Animal data suggest that shock sensitization as well as aversive learning potentiates the acoustic startle reflex. The present experiment tested, whether this shock sensitization also occurs in human subjects and whether it precedes aversive conditioning. Sixty subjects viewed--prior to conditioning--a series of slides of different emotional contents including the to be conditioned stimuli (CSs). Afterwards, the experimenter attached the shock electrodes and initiated shock exposure. Then, subjects were randomly assigned to view a series of two slides, each for eight acquisition trials in which one slide was followed by a shock. Subsequently, extinction trials (12 for each slide) were administered. During preconditioning, acquisition, and extinction, startle probes occurred unpredictably during and between slide viewing. Preconditioning data replicated previous results by Lang and his associates, showing that the startle response magnitude is directly related to the affective valence induced by the slides. Shock exposure strongly facilitated the startle reflex magnitude. This shock sensitization was absent for the skin conductance response. Course of learning also varied for both response systems. The data suggest that startle reflex potentiation indexes the acquisition of an avoidance disposition, which is preceded by a general sensitization of the protective reflexes. Skin conductance learning follows arousal changes and is modulated by cognitive processes.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The women's health care training project--an alternative for training midwives.

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Accreditation↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Atmospheric electromagnetism: individual differences in brain electrical response to simulated sferics.

The living organism is constantly affected by natural electromagnetic influences covering a wide range of frequencies and amplitudes. One of these natural influences is represented by a phenomenon called atmospherics or sferics. Sferics are very weak electromagnetic impulses generated by atmospheric discharges (lightning). With a newly developed simulation system it was possible to reproduce a previously registered sferics signal and present it to 52 subjects while recording the electroencephalogram (EEG). The repeated application of this stimulus for ten minutes evoked a significant decrease in alpha power in parietal and occipital regions compared to the control condition without sferics presentation. Two constitutional factors were revealed as mediators of sferics effectiveness: the general physical condition of the subjects, and their neuroticism. Individuals with many somatic complaints and a high degree of emotional lability did not respond to the sferics stimulation. This absence of a response is interpreted as an adaptational deficit in reaction to variations in atmospheric parameters.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Assessment of value of glycosylated albumin and protein in detection of gestational diabetes.

There is a recognized need for the early detection of gestational diabetes, and a single blood test, if reliable, would be advantageous. Because serum albumin and total protein are glycosylated and have short life spans, we investigated the usefulness of glycosylated albumin and glycosylated protein in the detection of gestational diabetes. We studied five groups, each with 20 subjects: nonpregnant and pregnant controls, nonpregnant and pregnant insulin-dependent diabetic (IDDM) patients, and gestational diabetic patients. All patients with no history of diabetes had an oral glucose tolerance test to define their carbohydrate status. Our results showed that percent glycosylated albumin and percent glycosylated protein were significantly elevated in both groups of IDDM patients compared with the other groups. However, gestational diabetic patients had glycosylated albumin and glycosylated protein values similar to those of both control groups. Both glycosylated albumin and glycosylated protein correlated well with HbA1c determinations. Thus, glycosylated albumin and glycosylated protein may be a good index of glycemic control, but they are of little value in the diagnosis of gestational diabetes because of a lack of sensitivity: 8 and 3% for glycosylated albumin and glycosylated protein, respectively.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Botulin in ophthalmology.

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Australia↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The nursing process: Fijian experiences.

The nursing process is almost taken for granted in the United Kingdom. Fijian nurses, when faced with its implementation, found it was poorly understood and uncommonly used. This study highlights some of the perceptions of Fijian nurses to the nursing process and how it is intended to overcome the challenges these pose.

Fiji↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Wrist arthroscopy].

Wrist arthroscopy was performed in 12 patients that complained of wrist pain for four months and in whom the diagnosis not established. The instruments and the technique of the procedure is described. In two patients the wrist pain diminished and in eight it disappeared. In other two patients the pain was not relieved. There were no complications.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Family nurse practitioners in Botswana: challenges and implications.

In 1981 Botswana established a one-year post-basic programme at the National Health Institute to prepare nurses to provide comprehensive primary health care services. The 80-odd graduates (as of 1989), called Family Nurse Practitioners, have been so competent in the clinic and willing to serve in even the remotest of communities that they are in high demand throughout Botswana's health care system. Below, a report on their expanding role and their educational needs.

Botswana↗