Increased Cholinergic Response in α-Synuclein Transgenic Mice (h-α-synL62).

Pathological accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein (α-syn) in the brain plays a key role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, leading to neuronal dysfunction and motor disorders. The underlying mechanisms linking α-syn aggregations with neurotransmitter disturbance in Parkinson's brains are not well characterized. In the present study, we investigated transgenic mice expressing an aggregation-prone form of full-length human α-syn (h-α-synL62) linked to a signal sequence.

Steroids. Building a better you?

The use of anabolic steroids was first reported in the 1950s among weight lifters seeking to gain an edge in strength and muscle size. Since then, anabolic steroids have been used to augment strength and appearance. Today, steroids reach far beyond the world of professional athletes to high school locker rooms, neighborhood gyms, and suburban fitness centers.

Relationships among the metabolic patterns that correlate with mnemonic, visuospatial, and mood symptoms in Parkinson's disease.

Objective: A multivariate analysis of baseline brain metabolism was used to investigate the relationships among pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for cognitive dysfunction and dysphoria in nondemented patients with Parkinson's disease.

Method: Using [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and neuropsychological tests, the authors studied 15 nondemented patients who had Parkinson's disease without major depression (DSM-III-R). Their mean age was 59.

Targeting bioterrorism.

Concerns about bioterrorism have grown in recent years. The fear of bioterrorism is as potent as the genuine risk. In this new age of potential biological warfare, emergency medical preparedness must be on target.

Cystic fibrosis and chromosome abnormalities associated with echogenic fetal bowel.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of cystic fibrosis mutations and chromosome abnormalities in the fetuses of a heterogeneous population of pregnant women referred for prenatal testing for echogenic fetal bowel.

Methods: Fetal or parental samples obtained after a second-trimester sonographic finding of echogenic fetal bowel were submitted to a referral diagnostic laboratory during a 2-year period. Results of DNA testing and karyotyping on these samples were analyzed to determine the prevalence of cystic fibrosis transmembrane reductase gene mutations and chromosome abnormalities.

Assessment of the feasibility and impact of shared decision making in prostate cancer.

Objectives: To assess the feasibility and patient impact of using standardized video presentations concerning alternative treatments for managing localized prostate cancer.

Methods: One hundred eleven men with newly diagnosed localized prostate cancer were shown a video tape concerning the risks and benefits of four treatment options: radical surgery, external beam radiation, hormonal therapy, and watchful waiting. The impact of the video presentation was assessed using a questionnaire completed by the patient before and after viewing the video and again following a discussion with his treating physician.

Confronting AIDS in older adults.

A 57-year-old corporate executive, married with three grown children, began suffering from severe flu-like symptoms and weight loss. Hospitalized for a week, he was tested for chronic fatigue syndrome and mononucleosis. Finally, with no change in his symptoms, his physician recommended an HIV test.

The race for governor: talking about health care.

During the 1989 gubernatorial race, Jim Florio liked to say that a political campaign is a conversation--a time for candidates and voters to communicate aspirations and concerns, an opportunity for political engagement and dialogue. An election campaign is a time when citizens pay more attention to politics, and candidates have more personal contact with voters. For both citizens and candidates, a campaign at its best is a time for education.

The debate over cardiac catheterization.

At first glance, there would seem to be little controversy over cardiac catheterization, a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate problems with heart function and blood supply. In a typical cardiac catheterization, a long thin tube is inserted through blood vessels into the heart to evaluate blood pressure, inject dye, and take x-rays.

Graduate medical education: where do we go from here?

The tremors that are shaking the world of medicine are reshaping the landscape of graduate medical education (GME), and along with it, the future of the medical profession in the United States. GME--essentially medical residencies and, to a lesser extent, research fellowships--is the crossroads where career aspirations become professional choices, and where decisions are made, both on a macro and micro level, that will shape medicine for years to come.

The minor side of smoking.

Richie T. is a teenager from an affluent family in Westfield, where he attends the local high school. His grades are good and he expects to go to a major out-of-state university next year.

A physician's first option for quality.

John Adessa is unhappy with the direction managed care has taken in this country, and he is doing something about it. Adessa, the chief executive officer of First Option Health Plan, dislikes the burden of risk that falls on physicians through capitation arrangements, and he does not believe that patients should be severely restricted in their access to physicians.