Internal consistency reliability of resting EEG power spectra in schizophrenic and normal subjects.

The reliability of resting electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectra was assessed for 49 normal and 44 schizophrenic subjects. We specifically examined internal consistency reliability to determine how much EEG data are necessary to ensure small measurement error. Twenty-one 8-s epochs of resting EEG were collected from each subject from site Cz.

Simultaneous detection of centromere-specific probes and chromosome painting libraries by a combination of primed in situ labelling and chromosome painting (PRINS-painting).

In situ techniques for the detection of specific chromosomes using centromeric probes and the decoration of entire chromosomes using chromosome painting are well established. However, in the deciphering of complex chromosomal aberrations it is valuable to be able to detect the centromere and the entire DNA of a specific chromosome in different colours simultaneously on the same metaphase. In this report we describe a combination of the primed in situ labelling (PRINS) technique and chromosome painting for simultaneous visualization of centromere-specific oligonucleotides and chromosome painting libraries.

Reduced galactosyltransferase mRNA levels are associated with the agalactosyl IgG found in arthritis-prone MRL-lpr/lpr strain mice.

MRL-lpr/lpr strain mice have defectively glycosylated IgG. This may be related to the rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-like disease that occurs in these mice, because a similar glycosylation defect is seen in human subjects with RA. Whilst it is known that this defect is associated with reduced activity of the beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase (beta-1,4-GalTase) enzyme, the cause of this reduced activity is at present unknown.

Physical mapping of the rat MHC class II genes shows a high level of interspecies conservation.

We report here a pulsed-field gel electrophoresis map of the rat major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II region. Using probes for the recently discovered Tap-1 and Tap-2 genes and the different MHC class II genes, we found the gene order in the rat MHC (RT1) region to be RT1.H-Tap-1-Tap-2-Bb-Ba-Db-Da.

Alpha-Trinositol inhibits edema generation and albumin extravasation in thermally injured skin.

Pharmacologic attempts to reduce edema generation and albumin extravasation into thermally injured skin have until recently been disappointing unless the drugs (usually antiphlogistic or anti-inflammatory drugs) were given before injury. We have studied the effect of alpha-trinositol (PP56, i.e.

Molecular pharmacology of the AMPA agonist, (S)-2-amino-3-(3-hydroxy-5-phenyl-4-isoxazolyl)propionic acid [(S)-APPA] and the AMPA antagonist, (R)-APPA.

The heterocyclic analogue of (S)-glutamic acid, (S)-2-amino-3-(3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolyl)propionic acid [(S)-AMPA] is a potent and selective AMPA receptor agonist, whereas the enantiomeric compound, (R)-AMPA, is virtually inactive. We have previously characterized (RS)-2-amino-3-(3-hydroxy-5-phenyl-4-isoxazolyl)propionic acid [(RS)-APPA] as a partial AMPA receptor agonist showing about 60% of the efficacy of (RS)-AMPA. This partial agonism produced by (RS)-APPA is, however, only apparent, since resolution of (RS)-APPA has now been shown to provide the full AMPA receptor agonist, (S)-APPA, whereas (R)-APPA is a non-N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (non-NMDA) receptor antagonist showing preferential AMPA blocking effects.

Studies on the thymus of non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice: effect of transgene expression.

The non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse is a good model of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Autoreactive T cells may play a fundamental role in disease initiation in this model, while disregulation of such cells may result from an abnormal thymic microenvironment. Diabetes is prevented in NOD mice by direct introduction of an E alpha d transgene (NOD-E) or a modified I-A beta chain of NOD origin (NOD-PRO or NOD-ASP).

Pulsed field gel electrophoretic analysis of the rat major histocompatibility complex class III region shows extensive inter-species conservation.

Using pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), we have examined the rat major histocompatibility complex (MHC) for the presence of a number of new class III region genes recently identified in the human MHC. We find homologous genes to the human G1, G2, G4, G7a, G9, G9a, G10, G13, G15, and G18 genes, but not the G8 gene in the rat genome, and show that these are linked to the rat TNF-alpha and C4/Slp loci. A long-range restriction map has been constructed on the basis of a PFGE analysis which demonstrates extensive co-linearity in the positions of the homologous sequences in the region between the C4/Slp and TNF loci in the rat MHC when compared with that of the human MHC class III region.

A comparative evaluation of three transfection procedures as assessed by resistance to G418 conferred to HEPG2 cells.

Three commonly used transfection techniques (electroporation, calcium phosphate precipitation and scrape loading) and a novel procedure combining the latter two methods were evaluated and conditions optimised for successful transfection of human HepG2 cells with plasmid DNA incorporating a mouse MHC Class I gene and a selectable marker (neomycin transferase gene) conferring resistance to G418. While transfection with linear DNA by scrape-loading gave satisfactory results, transfer of cloned circular DNA by electroporation, calcium phosphate precipitation or a combined use of scrape-loading and calcium phosphate gave best results for HepG2 cells.

[Handling of organ donors].

Patients suffering from complete destruction of the brain and brain stem are the most common source of organs for transplantation purposes. However, as the lack of such organs is currently the most limiting factor regarding the scope of transplantation treatment, it is of the utmost importance that all potential donor organs are well maintained.

How problems evolve and dissolve: integrating narrative and strategic concepts.

This article presents an approach to therapy that links narrative and strategic concepts. The term "strategic" is used not in the prescriptive, impositional sense that has come to be associated with the method, but in terms of having a clear therapeutic direction in promoting change. The authors outline an approach to therapy that expands upon the fundamental principles of the MRI (Mental Research Institute) Brief Therapy model, elaborating more upon its constructivist premises than its prescriptive practices.

