Characterization of Immune Cell Populations of Cutaneous Neurofibromas in Neurofibromatosis 1

Cutaneous neurofibromas (cNFs) are characteristic of neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), yet their immune microenvironment is incompletely known. A total of 61 cNFs from 10 patients with NF1 were immunolabeled for different types of T cells and macrophages, and the cell densities were correlated with clinical characteristics. Eight cNFs and their overlying skin were analyzed for T cell receptor CDR domain sequences, and mass spectrometry of 15 cNFs and the overlying skin was performed to study immune-related processes. Intratumoral T cells were detected in all cNFs. Tumors from individuals younger than the median age of the study participants (33 years), growing tumors, and tumors smaller than the data set median showed increased T cell density. Most samples displayed intratumoral or peritumoral aggregations of CD3-positive cells. T cell receptor sequencing demonstrated that the skin and cNFs host distinct T cell populations, whereas no dominant cNF-specific T cell clones were detected. Unique T cell clones were fewer in cNFs than in skin, and mass spectrometry suggested lower expression of proteins related to T cell-mediated immunity in cNFs than in skin. CD163-positive cells, suggestive of M2 macrophages, were abundant in cNFs. Human cNFs have substantial T cell and macrophage populations that may be tumor-specific.

Attached to the web--harmful use of the Internet and its correlates

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The aim of this study was to test the validity of the Finnish version of the Internet Addiction Test and the correlates of harmful use of the Internet.

METHODS

One thousand eight hundred and twenty-five students (45.5% men and 54.5% women, mean age 24.7 years, S.D.=5.7) filled in a web-based questionnaire including IAT, reasons for use of the Internet, distress, social support, and substance use.

RESULTS

Men had a statistically significantly higher mean score on the IAT than women. Subjects with self-reported use of cannabis had higher mean score on the IAT compared to non-users (39.5 [11.3] vs 35.8 [10.8]). The total IAT score was associated with "adult entertainment" (OR=1.07, 95%CI: 1.06-1.08, P<0.001), "playing games" (OR=1.05, 95%CI: 1.04-1.06, P<0.001), "chatting" (OR=1.07, 95%CI: 1.06-1.08, P<0.001) and "discussion" (OR=1.08, 95%CI: 1.07-1.09, P<0.001) as reasons for Internet use. The IAT score had a significant negative correlation with social support (r=-0.24, P<0.001) and a significant positive correlation with the CAGE score (r=0.18, P<0.001). Using factor analysis, we found a single factor solution with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.92.

CONCLUSIONS

The IAT seems to provide a valid measurement of harmful use of the Internet, as the score was significantly associated with variables tapping psychopathology.

TRAIL pathway components and their putative role in granulosa cell apoptosis in the human ovary

Extensive apoptotic oocyte reduction occurs during fetal ovarian development. The regulatory pathways responsible for oocyte selection to programmed cell death are, however, poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential involvement of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and its death receptors TRAIL-R1/DR4 and TRAIL-R2/DR5 and decoy receptors TRAIL-R3/DcR1 and TRAIL-R4/DcR2 in the apoptotic process characterizing human fetal and adult ovaries. For this purpose, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were applied to human fetal and adult ovarian samples to study the mRNA and protein expression of TRAIL pathway components, and a human granulosa cell tumor-derived cell line (KGN) was used to elucidate functional effects of TRAIL on apoptosis. TRAIL was expressed in human fetal ovary from the 11th week until term. The pro-apoptotic TRAIL-R2/DR5 and the anti-apoptotic TRAIL-R4/DcR2 were also expressed in human ovaries throughout the fetal period. Among the different ovarian cell types, these TRAIL pathway components were mainly localized in the oocytes, and their expression increased towards term. Expression of TRAIL-R1/DR4 and TRAIL-R3/DcR1 was negligible in all of the fetal ovaries studied. Adult ovaries expressed TRAIL, TRAIL-R2/DR5, TRAIL-R3/DcR1 and TRAIL-R4/DcR2 in granulosa cells and oocytes of small primary/secondary follicles as well as in granulosa and theca cells of more developed antral follicles. In KGN cells, TRAIL efficiently induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, and this was blocked by a caspase inhibitor. The results indicate a role of the TRAIL pathway components in the regulation of granulosa cell apoptosis in in vitro and suggest that these factors may have a role in regulating ovarian apoptosis also in vivo.

