GAD65 and insulin B chain peptide (9-23) are not primary autoantigens in the type 1 diabetes syndrome of the BB rat

To investigate whether GAD65 whole molecule, GAD65 p35 or insulin B chain peptide (amino acids 9-23) play an essential role in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes in the BioBreeding (BB) rat, we gave serial injections of GAD65, p35 or insulin B chain (9-23) to six groups of BB/Worcester rats. The individual antigens were administered either intrathymically on day 2 and intraperitoneally in MF 59-0 adjuvant 5 times during the first 5 weeks, or by intranasal instillation once neonatally and 5 days/week for the following 6 weeks. Control groups were injected with vehicle only. Age of onset of diabetes and degree of insulitis were not different between controls and antigen-treated rats. Rats that received GAD65 intrathymically and intraperitoneally developed high GAD65-antibody titers without altering diabetes development. In GAD65-treated animals, serum antibodies recognized epitopes at 3 sites on GAD65 in diabetic animals but only at 1 site in non-diabetic animals. GAD65-injected animals also showed a significant reduction of IFN-gamma mRNA expression in the thymus. This study provides evidence against the hypothesis that GAD65 and insulin B chain peptide (9-23) are primary diabetogenic autoantigens in BB rats because immunizations with these antigens and GAD65-induced immune deviation did not alter the development of diabetes.     

Obstructive suprastomal granulation tissue following percutaneous tracheostomy

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy is frequently performed as an alternative to traditional surgical open tracheostomy with many reported benefits. Despite its relative safety and widespread acceptance, complications can be associated with the procedure itself or long-term. We present four cases where there was difficulty with decannulation because of exuberant obstructive granulation tissue. In each case, the percutaneous tracheostomy involved the cricoid cartilage.     

Lorazepam for chronic catatonia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study

Acute catatonic syndromes occurring in the context of various medical and neuropsychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, have been shown to respond well to benzodiazepines (BZD). However, there have been no studies specifically designed to address the BZD treatment response of persistent catatonic states. Eighteen patients with clinically stable chronic schizophrenia, who also displayed enduring catatonic features, underwent a 12-week long, random assignment, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over trial with lorazepam (6 mg/day). A comprehensive assessment, including the subjects’ clinical and motor (catatonic as well as drug-induced movement disorders) condition, was performed at baseline and four weekly intervals thereafter. Pre-existing medication was kept constant throughout the study. Lorazepam had no effect on the subjects’catatonic signs and symptoms, suggesting that acute and chronic catatonic syndromes associated with schizophrenic illness might have a different neurobiological basis. Received: 25 May 1998/Final version: 22 September 1998     

Converging visual and somatic sensory cortical input to the intraparietal sulcus of the rhesus monkey

A cyto- and myeloarchitectonic study reveals the presence of a distinct cortical zone ("area POa") in the lower bank of the intraparietal sulcus of the rhesus monkey. Using both autoradiographic and silver impregnation techniques, an analysis of cortical connections shows two overlapping projections to this sulcal zone. These come from (1) the middle portion of the preoccipital gyrus (area OA) and (2) the rostral inferior parietal lobule (area PF).     

Toxicology of various pesticides and their decomposition products on mitochondrial electron transport

The effect of various pesticides and derivatives on mitochondrial electron transport systems was assessed. DDT, DDE, TDE, Kelthane, chlorobenzilate, chloropropylate and Acarol were found to be inhibitory towards both heavy beef heart mitochondrial (HBHM) NADH-oxidase and succinoxidase enzyme systems. Dichlorobenzophenone andp-chlorophenol were less inhibitory towards the HBHM NADH-oxidase and did not inhibit the succinoxidase enzyme system. DDA did not inhibit either of the electron transport systems. Carbaryl was not inhibitory towards both HBHM oxidase systems, whereas its degradative product dihydroxynaphthalene was inhibitory at the same concentration. Furadan, Matacil, Baygon and Dimetilan were only slightly inhibitory towards the mitochondrial NADH-oxidase system and did not inhibit the succinoxidase system. Zectran was inhibitory towards the NADH-oxidase system and was not inhibitory towards the succinoxidase system. DDT, DDE and TDE, dihydroxynaphthalene and 1-naphthol inhibited the NADH-oxidase enzyme system on the substrate side of cytochrome c, whereas Kelthane inhibited on the oxygen side.Contribution to Regional Project W-45, Residues of Pesticides and Related Chemicals in the Agricultural Environment-Their Nature, Distribution, Persistence, and Texicological Implications. University of Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station No. 432.     

Physiology of aging and its influence on the contact lens prescription.

The normal progressive physiological and visual effects of aging and its influence on the ability of contact lenses to provide ametropic correction is examined in this article. Of primary significance is the aging eye's perceptual ability especially in the mesopic range of vision. In addition, a recap of current available techniques is included for correction of presbyopia with contact lenses from the perspective of prescribing for an aging patient--not merely a patient who has lost only the ability to accommodate. One of the hallmarks of the profession of optometry has been its traditional support of the premise that patients should be provided with the best possible optical correction. While there are presbyopic patients who can achieve satisfactory vision via the contact lens modalities now in use, the physiological influences discussed here have been generally ignored by the profession. A redefinition of the criteria indicating patient "success" has evolved from achieving satisfaction through excellent vision derived from the optimum optical correction, to satisfaction obtained through patient selection and indoctrination to wear an optically inferior device. Unless the physiological, visual, and psychological effects of aging are adequately compensated by future contact lens designs, most elderly patients will remain likely to return to spectacles as the deficiencies of contact lens correction become progressively more apparent to them.     

Remission of Tardive Dystonia with ECT

A 30-year-old patient with tardive dystonia, who had failed to respond to cessation of neuroleptics, placebo, diazepam, biperiden, propranolol, and clonidine, had an impressive response to courses of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on three successive trials.