RFLP analysis of the MHC class III region defines unique haplotypes for the non-obese diabetic, cataract Shionogi and the non-obese non-diabetic mouse strains.

The non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse strain which spontaneously develops diabetes is a model for human Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. At least one of several genes controlling diabetes in the NOD mouse has been mapped to the MHC. Although previous experiments have implicated the MHC class II genes in the development of the disease, the existence of other MHC linked susceptibility genes has not been ruled out.

Use of osseointegrated implants to support a maxillary denture for a patient with repaired cleft lip and palate.

Although many cleft lip and palate patients retain their dentition, some develop partial or complete edentulism. The configuration of the residual maxillary alveolar ridge may provide little support for a complete or partial maxillary denture. The success of the Branemark dental implant has been well established, and although placement of implants in the maxilla may present a surgical challenge, implants are very effective in providing support and, therefore, retention and stability.

A comparative study of T-cell receptor V beta usage in non-obese diabetic (NOD) and I-E transgenic NOD mice.

The non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse is a model for the study of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Recently transgenic NOD mice have been derived (NOD-E) that express the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II I-E molecule. NOD-E do not become diabetic and show negligible pancreatic insulitis.

Trismus appliances and indications for use.

Trismus is a condition that impairs eating, interferes with oral hygiene, restricts access for dental procedures, and may adversely affect speech and facial appearance. The success of treatment depends on recognition of the cause and initiation of appropriate management. Ideally, trismus appliances are used in conjunction with physical therapy and are most effective when the condition is the result of muscle fibrosis or scar tissue that has not yet matured.

[Organ donation from recently deceased patients. Experiences from a donor hospital and suggestions for handling potential organ donors and their relatives].

Homologous organ transplantation using organs from patients suffering complete destruction of the brain and brain stem is a major achievement in modern medicine. The care of potential organ donors and their relatives is complex and very demanding for the medical team and nursing staff. In Norway the law sets very clear criteria (documentation of total irreversible brain and brain stem injury) for performing donation.

Ankylosing spondylitis and HLA-B27: restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing of an HLA-B27 allele from a patient with ankylosing spondylitis.

Two groups of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) from England and Poland were examined for restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) associated with the disease. No preferential association was found between the 9.2 kb PvuII fragment in HLA-B27 positive patients with AS compared with HLA-B27 healthy subjects as had been previously reported.

[Burns].

Extensive burns are severe, life-threatening injuries. Cutaneous burns are often accompanied by injury to inhalation, leading to severe pulmonary problems with a high rate of mortality. Published reports on series of burn patients state that in 2-5% of all (burn) cases, cutaneous thermal injury was accompanied by mechanical injuries such as fractures, closed head injuries, or blunt injuries to chest and abdomen.

Analysis of the T cell receptor (TcR) regions in the NOD, NON and CTS mouse strains define new TcR V alpha haplotypes and new deletions in the TcR V beta region.

We have analyzed the T cell receptor (TcR) V alpha and TcR V beta regions in the spontaneous mouse model for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, the NOD mouse, and compared it to the regions in the two sister strains, the NON and CTS strains. Based on restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis the TcR V alpha region in the NOD mouse is essentially identical to that of the SJL/J strain. In contrast both the NON and CTS strains have a unique TcR V alpha haplotype.

Hydroxylated analogues of 5-aminovaleric acid as 4-aminobutyric acidB receptor antagonists: stereostructure-activity relationships.

The (R) and (S) forms of 5-amino-2-hydroxyvaleric acid (2-OH-DAVA) and 5-amino-4-hydroxyvaleric acid (4-OH-DAVA) were designed as structural hybrids of the 4-aminobutyric acidB (GABAB) agonist (R)-(-)-4-amino-3-hydroxybutyric acid [(R)-(-)-3-OH-GABA] and the GABAB antagonist 5-aminovaleric acid (DAVA). (S)-(-)-2-OH-DAVA and (R)-(-)-4-OH-DAVA showed a moderately potent affinity for GABAB receptor sites in rat brain and showed GABAB antagonist effects in a guinea pig ileum preparation. The respective enantiomers, (R)-(+)-2-OH-DAVA and (S)-(+)-4-OH-DAVA, were markedly weaker in both test systems.

Altered course of visceral leishmaniasis in mice expressing transgenic I-E molecules.

Previous studies had shown that the outcome of infection with Leishmania donovani was exquisitely sensitive to the influence of the major histocompatibility complex. In this study, we have examined the course of infection in non-obese diabetic (NOD) and NOD-E-3 mice, the latter expressing an I-E molecule as a result of transgenic introduction of the wild-type Ed alpha gene. Introduction of this transgene significantly altered the course of infection allowing for enhanced parasite multiplication in the viscera from day 14 to day 28.

The intronless mouse gene for the tissue specific splicing protein SmN is a processed pseudogene containing a stop codon after thirty-one amino acids.

The SmN protein is a component of small ribonucleoprotein particles which is closely related to the ubiquitously expressed splicing proteins SmB and B' but is expressed in only a small number of cells and tissues. We have isolated a mouse SmN-related sequence which lacks introns and contains multiple changes from the SmN cDNA sequence including a stop codon after thirty-one amino acids which would prevent it encoding functional SmN protein. This indicates that this intronless gene is a processed pseudogene and that the functional gene has yet to be isolated.