Post-vaccination MDEM associated with MOG antibody in a subclinical Chlamydia infected boy

The mechanism of post-vaccination acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) has been hypothesized as resulting from vaccination-injected antigens cross-reacting with myelin components, however, a precise etiology has been uncertain. In this report, we describe the case of a 6-year-old Japanese boy who had multiphasic disseminated encephalomyelitis (MDEM), and was positive for both anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibodies and Chlamydophila pneumoniae antibodies. After vaccinations that were the second one for measles and rubella, and the booster immunization for Japanese encephalitis, the patient presented with fever, headache, vomiting, and a change in personality. He was treated with a high-dose of intravenous methylprednisolone in the diagnosis of ADEM. However, these symptoms recurred with different magnetic resonance imaging lesion, and he was diagnosed as MDEM. Retrospective testing for pathogens revealed C. pneumoniae IgM and IgG antibodies, and it was considered that he was infected with C. pneumoniae subclinically. The patient's serum indicated a positive response for the anti-MOG antibody from the onset of the ADEM diagnosis and in all recurrent episodes. Chlamydia species infection has been known to play a role in demyelinating diseases. It is also known that the anti-MOG antibody may be present but not exhibit its pathogenesis in the absence of a cell-mediated inflammatory response; however, the precise mechanism of action of the anti-MOG antibodies is not yet determined. We propose the possibility that post-vaccination demyelinating disease may result from the synergistic effects of a preceding anti-MOG antibody, possibly produced in response to a subclinical Chlamydia species infection.

Right iliac fossa pain from a grossly enlarged and torted appendix in a patient with known colitis

A 27-year-old man with a background of well controlled colitis presented with a 12-hour history of central abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fever. A diagnostic laparoscopy revealed an extremely large, gangrenous appendix, which had descended into the pelvis posterior to adhesions in the right iliac fossa and was torted 720°. The decision was taken to convert to a lower midline laparotomy and as the base appeared healthy, a standard appendicectomy was performed. The patient recovered well and was discharged after two days. The appendix measured 104mm x 53mm x 51mm. Histology revealed acute haemorrhagic and necrotising appendicitis with foci of impending perforation. There was no malignancy or mucocoele. Acute torsion (or volvulus) of the appendix is an unusual cause of this common general surgical emergency.

The multiplicity of post-translational modifications in pro-opiomelanocortin-derived peptides

The precursor protein, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) undergoes extensive post-translational processing in a tissue-specific manner to yield various biologically active peptides involved in diverse cellular functions. The recently developed method of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) for direct tissue analysis has proved to be a powerful tool for investigating the distribution of peptides and proteins. In particular, topological mass spectrometry analysis using MALDI-MS can selectively provide a mass profile of the hormones included in cell secretory granules. An advantage of this technology is that it is possible to analyze a frozen thin slice section, avoiding an extraction procedure. Subsequently, tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) has a profound impact on addressing the modified residues in the hormone molecules. Based on these strategies with mass spectrometry, several interesting molecular forms of POMC-derived peptides have been found in the fish pituitary, such as novel sites of acetylation in α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), hydroxylation of a proline residue in β-MSH, and the phosphorylated form of corticotropin-like intermediate lobe peptide.

Vascularized bone marrow-based immunosuppression inhibits rejection of vascularized composite allografts in nonhuman primates

Vascularized composite allograft (VCA) transplantation (also referred to as composite tissue allotransplantation) has demonstrated clinical success in cases of hand, arm and face transplantation despite prior belief that skin provides an insurmountable barrier to allograft rejection. These overall good outcomes are facilitated by substantial immunosuppressive requirements in otherwise healthy patients, yet still demonstrate frequent rejection episodes. We developed a nonhuman primate model of facial segment allotransplantation to elucidate the unique pathophysiology and immunosuppressive requirements of VCA with addition of concomitant vascularized bone marrow (VBM). Heterotopically transplanted facial segment VCA with VBM treated only with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) demonstrated prolonged rejection-free survival, compared to VCA without VBM that demonstrated early rejection episodes and graft loss. While VCA with VBM demonstrated sporadic macrochimerism, acute and chronic rejection and graft loss occurred after discontinuation of immunosuppression. These data support an immunomodulatory role of VBM in VCA that reduces immunosuppressive requirements while providing improved outcomes.

Incorporating Scientific Publishing into an Undergraduate Neuroscience Course: A Case Study Using IMPULSE

The journal IMPULSE offers undergraduates worldwide the opportunity to publish research and serve as peer reviewers for the submissions of others. Undergraduate faculty have recognized the journal's value in engaging students working in their labs in the publication process. However, integration of scientific publication into an undergraduate laboratory classroom setting has been lacking. We report here on a course at Ursinus College where 20 students taking Molecular Neurobiology were required to submit manuscripts to IMPULSE. The syllabus allowed for the laboratory research to coincide with the background research and writing of the manuscript. Students completed their projects on the impact of drugs on the Daphnia magna nervous system while producing manuscripts ready for submission by week 7 of the course. Findings from a survey completed by the students and perceptions of the faculty member teaching the course indicated that students spent much more time writing, were more focused on completing the assays, completed the assays with larger data sets, were more engaged in learning the scientific concepts and were more thorough with their revisions of the paper knowing that it might be published. Further, the professor found she was more thorough in critiquing students' papers knowing they would be externally reviewed. Incorporating journal submission into the course stimulated an in depth writing experience and allowed for a deeper exploration of the topic than students would have experienced otherwise. This case study provides evidence that IMPULSE can be successfully used as a means of incorporating scientific publication into an undergraduate laboratory science course. This approach to teaching undergraduate neuroscience allows for a larger number of students to have hands-on research and scientific publishing experience than would be possible with the current model of a few students in a faculty member's laboratory. This report illustrates that IMPULSE can be incorporated as an integral part of an academic curriculum with positive outcomes on student engagement and performance.

