Clinical and pathological studies of Reye's syndrome indicate that symptoms range from influenza-related encephalitis-type disease to cranial pressure, cerebral edema, hemorrhage, and coma. Biochemical research on the blood, ammonia, and the liver is increasing in sophistication, and hopes for future insight into the etiology of Reye's syndrome…

Although no cause-effect relationship can be shown, regular drug use seems to predispose one to further drug experimentation and use, while non-use of a particular drug seems to predispose one to non-use of other drugs. (Author/MB)

Masturbation, once thought evil and the cause of many diseases, has been proven medically not to cause mental illness, physical weakness, or any type of disease or death; it is a normal aspect of human sexual development. (SK)

The original theory in the 1920s on the mode of action of Laetrile is described along with the research that followed in light of this theory. Legal and socioeconomic implications are examined, and the role of health education in combating this problem is explored. (Author/DS)

Progress has been made in the separation of the various components of whole blood, methods of storage, and efficient use of blood components, permitting better management of blood quality in children undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the treatment of cancer. (MB)

Epidemiologic research has revealed a wide spectrum of etiologic information concerning childhood cancer. (MB)

With the development of sophisticated techniques in the biology of conception, fetal research, sustaining life after functional death, and abortion, legal and ethical questions face the medical community. (JD)

The Framingham Heart Study pioneered the concept of risk factors. This article recaps the history of the study, describes poster and essay contests used to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the study, and outlines the involvement of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in school health research. (Author/MT)

The purpose of this research project was to determine the effectiveness of a school-based dental health education program which included a parental support component. It was hypothesized that changes in dental health attitudes would be positively affected by the outreach effort to educate parents on the importance of dental health. (JN)

To evaluate the use of expanded role skills by nurse practitioners in a school setting, the activities on which they spend their time must be examined. A study was conducted to examine questions concerning the nurse's amount of time spent in problem oriented assessment, in expanded-role activities, and on delegated activities. (JN)

An effective way to prevent coronary heart disease in later life is to concentrate on preventive measures in the early years before coronary heart disease becomes established. Project SuperHeart, a heart disease intervention program for young children, includes physical fitness and classroom activities emphasizing basic nutritional habits. (JN)

This article outlines concepts and skills that will help teachers and students interpret news and controversies generated by medical research. Students need to: (1) understand some basic research concepts; (2) apply critical thinking to health news; and (3) know how to locate additional information sources. (Authors/PP)