Downregulation and increased turnover of beta-amyloid precursor protein in skeletal muscle cultures by neuregulin-1.

The beta-amyloid precursor protein (betaAPP) is found in skeletal muscle localized to the base of the postsynaptic folds of the neuromuscular junction; yet here, as well as in neurons, its function remains enigmatic. Here we report that the motor nerve-derived trophic factor neuregulin-1 (NRG1) regulates both steady-state betaAPP levels as well as the metabolism of the cell surface-associated protein in cultured muscle cells. These two effects occur over two discernible time scales.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents in neonates.

The use of NSAIDs has become routine for adults and children in the management of pain. NSAIDs (other than aspirin [acetylsalicylic acid]) are also enjoying greater popularity as antipyretics since the recognition of Reye's syndrome's putative association with aspirin. In neonates, NSAIDs have been used for many years in an attempt to pharmacologically close the ductus arteriosus.

Examining congruence between partners' perceived infertility-related stress and its relationship to marital adjustment and depression in infertile couples.

Because studies examining the emotional impact of infertility-related stress generally focus on individuals, there has been little research examining how relationship and individual variables are linked. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of congruence (e.g.

Extracorporeal CO2 removal in a child with a single ventricle by the addition of an oxygenator to a dialysis circuit.

Objective: To optimize CO2 removal in a child with a single ventricle.

Design: Case report.

Setting: A ten-bed pediatric intensive care unit in a university-affiliated hospital.

Abeta42 generation is toxic to endothelial cells and inhibits eNOS function through an Akt/GSK-3beta signaling-dependent mechanism.

The application of beta-amyloid (Abeta) is cytotoxic to endothelial cells, promotes vasoconstriction and impairs nitric oxide (NO) generation or action. However, there is no information on the effect of intracellular Abeta on endothelial cell biology, although recent studies indicate that neuronal Abeta drives Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. Since the serine-threonine kinase Akt is crucial to both neuronal and endothelial cell survival as well as eNOS activation, we investigated the effects of Abeta expression on Akt-signaling in cultured endothelial cells.

Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography in a 1.4-kg infant with complex congenital heart disease.

The lower weight limit for infants undergoing intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) with current commercially available probes has not been determined. A review of the literature reveals that infants as small as 1.6 kg have been studied successfully.

ST analysis of the fetal electrocardiogram during labor: Nordic observational multicenter study.

Objective: To assess the diagnostic power of cardiotocography (CTG) plus the ST interval of the electrocardiogram (ECG) clinical guidelines with combined fetal heart rate and ST waveform analysis of the fetal ECG recorded during labor, to identify an adverse labor outcome (neonatal neurological symptoms and/or metabolic acidosis).

Study Design: An observational, multicenter study was undertaken in 12 Nordic labor wards. A total of 573 women in labor were monitored using a prototype of the STAN S 21 recorder with fetal ECG data and computerized ST analysis.

Fetal electrocardiography in labor and neonatal outcome: data from the Swedish randomized controlled trial on intrapartum fetal monitoring.

Objective: Cardiotocography plus automatic ST analysis of the fetal electrocardiography has been shown recently to reduce both the operative delivery rate for fetal distress and the cord artery metabolic acidosis rate. The purpose of this study was to analyze findings that were related to cases with a complicated/adverse neonatal outcome in the Swedish randomized controlled trial.

Study Design: Of the 4966 term fetuses that were included in the trial, all 351 newborn infants who required special neonatal care were identified.

Family systems theory, attachment theory, and culture.

Family systems theory and attachment theory have important similarities and complementarities. Here we consider two areas in which the theories converge: (a) in family system theorists' description of an overly close, or "enmeshed," mother-child dyad, which attachment theorists conceptualize as the interaction of children's ambivalent attachment and mothers' preoccupied attachment; (b) in family system theorists' description of the "pursuer-distance cycle" of marital conflict, which attachment theorists conceptualize as the interaction of preoccupied and dismissive partners. We briefly review family systems theory evidence, and more extensively review attachment theory evidence, pertaining to these points of convergence.

Cell detachment triggers p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent overexpression of Fas ligand. A novel mechanism of Anoikis of intestinal epithelial cells.

Many cell types undergo apoptosis when they are detached from the extracellular matrix (ECM). This phenomenon has been termed anoikis. Most epithelial cells, which are normally attached to a type of ECM called basement membrane, are particularly sensitive to anoikis.

Uptake and distribution of 137Cs and 90Sr in salix viminalis plants.

Agricultural areas in middle and northern parts of Sweden were contaminated with radionuclides after the Chernobyl accident in 1986. Alternative crops in these areas are biomass plantations with fast-growing Salix clones for energy purposes. The uptake and internal distribution of 137Cs and 90Sr in Salix viminalis were studied.

Simulation Case Library: The Case of the Coiled Cardiac Catheter.

Many medical disciplines participate in the acute care of hemodynamically unstable patients. At WVU we have many opportunities for multidisciplinary critical care group instruction in our simulation facility. The main educational goals of this session are the recognition and management of a pulmonary artery catheter that is coiled in the right ventricle.

