheresis was started in all donors on day 5.

Multiple regulation of adenylyl cyclase activity by G-protein coupled receptors in human foetal lung fibroblasts.

The pharmacological profile of adenylyl cyclase activity was analysed in WI-38 human foetal lung fibroblasts. Among various agents that act through G-protein coupled receptors, only the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol stimulated and the tetradecapeptide somatostatin (SRIF, sst) inhibited the enzyme activity. The use of the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) methodology with appropriate cDNAs allowed us to identify the expression of four subtypes of SRIF transmembrane receptors (sst1-4 but not sst5 receptors) in this cell line.

Identification of functional somatostatin receptors and G-proteins in a new line of human foetal lung fibroblasts.

A new line (FP) of human foetal lung fibroblasts was analysed for the expression of functional, G-protein coupled somatostatin receptors (SSTR). By means of RT-PCR, we identified the expression of SSTR1, SSTR2, SSTR3 and SSTR4, but not SSTR5, subtypes. The same technical approach evidenced the expression of stimulatory (alphas) and inhibitory (alphai1, alphai2 and alphai3) G-protein subunits.

The human vasoactive intestinal peptide/pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide receptor 1 (VPAC1) promoter: characterization and role in receptor expression during enterocytic differentiation of the colon cancer cell line Caco-2Cl.20.

The basic organization of the human vasoactive intestinal peptide/pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide receptor (VPAC) 1 promoter was investigated after cloning the 5'-flanking region (1.4 kb) of the VPAC1 gene from a human genomic library. Subsequent functional analysis of various deletions of the 5'-flanking sequence, subcloned upstream of a luciferase reporter gene, was carried out in HT-29 cells.

Immunohistochemical localization and distribution of VIP/PACAP receptors in human lung.

VIP and PACAP are distributed in nerve fibers throughout the respiratory tract acting as potent bronchodilators and secretory agents. By using RT-PCR and immunoblotting techniques, we have previously shown the expression of common VIP/PACAP (VPAC(1) and VPAC(2)) and specific PACAP (PAC(1)) receptors in human lung. Here we extend our aims to investigate by immunohistochemistry their localization and distribution at this level.

Semi-automated flow cytometric analysis of CD34-expressing hematopoietic cells in peripheral blood progenitor cell apheresis products.

Background: The measurement of CD34+ cells is the most important step in the quality control of peripheral blood progenitor cell apheresis products. For this purpose, flow cytometry is applied. Recently, a new test kit has been introduced for the enumeration of CD34-expressing cells, in combination with software support for semi-automation of data acquisition and analysis.

ACE: a peer education and counseling program meets the needs of incarcerated women with HIV/AIDS issues.

In this article, female prisoners who are peer educators and counselors in an HIV/AIDS program at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, New York State's only maximum security prison for women, describe the positive role of a peer support program. Using examples from their own experiences, the women discuss the strengths of the AIDS Counseling and Education Program (ACE) in meeting the medical and psychosocial needs of the prison population concerning HIV/AIDS. The role of nurses in a correctional setting is discussed throughout the article and a final section discusses how nurses working together with peer health workers can create an effective team to meet the challenges of the AIDS epidemic within a correctional setting.

Expression, pharmacological, and functional evidence for PACAP/VIP receptors in human lung.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) type 1 (PAC(1)) and common PACAP/vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) type 1 and 2 (VPAC(1) and VPAC(2), respectively) receptors were detected in the human lung by RT-PCR. The proteins were identified by immunoblotting at 72, 67, and 68 kDa, respectively. One class of PACAP receptors was defined from (125)I-labeled PACAP-27 binding experiments (dissociation constant = 5.

Cloning and functional characterization of the human VIP1/PACAP receptor promoter.

The 5'-flanking region (1.5 kb) of the gene coding for the human VIP1/PACAP receptor was isolated, sequenced, and characterized. Transient expression of constructs containing sequentially deleted 5'-flanking sequences of the VIP1/PACAP receptor fused to a luciferase reporter gene showed that this sequence was active as a promoter in the intestinal cancer cell line, HT-29, expressing endogenous VIP1/PACAP receptor.

[Familial benign partial epilepsy of early infancy].

Introduction And Clinical Cases: We present two patients who at the ages of 5 and 17 months respectively presented with convulsive crises with motor signs, of partial onset and secondary generalization, which eventually became normal. Both patients had a family history of first degree relatives with similar illnesses and are at present-five years later-well and with normal development, school achievement and neurological examination findings. The clinical characteristics, normal biochemical and neuroimaging investigations and EEG characteristics suggest the diagnosis of benign partial epilepsy of early infancy.

Ontogenic development of the adenylyl cyclase enzyme and the alpha s, alpha i1 and alpha i2 G-protein regulatory subunits from rat prostate.

The expression of alpha s, alpha i1 and alpha i2 G-protein subunits measured by immunoblot increased in the rat prostate during sexual maturation, supporting their involvement in proliferation/differentiation. Northern blotting gave transcripts of 1.8 and 4 kb for alpha s, 1.