Comparison of cognitive function in human and non-human primates

Fundamental to any comparative study of cognitive function in monkey and man is the demonstration of behavioral homology, viz. that the same cognitive function is being studied in both species. This paper considers a variety of psychological issues that need to be taken into account when attempting to demonstrate behavioural homology. Examples are taken from studies of attentional set-shifting, discrimination reversal learning, spatial working memory and episodic memory. Whilst highlighting the pitfalls to be avoided in the future, these examples also demonstrate the enormous contribution that such studies have had to our understanding of the functions of the temporal lobes and frontal lobes. Moreover, they also illustrate the enormous potential in defining the cognitive functions and dysfunctions of the prefronto-striatal circuitry which underlie so many neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders.     

Primary fallopian tube cancer: a review of the literature

BACKGROUND: We conducted a population-based case-control study to describe the relationship between occupational exposure to estrogenic chemicals and the occurrence of breast cancer in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. METHODS: Incident cases of breast cancer (n = 261) diagnosed from 1983 through 1986 and controls (n = 753) were interviewed to gather information on breast cancer risk factors and all full-time jobs held since age 18. Blinded exposure assessments were employed using the data from the NIOSH National Occupational Exposure Survey, chemical production and usage information, and the expert judgement of a certified industrial hygienist. RESULTS: Overall, 29.5% of cases and 32.5% of controls had probable occupational exposure to one or more xenoestrogens. Probable exposure to nonylphenol (21.5% of cases, 21.4% of controls), butyl benzyl phthalate (10.0% of cases, 13.2% of controls), BHA (7.3% of cases, 9.6% of controls), bisphenol A (9.6% of cases, 11.6% of controls), and 4-tert-butylphenol (2.7% of cases and 5.3% of controls) were relatively commons, while probable exposure to the other xenestrogens was rare. Only PCBs and 4-octylphenol were associated with moderate increase in the odds of breast cancer (PCBs: 5 exposed cases and 6 exposed controls, adjust odds ratio: 3.2, 95% CI = 0.8-12.2, and 4-octylphenol: 6 exposed cases and 5 exposed controls, adjusted odds ratio: 2.9, 95% CI = 10.8).     

Bronchocentric granulomatosis and central diabetes insipidus successfully treated with corticosteroids

Bronchocentric granulomatosis (BCG) is a rare chronic granulomatous lung disease that leads to destruction of the airway walls. It has been observed in association with various conditions, but never, so far, been reported to involve the central nervous system. We report a case of histologically confirmed pulmonary bronchocentric granulomatosis temporally associated with a partial central diabetes insipidus (CDI). Although the pathological basis of the posterior pituitary gland involvement was not ascertained, the temporal association of bronchocentric granulomatosis and central diabetes insipidus, as well as the fact that corticosteroid treatment provided stable remission of both conditions after a 10 month follow-up, strongly suggest that central diabetes insipidus was aetiologically related to bronchocentric granulomatosis in this patient.     

An in vitro approach for the study of dentinogenesis by organ culture of the dentine-pulp complex from rat incisor teeth

This article focuses on the experiences and role of a tutor while conducting a problem based learning (PBL) exercise to facilitate the learning of biochemistry and molecular biology. A case presentation of sickle cell anemia was used to frame a module. The objective of this experimental exercise was to assess the suitability and effectiveness of problem based learning in the first year of undergraduate medical course and to practice self-assessment by tutors in this new role of a facilitator of learning through small group discussion. A tutor during such a learning session encouraged the students to apply their reasoning to analyze the problem and to develop self-directed learning skills in acquiring the knowledge appropriate to their perceived needs to work on a problem. The tutors ensured that they apply this knowledge in their work with other similar problems that they would encounter later in life.     

Modulation of angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor by tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1 in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the regulation of expression of the angiogenic cytokine vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), in order to determine whether new blood vessel formation could be a potential therapeutic target in RA. METHODS: Dissociated RA synovial membrane cells were cultured in the presence of cytokine inhibitors, or under hypoxic conditions. Serum VEGF levels were serially measured in RA patients enrolled in clinical trials of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNFalpha) monoclonal antibody treatment. RESULTS: Combined neutralization of TNFalpha and interleukin-1 (IL-1) in RA synovial membrane cultures reduced VEGF release by 45% (P < 0.05 versus control), although blockade of either TNFalpha or IL-1 activities alone resulted in only small inhibitory effects. In addition, release of VEGF from RA synovial membrane cells was selectively up-regulated by hypoxia. Serum VEGF levels were significantly elevated in RA patients relative to control subjects, and correlated with disease activity. Treatment of RA patients with anti-TNFalpha significantly decreased serum VEGF, and this effect was enhanced by cotreatment with methotrexate. CONCLUSION: Inhibition of TNFalpha and IL-1 activity in vivo could reduce the drive to new blood vessel formation, and hence pannus mass, adding to other therapeutic effects of anti-TNFalpha therapy in RA.     

Short duration of neutralizing antibody titers after pre-exposure rabies vaccination with suckling mouse brain vaccine

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a Pasteurella haemolytica A1 mutant that is unable to produce membrane lipoproteins has reduced susceptibility to complement-mediated killing, and to characterize the mutant strain. SAMPLE POPULATION: 12 sera from cattle resistant to P haemolytica challenge exposure after vaccination with P haemolytica or its antigens, or after natural exposure. PROCEDURES: Complement-mediated killing assays were performed, using wild-type and mutant strains and, as antibody source, various immune sera from cattle that were resistant to P haemolytica challenge exposure. Antibody response to whole-cell antigens produced by mutant and wild-type strains, production of outer membrane proteins and iron-regulated outer membrane proteins by the 2 strains, and growth of the 2 strains in various media were analyzed. RESULTS: Compared with wild-type P haemolytica, the lipoprotein mutant strain had increased susceptibility to bovine complement-mediated killing. Aside from the lipoproteins that are not produced by the mutant, immunoblot analysis did not reveal differences between immunoreactive antigens that are produced by the 2 strains. Some iron-regulated, outer membrane proteins, which usually are only produced by P haemolytica under iron-deficient conditions, were produced constitutively by the mutant. The mutant grew to a lower final cell density and at a lower rate under conditions likely to reflect those encountered in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of 3 membrane lipoproteins resulted in enhanced susceptibility to bovine complement-mediated killing. Site-specific mutagenesis of genes encoding P haemolytica membrane lipoproteins alters production of iron-regulated outer membrane proteins by P haemolytica. Growth characteristics of the mutant suggested that it may have reduced capacity for survival in vivo.