Combined prostacyclin and thromboxane synthetase inhibitor UK 38485 in flap survival

Thromboxane, a prostanoid derivative, is a central mediator of the progressive dermal ischemia seen in the distal dying flap. Prostacyclin; a vasoactive prostanoid derivative, has been found to enhance ischemic flap survival. This study examines the effects of prostacyclin and UK 38485 (specific thromboxane synthetase inhibitor), separately and combined, in axial flap survival in the pig. Each increased flap survival over control flaps; their combined use demonstrated an even greater flap survival (p less than 0.005).     

Regulation of G proteins by chronic antidepressant drug treatment in rat brain: tricyclics but not clorgyline increase Go alpha subunits.

The effect of long-term (3-week) administration of various antidepressant drugs on the steady-state concentrations of G protein alpha subunits, Gs alpha, Gi alpha, and Go alpha, has been investigated in rat brain using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Tricyclic antidepressants and clorgyline decreased Gs alpha and, to a lesser extent, Gi alpha in several brain regions, while Go alpha was increased by tricyclics but not clorgyline. We conclude that long-term treatment with antidepressant drugs exerts differential effects on G protein alpha subunits, and that antidepressant efficacy may potentially be based on functional modifications of signal transduction.     

Preparing faculty to use and develop computer-based instructional materials in nursing

This paper identifies the need for more specific guidelines in preparing faculty to use and develop computer-based instructional materials. Cory's model for faculty development is described and planning considerations are outlined. Finally, components of this multifaceted approach to faculty development—identifying available resources, emphasizing the current uses of computers, providing computer literacy/faculty awareness sessions, focusing on the instructional use of microcomputers, collaboration, and communication—are discussed.     

Choice of a childbirth method after cesarean

Concern about the rising cesarean-section rate and the high percentage of elective repeat cesareans led to an exploratory, retrospective examination of women's decision-making about a childbirth method after cesarean. Fifty women who had delivered by a repeat cesarean (RC) or vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) participated in a telephone interview. Three questions were addressed: (1) who made the decision for a birth method; (2) what factors were associated with the choice of method; and (3) was the choice of method associated with the actual method of delivery? The majority of women (90%) perceived that they were the primary decision-maker for a birth method, and choice of birth method was positively associated with actual method of delivery. The major reason for VBAC choice was to experience a vaginal birth, whereas the primary reason for RC choice was to avoid an unsuccessful labor. Other factors associated with choice of a birth method were: sources of information and support, beliefs, previous cesarean experience and locus of control. These findings have important implications for enhancing women's health-care decision-making, as well as for reducing the rate of repeat-cesarean deliveries.