Chemical reactivities and physical effects in comparison between tocopherols and tocotrienols: physiological significance and prospects as antioxidants

Vitamin E is a generic term for all tocopherol and tocotrienol derivatives. The most abundant and active form of vitamin E isoforms in vivo is alpha-tocopherol, but recently the roles of other forms of vitamin E have received renewed attention. In this review, we summarize the differences among alpha-, beta-, gamma-, delta-tocopherols and tocotrienols specifically regarding the following points; (i) their radical-scavenging efficacies and chemical reactivity with metal ions in solution, (ii) their physical effects at the liposomal membrane interior, and (iii) their protective effects against cell toxicity. Moreover, the physiological significance and future prospects for using vitamin E, especially tocotrienols, for the prevention and treatment of disease are discussed.

An undergraduate course on publishing in neuroscience

While scientific publishing is not typically taught to undergraduate students, we believe that an in-depth exposure to this topic might prove useful to those contemplating careers in neuroscience research or scientific writing and publishing. Here we describe a course designed to introduce students to most aspects of online publishing, from the details of editing to the ethics of scientific communication, from the specifics of how an online website works to the general debate between open-access and for-profit publishing. By having students learn about the theoretical issues in refereeing while actually reviewing submissions for the journal IMPULSE, the students gain practical knowledge about scientific publishing, a deeper understanding of the contemporary research environment, and intellectual confidence.

Primary malignant melanoma of the colon in an oculocutaneous albino

We describe the case of an elderly albino man who presented with the typical features of a caecal malignancy and underwent a right hemi-colectomy. Histological assessment subsequently revealed the tumour to be a primary malignant melanoma of the colon. This unexpected diagnosis raises interesting questions regarding the embryology and aetiology of this rare tumour and the anticipated prognosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a primary colonic melanoma associated with oculocutaneous albinism.

Stoma formation for functional bowel disease

OBJECTIVE

To assess the results of stoma formation for functional bowel disease.

METHODS

A retrospective study of the indications for and complications of stoma formation in this group. A quality of life questionnaire was sent to the group.

RESULTS

A very small proportion of patients with functional bowel disease have a stoma formed (< 1%). Stoma formation is often associated with problems requiring further operations. Their QOL is reported as poor and is improved upon by stoma formation. Most patients with a temporary stoma elected to keep it rather than suffer their previous problems.

CONCLUSION

Some patients with functional bowel disease can be successfully managed by stoma formation. Their treatment is difficult, emotionally demanding and labour-intensive.

Integrins are involved in synaptogenesis, cell spreading, and adhesion in the postnatal brain

Integrins are a major family of heterodimeric surface glycoproteins that act as adhesion molecules, have a spectrum of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules as their ligands, and regulate a variety of cellular functions. Integrins are known to be critical to embryonic brain development, and recent studies have indicated their essential role in adult brain function, although their role in postnatal brain development and function has not been examined. Here, we used the organotypic slice culture system to investigate the role of integrins in postnatal hippocampal development by exposing the tissue to either an integrin competitive antagonist, the peptide GRGDSP containing Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) attachment site, or to function-blocking beta(1)-integrin antibodies to disrupt integrin interactions. These experiments revealed that beta(1)-integrin antibodies interfered with spreading of the culture, resulting in a rapid and marked diminution of slice area. beta(1)-integrin antibodies and RGD peptide disrupted cell adhesion, causing cell detachment and migration of glial cells from the explant. The majority of the detached cells were of macroglial origin and switched to expression of the intermediate filament proteins vimentin and nestin, suggesting a developmental regression. The organotypic organization of slice cultures was not affected, although exposure to either integrin antagonist or antibody resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the number of synapses measured in the apical dendrites of CA1 pyramidal neurons. The results demonstrate that integrins markedly affect postnatal CNS development, in both ultrastructural construction and organizational processes.

Sex differences in hippocampal slice excitability: role of testosterone

In vivo fluctuations in gonadal hormones alter hippocampal excitability and modulate both physiological and pathological hippocampal processes. To assess hormonal effects on excitability within a functional hippocampal circuit, extracellular CA1 field responses were compared in slices from intact male, intact female, orchidectomized male, and ovariectomized female rats. Secondly, the effects of in vitro applications of 17-beta estradiol, progesterone, or testosterone on baseline excitability of slices from gonadectomized rats were assessed versus pre-hormone baseline measures. Finally, using the in vitro kindling model of slice epileptogenesis, steroid hormone effects on interictal-like activity were also examined. Significant sex differences in excitatory postsynaptic potential amplitude were observed, with slices from males having larger excitatory postsynaptic potential amplitudes than those from females. Gonadectomy significantly decreased excitatory postsynaptic potential amplitude in slices from male rats. Slices from gonadectomized male and female rats also showed a decreased dendritic excitatory postsynaptic potential slope relative to slices from intact male and females rats. In vitro application of testosterone significantly increased excitatory postsynaptic potential amplitudes in slices from both orchidectomized males and ovariectomized females and the population spike amplitude of slices from ovariectomized females. Following in vitro kindling, slices from intact males showed greater spontaneous burst rates than slices from intact females, further suggesting an excitatory effect of testosterone. These results suggest: (1) a sex difference in the level of baseline excitability between slices from intact males and females as measured by excitatory postsynaptic potential amplitudes, (2) testosterone has excitatory effects on baseline physiology and kindled hippocampal responses, and (3) slices from males show a greater level of excitability than those from females in the in vitro kindling model.

Medical Student Dissection of Cadavers Improves Performance on Practical Exams but not on the NBME Anatomy Subject Exam

We have examined whether cadaver dissection by first year medical students (MIs) affected their performance in two test measures: the NBME Gross Anatomy and Embryology Subject Exam (dissection-relevant questions only), and practical exams given at the end of each major section within the course. The dissections for the entire course were divided into 18 regional dissection units and each student was assigned to dissect one third of the regional units; the other two-thirds of the material was learned from the partner-prosected cadavers. Performance for each student on the exams was then assessed as a function of the regions those students actually dissected. While the results indicated a small performance advantage for MIs answering questions on material they had dissected on the NBME Subject Exam questions relevant to dissection (78-88% of total exam), the results were not statistically significant. However, a similar, small performance advantage on the course practical exams was highly significant.

