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Hyphenated identity is a term that references the multiple socially bound features that individuals use to think about themselves. This article examines cultural and linguistic considerations in the understanding of hyphenated identity and discusses the merit of the concept for clinical use in speech-language pathology. The sources used consist of scientific articles, fictional works, and personal observations and communication. The conclusion is that hyphenated identity can be a useful way to think about clients in our modern society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Andrographolide (AGL) is the major component of Andrographispaniculata. The poor water solubility and low dissolution strongly affect its oral absorption. Liquisolid technology has been used to improve its dissolution and oral bioavailability. Liquisolid powders of AGL (AGL-LS-PSG) were obtained by firstly dissolving AGL in the mixture of NMP, PEG 6000 and Soluplus®, and solidified by absorption of the blend in porous starch. Angle of repose, Carr index and Hauser ratio presented good powder fluidity and compressibility characteristics of AGL-LS-PSG. The results of optical microscopic observation, PXRD and DSC analysis indicated that AGL has been completely adsorbed in porous starch granules and existed in an amorphous or molecularly dispersing state. AGL-LS-PSG can obviously increase the drug dissolution rate compared to commercial guttate pills and raw drug. In vivo pharmacokinetic behavior of AGL-LS-PSG was investigated following a single oral administration to rats. The C max (0.37 ± 0.06 μg mL−1) and AUC 0−2h (13.55 ± 2.67 μg h mL−1) of AGL-LS-PSG were evidently increased compared to commercial guttate pills (C max = 0.30 ± 0.21 μg mL−1, AUC 0–2h = 9.88 ± 3.57 μg h mL−1). This study indicated great potential of liquisolid technology in effectively improving the dissolution and bioavailability of AGL. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY DESIGN: To demonstrate the existence of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in ligamentum flavum (LF) and their pathogenic role in LF hypertrophy. OBJECTIVE: To isolate and characterize LF-derived MSCs and their response to transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-[beta]1) and trichostatin A (TSA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: LF is a connective tissue, of which hypertrophic changes induce spinal stenosis. The pathogenic role of TGF-[beta]1 in spinal stenosis has been implicated. TSA has been shown to suppress TGF-[beta]1-induced alpha-smooth muscle actin ([alpha]-SMA), type I and III collagen synthesis in a variety of cells. MSCs have been isolated from a variety of adult tissues, except LF. Whether MSCs exist in LF and their response to TGF-[beta]1 and TSA is not clear. METHODS: The MSCs from LF were isolated and cultured. Their phenotypic character, linage differentiation potential, and response to TGF-[beta]1 and TSA were analyzed. RESULTS: LF-derived MSCs have the similar profile of surface markers as bone marrow MSCs. They were demonstrated to have the potential to be differentiated into osteoblasts, adipocytes, and chondrocytes. Administration of TGF-[beta]1 stimulated cell proliferation, enhanced the gene expression of type I and III collagen, and increased the gene expression and protein level of [alpha]-SMA. TSA blocked the fibrogenic effects of TGF-[beta]1. CONCLUSION: The current results demonstrated the isolation of MSCs from LF. The cellular response to TGF-[beta]1 implied that these cells might play an important role in the pathogenesis of LF hypertrophy. TSA, which blocks the effects of TGF-[beta]1, may be a potent therapeutic choice for inhibiting LF hypertrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]