Schizophrenia in a North Swedish geographical isolate, 1900–1977. Epidemiology, genetics and biochemistry

Over 200 schizophrenic patients belonging to three major and interrelated pedigree complexes have been investigated over the past 30 years in a North Swedish geographically isolated population, presently numbering about 6,000. An intensive investigation of a number of biochemical correlates and genetic markers in a few selected families belonging to one of the major pedigrees has indicated new strategies for the current research program.
Schizophrenia, as defined operationally, is significantly associated with decreased activities of two enzymes (1) blood platelet monoamine oxidase, (2) plasma dopamine-β-hydroxylase, and (3) with the genetic marker Gc² (group specific antigen). Both enzymes are subject to genetic variation. A positive score for linkage between schizophrenia and low plasma DBH activity has been calculated, but, so far, available data are insufficient for discrimination between linkage and partial contribution of genetically controlled low plasma DBH to the pathogenesis of the disease. Alternatively, both mechanisms could be involved.
As a model for continued research, schizophrenia is explained as based on a double dominant-recessive genotype (Aabb), representing a vulnerability which in about 50 % of cases develops into clinical schizophrenia. It is suggested that the dominant mutation (A) operates on or affects MAO activity, and that the recessive genotype (bb) is instrumental in low variates of DBH activity and very likely such variates within the normal range of physiological variation. Moreover, it is suggested that the combined effects of MAO- and DBH-reduced efficiency on the metabolism of e.g. dopamine could be an essential pathogenic mechanism for the schizophrenic illness which is segregating in this population.     

HLA in North Colombia Chimila Amerindians

HLA-A,-B,-C,-DRB1 and -DQB1 alleles have been studied in Chimila Amerindians from Sabana de San Angel (North Colombian Coast) by using high resolution molecular typing. A frequent extended haplotype was found:HLA-A*24:02-B*51:10-C*15:02-BRB1*04:07-DQB1*03:02 (28.7%) which has also been described in Amerinndian Mayos Mexican population (Mexico, California Gulf, Pacific Ocean). Other haplotypes had already been found in Amerindians from Mexico (Pacific and Atlantic Coast), Peru (highlands and Amazon Basin), Bolivia and North USA. A geographic pattern according to HLA allele or haplotype frequencies is lacking in Amerindians, as already known. Also, five new extended haplotypes were found in Chimila Amerindians. Their HLA-A*24:02 high frequencies characteristic is shared with aboriginal populations of Taiwan; also, HLA-C*01:02 high frequencies are found in New Zealand Maoris, New Caledonians and Kimberly Aborigines from Australia. Finally, this study may show a model of evolutionary factors acting and rising one HLA allele frequency (-A*24:02), but not in others that belong to the same or different HLA loci.     

The universal muscular chamber. A basic unit of the genitourinary, cardiovascular, gastro-intestinal, skeletal, cutaneous, respiratory and other systems, endocameral hypertension; and spasm, the key to their idiopathic diseases and arthropathies

Starting with the integument, we see many organs are contractile sacs or multiples thereof, which tubes or bags constitute the major part of the entire body. Recognition of this basic unit and its characteristics sheds new light, individually and collectively, on many disorders previously considered unrelated. Muscular tears and perforations develop in the walls of these chambers, being no way peculiar to those organs, wherein, hydrochloric acid occurs. So, it is not necessary to explain the absence of excessive acid from patients who exhibit holes in the gastric, uterine, aortic, duodenal, rectal, pulmonary, retina, and other walls. Muscle, not acid is the great common factor relating idiopathic disorders in the gastrointestinal tract to each other and to similar diseases in other systems. When the units are linked together, the lesions tend to appear as arthropathies, i.e. at the joints. Rephrasing common-place observations, frees us from conventional, conceptual cul-de-sacs. An observation is only as good as its interpretation, so all possibilities must be considered, otherwise, we will remain blinded by our misconceptions.     

