Experimental charge density of L-alanyl-L-prolyl-L-alanine hydrate: classical multipole and invariom approach, analysis of intra- and intermolecular topological properties.

A high-resolution dataset of the tripeptide L-alanyl-L-prolyl-L-alanine hydrate was measured at 100 K using synchrotron radiation and CCD area detection. Electron densities were obtained from a full multipole refinement of the X-ray experimental data, from an invariom transfer and from a theoretical calculation. Topological and atomic properties were derived via an AIM analysis [Atoms in Molecules; see Bader (1990).

Metals on the brain.

Current research suggests that imbalances in metal-ion homeostasis play a critical role in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and transmissible spongiform encephalopathy, and in cancer. It is thus important to elucidate the mechanisms by which homeostasis is maintained and how metals function in cellular processes, including cell signaling, neurotransmission, and protein transport and storage. This summary of a meeting recently held in Barcelona, Spain, highlights some of the latest findings on intra- and extracellular zinc signaling, the consequences of zinc imbalances on cells and on the brain, the mechanisms of metal-ion influx and efflux, how metal ions are sequestered by metallothioneins, and the development of candidate drugs to treat brain injury due to metal-ion imbalances.

Experience of aversive tension and dissociation in female patients with borderline personality disorder -- a controlled study.

Assuming that the experience of strong aversive tension might be an indicator of the extent of affect dysregulation within patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD), we sought to operationalize the duration and intensity of these phenomena. In addition we studied the relationship between aversive tension and the experience of dissociative features. Seventy-two female patients with BPD, together with 55 healthy controls, completed a self-rating questionnaire covering the previous 24 h.

Cytokines and cancer: experimental systems.

The transfer of certain cytokine genes into cancer cells can provide very powerful suppression of tumor growth in the absence of any toxic side effects. Some of these cytokines, such as interleukin-4, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and tumor necrosis factor, can mediate powerful immune suppression even in T-cell-deficient animals and appear to be effective for poorly or non-antigenic tumors. However, approaches must be found to induce or deliver cytokines locally at the tumor site.