Extensive vascularization of developing mouse ovaries revealed by caveolin-1 expression.

Expression screening for genes preferentially expressed in mouse fetal ovaries relative to testes identified Cav-1 as a candidate female-specific gene. Cav-1 encodes caveolin-1, a component of the cell membrane invaginations known as caveolae, which are involved in lipid regulation and signal transduction. In situ hybridization revealed high levels of Cav-1 mRNA in developing ovaries, compared with moderate or low levels in testes. Analysis of caveolin-1 protein distribution by immunofluorescence showed this difference to be due to the development of a dense and complex vascular network in the developing ovary. These observations point to a higher degree of differentiation and organization of the early stage mammalian ovary than previously suspected.     

Dissociative responses in the immediate aftermath of the Oakland/Berkeley firestorm

This study examined relationships between dissociative symptoms experienced in the immediate aftermath of the Oakland/Berkeley firestorm and contact with the fire, life events, demographic variables, and actions taken after learning about the fire. One hundred eighty-seven participants completed self-report measures about their experiences during and immediately following the fire. Dissociative symptoms were significantly related to contact with the fire, sex, and stressful life events. Also, dissociative symptoms were significantly related to engaging in certain activities, such as trying to get closer to the fire and going into blocked-off areas and crossing police barricades. These results suggest that dissociative symptoms may merit special attention in intervention focusing on the immediate aftermath of disaster.     

Absence of mutations at the activated protein C cleavage sites of factor VIII in 125 patients with venous thrombosis

Resistance to activated protein C (APC), caused by a mutation at amino acid position Arg⁵⁰⁶ of the factor V gene, has recently been identified as the most prevalent genetic defect associated with venous thrombosis. Similarly to factor V, mutations at the cleavage sites of factor VIII for APC may occur in patients with venous thrombosis. Here we have analysed 125 consecutive patients with incidental or recurrent venous thromboembolism for the presence of mutations at the cleavage sites for APC at amino acid positions Arg³³⁶ and Arg⁵⁶² of factor VIII. Our findings indicate that mutations at these amino acid positions of factor VIII do not occur in the patient group analysed.     

The acute effect of atorvastatin on proteinuria in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis

BACKGROUND: Hyperlipidemia may develop early in the course of renal disease, and statin treatment to lower lipid levels in these patients is effective. In addition, it has been suggested that proteinuria may decrease after prolonged periods of statin treatment. In the present study, we set out to evaluate the short-term effect of atorvastatin after only six weeks of therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Plasma albumin, creatinine, creatinine clearance, proteinuria and lipid profiles were assessed in 31 consecutive patients with glomerulonephritis and proteinuria > 0.3 g/24 h. All patients were treated with ACE inhibition for more than three months. Twenty patients consented to receive additional treatment with atorvastatin 10 mg daily in conjunction with a cholesterol-reducing diet, while 11 patients received standard care. Analyses were performed at baseline and after six weeks. RESULTS: After six weeks of treatment with atorvastatin urinary protein excretion was reduced from 1.80 g/24 h to 1.42 g/24 h (22%, p = 0.005), while no change was observed in this parameter in the untreated patients over the same period. Plasma albumin did not change in treated or in untreated patients. Lipid and lipoprotein parameters improved in all treated patients (all p < 0.001). No correlation was observed between the percentual changes in lipids and proteinuria. Plasma creatinine and creatinine clearance did not change (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Six weeks of therapy with low-dose atorvastatin, added to ACE inhibition, resulted in a 22% decrease of proteinuria compared to untreated patients.     

Views of family medicine department Chairs about mentoring junior faculty

Mentoring can be a key component contributing to the success of faculty. We investigated the attitudes of family medicine department Chairs toward mentoring, with emphasis on mentoring female and minority faculty. This qualitative inquiry used semi-structured interviews with 13 Chairs of US departments of family medicine. Although most Chairs felt that mentoring had value, a minority of our sample had formal mentoring programs. Multiple mentors were suggested for female and minority faculty to meet both their personal career and content needs. Availability of senior faculty is a key resource. Until more senior women and minority faculty are available, cross-gender and cross-ethnicity mentoring will need to be utilized.     

A randomized trial of the efficacy of group therapy in changing viral load and CD4 counts in individuals living with HIV infection

OBJECTIVE: This randomized pilot study evaluates whether seropositive patients who are randomly assigned to receive a supportive-expressive group therapy plus education intervention show greater improvements in increased immune function and decreased viral load compared to those randomly assigned to an education-only intervention. METHOD: Fifty-nine individuals who had been HIV-seropositive for at least 6 months prior to inclusion in the study and had been receiving standard pharmacologic treatment were entered in a prospective randomized trial of the effects of weekly supportive-expressive group therapy on changes in immune status. Participants were matched for AIDS status and sex and randomized to receive weekly sessions of group psychotherapy plus educational materials on HIV/AIDS, or to receive the educational materials alone. Participants were assessed before treatment and then 12 weeks later. RESULTS: Individuals who were randomized to group therapy showed a statistically significant increase in CD4 count and decrease in HIV viral load. Among individuals randomized to the education only condition, no significant change occurred in CD4 count or viral load. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide preliminary data suggesting that HIV-seropositive individuals who receive supportive-expressive group psychotherapy may experience concomitant improvements in CD4 cell count and viral load. Further research with a larger sample should examine the possible underlying mechanisms of such benefits.