Der Einfluß von Nahrungsmitteln und Rauchen auf die klinisch-chemische Diagnostik von Phäochromozytom,Neuroblastom und Karzinoid-Syndrom

Zusammenfassung Der Einfluß von verschiedenen Nahrungsmitteln auf Methoden zur Bestimmung von Adrenalin (AD), Noradrenalin (NA), Vanillinmandelsäure (VMS), Metanephrinen (MN), Homovanillinsäure (HVS) und 5-Hydroxyindolessigsäure (5-HIE) im 24 h-Harn zur Diagnose des Phäochromozytoms bzw. Karzinoid-Syndroms wurde untersucht. Die in die Untersuchung einbezogenen Nahrungsmittel waren: Tee, Kaffee, Mandeln, Ananas, Käse, Walnüsse, Vanillepudding, Bananen, Tomaten und Milchschokolade. Außerdem wurde der Einfluß des Zigarettenrauchens auf die Bestimmung von AD, NA, VMS und MN untersucht.Walnüsse führten zu einer starken Erhöhung der 5-HIE-Ausscheidung. Bananen erhöhten die Ausscheidung von AD, NA, VMS, MN und 5-HIE. Kaffee und Ananas bewirkten eine geringe Zunahme der MN-Werte. Rauchen von 20–30 Zigaretten/Tag beeinflußte keine der vier Variablen.Wenn die beschriebenen Methoden benutzt werden, sollte lediglich auf den Verzehr von Bananen und Walnüssen vor und während der Harnsammelperioden verzichtet werden, da die oberen Normgrenzen im Harn überschritten werden könnten. Ein Verzicht auf Kaffee und Ananas in normalen Mengen ist nicht erforderlich. Es besteht kein Anlaß, weiterhin die bisherigen umfangreichen Restriktionen der übrigen Nahrungsmittel beizubehalten.     

A comparative study of the effects of dimebon,obsidan, finoptin,and cordaron on the functional state of ischemic focus and size of necrotic zone in experimental myocardial infarction

Dimebon, an antihistamine agent, exerts a moderate antianginal effect, improving the function of ischemic focus in the myocardium and decreasing the necrotic zone in experimental myocardial infarction. Dimebon is less active than obsidan, finoptin (except for the size of the necrotic zone), and cordaron. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 122, No. 12, pp. 642–644, December, 1996     

Effects of sex steroid hormones on lipid peroxidation and glutathione antioxidant system in rat skin

Effects of estradiol and testosterone on the intensity of lipid peroxidation and contents of glutathione redox system components in the dermis and epidermis of rat skin were studied. Only estradiol induced considerable dose-dependent and tissue-specific biphasic antioxidant effects on the skin. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 128, No. 12, pp. 663–666, December, 1999     

Adhesion and growth of CaCo2 cells on surface-modified PEEK substrata

A series of surface-functionalized poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) films has been prepared by selective wet-chemistry; they are hydroxylated polymer (PEEK-OH) obtained by reduction, aminated polymer (PEEK-[]-NH2) prepared by coupling a diisocyanate reagent to PEEKOH (PEEK-[]-NCO) followed by hydrolysis, and carboxylated and aminocarboxylated polymers (PEEK-[]-GABA and PEEK-Lysine) resulting from the coupling of aminoacids to PEEK-[]-NCO. The aminated and carboxylated substrata promoted the adhesion and growth of CaCo2 cells in the presence of serum. Fibronectin (FN), an extra-cellular matrix protein, has been covalently fixed and/or adsorbed on various PEEK substrata, in the presence or not of a polymeric surfactant (Pluronic F68). The performances of the FN-grafted substrata (PEEK-[]-FN(1) and PEEK-[]-FN(2)) were significantly higher than those of reference substrata simply coated with FN (PEEK-OH(+FN)(1) and (2), PEEK-[]-NH2(+FN)(1) and (2)), considering the adhesion and spreading of CaCo2 cells in the absence of serum. Moreover, the stability of the adherent cells on the FN-adsorbed substrata dramatically depended on the experimental conditions applied during the PEEK coating with FN.     

