Microsphere Traction Force Microscopy

This work is a culmination of our efforts in understanding cellular mechanics at the scale of single cells and small tissues. We developed methods to quantify cell-generated traction forces using cell-sized, synthetic, functionalized hydrogel microspheres. Cell-sized solid microspheres can provide information regarding cell-generated normal and shear forces while allowing natural cell-cell interactions and facilitating a convex cell-hydrogel interface. Therefore, they are a better mimic than the current methods for understanding the natural cell-cell interactions in a physiologically relevant geometry. In the analysis of the microsphere deformations, we use a boundary spectral method based on spherical harmonics decomposition of the traction field on the spherical gel surface. Using the techniques developed here, we measure the boundary traction profiles that mammalian cells exert on the synthetic microspherical hydrogel bodies. In this report, we briefly review the state of the art in cellular force quantification methods and discuss the contributions of our work to the field and its strengths as well as its limitations

Achalasia as a complication of bulimia nervosa: A case report

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective:&lt;/strong&gt; Oesophageal achalasia is a medical condition characterised by oesophageal aperistalsis, an increased resting pressure with partial or incomplete relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter. Bulimia nervosa (BN) is an eating disorder manifested by binge eating attacks followed by recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviours, such as self-induced vomiting and excessive exercise. Dysphagia, regurgitation, vomiting, retrosternal pain, heartburn, weight loss, avoidance of eating, consumption of large amount of liquids and aberrant eating behaviours are symptoms of both achalasia and BN. Owing to these common signs and symptoms, oesophageal achalasia can be misdiagnosed as an eating disorder. In addition, oesophageal achalasia can occur as a complication of BN. It is often difficult to distinguish organic and psychological vomiting or comorbidity because of overlapping of the symptoms.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Case report:&lt;/strong&gt; We report the case of a patient who developed oesophageal achalasia following severe, repetitive vomiting as a complication of BN.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/strong&gt; We want to raise awareness regarding the development of a medical illness in the presence of a psychiatric disorder. Importantly, physicians should have a fundamental knowledge of these two diseases regarding their clinical patterns to differentially diagnose one or both disorders as quickly as possible.&lt;/p&gt;</jats:p

Achalasia as a complication of bulimia nervosa: A case report

Objective: Oesophageal achalasia is a medical condition characterised by oesophageal aperistalsis, an increased resting pressure with partial or incomplete relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter. Bulimia nervosa (BN) is an eating disorder manifested by binge eating attacks followed by recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviours, such as self-induced vomiting and excessive exercise. Dysphagia, regurgitation, vomiting, retrosternal pain, heartburn, weight loss, avoidance of eating, consumption of large amount of liquids and aberrant eating behaviours are symptoms of both achalasia and BN. Owing to these common signs and symptoms, oesophageal achalasia can be misdiagnosed as an eating disorder. In addition, oesophageal achalasia can occur as a complication of BN. It is often difficult to distinguish organic and psychological vomiting or comorbidity because of overlapping of the symptoms. Case report: We report the case of a patient who developed oesophageal achalasia following severe, repetitive vomiting as a complication of BN. Conclusion: We want to raise awareness regarding the development of a medical illness in the presence of a psychiatric disorder. Importantly, physicians should have a fundamental knowledge of these two diseases regarding their clinical patterns to differentially diagnose one or both disorders as quickly as possible

The Relationship Between Children's Masturbation Behavior and Their Mothers' Temperament and Character Dimensions: A Case-Control Study

The relationship between children's masturbation behavior and their mothers' temperament and character dimensions: a case-control study Objective: Childhood masturbation (CM) is the self-stimulation of the genitalia by a child with the intention of obtaining pleasure and is frequently associated with physical distress signs and symptoms. In this study, we aimed to examine the temperament and character traits of mothers of a clinical sample of infants and young children, who presented with the complaint of masturbation compared to a control group. Sociodemographic and clinical features of the children in the study group were also assessed. Methods: Fifty two infants and children (36 girls and 16 boys) with a mean age of 4.4 +/- 1.7 years exhibiting masturbation and their mothers were included in this study together with a control group consisting of 52 age, gender, and age of mother-matched infants and children. Socio-demographic data and clinical information was obtained through interviews by the researchers and the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) was completed by the mothers. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS for Windows, Version 20.0. Results: The Total Novelty Seeking (NS), Impulsivity subscale (NS2) of Novelty Seeking, Attachment (RD3) subscale of Reward Dependence, and Transpersonal Identification (ST2) subscale of Self-Transcendence scores were significantly higher in the study group; while the Total Self-Directedness and Responsibility subscale of the (SD1) Self-Directedness scores were significantly lower in the mothers of CM compared to control group. According to the logistic regression model, the odds of exhibiting masturbation increased in a child as the scores of Impulsiveness subscale of Novelty Seeking dimension and the Attachment subscale of Reward Dependence scores increased and the scores of Responsibility subscale of Self-Directedness scores were decreased in the mothers of CM group. Conclusions: The findings may indicate a relationship (as a mediator) between problematic childhood masturbation and the temperament and character traits of their mothers, but it should be further studied in large samples