An in vitro approach for the study of dentinogenesis by organ culture of the dentine-pulp complex from rat incisor teeth

This article focuses on the experiences and role of a tutor while conducting a problem based learning (PBL) exercise to facilitate the learning of biochemistry and molecular biology. A case presentation of sickle cell anemia was used to frame a module. The objective of this experimental exercise was to assess the suitability and effectiveness of problem based learning in the first year of undergraduate medical course and to practice self-assessment by tutors in this new role of a facilitator of learning through small group discussion. A tutor during such a learning session encouraged the students to apply their reasoning to analyze the problem and to develop self-directed learning skills in acquiring the knowledge appropriate to their perceived needs to work on a problem. The tutors ensured that they apply this knowledge in their work with other similar problems that they would encounter later in life.     

Modulation of angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor by tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1 in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the regulation of expression of the angiogenic cytokine vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), in order to determine whether new blood vessel formation could be a potential therapeutic target in RA. METHODS: Dissociated RA synovial membrane cells were cultured in the presence of cytokine inhibitors, or under hypoxic conditions. Serum VEGF levels were serially measured in RA patients enrolled in clinical trials of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNFalpha) monoclonal antibody treatment. RESULTS: Combined neutralization of TNFalpha and interleukin-1 (IL-1) in RA synovial membrane cultures reduced VEGF release by 45% (P < 0.05 versus control), although blockade of either TNFalpha or IL-1 activities alone resulted in only small inhibitory effects. In addition, release of VEGF from RA synovial membrane cells was selectively up-regulated by hypoxia. Serum VEGF levels were significantly elevated in RA patients relative to control subjects, and correlated with disease activity. Treatment of RA patients with anti-TNFalpha significantly decreased serum VEGF, and this effect was enhanced by cotreatment with methotrexate. CONCLUSION: Inhibition of TNFalpha and IL-1 activity in vivo could reduce the drive to new blood vessel formation, and hence pannus mass, adding to other therapeutic effects of anti-TNFalpha therapy in RA.     

Short duration of neutralizing antibody titers after pre-exposure rabies vaccination with suckling mouse brain vaccine

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a Pasteurella haemolytica A1 mutant that is unable to produce membrane lipoproteins has reduced susceptibility to complement-mediated killing, and to characterize the mutant strain. SAMPLE POPULATION: 12 sera from cattle resistant to P haemolytica challenge exposure after vaccination with P haemolytica or its antigens, or after natural exposure. PROCEDURES: Complement-mediated killing assays were performed, using wild-type and mutant strains and, as antibody source, various immune sera from cattle that were resistant to P haemolytica challenge exposure. Antibody response to whole-cell antigens produced by mutant and wild-type strains, production of outer membrane proteins and iron-regulated outer membrane proteins by the 2 strains, and growth of the 2 strains in various media were analyzed. RESULTS: Compared with wild-type P haemolytica, the lipoprotein mutant strain had increased susceptibility to bovine complement-mediated killing. Aside from the lipoproteins that are not produced by the mutant, immunoblot analysis did not reveal differences between immunoreactive antigens that are produced by the 2 strains. Some iron-regulated, outer membrane proteins, which usually are only produced by P haemolytica under iron-deficient conditions, were produced constitutively by the mutant. The mutant grew to a lower final cell density and at a lower rate under conditions likely to reflect those encountered in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of 3 membrane lipoproteins resulted in enhanced susceptibility to bovine complement-mediated killing. Site-specific mutagenesis of genes encoding P haemolytica membrane lipoproteins alters production of iron-regulated outer membrane proteins by P haemolytica. Growth characteristics of the mutant suggested that it may have reduced capacity for survival in vivo.     

CD56+ NK lymphomas: clinicopathological features and prognosis

Dosing regimen is an important determinant of both drug cost and patient compliance. This retrospective analysis evaluated dosing regimens and drug acquisition costs for 101 patients identified from medical records in a large metropolitan hospital as having hypertension and/or benign prostatic hyperplasia and receiving alpha-blocker therapy with either doxazosin or terazosin. Although once-daily administration is generally recommended for both drugs, 25 (38%) of 66 patients receiving terazosin were treated twice daily compared with 6 (17%) of 35 patients treated twice daily with doxazosin. This difference was statistically significant. The average (mean +/- SD) daily treatment cost per patient for all individuals receiving terazosin during the period of the record review was $1.68 +/- 0.60. For patients treated with doxazosin, the average was $0.96 +/- 0.65-a highly statistically significant result. If all 66 patients receiving terazosin had been converted to doxazosin at the beginning of the study, annual savings would have been $17,345.00. These results demonstrate the importance of reviewing actual dosing regimens. The fact that doxazosin could be administered to a significantly higher percentage of patients once daily rather than twice daily substantially decreased its cost relative to terazosin. A once-daily treatment regimen may also enhance patient compliance, thereby improving the chances of therapeutic success.     

Factors affecting women to practise breast self-examination

The aim of the study was to identify factors of decisive importance for women's motivation to perform breast self-examination (BSE), which could form the basis of an intervention programme. Interviews were conducted in 1994 with 48 women focusing on four different areas: 1) why the women examined did not examine their breasts, 2) the influence of their upbringing, 3) information or education previously received about the method of examination, and 4) other types of self-care. The findings were summarized under the following categories: feelings, experiences, and lifestyle. Anxiety/fear of discovering a lump and faith/trust in one's own ability to perform the examination were dominating factors influencing the practice or non-practice of BSE. However, there was a general need for knowledge, theoretical as well as practical, among the women studied. They also needed help to identify a strategy to enable them to remember to perform the examination. In order to make BSE a habit, education about BSE ought to be provided to girls at school. The important role of nurses in teaching women to examine their breasts themselves and in reminding them to perform the examination was emphasized.     

Expectations of hospitalized patients as to their relationship with the nursing team

This research has been made in infectious-parasitary disease sector of a public university hospital in Rio de Janeiro on the first semester of 1995. The logbook research has been introduced to 5 adult clients, from both sexes, who had been interned in the construction of two categories, which are: a) Category I: Feelings and expectations of the client and; b) Category II: Communication and relationship between client and nurse. The results found in the first category were: 1) Lack of affection; 2) Affection, fear and anxiety; 3) Loneliness and depression; 4) Reflection; 5) Insecurity; 6) Worry about the equipment, to be cut, to be impersonally treated, lose self-control and physical dependence. The results found in the second category were: 1) Doubts and interests in information about their disease, its evolution and how long they will stay in hospital: 2) Opportunity to express feelings and ideas; 3) Comprehension of the message given by the nurse. We emphasize the increase of interchange of information, ideas, beliefs, feelings and acts in nurse-client interaction to develop the therapeutic relationship aiming at helping the client to fulfill his basic needs.