THE ODYSSEY – A JUNGIAN PERSPECTIVE: INDIVIDUATION AND MEETING WITH THE ARCHETYPES OF THE COLLECTIVE UNCONSCIOUS

Homer's epic tale of the 20-year return of Odysseus from the Trojan War is investigated with particular reference to Jung's theory of individuation. Odysseus' meetings with 'the anima' in the form of goddesses, sirens and female monsters and his visit to Hades demonstrate the confrontation and humanization of aspects of the archetypal level of the psyche, central to Jung's theories of psychic growth and development. Jung's important ideas of the psychoid level and the transcendent function are explored and linked both to his investigations into medieval alchemy and with findings from contemporary neuroscience. The importance of Jung's constructive method of the interpretation of dreams and myths is shown to be central.     

BSACI guidelines for the management of chronic urticaria and angio-oedema

This guidance for the management of patients with chronic urticaria and angio-oedema has been prepared by the Standards of Care Committee (SOCC) of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI). The guideline is based on evidence as well as on expert opinion and is aimed at both adult physicians and paediatricians practising in allergy. The recommendations are evidence graded. During the development of these guidelines, all BSACI members were included in the consultation process using a web-based system. Their comments and suggestions were carefully considered by the SOCC. Where evidence was lacking a consensus was reached by the experts on the committee. Included in this guideline are clinical classification, aetiology, diagnosis, investigations, treatment guidance with special sections on children with urticaria, and the use of antihistamines in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Finally, we have made recommendations for potential areas of future research.     

I. The Body in Psychoanalysis

The author offers a brief introduction to the theories of Armando Ferrari, highlighting his emphasis on the body, not only as mind's first object, but on the object out of which mind originates. He notes that this notion is the heir to Freud's preoccupation with finding the organic foundation of the mind in the body in which it is rooted, and in the idea of the drives as the expression of emergent psychic functions from the body, whereas instinct is the psychical representative of the stimulus originating from within the organism. Drives are not so much corporeal or psychic as defining the connection between the two realms. He suggests that this distinction became blurred with the tendentious translation of Trieb as ‘instinct’ and, later, as ‘emotion’, with the connotations of mental phenomena detached from the physical; while furthermore, the object relational stance, particularly as promulgated by Klein, suggested that such instincts could only be related to by the infant and become mind having been projected into the breast and then reintrojected. The infant's relationship with his body is thus mediated by the breast in Klein's model, rather than immediate and direct. Thus, whereas Freud always linked the psychosexual development of the infant directly with the emergence of physical desire arising from the erogenous zones, Klein linked the first fantasies (innate unconscious phantasy) with the infant's relationship with the maternal breast which now becomes the infant's first object, and emphasis is placed upon this object rather than on the subject of perception. Therapeutically, this necessitates that it also be placed on the transference. Bion moved away from this model with his emphasis on the proto‐mental in which physical and mental remain undifferentiated, so that distress from it as a source can be expressed in either; and in his idea of beta elements (sensational and affective) which are chronologically anterior to alpha elements and which can be employed for expression where alpha elements do not exist. The author concludes with a section on Ferrari whose bipartite model of mind arising out of body (as opposed to Winnicott's tripartite model which he discusses earlier in the paper) might be expressed in Bion's terms as one in which beta elements contain within themselves thecapacity to become alpha elements, while alpha function arise out of beta. Bion's shift from the object relations model to one based on the relation between sensation and affect on the one hand and mental function on the other entailed a shift away from insistent transference interpretation in favour of confronting the patient with his bodily self, a shift which Ferrari embraced and developed.     

Some studies on insect parasitic nematodes (Oxyurida,Thelastomatoidea, Thelastomatidae) from Manipur,North-East India

Four known species of insect parasitic nematodes were recovered from Periplaneta americana and Gryllotalpa africana. They are all redescribed in the present study. Key to species along with comparative measurement chart of all known species of Leidynema, Gryllophila and Hammerschmidtiella have been provided. Based on additional features that were not provided by previous workers the emended generic diagnosis of Thelastoma, Leidynema, and Hammerschmidtiella have been provided in the present study.     

