Are There Enhanced MBP Autoantibodies in Autism?

Autoantibodies to central nervous system antigens, such as myelin basic protein (MBP), may play a role in autism. We measured autoantibody titers to MBP in children with autism, both classic onset and regressive onset forms, controls (healthy age- and gender-matched) and individuals with Tourette syndrome via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. We found a significant difference in autoantibody titers to MBP, not accounted for by age or medication, between Tourette and classic autism (both significantly lower) when compared to regressive autism, but not when compared to controls. Autoantibody responses against MBP are unlikely to play a pathogenic role in autism.     

Psychopathy: a confusing clinical construct

Although psychopathy has traditionally been cited as a disorder of personality, confusion arises as the term is used interchangeably with the terms antisocial personality disorder and dissocial personality disorder, both of which are largely behaviorally based. This paper aims to provide an overview of the literature on the topic of psychopathy, which examines this conundrum. Included in the discussion are definitions of psychopathy, incidence, approaches to diagnosis, and the debates that surround causes, manifestations, and treatability. Experimental studies and theoretical papers have been included if considered to be informative and of relevance to forensic nursing practice. The review demonstrates that studies are fragmented and no clear consensus seems to emerge concerning any of the discussion areas or even the construct of psychopathy itself. It is concluded that further research is required in psychopathy as encountered in both institutional and community settings. Until complete clarification is provided by the research community, forensic nurses need to maintain positive views about their own role when working with people with this challenging condition and strive to maintain a therapeutic ward atmosphere.     

Seizures following picornavirus infection

Purpose : We demonstrate the establishment and characterization of a novel virus infection-induced seizure model in C57BL/6 mice.
Methods: C57BL/6 mice were infected with Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) or mock infected. Mice were followed for seizures, weight change, body temperature, motor function (righting reflex, rotorod) and neurological manifestations (inflammation [perivascular cuffing], pyknotic neurons, transforming growth factor [TGF]-β expression).
Results: C57BL/6 mice are susceptible to seizures induced by TMEV infection. Approximately 50% of C57BL/6 mice develop transient afebrile seizures. Motor function and coordination are impaired in seized mice. Pyramidal neuron pyknosis and TGF-β expression correlate with seizure activity in the hippocampus.
Discussion: The characterization of this model will enable the investigation of viral and immune contributions in the central nervous system to the development of seizure disorders in humans.     

Irrigation of eucalypt plantations on deep sands using sewage effluent: a proposed alternative to ocean disposal near Perth,Western Australia

Using waste water from sewage treatment plants has long been an option to dispose of the effluent. The rationale behind such projects, examples from small towns in Australia and the advantages and disadvantages of such schemes are reviewed. The uptake of nutrients and water by trees, the public health considerations of using sewage as an irrigant, the type of irrigation and the various uses to which the hardwoods may be put are also discussed.

A particular case study is made of the Beenyup Wastewater Treatment Plant and the specific problems associated with irrigating hardwoods on porous soils over an aquifer that is used for Perth's water supply. Consideration is given to economic and environmental aspects with an emphasis on the need for small scale trials to ensure the protection of groundwaters underlying the plantation. One benefit could be a gross return of $10,000/ha from 10,500 ha after 10 years with two further rotations grown from coppice before replanting would be required.     

Naloxone does not inhibit the attenuation of the response to severe haemorrhage seen after simulated injury in the anaesthetized rat

Severe haemorrhage leads to a reflex bradycardia and hypotension. This is thought to be protective, but is attenuated by both concomitant musculoskeletal injury and exogenous morphine. The aim of this study was to determine whether the injury-induced attenuation of the response to severe haemorrhage could be blocked by naloxone. Male Wistar rats, terminally anaesthetized with alphadolone/alphaxalone (19–20 mg kg⁻¹ h⁻¹ i.v .), were randomly allocated to one of four groups. In groups I and IV, haemorrhage was simple [40% of estimated total blood volume (BV)], while in groups II and III it was initiated 10 min after the onset of bilateral hindlimb ischaemia (a model of musculoskeletal injury). Groups I and II received 20 μl of 0.9% saline intracerebroventricularly ( i.c.v .) immediately before haemorrhage, while groups III and IV received 20 μg of naloxone i.c.v ., in the same volume. In group I, the bradycardia reached its peak after the loss of 32.8 ± 0.3% BV (mean ± s.e.m. ). Blood pressure did not fall significantly until the loss of 15.0 ± 3.0% BV. The response in group IV was not significantly different from group I. By contrast, the bradycardia was absent after similar blood losses in groups II and III, while hypotension was attenuated. These results indicate that naloxone, at a dose known to be effective in blocking μ-opioid receptors and preventing other aspects of the response to injury, does not prevent the injury-induced attenuation of the response to severe haemorrhage. Thus the attenuation of the response to blood loss by injury is unlikely to be mediated via the μ-opioid receptors.     

Are all doctorates equal or are some “more equal than others”? An examination of which ones should be offered by schools of nursing

This paper examines the typical and varying routes to doctoral degrees in the UK and other developed countries. It raises the important question of whether university schools of nursing should offer a whole range of options with the potential for sub-optimal higher degree training and therefore "mediocre" academics, or resist the "path of least resistance" and offer more limited pathways that ensure that only the highest quality training and candidates are associated with what should be the pinnacle of the profession. As such, it seeks to clarify which of the commonly offered routes to doctoral degrees might be most suited to the academic integrity and value of the profession to our patients and the health care system.