The effects of Tween 20 and sucrose on the stability of anti-L-selectin during lyophilization and reconstitution

We have chosen an anti-L-selectin antibody as a model protein to investigate the effects of sucrose and/or Tween 20 on protein stability during lyophilization and reconstitution. Native anti-L-selectin secondary structure is substantially retained during lyophilization in the presence of sucrose (1 or 0.125%). However, aggregation of the protein during reconstitution of lyophilized protein powders prepared without sucrose is not reduced by the presence of sucrose in the reconstitution medium. Aggregate formation upon reconstitution is completely inhibited by freeze drying the protein with sucrose and reconstituting with a 0.1% Tween 20 solution. Tween 20 (0.1%) also partially inhibits loss of native anti-L-selectin secondary structure during lyophilization. However, upon reconstitution the formulations lyophilized with Tween 20 contain the highest levels of aggregates. The presence of Tween in only the reconstitution solution appears to inhibit the transition from dimers to higher order oligomers. Potential mechanism(s) for the Tween 20 effects were investigated. However, no evidence of thermodynamic stabilization of anti-L-selectin conformation (e.g., by Tween 20 binding) could be detected.

Anaesthesia for caesarean section in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and mitral valve prolapse

We report the successful use of single-shot spinal anaesthesia for elective caesarean section in a multigravid woman with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, complicated by mitral valve prolapse. This is a rare inherited collagen disorder that has been reported to have a high pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality, particularly from uterine rupture and uncontrolled bleeding from friable vessels, coagulopathy and major vessel rupture. The literature concerning obstetric anaesthetic management for different types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and the management of mitral valve prolapse in pregnancy are reviewed.

Experience with a one-stop colorectal clinic

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Colorectal services have traditionally been arranged for the convenience of hospitals rather than patients. This model is not ideal, particularly for minor interventions and diagnostic procedures. In order to address this a one-stop colorectal clinic was set up.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Weekly clinics ran from 6.00 to 9.30 p.m. on Wednesdays for a period of 6 months. Patients with rectal bleeding, altered bowel habit, anorectal symptoms and those requesting screening advice were seen by a consultant or specialist registrar. Patients were asked to fill in a questionnaire at the end of their clinic attendance.

RESULTS

197 patients were seen in 17 clinics; 134 underwent proctoscopy, 72 had a rigid sigmoidoscopy and 85 had a flexible sigmoidoscopy carried out. Twenty-four patients subsequently had a barium enema and 3 were listed for colonoscopy. The main diagnosis was haemorrhoids (n = 104); 14 colorectal neoplasms were discovered (5 cancers and 9 polyps). During the study period the number of patients waiting for lower gastrointestinal endoscopy fell from 119 to 63; 2 months after ending the pilot scheme, the number had risen to 108.

CONCLUSION

The clinic was found to have significantly improved patient care. The majority of patients were satisfied with an evening clinic. Flexible sigmoidoscopy without sedation was well tolerated and the ability to perform this at initial assessment had a marked effect on the number of patients awaiting lower gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Anti-epileptiform effects of audiogenic seizure priming on in vitro kindling in rat hippocampus

The effect of priming for audiogenic seizures (AGS) on the development of epileptiform activity in the hippocampus was studied using in vitro kindling (IVK) in Long-Evans rats. AGS priming consists of intense auditory stimulation during a critical period of auditory development, resulting in sound-induced clonic convulsions upon subsequent testing. Between postnatal day (PND) 28 and 50, slices from subjects primed and sham-primed for AGS on PND 18 were used for recording responses in area CA1 of hippocampus following Schaffer collateral stimulation from stratum radiatum of area CA2/CA3. The developmental priming procedure, which enhances auditory brainstem excitability, resulted in fewer afterdischarges in slices from primed subjects across initial IVK stimulation sequences. These results suggest that changes in excitability that occur with acoustic priming can initially diminish selective epileptiform response characteristics in forebrain areas such as the hippocampus.

Plastic bag asphyxia in southeast Scotland

Death resulting from plastic bag asphyxia has been recognized for >40 years, but relatively little is known about either its epidemiology or its pathophysiology. Over 15 years (1984-1998), 30 deaths were attributed to plastic bag asphyxia among the 14,560 autopsies performed in the Forensic Medicine Unit in Edinburgh. These 30 deaths involved 20 male and 10 female subjects, with an age range of 13 to 81 years. Eleven had some alcohol measurable in the blood, with four having levels >80 mg/dl. Only one individual appeared to have ingested a drug overdose, but inhaled substances within the plastic bag may have contributed to death in five cases. The absence of childhood accidental deaths may reflect successful preventive measures. The 3 accidental deaths involved adults (including 2 who died of autoerotic asphyxia), and the remaining deaths were 27 suicides. Of those who committed suicide, most (59%) had chronic psychiatric illness rather than chronic debilitating or terminal physical illness. In contrast with reports from the United States, publicity associated with "self-deliverance" did not result in an increased number of deaths from plastic bag asphyxia (4 deaths in this series). Analysis of the circumstances of all the deaths revealed them to be difficult to predict and hence prevent.

Effect of zinc binding and precipitation on structures of recombinant human growth hormone and nerve growth factor

Metal-induced precipitation of protein therapeutics is being used and further developed as a processing step in protein formulation and may have utility in protein purification and bulk storage. In such processes, it is imperative that native protein structure is maintained and the metal complexation is reversible. In the current study, we investigated the effects of zinc-induced precipitation on recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) and recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF). On the addition of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), the precipitates were dissolved, yielding complete recovery of native protein in both cases. Both proteins have specific metal binding sites and require specific molar ratios of zinc to protein to initiate precipitation (zinc:rhGH > 2:1; zinc:rhNGF > 18:1). Furthermore, the secondary structures of both proteins were unperturbed in soluble zinc complexes and zinc-induced precipitates, as measured by infrared and circular dichroism spectroscopies. The soluble zinc complex of rhGH had minor tertiary structural alterations, whereas zinc binding did not alter the tertiary structure of rhNGF. These studies indicated that metal-induced precipitation provides a method to maintain proteins in their native state in precipitates, which may be useful for purification, storage, and formulation.

