Reading the unique DNA methylation landscape of the brain: Non-CpG methylation,hydroxymethylation, and MeCP2

DNA methylation at CpG dinucleotides is an important epigenetic regulator common to virtually all mammalian cell types, but recent evidence indicates that during early postnatal development neuronal genomes also accumulate uniquely high levels of two alternative forms of methylation, non-CpG methylation and hydroxymethylation. Here we discuss the distinct landscape of DNA methylation in neurons, how it is established, and how it might affect the binding and function of protein readers of DNA methylation. We review studies of one critical reader of DNA methylation in the brain, the Rett syndrome protein methyl CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2), and discuss how differential binding affinity of MeCP2 for non-CpG and hydroxymethylation may affect the function of this methyl-binding protein in the nervous system.     

Occupational therapy workforce needs: a model for demand-based studies.

PURPOSE: To provide a model for assessing occupational therapy workforce needs by using a demand-based approach to determine current workforce status in the Northwest region. Regional information may have implications for addressing national occupational therapy service needs. METHOD: A questionnaire was sent to a proportional random sample of 234 facilities that hire occupational therapy practitioners. Data were collected in July-August 2003 using structured mailing and follow-up procedures. RESULTS: Response rate was 79%. Twenty-four percent reported occupational therapy vacancies and 11% occupational therapy assistant vacancies; 48% predicted an increase in occupational therapy positions in the next 2 years and 41% an increase in occupational therapy assistant positions. Sixty-three percent of respondents reported difficulty in hiring. DISCUSSION: This study identifies an occupational therapy workforce shortage in the Northwest. Management of a shortage is critical, for even short-term adjustments could lead to permanent changes in service provision. This study demonstrates the importance of current information on the status of the national workforce and serves as a model for future studies.     

Assessment of an interactive computer-based patient prenatal genetic screening and testing education tool.

The Enhancing Patient Prenatal Education study tested the feasibility and educational impact of an interactive program for patient prenatal genetic screening and testing education. Patients at two private practices and one public health clinic participated (N = 207). The program collected knowledge and measures of anxiety before and after use of the tool. Time in various prenatal visit activities was collected prior to and after the introduction of the education tool. Providers completed an assessment of their experiences with patients who had used the program. Results indicate that patient knowledge significantly increased from pre to post (p = .0001) with no increase in anxiety (p = .31). Time in clinic activities, including overall visit time, increased. A majority of providers indicated that the program disrupted clinic flow. This assessment suggests that the program increases patient knowledge and does not increase patient anxiety. However, challenges remain to using this program in a clinic setting.     

Preclinical profile of stereoisomers of the anticonvulsant remacemide in mice

Stereoisomers of remacemide (racemate form) were compared for anticonvulsant efficacy and safety in mice. In the maximal electroshock seizure (MES) test for oral efficacy, the (-) stereoisomer, FPL 14145, was more potent than the racemate or the (+) stereoisomer, FPL 14144. Respective ED50 values (expressed as mg/kg) were: remacemide, 58; FPL 14145, 45; FPL 14144, 79. In 2 of 3 tests for neural impairment, FPL 14145 yielded significantly better therapeutic indices (toxic dose 50/ED50) than the racemate. The margin of safety (estimated median lethal dose ED50) was more favorable for FPL 14144: remacemide, 15.1; FPL 14144, 18.9; FPL 14145, 15.7. The duration of protection against MES indicated the stereoisomers were longer acting than the racemate. After intravenous administration the order of potency against MES was similar: FPL 14145 greater than remacemide greater than FPL 14144. Following daily administration of the oral ED98 for 4 days, with a dose response curve run on day 5, the MES ED50 values for all compounds were increased. The test indicates tolerance. In the pentylenetetrazol infusion test the racemate and FPL 14144 demonstrated more proconvulsant properties than FPL 14145. Intraperitoneal administration of 50 mg/kg or more produced changes in behavior with all compounds. At higher doses the racemate and FPL 14145 elicited more severe symptoms with death at 200 mg/kg.     

A Chinese adolescent girl with Fechtner-like syndrome

We describe a 15-y-old girl with Fechtner-like syndrome, who is the first Chinese reported to have this rare syndrome. She presented with left homonymous hemianopia and neuroimaging revealed haemorrhage in both parietal and occipital lobes. Peripheral blood smear showed macrothrombocytopenia and intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies inside leucocytes. Thrombocytopenia and proteinuria responded to intravenous immunoglobulin and pulsed methylprednisolone. This case illustrates that life-threatening haemorrhage can occur in patients with Fechtner syndrome. Although there was no effective treatment reported in the literature, high dose steroid and immunoglobulin seemed to be useful in our patient. Our patient also had nephritic-nephrotic syndrome with renal insufficiency, which is unusual in adolescent female patients.