Heterogeneous expression of erbB-2 messenger RNA in human breast cancer

Amplification and mRNA expression of the erbB-2 gene was analyzed in 61 samples of primary human breast carcinoma. In the 57 samples where RNA could be isolated four different expression level groups were identified. Comparison of hybridization signal with that for beta-actin revealed that erbB-2 mRNA could not be detected in 6 of 57 samples (11%), was detected at normal levels in 32 of 57 samples (56%), showed 4- to 8-fold overexpression in 8 of 57 samples (14%), and showed 16- to 128-fold overexpression in 11 of 57 samples (19%). Examination of the DNA of the same set of samples revealed 6 of 61 samples (10%) with distinct gene amplification and 6 of 61 samples (10%) with possible gene amplification. The highest levels of erbB-2 overexpression were associated with gene amplification. Samples with 4- to 16-fold overexpression of the erbB-2 mRNA occurred without evident gene abnormalities. There was no association of erbB-2 expression or gene amplification with clinical stage of breast carcinoma or axillary lymph node involvement. The clear amplification of the erbB-2 gene may be associated with a significantly shorter time to treatment failure.     

Ligand-independent tyrosine phosphorylation of EGF receptor and the erbB-2/neu proto-oncogene product is induced by hyperosmotic shock

Treatment of intact cells with media containing high concentrations of ionic and non-ionic solutes induced increased tyrosine phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and the protein product of the erbB-2/neu proto-oncogene. This self phosphorylation occurred in the absence of EGF or other growth factors. High concentrations of solutes did not activate phosphorylation of either isolated EGF receptor or EGF receptor solubilized by non-ionic detergents. No evidence for receptor dimerization was found in response to hyperosmotic shock. Since receptor dimers have been implicated in the EGF-induced activation of EGF receptor, hyperosmotic shock may activate EGF receptor by a different mechanism.     

Complex partial seizures: clinical characteristics and differential diagnosis

Videotape analysis of 163 complex partial seizures in 40 patients showed that the mean duration of the attack was 128 seconds. Automatisms occurred in 159 seizures (97%) and involved more than the face and arms in 132 (80%). Most automatisms were simple, stereotypic, or aimless movements. Postural tone increased in 24 seizures and decreased in 62. Clonic movements of the eyelids occurred in 19 attacks, and clonic movements of the extremities in 4. Only nine patients reported auras. Distinct ictal and postictal phases could be distinguished in 132 seizures (80%); in these, the mean ictal duration was 54 seconds and the mean postictal duration 89 seconds. Videotape analysis provides objective criteria by which complex partial seizures may be differentiated from other seizure types.     

The what, why and how of hyperkinesis: implications for nursing

Hyperkinesis refers to a combination of traits that typically include: overactivity; restlessness; short attention span; distractability; low frustration tolerance; impulsiveness. Its aetiology and prevalence have not been established but associating problems underscore the importance of early identification and treatment. Theories about aetiology relate to minimal brain damage, heredity, temperament variations, maturational lag, dysfunction of the reticular activating system, food sensitivity, and learned response to unorganized environment. Hyperkinesis may be distinguished only by its behavioural manifestations. Insightful analyses of behavioural problems require viewing the child from a development perspective, such as those advanced by Freud, Erikson, Berne and others. Sensitivity to the ramifications of labelling the child as deviant is critical. Multidimensional assessment is needed upon which management decisions are made. An eclectic approach merits consideration: medication, if it works; therapeutic counselling; parental counselling; intervention with school personnel; and above all, support for the child. The nurse plays a crucial role in providing the health team with key information basic to establishing accurate diagnosis and evaluating interventions. The problem of hyperkinesis bears many implications for nursing practice and research.     

Early facilitation at corticomotoneuronal synapses

1. Corticomotoneuronal EPSPs have been generated in lumbar motoneurones of the monkey by single and paired corticospinal volleys. The facilitation of the second of a pair of EPSPs with respect to the size of the first has been measured.2. The relationship between the degree of facilitation of the second response and the interval between the two volleys has been studied. Average facilitation of minimal EPSPs was found to be maximal about 2 msec after the arrival of the corticospinal volley and to decay roughly exponentially thereafter with a time constant of about 10 msec.3. The degree of facilitation varied from one minimal corticomotoneuronal EPSP to another but this facilitation was not statistically correlated with the time course of the individual EPSPs.4. Significant facilitation (0.4) was still present 10 msec after a corticospinal volley so that this phenomenon could play a part in the initiation of motoneuronal discharge by corticospinal activity at natural frequencies of the order of 100 impulses/sec.     

The Qualitative-Quantitative Dualism

Similarities and differences between qualitative and quantitative research methods are presented; various bases for the choice of a methodology are addressed. Practical solutions to the quandaries posed by the qualitative-quantitative dichotomy are explicated, with supporting methodological examples from nursing research studies. Finally, an ontological-epistemological foundation for a human science approach to nursing research is proposed as a means of obviating the qualitative-quantitative dichotomy.