Prevalence of disability in three birth cohorts at old age over time spans of 10 and 20 years

The prevalence of disability at the age of 75+ measured by the Katz Index of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) was compared among three birth cohorts: those born < or = 1903 (n = 348), those born < or = 1913 (n = 586), and those born < or = 1923 (n = 758). Significant risk factors for disability were female sex and age; the cohort effect was not significant. The prevalence rates of disability were 29.0% (95% CI 24.2-33.8), 34.8% (30.9-38.7), and 28.8% (25.5-32.0) for the first, second, and third cohorts. In the age group 75-79 years the rates were 20.1% (95% CI 13.8-26.4), 25.5% (20.2-30.7), and 14.4% (10.6-18.1). The change was due to the declining disability of women. The distributions in the three cohorts based on the numbers of ADL limitations did not differ. As far as the whole aged populations were concerned, longer life was not accompanied by improving health.

More women enter medicine: young doctors' family origin and career choice

This study is part of the Finnish Junior Physicians 88 Study, the purpose of which was to shed light on the life situation, career choice and future plans of young doctors and their views on medical education. The survey population included all the medical doctors registered during the years 1977-1986 in Finland (n = 5208). A postal questionnaire was sent to a sample of 2632 doctors born on odd-numbered days. After a reminder letter, 1745 questionnaires (66%) were returned. Forty-nine per cent of the respondents were women. Typically both men and women doctors had a father who was an upper-level white-collar worker and a mother who was a housewife. More men than women had a father who was a doctor or other health professional. More women than men mentioned that a lifelong calling (42% vs 30%), success at school (58% vs 47%) and an interest in helping people (78% vs 71%) had considerable influence on their decision to become a doctor. Men more often than women emphasized the medical profession being regarded as a highly paid (56% vs 47%) and a high status profession (64% vs 56%) and also that a family member was a doctor (15% vs 11%).

The demand for physicians in Finland. Results from a specialty-based assessment of future development and need for service

This paper presents a nation-wide planning project conducted in cooperation with the specialists' associations, the Finnish Medical Association and the Speciality Commission of the National Board of Health. An estimation of the demand for physicians in primary care, in various specialties and in non-hospital sectors is reported and discussed. As a result of the study, a reduction in the number of admissions to medical schools is recommended. An increase in postgraduate educational efforts, in research and development, and in continuing medical education should be the result of resources, thus made available.

A project in physical education for handicapped and health-risk groups

An interdisciplinary project concerning the physical education and culture of handicapped and health-risk groups, conducted during the years 1976 to 1980 under the auspices of the Finnish Society for Research in Sports and Physical Education, is reported in this paper. The concept of special group used in connection with the project is relative and describes the groups of people who do not receive the normal services in the field of physical activities. The goals of the project were not only to provide these services but also to study the problems connected with the use and supply of these services for these groups. The project approached its goals from the point of view not only of the individuals concerned but also of the organizations involved. The project was conducted in two towns and one rural community in Finland. Twenty-eight groups were formed in these communities, comprising about 500 participants. Of these, 350 regularly took part in the exercises. About 250 participants and 28 group leaders were studied in more detail. The decision-making and administrative processes at both local and national levels were analyzed. The project resulted in considerable increased activity of the persons taking part in the exercises, most of whom reported favorable results. Most group leaders also gave positive responses when asked about the results of the project. The project also effected a change in the decision-making processes at local and national levels, as more resources were allocated for these purposes than before the project. In this sense, the project fulfilled its original mission as a change agent.

Postgraduate and continuing medical education in Finland

In this paper, postgraduate and continuing medical education in Finland is described and analyzed. Especially, the contacts with health care policy of Finland are analyzed and presented. First, the roots of CME in basic medical education and its goals are shown. Secondly, the advanced professional medical education (specialization) is presented. Thirdly, the scientific postgraduate system of studies is analyzed. Finally, the system of continuing, complementary medical education and its organization is presented. It is stressed that the CME has close connections with the health care policy in a country. Some problems in this respect are presented.

Protocollagen proline hydroxylase of the mouse uterus during pregnancy and post-partum involution

1. The protocollagen proline hydroxylase in mouse uterus was found to be similar to that in other animal sources in its subcellular distribution and cofactor requirements. 2. The activities of this enzyme in uterine tissue from non-pregnant mice were comparable with those in various embryonic tissues. 3. In the second half of pregnancy the protocollagen proline hydroxylase activity increased markedly. 4. After parturition the activity of this enzyme decreased rapidly, reaching normal non-pregnant values at 24h post partum. The results suggest a good correlation between the synthesis of collagen and the activity of protocollagen proline hydroxylase.