Psychometric testing of fatigue instruments for use with cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Cancer treatment-related fatigue (CRF) is a common side effect of cancer treatment. A problem identified in most reviews of CRF is lack of sound approaches to measurement that are congruent with the conceptualization of CRF as a self-perceived state. The diversity of instruments available to measure fatigue and the lack of comprehensive testing of several promising instruments with cancer patients undergoing treatment provided the rationale for this study. The purpose of this article is to report the results of psychometric testing of several fatigue instruments in patients undergoing cancer treatment.

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to determine the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of each instrument and to determine the ability of each instrument to capture CRF.

METHODS

Existing fatigue instruments with published psychometric information that indicated suitability for further testing were selected and included the Profile of Mood States Short Form fatigue subscale (F_POMS-sf), Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF), Lee Fatigue Scale (LFS), and the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI). Data were collected at a university-based clinical cancer center and a freestanding comprehensive cancer center. Subjects completed all study instruments, which were presented in random order, at a time when CRF was expected to be high and again when it was expected to be low. A subset of subjects completed the instruments within 48 hours of one of the data collection points when CRF was expected to be relatively unchanged to provide stability data.

RESULTS

Reliability estimates using Cronbach's alpha indicated that all instruments examined had good internal consistency. Test-retest correlations showed good stability for total scores on all the instruments, but some subscales of the LFS and MFI had marginal stability. Factor analysis of all instruments indicated that only the LFS and the F_POMS-sf fully supported their construct validity. All of the instruments showed responsiveness to changes in CRF related to treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the study provide researchers and clinicians with detailed comparisons of the performance of established fatigue measures in cancer patients undergoing treatment to use when selecting measures of CRF.

Fatigue patterns observed in patients receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy

The purpose of this study was to describe the patterns of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and vigor in patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Five studies that measured fatigue and vigor with the Profile of Mood States were used to describe the pattern of CRF and vigor during and after both types of treatment. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to determine differences over time in each study. Results demonstrate different patterns of CRF for patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy-related CRF peaks in the days after chemotherapy, whereas radiation therapy-related CRF gradually accumulates over the course of treatment. The CRF associated with both forms of treatment gradually declines over time. The prevalence, intensity, and persistence of CRF during treatment and for months after treatment is complete make this symptom one that cannot be ignored.

Attitudes of psychologists and psychologists-in-training to homosexual women and men: an Australian study

Homophobic reactions of Australian psychologists (n = 43), postgraduate psychology students (n = 17) and undergraduate psychology students (n = 44) were compared using Van de Ven's (1994) measures of cognitive, affective and behavioral dimensions of homophobia. Results suggested that undergraduates were significantly more homophobic than psychologists in their thinking, intentional behavior and feelings of fear or discomfort in relation to lesbians and gay men. No other significant group differences were found. Gender differences were found only in relation to one affective dimension of homophobia. Low levels of positive affective response to homosexuals were observed across groups and gender. The study underscores the importance of assessing homophobic response multidimensionally. Implications for the training of Australian psychologists are discussed.

Consequences to chicks hatched from Escherichia coli-inoculated embryos

An Escherichia coli causing negligible mortality in embryonated chicken eggs was adapted to grow in media containing nalidixic acid. This isolate (EcNAL) was inoculated into 12-day-old embryonated eggs. Additional embryos inoculated with tryptose phosphate broth (TPB) served as controls. Six days later, all surviving eggs were moved to hatching units. One hatcher contained half of the TPB-inoculated eggs; the chicks hatching from these eggs served as negative controls. The EcNAL-inoculated eggs and the remaining TPB-inoculated eggs were moved to a second hatcher and allowed to hatch together; chicks hatching from these TPB-inoculated eggs served as contact controls. On day of hatch and at intervals thereafter, chicks from each of the treatment groups were sampled. Their body and yolk weights were recorded, and various tissues were cultured for the presence of the EcNAL bacterium. Hatchability of the EcNAL-inoculated embryos was markedly lower than that of either control group. Chicks from EcNAL-inoculated embryos also had low but detectable levels of mortality, lowered body weights, and increased yolk-to-body weight ratios. These same chicks had persistently high levels of EcNAL in the yolk and lower but detectable levels of the organism in the lungs and tracheas, which lasted a few days. The contact controls, on the other hand, were similar to the negative controls as far as having negligible mortality, steadily increasing body weights, and declining yolk-to-body weight ratios. However, in contrast to the negative controls, EcNAL was recovered primarily from the respiratory tract of the contact controls for a brief period of 3-4 days after hatch.

Investigation of protein-surfactant interactions by analytical ultracentrifugation and electron paramagnetic resonance: the use of recombinant human tissue factor as an example

PURPOSE

The purpose of this work is to utilize electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy in conjunction with analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) to investigate the binding of surfactants to proteins with a transmembrance domain. As an example these methods have been used to study the interaction of a nonionic surfactant, C12E8, to recombinant human tissue factor (rhTF) in liquid formulations. The complementary nature of the two techniques aids in data interpretation when there is ambiguity using a single technique. In addition to binding stoichiometries, the possibility of identifying the interacting domains by using two forms of rhTF is explored.

METHODS

Two recombinant, truncated forms of human tissue factor were formulated in the absence of phospholipids. Neither of the recombinant proteins, produced in E. coli, contains the cytoplasmic domain. Recombinant human tissue factor 243 (rhTF 243) consists of 243 amino acids and includes the transmembrane sequences. Recombinant human tissue factor 220 (rhTF 220), however, contains only the first 221 amino acids of the human tissue factor, lacking those of the transmembrane region. EPR and AUC were used to investigate the interactions between these two forms of rhTF and polyoxyethylene 8 lauryl ether, C12E8.

RESULTS

Binding of C12E8 to rhTF 243 is detected by both EPR spectroscopy and AUC. Although a unique binding stoichiometry was not determined, EPR spectroscopy greatly narrowed the range of possible solutions suggested by the AUC data. Neither technique revealed an interaction between rhTF 220 and C12E8.

CONCLUSIONS

The complementary nature of EPR spectroscopy and AUC make the combination of the two techniques useful in data interpretation when studying the interactions between rhTF and C12E8. By utilizing these techniques in this study, the binding stoichiometry of rhTF 243 to C12E8 ranges from 1.2:1 to 1.3:0.6 based on an aggregation number of 120. This binding is consistent with previously reported activity data that showed an increase in clotting rate when rhTF 243 is in the presence of C12E8 micelles. From the rhTF 220 data, it can further be concluded that the transmembrane domain of rhTF is necessary for interactions with C12E8.