Experimental study of the possibility of metabolic correction of maternal, fetal, and newborn hypoxia in rats using a new amino acid composition MR-33

The status of pregnant rats, their fetuses, and progeny exposed to oxygen insufficiency are compares. By the end of pregnancy the resistance to hypoxia markedly decreases. Newborn rats during nursing are highly resistant to hypoxia. When nursing period is over, the resistance to hypoxia drops, but later is gradually restored. MR-33 preparation produces a pronounced antihypoxic effect. Administration of the drug to pregnant rats not only appreciably improves their resistance to oxygen insufficiency, but also promotes adaptation and compensatory mechanisms in the progeny, thus helping the progeny to better tolerate hypoxia, particularly when its probability is particularly high. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 124, No. 10, pp. 451–454, October, 1997     

Influence of gelatin complexation on cell proliferation activity and proteolytic resistance of basic fibroblast growth factor

The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of gelatin complexation on the biological activity of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and its resistance to trypsin digestion. When bFGF was mixed at 37°C with acidic gelatin with an isoelectric point(IEP)of 5.0, the activity to promote in vitro proliferation of BHK cells became lower compared with that of free bFGF,in contrast to mixing with the basic gelatin with an IEP of 9.0. A maximum reduction in the bFGF activity was observed for the bFGF-gelatin complex prepared at a mixing molar ratio of 1/1. The bFGF activity of cell proliferation reduced at the initial period after mixing with the acidic gelatin at 37°C, followed by no substantial change. Complexation with the acidic gelatin at 4°C had no influence on the bFGF activity, irrespective of the bFGF/gelatin ratio and complexation time. The biological activity of bFGF was reduced by the trypsin treatment, but the reduced extent was suppressed through gelatin complexation at 37°C. In an electrophoresis study, the protective effect of gelatin complexation on the trypsin digestion was also confirmed in terms of the molecular weight loss. It is possible that the complexing gelatin covers bFGF molecules, resulting in suppression of their interaction with the cell surface receptor as well as protection from their enzymatic attack.     

Das örtlich-zeitliche Temperaturfeld im Körper des Homoiothermen bei sprunghafter VerÄnderung von Grö\e und Verteilung der inneren WÄrmeproduktion

Zusammenfassung Für das örtlich-zeitliche Temperaturfeld im homoiothermen Organismus ist die Symmetrie konstanter mittlerer Krümmung eine geometrisch adÄquate Darstellungsform. Die diesbezügliche Form der partiellen Differentialgleichung der WÄrmeleitung mit sinnvollen AnsÄtzen für die Quellenfunktion wurde für sprunghafte Änderungen der inneren WÄrmeproduktion gelöst. Der thermodynamische Unterschied zwischen AufwÄrmung und Auskühlung des Organismus wird erörtert. Die Lösungsformel gilt auch für plötzliche Änderungen der WÄrmeabgabe, etwa verursacht durch VerÄnderungen der klimatischen UmweltverhÄltnisse, der Bekleidung oder des NÄssegrades der HautoberflÄche. Die theoretischen Ergebnisse wurden numerisch ausgewertet und mit experimentellen Daten anderer Autoren verglichen, wobei gute übereinstimmung erzielt wurde.     

HLA alleles and haplotypes in Iran Tabriz Azeris population: genes and languages do not correlate

Azeri people are at present day mainly living in an area which comprises North (Azerbaijan) and South (Azeri Iran provinces) parts, living the biggest population in Azeri Iran provinces with about 17–20 million people. They were studied HLA-A, -B, -DRB1 and -DQB1 allele and extended haplotype frequencies in unrelated Iranian Tabriz Azeris from a rural area close to Tabriz City. The HLA extended haplotypes with highest frequencies are: 1) HLA- A*24:02-B*35:01-DRB1*11:01-DQB1*03:01, shared with Mediterraneans and southern Russians (Chuvash, which also show Mediterranean characters); and 2) HLA-A*01:02-B*08:01-DRB1*03:01-DQB1*02:01, found also in Chuvash and other Azeri samples from Tabriz. Neí’s DA HLA-DRB1 genetic distances, HLA-DRB1 Neighbour-Joining dendrogram and Vista analyses show that population with closest distance is Kurdish, followed by Iranian Gorgan and Southern Russia/ North Caucasus Chuvash; probably these latter groups and Azeris were populating North Mesopotamia/ Caucasus Mts. since prehistoric times. Kurds (in Iraq and Iran) do not speak Turk while Azeris do: they are both genetically close, but they are not genetically close to present day Anatolia (Turkey) Turks who also speak Turk language and show a typical Mediterranean HLA profile. In summary, Azeri population studies show examples that genes and languages do not correlate, contradicting the postulate asserted by others.     

