Increased thin-spine density in frontal cortex pyramidal neurons in a genetic rat model of schizophrenia-relevant features.

The cellular mechanisms altered during brain wiring leading to cognitive disturbances in neurodevelopmental disorders remain unknown. We have previously reported altered cortical expression of neurodevelopmentally regulated synaptic markers in a genetic animal model of schizophrenia-relevant behavioral features, the Roman-High Avoidance rat strain (RHA-I). To further explore this phenotype, we looked at dendritic spines in cortical pyramidal neurons, as changes in spine density and morphology are one of the main processes taking place during adolescence. An HSV-viral vector carrying green fluorescent protein (GFP) was injected into the frontal cortex (FC) of a group of 11 RHA-I and 12 Roman-Low Avoidance (RLA-I) male rats. GFP labeled dendrites from pyramidal cells were 3D reconstructed and number and types of spines quantified. We observed an increased spine density in the RHA-I, corresponding to a larger fraction of immature thin spines, with no differences in stubby and mushroom spines. Glia cells, parvalbumin (PV) and somatostatin (SST) interneurons and surrounding perineuronal net (PNN) density are known to participate in FC and pyramidal neuron dendritic spine maturation. We determined by stereological-based quantification a significantly higher number of GFAP-positive astrocytes in the FC of the RHA-I strain, with no difference in microglia (Iba1-positive cells). The number of inhibitory PV, SST interneurons or PNN density, on the contrary, was unchanged. Results support our belief that the RHA-I strain presents a more immature FC, with some structural features like those observed during adolescence, adding construct validity to this strain as a genetic behavioral model of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Factors associated with asymptomatic non-chlamydial non-gonococcal urethritis in heterosexual men: findings from a case-control study.

The significance of asymptomatic non-chlamydial non-gonococcal urethritis (NCNGU) is unclear. Organisms associated with NCNGU, e.g. Mycoplasma genitalium, for which there is no widely available test, are linked to reproductive sequelae in women but UK guidance no longer recommends urethral smear microscopy to screen for asymptomatic NCNGU. This case-control study of heterosexual male genitourinary (GU) medicine clinic attenders aimed to identify clinical, demographic and sexual behaviour factors associated with asymptomatic NCNGU so that we could determine whether the presence or absence of symptoms provides a rational basis for deciding to whom we should offer microscopy and whom we should treat. Men with asymptomatic NCNGU were very similar to men with symptomatic NCNGU, except for more consistent condom use. Asymptomatic and symptomatic NCNGU could be different ends of the same clinical syndrome. Until the microbiological basis of NCNGU is understood, we recommend treatment of men with NCNGU irrespective of symptoms.

Is asymptomatic non-chlamydial non-gonococcal urethritis associated with significant clinical consequences in men and their sexual partners: a systematic review.

Opinions are divided on whether to screen asymptomatic men for non-chlamydial non-gonococcal urethritis (NCNGU). We systematically reviewed the literature to determine whether male asymptomatic NCNGU is associated with significant clinical outcomes for men and/or their sexual partners. We searched electronic databases and reference lists from retrieved articles and reviews. No studies reporting clinical outcomes in men with asymptomatic NCNGU were identified. Two eligible studies report rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in female partners of men with asymptomatic NCNGU; Chlamydia trachomatis was detected in 2.4% and 8.3% of these women. The evidence available is insufficient in quality and breadth to enable us to conclude whether asymptomatic NCNGU is associated with significant health consequences for men or their sexual partners; however, clinical consequences of asymptomatic NCNGU are poorly investigated. Clinicians should be aware of the limitations of the evidence on which current screening guidelines for asymptomatic men are based.

AIDS, nursing, and physician-assisted suicide: Part 2.

Nurses who work in HIV/AIDS care often hold conflicting views from each other about appropriate nursing roles in relation to physician-assisted suicide. Regardless of whether the individual nurse supports or opposes physician-assisted suicide, nurses in HIV/AIDS care need to have a broad knowledge base of the legal and ethical issues related to physician-assisted suicide. This article has as its major purpose to provide nurses with the knowledge base they need to assist them in their work in clinical practice, education, policy development, and research.

AIDS, nursing, and physician-assisted suicide: Part 1.

Nurses who work in HIV/AIDS care often hold conflicting views about appropriate nursing roles in relation to physician-assisted suicide. Regardless of whether the individual nurse supports or opposes physician-assisted suicide, nurses in HIV/AIDS care need to have a broad knowledge base of the legal and ethical issues related to physician-assisted suicide. This article's main purpose is to provide nurses with the knowledge base they need to assist them in their work in clinical practice, education, policy development, and research.

Understanding oncology nurses' difficulties caring for suicidal people.

Clinical challenges occur when patients consider suicide. Despite improved treatment, people with cancer have an increased risk of suicide. While previous research examined patients' perspectives, this study describes the nurse's perspective of difficulty of caring for suicidal patients. Suicidal ideas constitute common psychiatric complications of cancer, however we know little of the nurse's difficulties in care giving. As part of a larger study of oncology nurses' knowledge, we randomly surveyed 1,200 clinical oncology nurses and 434 returned completed questionnaires (37%). This paper describes content analysis of oncology nurses' narratives about their difficulties responding to suicidal patients. Six categories emerged: religious/other values, uncomfortable feelings, inadequate knowledge, personal experiences, and weight of professional responsibility which made it difficult for most nurses to care for suicidal patients. Some nurses reported they had no difficulties. Care giving is also difficult because the patient's right to choose suicide may conflict with the nurse's professional obligation to prevent suicide.