Effect of Tween 20 on freeze-thawing- and agitation-induced aggregation of recombinant human factor XIII

Agitation- and freeze-thawing-induced aggregation of recombinant human factor XIII (rFXIII) is due to interfacial adsorption and denaturation at the air-liquid and ice-liquid interfaces. The aggregation pathway proceeds through soluble aggregates to formation of insoluble aggregates regardless of the denaturing stimuli. A nonionic surfactant, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20), greatly reduces the rate of formation of insoluble aggregates as a function of surfactant concentration, thereby stabilizing native rFXIII. Maximum protection occurs at concentrations close to the critical micelle concentration (cmc), independent of initial protein concentration. To study the mechanistic aspects of the surfactant-induced stabilization, a series of spectroscopic studies were conducted. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy indicates that binding is not occurring between Tween 20 and either the native state or a folding intermediate state of rFXIII. Further, circular dichroism spectroscopy suggests that Tween 20 does not prevent the secondary structural changes induced upon guanidinium hydrochloride-induced unfolding. Taken together, these results imply that Tween 20 protects rFXIII against freeze-thawing- and agitation-induced aggregation primarily by competing with stress-induced soluble aggregates for interfaces, inhibiting subsequent transition to insoluble aggregates.

Planning and conducting a multi-institutional project on fatigue

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

To describe the process used in proposal development and study implementation for a complex multisite project on cancer treatment-related fatigue (CRF), identify strategies used to manage the project, and provide recommendations for teams planning multisite research.

DATA SOURCES

Information derived from project team meeting records, correspondence, proposals, and personal recollection.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The project was built on preexisting relationships among the three site investigators who then built a team including faculty, research coordinators, staff nurses, and students. Study sites had a range of organizational models, and the proposal was designed to capitalize on the organizational and resource strengths of each setting. Three team members drawn from outside oncology nursing provided expertise in measurement and experience with fatigue in other populations. Planning meetings were critical to the success of the project. Conference calls, fax technology, and electronic mail were used for communication. Flexibility was important in managing crises and shifting responsibility for specific components of the work. The team documented and evaluated the process used for multisite research, completed a major instrumentation study, and developed a cognitive-behavioral intervention for CRF.

CONCLUSIONS

Accomplishments during the one-year planning grant exceeded initial expectations. The process of conducting multisite research is complex, especially when the starting point is a planning grant with specific research protocols to be developed and implemented over one year. Explicit planning for decision-making processes to be used throughout the project, acknowledging the differences among the study settings and planning the protocols to capitalize upon those differences, and recruiting a strong research team that included a member with planning grant and team-building expertise were essential elements for success.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Specific recommendations for others planning multisite research are related to team-building, team membership, communication, behavioral norms, role flexibility, resources, feedback, problem management, and shared recognition.

Normal and aberrant functions of integrins in the adult central nervous system

Integrins are heterodimeric proteins mediating cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix adhesive connections (Springer T.A., 1990, Nature 346, 425-434) and signal transduction across the plasma membrane. The important roles of integrins in neural development and cancer, where they subserve process outgrowth and cell migration, are well documented, but information on integrins in the adult central nervous system has been slower to arrive. Now that strong evidence, both molecular biological and immunocytochemical, has been collected, it is useful to speculate on what these interesting proteins may be doing in the adult central nervous system. Suggestive data now points to roles in functions characterized in part by morphological rearrangements, such as learning and memory, and injury responses.

Bovine luteal cells elicit major histocompatibility complex class II-dependent T-cell proliferation

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules are expressed in the bovine corpus luteum (CL) in a manner correlating with luteolysis. Whether bovine luteal cells can stimulate T-cell proliferation in a class II-restricted manner was investigated. Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) enhances T-cell proliferation by a mechanism requiring MHC class II molecules and was used to examine stimulation of T-cell proliferation by luteal cells. Luteal cells from midcycle or regressing CL (induced by prostaglandin F2 alpha) were cocultured with autologous T cells in the presence of no treatment, SEB (1 microgram/ml), or SEB + anti-MHC class II antibody (3 micrograms/ml); and proliferation was assessed by incorporation of tritiated thymidine. T cells proliferated in the presence of cells from regressing CL more than when in the presence of midcycle cells (118,309 +/- 20,567 vs. 75,261 +/- 12,494 cpm; p < 0.05). Anti-MHC attenuated this response of cells from regressing CL (81,108 cpm +/- 13,249; p < 0.05). Without SEB, T cells proliferated when cultured with cells from regressing, but not midcycle, CL (4637 +/- 816 vs. 2117 +/- 589 cpm; p < 0.03). These results suggest that luteal cells can function as antigen-presenting cells in vitro and that prostaglandin F2 alpha may enhance their ability to present antigen.

RGDS tetrapeptide and hippocampal in vitro kindling in rats: evidence for integrin-mediated physiological stability

We have examined a potential role for integrins in an animal model of epileptogenesis termed in vitro kindling. Integrins mediate cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, and also participate in the transduction of information from the extracellular environment to the intracellular milieu. As many extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules contain the conserved amino acid sequence arg-gly-asp-ser (RGDS) at the integrin recognition site, integrin-ECM binding can be disrupted using RGDS peptides. Hippocampal slices were washed in either RGDS, gly-gly-gly-gly (GGGG), vehicle or artificial cerebral spinal fluid (ACSF) for 1 h prior to in vitro kindling. Baseline electrophysiological responses were unaltered by RGDS peptide. The RGDS-treated slices displayed a significant decrease in the rate of spontaneous bursts, whereas the period of spontaneous bursting increased dramatically. Our results indicate that the competitive peptide, RGDS, changed hippocampal slice excitability over time, indicating that interference with ECM-integrin binding may alter neuronal signaling through an RGDS binding site.

The effects of nursing care guided by self-regulation theory on coping with radiation therapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

To test the hypotheses that preparatory informational interventions based on self-regulation theory delivered to radiation therapy (RT) recipients by staff nurses would reduce disruption in patients' usual life activities and have a positive effect on the moods of patients who tended to have pessimistic expectations about outcomes.

