High level expression of the homeobox gene HB24 in a human T-cell line confers the ability to form tumors in nude mice

Epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced c-fos and c-jun expression is strongly suppressed in microgravity. We investigate here whether this is due to inhibition of processes occurring during the initiation of EGF-induced signal transduction. For this purpose, EGF-induced receptor clustering is used as a marker. The lateral distribution of EGF receptors is directly visualized at an ultrastructural level by the label-fracture method. Quantification of the receptor distributions shows that EGF-induced receptor redistribution is similar under normal and microgravity conditions. This suggests that microgravity influences EGF-induced signal transduction downstream of EGF binding and EGF receptor redistribution, but upstream of early gene expression in human A431 cells.     

An exploratory study of the effectiveness of a relaxation with guided imagery protocol

Subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn (SCFN) alone is an uncommon condition. Its association with hypercalcemia has been reported in 19 neonates since 1926. The two occur in full-term to postterm newborns with perinatal complications associated with delivery. Erythematous to violaceous, firm, subcutaneous nodules appear approximately 1 to 4 weeks after delivery, preceding the development of signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia. Although SCFN and hypercalcemia are rare complications in neonates with perinatal problems, death due to the sequelae of hypercalcemia occurred in 3 of the 19 patients. A neonate who develops skin lesions consistent with SCFN should be followed for possible onset of hypercalcemia and treated in a timely fashion.     

Professionally-led support groups for cancer patients: an intervention in search of a model

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review was to evaluate the clinical and research literature on professionally-led support groups for cancer patients and to propose an approach that would address patients' needs from diagnosis through survivorship. METHOD: Computerized and manual searches, including Medline and Psychlit searches, were completed for reviews of the literature. Twelve research studies were identified that met our criteria for in-depth review. A clinical model emerged from discussions of an oncology study group based on theoretical formulations and clinical experience with oncology patients. RESULTS: We found that recent research suggests that professionally-led support groups are increasing in number and that participation in such groups seems to enhance patients' quality, and possibly even quantity, of survival. Despite this, little effort has been made to determine what type of group may be appropriate for which patients and when in their course of care. CONCLUSIONS: If psychosocial intervention, in the form of professionally-led support groups for cancer patients, is to be more effective, it should be guided by a model which takes into consideration the changing needs and concerns of patients over the course of illness and, in many cases, recovery. The authors present an outline delineating what such a model might entail.