Increased Bcl-xL expression mediates v-Src-induced resistance to anoikis in intestinal epithelial cells.

Acquisition of resistance to anoikis (detachment-induced apoptosis) is considered to be a requirement for transformed intestinal epithelial cells to invade surrounding tissues and metastasize to distant organs. Increased Src kinase activity, which is a feature of a large proportion of colorectal cancers, has been identified as one of the factors that can contribute to anoikis resistance. However, the molecular mechanism by which high levels of Src activity contribute to anoikis resistance in intestinal epithelial cells is unknown.

Training of nurse practitioners and physician assistants to perform screening flexible sigmoidoscopy.

Purpose: To describe the colorectal cancer-screening program at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, a large multispecialty medical group, in which nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) perform screening flexible sigmoidoscopies.

Data Sources: Scientific literature, consensus statements and guidelines, and the protocol utilized to train NPs and PAs to perform flexible sigmoidoscopy. Data from 9,500 screening procedures are presented.

Developing a manualized couples treatment for domestic violence: overcoming challenges.

This paper describes challenges faced in a four-year project to develop a manualized couples treatment program for domestic violence. The couples treatment program is an add-on to a male batterer program where the male partner has perpetrated mild-to-moderate violence, yet both partners want to remain together. The project involved the cooperation of a variety of community agencies and referrals from key domestic violence programs.

Transforming growth factor-alpha prevents detachment-induced inhibition of c-Src kinase activity, Bcl-XL down-regulation, and apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells.

Detachment of epithelial cells from the extracellular matrix (ECM) results in apoptosis, a phenomenon often referred to as anoikis. Acquisition of anoikis resistance is now thought to be a prerequisite for the progression of carcinomas. Colorectal cancer cells frequently secrete epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligands, which are known to have anti-apoptotic activity.

Induction of anoikis and suppression of human ovarian tumor growth in vivo by down-regulation of Bcl-X(L).

Normal or immortal epithelial cells are sensitive to a form of apoptosis, commonly referred to as anoikis, which is induced by detachment from the extracellular matrix (ECM). In contrast, development of carcinomas is associated with acquisition of cellular resistance to anoikis. However, whether human cancer cells deprived of anoikis resistance necessarily display reduced tumorigenic properties in vivo is unknown.

Bcl-2 expression in F-MuLV-induced erythroleukemias: a role for the anti-apoptotic action of Bcl-2 during tumor progression.

Erythroleukemias induced by various strains of Friend virus are multistage malignancies that result from the accumulation of genetic mutations, including the activation of proto-oncogenes and the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. In this study, we demonstrate that Bcl-2 expression is activated in the majority of F-MuLV-induced erythroleukemia cell lines. In contrast, Bcl-2 was not expressed in any of the FV-P-induced erythroleukemia cell lines and protein levels were low or negligible in FV-A-induced erythroleukemia cell lines examined.

Acute care crisis simulation for jury education.

A major impediment to appropriate adjudication in medical malpractice cases is the large difference in knowledge and background of the expert witness compared to judges, other litigants and juries. Such disparities make it plausible for an expert witness to support an issue, even in defiance of common sense. The most basic understanding of the atmosphere and practices surrounding critical events and the routine procedures, techniques and equipment which are employed in critical situations is absent.

Chemical availability of 137Cs and 90Sr in undisturbed lysimeter soils maintained under controlled and close-to-real conditions.

Chemical availability of 137Cs and 90Sr was determined in four undisturbed soils in a lysimeter study three and four years after deposition to the soil surface. The study was part of a larger project on radionuclide soil-plant interactions under well-defined conditions. The soil types were loam, silt loam, sandy loam and loamy sand, and were representatives of important European soil and climatic conditions.

Beta-amyloid peptide expression is sufficient for myotube death: implications for human inclusion body myopathy.

Inclusion body myositis (sIBM) is the most common disorder of skeletal muscle in aged humans. It shares biochemical features with Alzheimer's disease, including congophilic deposits, which are immunoreactive for beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta) and C'-terminal betaAPP epitopes. However, the etiology of myofiber loss and the role of intracellular Abeta in IBM is unknown.

Fetal electrocardiogram waveform analysis in labour.

The fetal electrocardiogram recorded during labour has so far been used for heart rate recording only. Extensive experimental, bioengineering and clinical research for more than 25 years on changes in the morphology of the electrocardiogram have provided more detailed information on fetal reactions to the stress and strain of labour. ST waveform analysis has been shown to provide new parameters that have the ability to monitor intrapartum hypoxia, thereby not only reducing the risk of the baby being born with hypoxia, but also significantly reducing the number of operative interventions.

Reduction of fine airborne particulates (PM3) in a small city centre office, by altering electrostatic forces.

A two stage intervention study was carried out to establish the degree to which a newly developed, electrostatic air cleaning (EAC) system can improve indoor air quality (IAQ) by reducing the number of airborne fine particles. The IAQ and how employees in a city centre office (49 m2) perceived it, was monitored from May until November 1998. The number of fine particles, PM3 (0.