DESIGN

A quasi-experimental design with repeated measures.

SETTING

University-affiliated RT department.

SAMPLE

226 patients receiving RT for breast or prostate cancer.

METHODS

The control-group patients received the nursing care that was the standard of practice before the experimental interventions were introduced. The experimental-group patients received theory-based interventions four different times from staff nurses. Patient data were collected by interview four different times.

MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES

Type of nursing interventions generated, optimistic or pessimistic expectations about outcomes (Life Orientation Test), amount of disruption in usual life activities (Sickness Impact Profile), and moods (Bi-Polar Profile of Mood States).

FINDINGS

The patients who received the self-regulation theory-based nursing interventions experienced less disruption in their usual life activities during and following RT. Among the patients who tended to be pessimistic, those who received the theory-based interventions had a more positive mood than those who did not receive the interventions.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Staff nurses should use self-regulation theory-based interventions to help patients cope with RT.

IFN-gamma-deficient mice develop experimental autoimmune uveitis in the context of a deviant effector response

Experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) is a T cell-mediated disease that targets the neural retina and serves as a model of human uveitis. Uveitogenic effector T cells have a Th1-like phenotype (high IFN-gamma, low IL-4), and genetic susceptibility to EAU is associated with an elevated Th1 response. Here we investigate whether the ability to produce IFN-gamma is necessary for the development of EAU by immunizing IFN-gamma-deficient (GKO) mice with the uveitogenic protein interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein (IRBP) and characterize the associated immunologic responses. GKO mice developed EAU comparable in severity and incidence to that of their wild-type littermates. However, the cytokine profile in their uveitic eyes as well as the cytokines produced by primed lymph node cells in response to IRBP showed a distinct profile: undiminished TNF-alpha and elevated IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and lymphotoxin (but not IL-4) responses. The inflammatory infiltrate in GKO eyes contained an excess of granulocytes and IL-5- and IL-6-producing cells, but uveitic GKO mice did not up-regulate inducible nitric oxide synthase. GKOs had enhanced lymphocyte proliferation and delayed-type hypersensitivity responses to IRBP. Histology of the delayed-type hypersensitivity lesion in GKO had superimposed elements of an allergic-like response. Anti-IRBP Ab isotypes of GKO mice showed a reduction of IgG2a, but no enhancement of IgG1. Comparison of responses in +/+ and +/- wild-type mice revealed some limited evidence of a gene-dose effect. We conclude that IFN-gamma is not required for priming of pathogenic T cells or for effecting the retinal damage and photoreceptor loss typical of EAU. However, what appears to be a grossly similar disease is caused in the GKO by a deviant type of effector response.

IFN-gamma-deficient mice develop experimental autoimmune uveitis in the context of a deviant effector response

Experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) is a T cell-mediated disease that targets the neural retina and serves as a model of human uveitis. Uveitogenic effector T cells have a Th1-like phenotype (high IFN-gamma, low IL-4), and genetic susceptibility to EAU is associated with an elevated Th1 response. Here we investigate whether the ability to produce IFN-gamma is necessary for the development of EAU by immunizing IFN-gamma-deficient (GKO) mice with the uveitogenic protein interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein (IRBP) and characterize the associated immunologic responses. GKO mice developed EAU comparable in severity and incidence to that of their wild-type littermates. However, the cytokine profile in their uveitic eyes as well as the cytokines produced by primed lymph node cells in response to IRBP showed a distinct profile: undiminished TNF-alpha and elevated IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and lymphotoxin (but not IL-4) responses. The inflammatory infiltrate in GKO eyes contained an excess of granulocytes and IL-5- and IL-6-producing cells, but uveitic GKO mice did not up-regulate inducible nitric oxide synthase. GKOs had enhanced lymphocyte proliferation and delayed-type hypersensitivity responses to IRBP. Histology of the delayed-type hypersensitivity lesion in GKO had superimposed elements of an allergic-like response. Anti-IRBP Ab isotypes of GKO mice showed a reduction of IgG2a, but no enhancement of IgG1. Comparison of responses in +/+ and +/- wild-type mice revealed some limited evidence of a gene-dose effect. We conclude that IFN-gamma is not required for priming of pathogenic T cells or for effecting the retinal damage and photoreceptor loss typical of EAU. However, what appears to be a grossly similar disease is caused in the GKO by a deviant type of effector response.

Inhibition of LTB4 biosynthesis in situ by CGS 23885, a potent 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, correlates with its pleural fluid concentrations in an experimentally induced rat pleurisy model

An intrapleural injection of carrageenan in rats induced LTB4 and LTC4/D4/E4 biosynthesis, exudate formation, and cellular influx in the pleural cavity. An injection of calcium ionophore (A23187, 100 nmol) 16-18 h after carrageenan injection augmented leukotriene biosynthesis and exudate formation, but not cellular influx. The carrageenan-induced pleurisy model modifid by A23187 administration was used to study the oral effect of CGS 23885 (N-hydroxy-N-[(6-phenoxy-2H-1-benzopyran-3-yl)-methyl]urea), a potent 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitor, on inflammatory parameters. CGS 23885 dose-dependently (1 to 30 mg/kg) inhibited the enhanced LTB4 and LTC4/D4/E4 (1 to 10 mg/kg) biosynthesis, but had no effect on enhanced exudate formation. An inhibitory effect of CGS 23885 of small magnitude on cellular influx due to carrageenan stimulation was seen at 30 mg/kg. The concentrations of CGS 23885 in the pleural fluid were dose-related, and a positive correlation (r2=0.989) between pleural fluid concentration of LTB4 and CGS 23885 was observed. The results confirm that CGS 23885 is a specific, orally active 5-LO inhibitor which can achieve concentrations in the pleural cavity sufficient to inhibit production of LTB4 and LTC4/D4/E4 in an ongoing inflammatory response.

Orthotic variants

When patients present with problems for which existing devices are not adequate, research is stimulated. However, new methods and devices must improve on the older versions and should not result in variation that is less effective than the original versions. Variants less effective than the originals will be discussed with illustrative examples. Orthoses, prostheses, and pressure-reduction techniques for the diabetic foot will be considered.

