Longitudinal Data Analysis Using Bayesian-frequentist Hybrid Random Effects Model.

The mixed random effect model is commonly used in longitudinal data analysis within either frequentist or Bayesian framework. Here we consider a case, we have prior knowledge on partial-parameters, while no such information on rest. Thus, we use the hybrid approach on the random-effects model with partial-parameters.

External beam radiation therapy in treatment of malignant pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma.

Purpose: Pheochromocytomas (PCCs) are neuroendocrine tumors arising from the adrenal medulla or as paraganglioma (PGL) from extra-adrenal sites. While usually benign, a small fraction is malignant. Multi-modality therapy is used in treating malignant disease; however, little data exist on the role of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT).

Impact of subdomain D1 of the short form S1b of the human prolactin receptor on its inhibitory action on the function of the long form of the receptor induced by prolactin.

Background: Long-form (LF) homodimers of the human prolactin receptor (PRLR) mediate prolactin's diverse actions. Short form S1b inhibits the LF function through heterodimerization. Reduced S1b/LF-ratio in breast cancer could contribute to tumor development/progression.

Infant growth outcomes after maternal tenofovir disoproxil fumarate use during pregnancy.

Objective: To determine whether maternal use of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for treatment of HIV in pregnancy predicts fetal and infant growth.

Methods: The study population included HIV-uninfected live-born singleton infants of mothers enrolled in the International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials Group protocol P1025 (born 2002-2011) in the United States and exposed in utero to a combined (triple or more) antiretroviral regimen. Infant weight at birth and 6 months was compared between infants exposed and unexposed to tenofovir in utero using 2-sample t test, χ test, and multivariable linear and logistic regression models, including demographic and maternal characteristics.

Viral infection increases glucocorticoid-induced interleukin-10 production through ERK-mediated phosphorylation of the glucocorticoid receptor in dendritic cells: potential clinical implications.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis plays a central role in the adaptive response to stress including infection of pathogens through glucocorticoids. Physical and/or mental stress alter susceptibility to viral infection possibly by affecting this regulatory system, thus we explored potential cellular targets and mechanisms that underlie this phenomenon in key immune components dendritic cells (DCs). Dexamethasone (DEX) treatment and subsequent Newcastle disease virus (NDV) infection most significantly and cooperatively stimulated mRNA expression of the interleukin (IL)-10 in murine bone marrow-derived DCs among 89 genes involved in the Toll-like receptor signaling pathways.

Peer influence predicts speeding prevalence among teenage drivers.

Impact On Industry: Preventing speed-related crashes could reduce costs and improve efficiency in the transportation industry.

Objective: This research examined the psychosocial and personality predictors of observed speeding among young drivers.

Method: Survey and driving data were collected from 42 newly-licensed teenage drivers during the first 18months of licensure.

Early childhood development when second-trimester ultrasound dating disagrees with last menstrual period: a prospective cohort study.

Background: When an ultrasound-based estimate of gestational age (GA) is less (greater) than an estimate based on a definite last menstrual period, the fetus may grow slower (faster) than average. While the association between these discrepancies in GA estimates and adverse perinatal outcomes has been examined extensively, there is scant evidence about long-term effects, such as child neurodevelopment.

Methods: Using data from a prospective cohort study titled, NICHD Study of Successive Small-for-Gestational Age Births, we examined if GA discrepancies in early second trimester of pregnancy (17 weeks' gestation) are associated with: (1) impaired motor and mental function at 13 months (measured using Bayley Scales of Infant Development (Bayley)), and (2) impaired cognitive development at five years (assessed by Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence - Revised Intelligence Quotient (WPPSI-R)) in the infant.

Family members' unique perspectives of the family: examining their scope, size, and relations to individual adjustment.

Using the McMaster Family Assessment Device (Epstein, Baldwin, & Bishop, 1983) and incorporating the perspectives of adolescent, mother, and father, this study examined each family member's "unique perspective" or nonshared, idiosyncratic view of the family. We used a modified multitrait-multimethod confirmatory factor analysis that (a) isolated for each family member's 6 reports of family dysfunction the nonshared variance (a combination of variance idiosyncratic to the individual and measurement error) from variance shared by 1 or more family members and (b) extracted common variance across each family member's set of nonshared variances. The sample included 128 families from a U.

