Grommets and glue guns: standardization of a pfannenstiel model for low-fidelity obstetrics-gynecology education.

Objective: To validate standardized instructions for the creation, implementation, and performance assessment of a low-fidelity model for Pfannenstiel incision.

Study Design: The Pfannenstiel model used at the University of Florida-Jacksonville was broken down into composite steps and constructed by obstetrics-gynecology faculty from across the country. The model was then utilized at participants' home institutions and evaluated with respect to realism of the model, ability to replicate the simulation, appropriateness of the skills checklists, and perceived utility of a publication of similarly catalogued simulation modules for use in obstetrics-gynecology training programs.

Ascorbate uptake in pig coronary artery endothelial cells.

Although smooth muscle and endothelial cells in pig coronary artery are morphologically and functionally distinct, ascorbate uptake has been characterized only in smooth muscle cells. Ascorbate transporters in kidney and intestinal epithelial cells differ from those in smooth muscle. We examined ascorbate transport and mRNA expression of sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters (SVCT) by RT-PCR in the pig coronary artery endothelial cell cultures.