Endotoxemia, complement activation, and the generation of C5a occur in the course of sepsis, trauma, and the adult respiratory distress syndrome, clinical situations in which TNF and IL-1 are thought to play an important role. In the present studies, we examined the effect of picogram concentrations of endotoxin (LPS) on the synthesis of IL-1 beta and TNF alpha by human PBMC exposed to recombinant human C5a (rhuC5a). rhuC5a induced the synthesis of IL-1 beta by PBMC made in response to otherwise substimulatory levels of LPS. In the presence of rhuC5a, LPS concentrations from 10 pg to 1000 pg/ml substantially amplified IL-1 beta synthesis by PBMC compared to LPS alone. Since rhuC5a can induce transcription of IL-1 beta with minimal translation to cytokine protein, these studies support the concept that fM concentrations of LPS can combine with rhuC5a to provide the "second signal" for optimal translation of IL-1 beta mRNA.

Complement C5a↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Court orders and custody evaluations in Israel.

Seven categories of concern entered into custody judgments--continuity, emotional welfare, support systems, children's wishes, parental agreement, caretaking, and child abuse. The literature points to the first four categories and caretaking as vital considerations for children's best interests. Beyond these findings, visiting rights were granted in all cases for the noncustodial parent, the family was always seen together, and the children were involved in discussion in the majority of cases. It is hoped that this study of social work practice in one country will add insight into the complex issue of custody and aid in the improvement of care for all children.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Further investigations on resistance and immunity in mice against an infection with Plasmodium berghei.

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Animals↗