Equivalent effects of acute tryptophan depletion on REM sleep in ecstasy users and controls

Introduction  

This study sought to test the association between 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine use, serotonergic function and sleep.     

Anthropomorphic radiologic phantoms

A technique is being developed for the design and fabrication of anthropomorphic phantoms for diagnostic x-ray imaging. Anatomic information extracted from actual patient radiographs is incorporated into the phantoms using computer image processing and computer-assisted machining methods. In this paper, the technique is described as applied to a breast phantom, and preliminary images that closely mimic human anatomy on radiographs are shown.     

Autosomal dominant episodic ataxia: a heterogeneous syndrome

We describe six kindreds with autosomal dominant episodic ataxia, apparently representing three distinct syndromes. Four kindreds were characterized by episodic ataxia and response to acetazolamide, and in three, interictal nystagmus. One kindred was characterized by paroxysmal ataxia and in one member, paroxysmal choreoathetosis. The last kindred had brief attacks of ataxia and interictal neuromyotonia. The age of onset and severity of the disorder varied within each kindred. These kindreds illustrate the heterogeneity of episodic ataxia as well as the variable expressivity within each kindred.     

A case-control study of twin pairs discordant for Parkinson's disease: a search for environmental risk factors

A previous study of twins with Parkinson's disease (PD) revealed low concordance, suggesting that genetic factors play a minor role in the etiology of PD. To identify possible environmental determinants of PD while maximally controlling for hereditary factors, 31 monozygotic twin pairs discordant for PD were interviewed by telephone. Information about possible risk factors was obtained from systematic and uniform interviews with cases and controls. The only statistically significant result was less cigarette smoking by PD patients (p less than 0.05). Thirteen dizygotic discordant twin pairs were evaluated with the same techniques, but there were no statistically significant differences between affected and unaffected twins.     

Recovery of autologous erythrocytes in transfused patients

A microcapillary method utilizing phthalate esters or an ultracentrifuge method are both capable of separating autologous from homologous erythrocytes in polytransfused patients. The microcapillary technique which is readily adaptable to blood bank laboratories provides a previously unavailable method for defining blood group antigen typings in transfused patients. Such typings are of vital importance in the laboratory evaluation of transfused patients with multiple or weak blood group antibodies.