An antibody against hyperphosphorylated neurofilament proteins collapses the neurofilament network in motor neurons but not in dorsal root ganglion cells.

The carboxyl-terminal region of both the medium and high molecular weight neurofilament proteins contains repeated sequences that are sites for phosphorylation. The monoclonal antibody SMI31 specifically recognizes the conformation of these multiphosphorylated domains in an intermediate state of phosphorylation. Microinjection of SMI31 into living spinal motor neurons in culture resulted in a gradual collapse of the arrays of neurofilaments in perikarya and dendrites. In some cells, antibody-decorated filaments penetrated the axon and accumulated in proximal axonal segments causing their swelling. In dorsal root ganglion neurons, microinjected SMI31 bound to neurofilaments but did not induce collapse of the network or proximal axonal swelling. This study supports a role for phosphorylation of neurofilament sidearms in control of neurofilament transport and illustrates that interference with these sites has different consequences on neurofilament organization and morphology in different cell types.     

How much do 'attention' tests tell us?

Twelve measures commonly used to assess attentional processes were examined in a sample of 120 outpatients referred for neuropsychological evaluation. A single factor solution emerged. A second analysis partially replicated factors derived by Shum. McFarland, Bain, and Humphreys (1990). Classification rates (impaired vs. unimpaired) for the measures are presented. The implications of these findings for clinical assessment of attention are discussed     

Didanosine (ddl) and stavudine (d4T): Absence of peripheral neurotoxicity in rabbits

Some 20 male New Zealand White rabbits (five/group) were given either didanosine (ddl) or stavudine (d4T) at 750 and 1500 mg/kg body weight/day by oral intubation for 24 wk. An additional group was given 300 mg/kg body weight/day zidovudine (AZT) as a negative control. After 13 weeks the high dose of ddl was lowered from 1500 to 1000 mg/kg body weight/day following the death of one rabbit and continued inappetence in the dose group. The rabbits were observed daily, plasma drug levels were monitored, and electrophysiological measurements of peripheral nerve conduction were performed during the study. Additionally, body weight and food intake were recorded, and clinicopathological parameters were evaluated. Sections of selected peripheral nerves, and dorsal and ventral spinal nerve roots were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. Although peripheral neuropathy has been reported in rabbits with the nucleoside analogue zalcitabine (ddC), based on clinical observations, electrophysiological measurements, and light and electron microscopy, no evidence of peripheral neurotoxicity was observed in rabbits given either ddl or d4T.     

Evaluation and audit in a paediatric disability service

Parental and professional responses to questionnaires evaluating a paediatric disability service are reported and the viability of auditing structural, process, and outcome aspects of clinical practice are discussed. Expectations of waiting time to first appointment (met for only 52% of consumers) illustrate structural issues. Process issues are reflected in consumer reactions to outreach work (for example, 94% of parents and 84% of professionals found this supportive). Outcome measures such as consumer satisfaction with the service (76% of consumers reported being 'very satisfied' and 20% 'fairly satisfied') suggest that service aims are being met. Good concurrence of service aims with consumer needs is indicated by parental reasons for referral (for example, 75% for diagnostic help, 73% for a better understanding of the disorder, 88% for practical help), referrers' reasons (for example, 55% for a second diagnostic opinion, 45% due to lack of local expertise), and reports from most other professionals involved with the case that a similar service was not provided locally.     

Interference of cefoxitin in the creatinine estimation and its clinical relevance.

Serum creatinine and creatinine clearance were measured in 10 healthy volunteers before and after an intravenous injection of 2 g cefoxitin sodium. Results were compared with in vitro work which demonstrated a positive interference by cefoxitin in the Jaffé reaction, the routine laboratory method of creatinine measurement. The serum creatinine estimation should be delayed until at least 2 hours after cefoxitin administration. The creatinine clearance may appear to be falsely high.     

Induction of IL-10+CD4+CD25+ T cells by grass pollen immunotherapy

BACKGROUND: Immunotherapy involves the modulation of allergen-specific T-cell responses, either T(H)2-to-T(H)1 immune deviation or, in bee venom-treated patients, induction of IL-10 production by CD4+CD25+ T cells. IL-10-producing CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells have emerged as potential mediators of immune tolerance in numerous murine models of immunopathology. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of IL-10 production and CD4+CD25+ T cells in the response to grass pollen immunotherapy. METHODS: PBMCs were isolated from patients after 1 year of grass pollen immunotherapy and from matched untreated atopic and healthy control subjects. After 6 days of in vitro stimulation with Phleum pratense, production of IL-10, IL-5, IL-4, and IFN-gamma and proliferation and numbers of CD4+CD25+ T cells were measured. T cells were then stimulated for a further 5 hours with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and ionomycin and assessed for intracellular IL-10 by means of flow cytometry. RESULTS: Patients undergoing immunotherapy produced significantly more IL-10 than atopic control subjects (patients undergoing immunotherapy, 116 +/- 21 pg/mL [n = 11]; atopic patients, 30 +/- 5 pg/mL [n = 11]; P <.001), and the number of CD4+CD25+ cells identified after allergen stimulation was also greater in the immunotherapy group. The numbers of CD4+CD25+ T cells correlated positively with activation as measured by proliferation in both of the control groups but not in the immunotherapy group. Moreover, only T cells from patients undergoing immunotherapy were positive for intracellular IL-10, and these were almost exclusively CD4+CD25+ cells. CONCLUSION: Grass pollen immunotherapy results in a population of circulating T cells that express the IL-10(+) CD4+CD25+ phenotype in response to allergen restimulation.     

Bilateral simultaneous tubal sextuplets: pregnancy after in-vitro fertilization--embryo transfer following salpingectomy

The presence of a damaged tube has been suggested in recent studies to have a negative effect on in-vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome. Performing bilateral salpingectomy prior to IVF to maximize pregnancy rates may also result in unnecessary surgery. This case is also an example of the occurrence of interstitial pregnancy after salpingectomy. This unusual type of ectopic pregnancy must be kept in mind when evaluating a patient suspected of a possible early abnormal gestation after assisted reproductive technolologies.