Focal epithelial hyperplasia: human-papillomavirus-induced disease with a genetic predisposition in a Venezuelan family

A study on the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA sequences and focal epithelial hyperplasia (FEH) in a family of Venezuelan ancestry has revealed that FEH is an HPV-induced disease presenting familial aggregation. The genealogical evidence indicates a genetic predisposition to the disease.     

Receptors for calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the rat adrenal cortex

We previously demonstrated the presence of adrenomedullin receptors in the rat adrenal cortex. There is evidence, however, that the actions of adrenomedullin may also be mediated by the CGRP receptor. The present study was designed to determine whether specific CGRP receptors are present in the rat adrenal cortex. Adrenal glands were, sectioned and immunostained with a primary antibody raised against the first intracellular loop of the CGRP-I receptor. Staining was visualised using alkaline phosphatase and vector red. Immunostaining for the CGRP-I receptor was found in the zona glomerulosa and the adrenal medulla, but not in the inner adrenocortical zones. ACTH treatment caused an increase in staining intensity in the glomerulosa. Ligand binding studies suggested the existence of two populations of CGRP binding sites, one with a Kd of 0.1 nM, the second of 37 nM. Only CGRP-I and adrenomedullin displaced labeled CGRP binding. These results suggest that the CGRP-I receptor is expressed in the adrenal zona glomerulosa and that a second class of binding site is also present. The CGRP-I receptor appears to be regulated by ACTH.     

2-2''-Pyridylisatogen, a selective allosteric modulator of P2 receptors, is a spin trapping agent

We studied the role of parasympathetic division of vegetative nervous system in regulation of the intestine activity in rats subjected to bilateral subdiaphragmal vagotomy, the response of the neuromuscular apparatus of the small intestine to stimulation by aceclydine taken as an example. Intravenous injection of aceclydine (0.5 mg/kg) into intact animals is accompanied by characteristics changes in the electrical and contractile activities of the intestine, which reflect its enhanced motor activity. Vagotomy leads to changes of response of the intestine to pharmacological stimulation, most expressed within 3, 7, and 30 days. It was proposed that distortion of reactive properties of the intestine contractile system under these conditions is related to functional changes in rhythm-setting neurons of intramural ganglia and M-cholinoreceptors of neuromuscular synapses.     

Coparental and family group-level dynamics during infancy: early family precursors of child and family functioning during preschool

This study examines longitudinal correlates of coparental and family group-level dynamics during infancy. Thirty-seven couples observed at play with their 8-11-month-old infants (15 boys, 22 girls) rated their child's internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and their own coparenting behavior 3 years later. Teachers also rated child behavior at the 3-year follow-up. Several significant relationships emerged between observed family process (high hostility-competitiveness, low family harmony, and high parenting discrepancies in the triad) at Time 1, and subsequent reports of child and coparenting behavior at Time 2. Larger parenting discrepancies at Time 1 predicted greater child anxiety as rated by teachers; greater hostility-competitiveness and lower harmony forecast higher child aggression. Time 1 family process continued to predict Time 2 aggression even after controlling for individual and marital functioning. Several links were also found between distressed family process and later parental reports of negative coparenting behavior. These parental reports of coparenting also explained unique variance in concurrent child behavior ratings. The significance of coparenting as a distinct family construct is discussed.     

Right and left ventricular dysfunction in patients with severe pulmonary disease

AIM OF STUDY: To measure the effect of specific preoperative information on postoperative anxiety, satisfaction with information, and demand for analgesia, of Chinese males having transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). DESIGN: A controlled experimental design. The researchers allocated all patients (n = 30) undergoing TURP in a general hospital in Hong Kong, during a 3-month period, to one of two groups. The experimental group (n = 15) received a specific information pamphlet and a general preoperative counselling video. The control group (n = 15) received a video alone. PROCEDURE AND MEASURES: Following ethical approval, a researcher took baseline measures of state and trait anxiety using the Chinese State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (C -STAI). Five days after surgery the researcher administered the C-STAI (A-State), a patients' satisfaction questionnaire, and, recorded requests for analgesia during the first 5 postoperative days. RESULTS: Experimental subjects reported significantly lower anxiety levels post-operatively and a significantly higher level of satisfaction with the preoperative information, than controls. Postoperative demand for analgesia did not significantly differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The findings support the importance of providing patients with specific, written preoperative information about their surgery and its effects to minimize their postoperative anxiety levels, and improve their satisfaction with the care provided.