Hypermethylation and reduced expression of Gtl2, Rian and Mirg at the Dlk1-Dio3 imprinted locus as a marker for poor developmental potential of mouse embryonic stem cells.

Mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have played a crucial role in biomedical research where they can be used to elucidate gene function through the generation of genetically modified mice. A critical requirement for the success of this technology is the ability of ESCs to contribute to viable chimaeras with germ-line transmission of the genetically modified allele. We have identified several ESC clones that cause embryonic death of chimaeras at mid to late gestation stages.

Enhancing protective immunity to malaria with a highly immunogenic virus-like particle vaccine.

The leading malaria vaccine in development is the circumsporozoite protein (CSP)-based particle vaccine, RTS,S, which targets the pre-erythrocytic stage of Plasmodium falciparum infection. It induces modest levels of protective efficacy, thought to be mediated primarily by CSP-specific antibodies. We aimed to enhance vaccine efficacy by generating a more immunogenic CSP-based particle vaccine and therefore developed a next-generation RTS,S-like vaccine, called R21.

An audit of intravenous fluid prescribing and plasma electrolyte monitoring; a comparison with guidelines from the National Patient Safety Agency.

Objectives: To audit past practice of intravenous (i.v.) fluid prescribing and electrolyte monitoring, prior to the publication of guidelines by the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA, Ref.

The Hospital Anxiety And Depression Scale.

There is a need to assess the contribution of mood disorder, especially anxiety and depression, in order to understand the experience of suffering in the setting of medical practice. Most physicians are aware of this aspect of the illness of their patients but many feel incompetent to provide the patient with reliable information. The Hospital Anxiety And Depression Scale, or HADS, was designed to provide a simple yet reliable tool for use in medical practice.

Oxygen capture by lithiated organozinc reagents containing aromatic 2-pyridylamide ligands.

The sequential reaction of ZnMe2 with a 2-pyridylamine (HN(2-C5H4N)R, R = Ph: 1; 3,5-Xy (=3,5-xylyl): 2; 2,6-Xy: 3; Bz (=benzyl): 4; Me: 5), tBuLi and thereafter with oxygen affords various lithium zincate species, the solid-state structures of which reveal a diversity of oxo-capture modes. Amine 1 reacts to give both dimeric THF [Li(Me)OZn[N(2-C5H4N)Ph]2] (6), wherein oxygen has inserted into the Zn-C bond of a [MeZn[N(2-C5H4N)-Ph]2] ion, and the trigonal Li2Zn complex, bis(OtBu)-capped (THF x Li)2-[[(mu3-O)tBu]2Zn[N(2-C5H4N)Ph]2] (7). The structural analogue of 6 (8) results from the employment of 2, while the use of more sterically congested 3 yields a pseudo-cubane dimer [(THF x [Li(tBu)OZn(OtBu)Me]]2] (9) notable for the retention of labile Zn-C(Me).

An enquiry into recurrent brief depressive episodes in the general population.

Spontaneous remarks to the author concerning the experience of brief depressive episodes prompted an enquiry into the experience of these in the general population. The finding that a high proportion of subjects admitting to the experience of recurring brief depression, that the episodes were generally of less than 24 hours' duration, suggests that allowance should be made for such very brief episodes in future enquiry of the topic, as these would not be recognised by the criteria for recurrent brief depression in the ICD and DSM definitions. There was no association of duration of episode with either age or gender.

The First Molecular Main Group Metal Species Containing Interstitial Hydride.

Lithium cages containing hydride: The reaction of tBuLi with Me(2)AlN(2-Pyr)Ph in toluene gave [Li(8)(H){N(2-Pyr)Ph}(6)](+)[Li(Me(2)AltBu(2))(2)](-), whose cation is the first molecular main group metal species to contain interstitial hydride (the cluster core is shown in the picture). Treatment of the reaction mixture with THF gave the neutral hydride Li(7)(H)[N(2-Pyr)Ph](6), which has a capped octahedral (Li(+))(7) cluster core. 2-Pyr=2-pyridyl.

[German version of the Snaith-Hamilton-Pleasure Scale (SHAPS-D). Anhedonia in schizophrenic and depressive patients].

The Snaith-Hamilton-Pleasure-Scale (SHAPS), introduced in English in 1995, assesses self-reported anhedonia in psychiatric patients. It has proven psychometric properties and advantages in applicability compared to other instruments assessing anhedonia. This study presents results of a systematic transcultural protocol translating the SHAPS into German (SHAPS-D).

Present use of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale: observation on method of assessment in research of depressive disorders.

Background: The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale retains its primacy in research. There have been recent important critiques. It is clear that instructions provided by its author are widely overlooked.

What do anxiety scales measure?

At present researchers appear to rely on instruments for the assessment of anxiety without due consideration of what it is that the instrument may be presumed to measure. A survey was undertaken of the presently most frequently used rating scales which purport to assess anxiety. The allocation of items of the scales to the major aspects of anxiety was examined.