Experimentelle Hypokaliämie beim Menschen

Zusammenfassung Bei sechs gesunden Versuchspersonen wurde mit Hilfe einer kaliumarmen Diät und dreitägiger Gabe von täglich 40 mg Furosemid eine Kaliumverarmung von 217±16 mÄq mit einem Abfall der Serum Kalium-Konzentration von 4,2±0,1 auf 3,2±0,1 mÄq/l induziert. Körpergewicht, arterieller Blutdruck, Serum Natrium- und Bicarbonat-Konzentrationen, Plasma Cortisol- und Noradrenalin-Konzentrationen, Plasma Renin-Aktivität, Urinvolumen und — Osmolarität, endogene 24 h — Kreatinin-Clearance und die Ausscheidung der 17-Hydroxycorticosteroide im Harn blieben unverändert. Dagegen waren sowohl die Plasma Aldosteron-Konzentration in Ruhe (2,6±0,3 vs. 7,2±2,6 pg/ml;p<0,01) und nach Orthostase (5,5±1,3 vs. 19,8±8,1 pg/ml;p<0,01) als auch die Ausscheidung von Aldosteron-18-Glucuronid (1,64±0,14 vs. 3,45±0,61 µg/24 h;p<0,01) signifikant supprimiert.Während der Blutdruckanstieg unter Infusion von Noradrenalin während Hypokaliämie unverändert blieb, war die Sensitivität gegenüber exogen zugeführtem Angiotensin II signifikant vermindert. Kaliumverarmung hatte keinen Effekt auf die Nüchtern-Glucose-Konzentration, veränderte jedoch die Plasma Glucose-Kinetik nach oraler Gabe von 100 g Glucose, ohne eine pathologische Glucosetoleranz zu bewirken. Die verspätete maximale Plasma Glucose-Konzentration ist dabei mit einer supprimierten Sekretion von Insulin 30 min nach Glucosezufuhr vergesellschaftet (74,0±19,2 vs. 126,0±23,5 µU/ml;p<0,05).Während der Kaliumverarmung wurden von den Probanden keine subjektiven Beschwerden geäußert. Unsere Untersuchung zeigt, daß eine akute mäßiggradige Kaliumverarmung bei jungen, gesunden Versuchspersonen eine signifikante Suppression der adrenalen Aldosteronsekretion, eine Abnahme der Gefäßsensitivität gegenüber Angiotensin II und eine verzögerte Glucoseutilisation aufgrund einer supprimierten Insulinsekretion bei nicht pathologischer Glucosetoleranz bewirkt.     

Immunity to fungi in the lung

The respiratory tree maintains sterilizing immunity against human fungal pathogens. Humans inhale ubiquitous filamentous molds and geographically restricted dimorphic fungal pathogens that form small airborne conidia. In addition, pathogenic yeasts, exemplified by encapsulated Cryptococcus species, and Pneumocystis pose significant fungal threats to the lung. Classically, fungal pneumonia occurs in immune compromised individuals, specifically in patients with HIV/AIDS, in patients with hematologic malignancies, in organ transplant recipients, and in patients treated with corticosteroids and targeted biologics that impair fungal immune surveillance in the lung. The emergence of fungal co-infections during severe influenza and COVID-19 underscores the impairment of fungus-specific host defense pathways in the lung by respiratory viruses and by medical therapies to treat viral infections. Beyond life-threatening invasive syndromes, fungal antigen exposure can exacerbate allergenic disease in the lung. In this review, we discuss emerging principles of lung-specific antifungal immunity, integrate the contributions and cooperation of lung epithelial, innate immune, and adaptive immune cells to mucosal barrier immunity, and highlight the pathogenesis of fungal-associated allergenic disease. Improved understanding of fungus-specific immunity in the respiratory tree has paved the way to develop improved diagnostic, pre-emptive, therapeutic, and vaccine approaches for fungal diseases of the lung.