Fibrocystin Is Essential to Cellular Control of Adhesion and Epithelial Morphogenesis.

Mutations of the gene cause autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). encodes fibrocystin/polyductin (FPC), a ciliary type I membrane protein of largely unknown function, suggested to affect adhesion signaling of cells. Contributions of epithelial cell adhesion and contractility to the disease process are elusive.

Disparities in hospitalizations among HIV positive individuals for Native Hawaiians and Asians compared to Whites in Hawai'i.

Hospitalizations of those living with HIV are expensive and often indicate failures in access to, or retention in, primary care. Higher rates of hospitalizations among individuals with HIV have been reported in some US ethnic minorities, yet little information is available for Native Hawaiians and Asian subgroups. All hospitalizations in Hawai'i of individuals aged ≥13 years from December 2006-December 2010 were considered.

Assessing the needs for HIV medical care in Hawai'i.

To assess HIV medical care needs in Hawai'i, data was collected through surveys of both providers and consumers, from insurance companies, from the Department of Health, and from key programs who serve the HIV-infected population. HIV care in Hawai'i is provided through a mix of private, public and charitable sources, with most ancillary services provided separately by AIDS Service Organizations. Private providers with a specialty in HIV care are not being replaced at the rate which they retire or depart.

Measuring the cornea: the latest developments in corneal topography.

Purpose Of Review: Corneal measurement uses Placido-disc topographers and tomographers, creating three-dimensional corneal models from cross-sectional images. Technology includes slit scanning, Scheimpflug imaging, very high frequency ultrasound, and high-speed anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

Recent Findings: Normative data in the Asian population using the Orbscan, and repeatability information for the 3 and 5-mm zone were reported.

Two decades of HIV/AIDS in Hawaii: contrast with national trends.

This paper describes the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Hawaii. Data indicate gradual but steady changes in characteristics of infected populations. Most significant are increases in cases among Asian Pacific Islanders, women, heterosexuals and younger age groups.