Safety of tenofovir use during pregnancy: early growth outcomes in HIV-exposed uninfected infants.

Objective: To evaluate the association of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) use during pregnancy with early growth parameters in HIV-exposed, uninfected (HEU) infants.

Design: US-based prospective cohort study of HEU children to examine potential adverse effects of prenatal TDF exposure.

Methods: We evaluated the association of maternal TDF use during pregnancy with small for gestational age (SGA); low birth weight (LBW, <2.

Erythropoiesis and iron sulfur cluster biogenesis.

Erythropoiesis in animals is a synchronized process of erythroid cell differentiation that depends on successful acquisition of iron. Heme synthesis depends on iron through its dependence on iron sulfur (Fe-S) cluster biogenesis. Here, we review the relationship between Fe-S biogenesis and heme synthesis in erythropoiesis, with emphasis on the proteins, GLRX5, ABCB7, ISCA, and C1orf69.

Mitochondria supply membranes for autophagosome biogenesis during starvation.

Starvation-induced autophagosomes engulf cytosol and/or organelles and deliver them to lysosomes for degradation, thereby resupplying depleted nutrients. Despite advances in understanding the molecular basis of this process, the membrane origin of autophagosomes remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that, in starved cells, the outer membrane of mitochondria participates in autophagosome biogenesis.

Relevance of gonadotropin-regulated testicular RNA helicase (GRTH/DDX25) in the structural integrity of the chromatoid body during spermatogenesis.

Gonadotropin-regulated testicular RNA helicase (GRTH/DDX25), a multifunctional protein and a component of ribonucleoprotein complexes, is essential for the completion of spermatogenesis. We investigated the nuclear/cytoplasmic shuttling of GRTH in germ cells and its impact on the chromatoid body (CB)-a perinuclear organelle viewed as a storage/processing site of mRNAs. GRTH resides in the nucleus, cytoplasm and CB of round spermatids.

Comparison of 18F-fluoro-L-DOPA, 18F-fluoro-deoxyglucose, and 18F-fluorodopamine PET and 123I-MIBG scintigraphy in the localization of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma.

Context: Besides (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG), positron emission tomography (PET) agents are available for the localization of paraganglioma (PGL), including (18)F-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), (18)F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ((18)F-FDG), and (18)F-fluorodopamine ((18)F-FDA).

Objective: The objective of the study was to establish the optimal approach to the functional imaging of PGL and examine the link between genotype-specific tumor biology and imaging.

Design: This was a prospective observational study.

Animal model of metastatic pheochromocytoma: evaluation by MRI and PET.

Objective: The development of metastatic pheochromocytoma animal model provides a unique opportunity to study the physiology of these rare tumors and to evaluate experimental treatments. Here, we describe the use of small animal imaging techniques to detect, localize and characterize metastatic lesions in nude mice.

Methods: Small animal positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to detect metastatic lesions in nude mice following intravenous injection of mouse pheochromocytoma cells.

Intramolecular disulfide bonds of the prolactin receptor short form are required for its inhibitory action on the function of the long form of the receptor.

The short form (S1b) of the prolactin receptor (PRLR) silences prolactin-induced activation of gene transcription by the PRLR long form (LF). The functional and structural contributions of two intramolecular disulfide (S-S) bonds within the extracellular subdomain 1 (D1) of S1b to its inhibitory function on the LF were investigated. Mutagenesis of the paired cysteines eliminated the inhibitory action of S1b.

Cholinergic control of GABA release: emerging parallels between neocortex and hippocampus.

Release of acetylcholine (ACh) into the neocortex and hippocampus profoundly alters cellular excitability, network synchronization and behavioral state. Despite its diverse cellular and synaptic targets, the actions of ACh can be highly specific, altering the excitability of distinct inhibitory and excitatory cell types. This review presents evidence for the selectivity of cholinergic neuromodulation in GABAergic interneurons and identifies emerging parallels between the neocortex and hippocampus.