Health problems of lesbian women.

Lesbians are visible to society, health care providers, and researchers as women, not as an identified sub-group of women. Lesbian invisibility contributes to their collective increased vulnerability, as evidenced by decreased societal and environmental resource availability, threats to social connectedness, and barriers in accessing health care. The factors that have led to increased vulnerability have shown up in risks of violence, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and chemical dependency among lesbians.

2',5'-linked oligo-3'-deoxyribonucleoside phosphorothioate chimeras: thermal stability and antisense inhibition of gene expression.

2',5'-Linked oligo-3'-deoxyribonucleotides bind selectively to complementary RNA but not to DNA. These oligonucleotides (ODNs) do not recognize double-stranded DNA by Hoogsteen triplex formation and the complexes formed by these ODNs with RNA are not substrates for Escherichia coli RNase H. Substitution of the 2',5'-phosphodiester backbone by phosphorothioate linkages gives 2',5'-linked oligo-3'-deoxynucleoside phosphorothioate ODNs that exhibit significantly less non-specific binding to cellular proteins or thrombin. Incorporation of a stretch of seven contiguous 3',5'-linked oligo-2'-deoxynucleoside phosphorothioate linkages in the center of 2',5'-linked ODNs (as a putative RNase H recognition site) afford chimeric antisense ODNs that retain the ability to inhibit steroid 5alpha-reductase (5alphaR) expression in cell culture.

Diagnosis and treatment of major depression among people with cancer.

Although depressive disorders are common among 20-25% of people with cancer, they are frequently unrecognized. Untreated depression in the presence of comorbid conditions may result in more frequent clinic visits, increased costs, extended hospitalization, and reduced compliance and quality-of-life. Oncology clinicians need not have psychiatric expertise to play a major role in the detection and treatment of depression and in the prevention of suicide. Using early detection and screening tools, the nurse can identify depressed patients and can collaborate in their treatment. Approximately 80-90% of depressed patients are effectively treated with psychotherapy, and/or pharmacologic, or somatic, interventions. Failure to diagnose or reluctance to treat depression among patients with cancer is a common error and can increase morbidity and mortality.

Exploring a life history of HIV disease and self-caring: Alfredo's story.

Alfredo's story is part of a larger phenomenological study of nursing, self care, and HIV disease that incorporated the anthropological tradition of reconstructing a life-story in the person's own words. This exemplar emphasizes Alfredo's shifts perspective organized around three turnings, or shifts in perspective, which are illustrated with narrative text and discussed. The three turnings include becoming HIV-infected, becoming a positive force, and reclaiming self. Implications for nursing include the importance of story telling in life history, the value of knowing the patient as a person, the positive impact of negative events, and the educational impact of a paradigm case.

Managing depression among people with HIV disease.

Many people with HIV suffer from depression, which responds to antidepressants, counseling, education, and cognitive strategies. Untreated depression hinders treatment compliance and increases risk of suicide. Management and complications of major depression are described. The evaluation of rational suicide is examined. Clinicians who treat this population need to respond therapeutically to patients with depression and suicidal ideas.

Using qualitative research in advanced practice.

Although using research in nursing has become increasingly valued, some incorrectly believe that only the findings of quantitative research can be applied. While there are distinct differences between qualitative and quantitative research, both paradigms have an important role to play in nursing. This article explores the topic of research utilization and discusses qualitative research and its evaluation and use. The discussion, and examples from qualitative research, emphasize how useful qualitative research can be to advanced practice nurses.

Perceived barriers to getting published: results of the JANAC survey.

In order to identify strategies to promote the publication of ANAC members' knowledge and expertise, the authors conducted a survey of JANAC readers. Twenty-four respondents, almost all clinicians, identified 25 areas of interest they want to develop for publication. Barriers to getting published fell into four categories: lack of time, writing skills, self-confidence, and motivation or ideas. Suggestions for facilitating scholarship focused mainly on collaboration with writing experts and learning through educational workshops. The results of this study can serve as a guide in the development of services to readers interested in their own development as scholars.

IL-1 beta converting enzyme (ICE) is not required for apoptosis induced by lymphokine deprivation in an IL-2-dependent T cell line.

Clonal T cells undergo programmed cell death (PCD) or apoptosis when cultured without the appropriate cytokines. The cysteine protease, IL-1 beta converting enzyme (ICE), is implicated in apoptosis based on its structural similarity to the PCD gene, ced-3, in Caenorhabditis elegans and the induction of PCD in fibroblasts transfected with recombinant ICE. We show that the murine IL-2-dependent CTLL T cell line expresses ICE but not IL-1 beta. Interestingly, ICE mRNA and protein levels increase during apoptosis. Yet inhibition of ICE enzymatic activity (> 90%) with either of two cell-permeable ICE inhibitors does not abrogate or delay apoptosis following IL-2 deprivation, as measured by DNA fragmentation and viability. Our results suggest that ICE is not required for apoptosis in lymphokine-deprived T cells.

Self-caring in a family unit of an HIV-positive individual: a hermeneutical inquiry.

The purpose of this longitudinal, qualitative study is to understand self-caring in the context of the spectrum of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) disease. This article presents the personal perspective of one family affected by HIV disease. The findings are presented through discussing a pattern of self-caring, being outside in the health care system, where stigma was an influential factor. The methodology used to understand self-caring was the hermenuetic phenomenology of Heidegger. Interpretations of transcribed interviews make evident the mechanisms, interactions, and themes that limit patients and their families participating as full members of the health care team.