Thyroid hormone induction of keratin genes: a two-step activation of gene expression during development

To determine the mechanism of action of the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3) during metamorphosis of the amphibian epidermis, we have investigated the developmental activation of the 63-kD keratin genes in the frog Xenopus laevis. These genes code for three closely related keratins that first appear in the larval epidermis and accumulate during metamorphosis to become the most abundant proteins in the adult epidermis. We report here that the 63-kD keratins and their mRNAs first appear at stages 48-52. The level of 63-kD keratin gene expression remains relatively low until stage 56 and then increases dramatically. Quantitative analysis of the concentration of 63-kD keratin mRNA demonstrates low levels until stage 55/56, followed by an increase greater than 300-fold from stage 55/56 to the adult. Each adult cell contains approximately 55,000 molecules of the 63-kD keratin mRNAs. T3 is not required for the initial activation of the 63-kD keratin genes, but high-level expression is absolutely dependent on T3. High-level expression is prevented by propylthiouracil, which inhibits thyroid hormone synthesis and can be induced precociously both in vivo and in vitro with exogenous T3 as early as stage 48, but not prior to that time. Thus, the full activation of the 63-kD keratin genes during development requires two regulatory steps, one independent and one dependent on T3.     

Piracetam in alcoholic organic mental disorder: a placebo controlled study comparing two dosages

The following paper presents an investigation of the efficacy of piracetam in alcoholic organic mental disorder. A double-blind placebo-controlled study design was used to compare 2 dosages of the substance (2 X 3 g vs. 2 X 12 g). Cognitive function was assessed on days 0, 7, 14, 28, 42. Analysis of the results from 24 patients showed a clear-cut amelioration of cognitive functions in all 3 treatment groups. No difference could be demonstrated between the administration of placebo and the lower dose of piracetam. Patients on the higher dose showed an earlier improvement on one of the tests, but the final scores were similar in all three treatment groups.     

Sample size considerations when groups are the appropriate unit of analysis.

This article discusses issues to be considered by nurse researchers when groups should be used as the unit of randomization. Advantages and disadvantages are presented, with statistical calculations needed to determine the effective sample size. Examples of these concepts are presented using data from the Black Cosmetologists Promoting Health Program. Different hypothetical scenarios and their impact on sample size are also presented. Given the complexity of calculating the sample size when using groups as the unit of randomization, it is advantageous for researchers to work closely with statisticians when designing and implementing studies that anticipate the use of groups as the unit of randomization.     

Regenerative and reconstructive periodontal plastic surgery. Mucogingival surgery

Mucogingival surgery currently encompasses surgical management of many defects thought to be untreatable when the term mucogingival surgery was introduced in the 1950s. Mucogingival surgery has now expanded beyond the treatment of recession and problems associated with attached gingiva. Additionally, it would now include correction of ridge form, exposing unerupted teeth for orthodontic treatment, crown lengthening for esthetic purposes, and frenal surgery. With this in mind, mucogingival surgery has been redefined as "periodontal plastic surgery."     

Time therapy technique: the use of time as a catalyst for treatment

The time therapy technique is a unique approach to group therapy in which the abstract concept of time is represented spatially by a "floor calendar" through which patients move as they discuss past and future events. The technique enables the therapist to assist patients in evaluating the appropriateness of future goals, in increasing their ability to cope with current stressors by reexperiencing positive events, and in resolving past traumatic events through a process of emotional disengagement called disassociative reassurance. Although time therapy technique as yet lacks empirical support, it has been used with adult chronic schizophrenic patients in an ongoing open-ended therapy group, where its effectiveness has been encouraging.     

Propranolol and inspiratory muscle performance in normal subjects

We studied the effects of propranolol on respiratory muscle performance during inspiratory threshold-loaded endurance breathing in eight normal subjects. Propranolol (mean daily dose = 160 + 17 mg, SEM) reduced loaded 15-second MVV (92 versus 81 L/min;P = .01) and maximal sustainable ventilatory capacity (52.3 versus 44.5 L/min, P = .02) but did not affect the fraction of MVV, which was sustainable. Maximal static inspiratory pressures were reduced at two of three lung volumes, whereas maximal static expiratory pressures were unaffected by propranolol. The reduction in inspiratory muscle performance in the whole population could be accounted for almost entirely by four subjects who developed symptoms of "tiredness" and easy fatigability while receiving propranolol. There was no significant difference in propranolol dose, in degree of beta-receptor blockade, or in physical fitness in symptomatic and asymptomatic groups, and in neither group did propranolol alter pulmonary function test results. Propranolol directly depresses inspiratory muscle strength in subjects who develop drug-induced symptoms of fatigue by a mechanism probably unrelated to beta-adrenergic-receptor blockade.