Increased symptoms in female IBS patients with dysmenorrhea and PMS.

Women with irritable bowel syndrome often report premenstrual distress syndrome and dysmenorrhea. A descriptive, four-group comparison design was used to compare the symptoms and psychological distress levels of women with irritable bowel syndrome (age 18-45 years) with and without dysmenorrhea and premenstrual distress syndrome. Data from three studies on women with irritable bowel syndrome (n = 226) collected between 1995 and 2004 were combined.

Production of interleukin 10 and transforming growth factor beta in concomitant allergy and autoimmunity.

Background: The immunologic relationship between T(H)1-type autoimmune disorders and T(H)2-type allergic disorders and the role of T-cell regulation in humans is as yet unclear. The regulatory cytokine production capacity of individuals with concomitant allergy and T(H)1-type autoimmunity may provide insight into the role of T-cell regulation in both disorders.

Objectives: To examine the production capacity of interleukin 10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), 2 regulatory cytokines, in individuals with concomitant allergic rhinitis and T(H)1-type autoimmune diagnoses and to compare that capacity with that in individuals with allergic rhinitis only and individuals with neither diagnosis.

Regulation of proteoglycan synthesis by leukotriene d4 and epidermal growth factor in bronchial smooth muscle cells.

Extracellular matrix (ECM) expansion contributes to airway remodeling in asthma. This study examines the effect of leukotriene D4 (LTD4), combined with epidermal growth factor (EGF), on proteoglycan synthesis by cultured human bronchial smooth muscle cells (BSMCs). LTD4 plus EGF stimulated proliferation of BSMCs with increased versican synthesis.

Tularemia. A pathogen in nature and a biological weapon.

Tularemia as a potential biological weapon is of great concern because F. tularensis is a hardy organism that can be spread with a small inoculum. In addition, tularemia can be contracted through nature, predominately in rural areas.

Bioterrorism's invisible threats: heightened awareness will help nurses identify real and suspected bioterrorism.

Ready your nursing staff for potential bioterrorism with this review of the symptoms and treatment of anthrax, smallpox, plague, tularemia, and botulism.