Evidence of reciprocity of bcl-2 and p53 expression in human colorectal adenomas and carcinomas

Evidence of accumulating for the failure of apoptosis as an important factor in the evolution of colorectal cancer and its poor response to adjuvant therapy. The proto-oncogene bcl-2 suppresses apoptosis. Its expression could provide an important survival advantage permitting the development of colorectal cancer. The expression of bcl-2 and p53 was determined by immunohistochemistry in 47 samples of histologically normal colonic mucosa, 19 adenomas and 53 adenocarcinomas. Expression of bcl-2 in colonic crypts > 5 cm from the tumours was confined to crypt bases but was more extensive and intense in normal crypts < 5 mm from cancers. A higher proportion of adenomas (63.2%) than carcinomas (36.5%) expressed bcl-2 (P < 0.05). A lower proportion of adenomas (31.6%) than carcinomas (62.3%) expressed p53 (P < 0.02). A total of 26.3% of adenomas and 22% of carcinomas expressed both bcl-2 and p53. To determine whether these samples contained cells which expressed both proteins, a dual staining technique for bcl-2 and p53 was used. Only 1/19 adenomas and 2/53 carcinomas contained cells immunopositive for both bcl-2 and p53. Moreover there was evidence of reciprocity of expression of bcl-2 and p53 in these three double staining neoplasms. We suggest that bcl-2 provides a survival advantage in the proliferative compartment of normal crypts and colorectal neoplasms. However, its expression is lost during the evolution from adenoma to carcinoma, whereas p53 expression is increased, an event generally coincident with the expression of stabilised p53, which we presume to represent the mutant form.

Integrins: possible functions in the adult CNS

Integrins comprise a large family of heterodimeric proteins that mediate cell-cell and cell-extracellular-matrix adhesive connections. There is an extensive literature on their importance in neural development and cancer, but evidence for the existence of integrins in the adult CNS has emerged only recently. With growing immunohistochemical and molecular biological evidence for the presence of integrins in the adult CNS, a variety of functions from microglial migration to synaptic rearrangements can be considered for these adhesive proteins.

1994 Oncology Nursing Society Research Priorities Survey

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

To determine oncology nursing research priorities as well as the type of research needed to address these priorities.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey design.

SETTING

Mail-out survey with return, postage-paid envelope provided.

SAMPLE

A random sample of 10% of Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) members who identified patient care as their primary functional area, the ONS leadership group (e.g., Board of Directors, all committee chairs), all doctorally prepared ONS members, and all members of the ONS Advanced Nursing Research Special interest Group (N = 2,178).

METHODS

The questionnaire was based on prior ONS Research Surveys and updated to reflect issues or topics that currently are relevant to oncology nurses.

MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES

Priority ranking of 93 research topics organized into seven major categories.

FINDINGS

Seven hundred eighty-nine surveys were returned, for a 36% return rate. The top 10 priorities according to the priority index were pain; prevention; quality of life; risk reduction/screening; ethical issues; neutropenia/immunosuppression; patient education; stress, coping, and adaptation; detection; and cost containment.

CONCLUSIONS

The top 10 research issues can be used to develop priorities for the direction of research in oncology nursing.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

The findings provide a basis for identifying trends in nursing practice. The fact that prevention, risk reduction, and detection appear in the top 10 suggests that nurses are moving toward a definition of practice that is not limited to managing symptoms of disease. These findings also provide guidance for forming health policy in cancer care.

Patients' use of prevention behaviors in managing side effects related to chemotherapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

To describe the use of prevention and early detection behaviors related to the side effects of chemotherapy.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional, descriptive, and secondary analysis.

SETTING

A large university hospital and university-affiliated community hospital.

SAMPLE

46 adult patients with cancer starting a cycle of IV chemotherapy who were predominantly white, married, and female.

METHODS

Self-report utilizing a 17-item, self-administered prevention and early detection questionnaire called the Prevention Behaviors Questionnaire (PBQ); questionnaires were completed two days and five days after treatment.

MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLE

Prevention and early detection behaviors.

FINDINGS

Patients reported using an average of 8.8 prevention behaviors two days after chemotherapy and 9.2 behaviors five days after chemotherapy. "Tried to think more positively" was the most frequently used behavior. Internal consistency and test-retest correlation coefficients on the questionnaire were calculated to be 0.81 and 0.78, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The PBQ had adequate internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Patients reported using many prevention and detection behaviors, although very little is known about the efficacy of these behaviors in reducing or preventing the side effects of chemotherapy.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

This exploratory study does not have direct implications for practice but identifies an area for future research that may affect what nurses teach patients and how they assist patients to cope with treatment.

Dermorphin-induced hyperexcitability in hippocampal CA3 and CA1 in vitro

Dermorphin, a specific mu 1-opioid receptor agonist, has been studied for its effects on the physiology of the rat hippocampal slice. Population responses in CA3 to threshold levels of stimulation from both the Schaffer collaterals and mossy fibers were markedly enhanced in the presence of 50-100 nM dermorphin, while CA1 responses to threshold Schaffer collateral stimulation were less effected. Responses at higher stimulus levels than threshold were negligibly responsive to dermorphin, although at 500 nM dermorphin all responses became epileptiform and in some slices spontaneous bursting erupted. [L-Ala2]Dermorphin, a biologically inactive dermorphin analogue, did not increase response amplitudes nor evoke epilepsy in the slice. 5 microM naloxone blocked the effect of dermorphin on Schaffer collateral and mossy fiber-evoked responses, though less effectively in the latter case. These data provide in vitro evidence to support in vivo observations that excessive mu-opioid receptor activation can be proconvulsant in the hippocampus, but that normally the receptors may function as facilitatory modulators of responses in the threshold range.

