Differential modulation of Purkinje cell activity by enkephalin and corticotropin releasing factor.

Several peptides have been localized within afferents to the opossum's cerebellum, including cholecystokinin (15), enkephalin (16, 17) and corticotropin releasing factor (7, 9). Each of these peptides has a heterogeneous laminar and lobular distribution. Two peptide, enkephalin (ENK) and corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) are present in specific populations of climbing fibers and mossy fibers, which have an overlapping distribution in several areas of the cerebellum, in particular the lateral aspect of vermal lobules VII and VIII. Within this location ENK and CRF are co-localized in individual climbing fibers and mossy fibers (7). In the present study, the physiological effects of these peptides on Purkinje cell activity were analyzed. The data indicate that ENK and CRF have opposite effects on Purkinje cell activity. ENK suppresses spontaneous activity as well as that induced by application of glutamate and aspartate, as described previously (5). In contrast, CRF enhances both spontaneous and amino acid-induced unit activity. Further, when applied simultaneously, CRF blocks the suppressive effect induced by ENK. Previous studies have shown that climbing fibers, as well as the mossy fiber-parallel fiber pathway, are excitatory to Purkinje cells (11). However, immunohistochemical data have shown that these afferents are heterogeneous with respect to their chemical content (7-9, 15-17, 25). As found in the current and previous studies (3, 5) peptides in climbing and mossy fibers modulate the responsiveness of Purkinje cells to primary excitatory neurotransmitters in selected areas of the cerebellar cortex. However, the firing rate of individual Purkinje cells is differentially altered depending on which neurochemical messenger(s) are released.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Association and linkage with quantitative traits

This paper examines two approaches for the analysis of quantitative traits: (1) association studies and (2) linkage studies. The trait studied was Q1 from simulated Problem 2 data set in Genetic Analysis Workshop 9. Our purpose was to evaluate associations present in the data, to identify nongenetic and genetic predictors of the trait, and to explore the simulated genome for linkage. Through the association study, we found evidence for the primary major gene associated with this trait. The linkage study found evidence of residual genetic effect acting through other traits. Adjustments of Q1 for Q2 and Q3 led to a failure to find significant effects of MG2 and MG3. This supports the suggestion that adjustment for genetically influenced traits for effects of other genetic traits can reduce the power to detect major gene effects. In summary, we detected the major gene directly associated with the trait of interest through association studies. Linkage analysis detected evidence for two other genes associated to a lesser degree with the trait. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

A leg ulcer as manifestation of metastatic squamous cell vaginal carcinoma

Cutaneous metastasis of vaginal carcinoma is extremely rare. So far, the total number of reported skin metastasis of vaginal carcinoma is only one. We present another case with an unusual manifestation of vagina carcinoma metastasis: skin metastasis presenting as a leg ulcer on the lower leg.     

Aspergillosis in a 24-week newborn: a case report.

Aspergillosis is an uncommon neonatal infection, diagnosed with an increasing frequency over the last two decades. We report a premature neonate who developed aspergillosis while receiving amphotericin B and fluconazole for candidiasis. Despite early recognition and diagnosis, the infant died. We review the clinical appearance of Aspergillus species, the distinctions between primary cutaneous aspergillosis and invasive aspergillosis, and advances in diagnosis and treatment.     

Mortality among female registered nurses and school teachers in British Columbia

The mortality profile of female nurses and teachers in British Columbia (BC) was examined using age-standardized proportional mortality ratios (PMRs) calculated for the period 1950–1984. Lowered overall mortality among nurses was seen for degenerative heart disease and for cerebrovascular accidents. Significantly elevated PMR values were observed for cancer of the breast and ovary in nurses of age 20–65 years. PMRs were significantly elevated for cancer of the pancreas and leukemia among those age 20 years and older. Elevated values were also observed for motor vehicle accidents and suicide among nurses in both age groups. Lower than expected mortality from degenerative heart disease and cerebrovascular accidents was seen in working age teachers (age 20–65 years). However, elevated PMRs were detected for carcinoma of the colon, breast, endometrium, brain, and melanoma. Among those 20 years and over, significantly elevated PMRs were also observed for cancers of the ovary and other digestive organs. Elevated PMRs were found for motor vehicle and aircraft accidents. Mortality from cirrhosis of the liver was lower than anticipated in both teachers and nurses. A number of significant PMRs declined when deaths of “homemakers” were withdrawn from the comparison group used to generate PMR values, suggesting that risk of death from various causes among women working outside the home differ from those seen in women who are predominantly in the home.