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Background: Adhesion of platelets onto immobilized fibrinogen is of importance in initiation and development of thrombosis. According to a recent increase in evidence of a multiple biological property of antithrombin, we evaluated the influence of antithrombin on platelet adhesion onto immobilized fibrinogen using an in-vitro flow system. Methods: Platelets in anticoagulated whole blood (29 healthy blood donors) were labelled with fluorescence dye and perfused through a rectangular flow chamber (shear rates of 13 s-1 to 1500 s-1). Platelet adhesion onto fibrinogen-coated slips was assessed using a fluorescence laser-scan microscope and compared to the plasma antithrombin activity. Additionally the effect of supraphysiological AT supplementation on platelets adhesion rate was evaluated. Results: Within a first minute of perfusion, an inverse correlation between platelet adhesion and plasma antithrombin were observed at 13 s-1 and 50 s-1 (r = -0.48 and r = -0.7, p < 0.05, respectively). Significant differences in platelet adhesion related to low (92 ± 3.3%) and high (117 ± 4.1%) antithrombin activity (1786 ± 516 U vs. 823 ± 331 U, p < 0.05) at low flow rate (13 s-1, within first minute) have been found. An in-vitro supplementation of whole blood with antithrombin increased the antithrombin activity up to 280% and platelet adhesion rate reached about 65% related to the adhesion rate in a non-supplemented blood (1.25 ± 0.17 vs. 1.95 ± 0.4 p = 0.008, respectively). Conclusion: It appears that antithrombin in a low flow system suppresses platelet adhesion onto immobilized fibrinogen independently from its antithrombin activity. A supraphysiological substitution of blood with antithrombin significantly reduces platelet adhesion rate. This inhibitory effect might be of clinical relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the question of how parents grieve the loss of a child through miscarriage and stillbirth. Stress and grief as relevant variables in studies of perinatal loss; Gender difference in the reactions to perinatal loss; Use of Hill's ABC-X family crisis model; Bonding of fathers and mothers with the baby/fetus during early pregnancy.

This article reviews the computer software Practice Magic from Cornucopia Software. Practice Magic is a basic management application that provides session calendaring and account management. The calendar feature is the basis for working Practice Magic. Client information is entered by scheduling the client on the calendar. When the first appointment is made, the client's account is established. Then you may enter the relevant client information or return later to update the client file. It prints client statements, fills HCFA-1500 forms, provides client address lists, prints schedules, and also offers other basic functions, including a rudimentary word processor for entering client notes. The program is available for $49.95, $69.95, or $119.95 for 1 year, 3 years, or indefinite use, respectively. The $69.95 price provides two annual updates. Unfortunately, the product available for review was a year old, and attempts to contact Cornucopia resulted in unanswered phones. As a result, the extent to which it is updated annually could not be determined. Client, account, and insurance information is entered from a confusing display in which information must be entered on a line-by-line basis that requires many cursor and page-down actions.