Hippocampal in vitro kindling is not blocked by nitric oxide synthase inhibitors

Effects of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors on the induction of an in vitro model of kindling were investigated in the rat hippocampal slice. It has been reported that NMDA receptor activation stimulates NOS and guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) production and that the interruption of this pathway interferes with LTP in the CA1 hippocampal field. Because the induction of LTP and kindling both involve NMDA receptor activation, we tested the effects of NOS inhibitors on the genesis and initial rate of interictal-like spontaneous bursts in CA1 and CA3 of the rat hippocampal slice. Experimental groups were exposed to 100 microM methyl-L-arginine (active NOS inhibitor), nitro-L-arginine (active NOS inhibitor), or methyl-D-arginine (inactive isomer of the NOS inhibitor) for 1 h prior to in vitro kindling. These results indicate that rather than preventing the induction of kindling in this model of epileptogenesis, NOS inhibition may facilitate the initiation of interictal-like spontaneous bursts in the rat hippocampal slice.

A comparison of patient-reported side effects among three chemotherapy regimens for breast cancer

Patient's perceptions of side effects and the influence of treatment on daily activities are important considerations in choosing a chemotherapy regimen. However, there are no studies comparing patients' experiences with three commonly used chemotherapy regimens for breast cancer. The authors compared the patient-reported side effects and disruption in usual activities for cyclophosphamide and fluorouracil combined with methotrexate (CMF), doxorubicin (CAF), or mitoxantrone (CNF) in 86 women receiving treatment for breast cancer. The incidence and severity of side effects and disruption in usual activities were recorded by patients in a self-care diary (SCD) 2 and 5 days after the first and second drug cycles. Patients reported a mean of 3.2 to 4.9 side effects at each point in time. Fatigue, nausea, anorexia, taste changes, and headache were the most frequently reported side effects and did not differ in incidence among the three drug regimens. When repeated measures analysis of covariance was conducted using mean substitution for missing data and controlling for stage of disease, women receiving CAF reported more severe nausea than women receiving CMF or CNF (P < 0.05). Fatigue was significant for time; however, a distinct clinical pattern of fatigue was not apparent. Patients reported moderate levels of disruption in activities of daily living, with those receiving CAF having greater disruption. There was no difference among treatment groups in reports of overall disruption in activities. These data on patient reported experiences with side effects of chemotherapy can be used to prepare patients for specific side effects of treatment and facilitate symptom management.

Anatomical localization of beta 1 integrin-like immunoreactivity in rat brain

beta 1 Integrin-like immunoreactivity was localized in rat brain using a polyclonal antibody raised in rabbit against rat liver beta 1 integrin. One-dimensional immunoblotting of whole rat brain membranes indicated that this antiserum recognized a single molecular species at 116,000 M(r), indicative of rat beta 1 integrins. Specific staining of beta 1 integrin-like immunoreactivity was found in the vascular structures of the brain, including microvessels, the ventricular ependymal cells, and pia mater. The pineal gland stained densely, and diffuse staining was present throughout the gray matter of the brain. This diffuse staining had a patterned appearance in certain structures, such as the apical dendritic field of CA1 in hippocampus, and occasional labeling of astrocytes, verified by labeling with GFAP on adjacent sections, was noted.

Protein synthesis inhibition blocks maintenance but not induction of epileptogenesis in hippocampal slice

We have been examining the role of protein synthesis in the development and maintenance of spontaneous bursting in the rat hippocampal slice. We used stimulus train induced bursting (STIB) as an in vitro model for epileptogenesis, to study the effects of 3 different protein synthesis inhibitors (cycloheximide, anisomycin, puromycin) on the development of bursting. We report here that none of these inhibitors blocked the induction of bursting, suggesting that protein synthesis is not essential for the development of electrically induced bursting. However, when established spontaneous bursting was examined in the presence of cycloheximide, the duration of the bursting phase was markedly reduced, suggesting that the maintenance of spontaneous bursting in the early hours requires ongoing protein synthesis.

Progesterone regulation of luteinizing hormone receptors on cultured bovine luteal cells

During development of the corpus luteum (CL), the numbers of luteinizing hormone (LH) receptors increase. Cultured bovine luteal cells from developing and mature CL were used to examine the influence of progesterone (P4) on this receptor. CL were obtained from dairy cows during the early or middle phase of the estrous cycle. In early CL, the number of receptors per cell was increased by exogenous progesterone treatment but there was no effect on receptor numbers in cells from midcycle CL. Binding affinities did not change with respect to age or treatment. Forskolin elevated endogenous progesterone and also enlarged the receptor population. The action did not appear to be an unmasking of cryptic receptors since the effect was not seen in luteal particulates. Elevation of LH receptor numbers by progesterone in immature CL may be a form of intraluteal regulation contributing to the functional maturation of these steroidogenic cells.

The art of the consultation note

Inherent in the consultation process is the ability to communicate effectively, yet little emphasis is placed on written communication through consultation notes. The art of writing a consultation note is learned primarily through trial and error or by master/apprentice relationships with senior practitioners. This paper reviews the types of consultations in which advanced practitioners are involved and presents a format for preparing a comprehensive consultation note.

Naloxone blocks antiepileptogenic properties of an in vitro electroconvulsive shock model

Electroconvulsive shock-induced seizures elevate seizure thresholds in humans and interfere with kindling in animals; opioids may mediate the anticonvulsant mechanism. In a potential model of acute electroconvulsive shock in hippocampal slices, a high-intensity tetanus via the mossy fibers substantially delayed subsequent in vitro kindling through the Schaffer collaterals. Naloxone blocked this effect, implicating the opioid system in the antiepileptogenic properties of this model.

Use and perceived efficacy of self-care activities in patients receiving chemotherapy

Information about chemotherapy side effects and the efficacy of self-care activities used to deal with these side effects is needed to direct nursing interventions for patients receiving chemotherapy. Using the self-care diary (SCD) developed for this study, a sample of 49 adult patients with cancer recorded their side effects, rated the severity of each side effect, and reported on the use and efficacy of self-care activities two days after treatment. Data were collected again five days after treatment to examine the test-retest reliability of the side effect severity component of the SCD. The most common side effect, experienced by 81% of the subjects, was fatigue. Other side effects reported by more than one-third of the subjects were sleeping difficulty, nausea, decreased appetite, and changes in taste or smell. The most frequently reported side effects received mean severity scores indicative of moderate severity. The most commonly used self-care activities were rated as providing some relief to moderate relief of individual side effects. None of the reported self-care activities received mean efficacy ratings that indicated complete side effect relief.