Immunodepressive effect of transcerebral lasers

The aim of the present paper was to study the effect of infrared laser radiation on endocrine regulation of immunogenesis and on endogenic opioid system. For this purpose experiments on rabbits were carried out. The animals underwent transcerebral radiation with subsequent induction of the primary immune response (PIR) to thymus-dependent antigen (sheep red blood cells). The PIR suppression was revealed in all test animals. It was more graphically expressed in rabbits exposed to impulse radiation. Immunodepression was combined with the increase of glucocorticoid activity of adrenal cortex, while no significant changes in thyroid hormones were registered. The 0.08 Joles impulse radiation cause a palpable fall in opioid concentration in blood plasma, the fact, which can be possibly accounted for the rapid exhaustion of opioid synthesis after their stimulation due to laser radiation.     

A new Rett syndrome family consistent with X-linked inheritance expands the X chromosome exclusion map

Although familial recurrences of Rett syndrome (RTT) comprise only approximately 1% of the reported cases, it is these cases that hold the key for the understanding of the genetic basis of the disorder. Families in which RTT occurs in mother and daughter, aunt and niece, and half sisters are consistent with dominant inheritance and variable expressivity of the phenotype. Recurrence of RTT in sisters is likely due to germ-line mosaicism in one of the parents, rather than to recessive inheritance. The exclusive occurrence of classic RTT in females led to the hypothesis that it is X-linked and may be lethal in males. In an X-linked dominant disorder, unaffected obligate-carrier females would be expected to show nonrandom or skewed inactivation of the X chromosome bearing the mutant allele. We investigated the X chromosome inactivation (XCI) patterns in the female members of a newly identified family with recurrence of RTT in a maternal aunt and a niece. Skewing of XCI is present in the obligate carrier in this family, supporting the hypothesis that RTT is an X-linked disorder. However, evaluation of the XCI pattern in the mother of affected half sisters shows random XCI, suggesting germ-line mosaicism as the cause of repeated transmission in this family. To determine which regions of the X chromosome were inherited concordantly/discordantly by the probands, we genotyped the individuals in the aunt-niece family and two previously reported pairs of half sisters. These combined exclusion-mapping data allow us to exclude the RTT locus from the interval between DXS1053 in Xp22.2 and DXS1222 in Xq22.3. This represents an extension of the previous exclusion map.     

A rare case of a preauricular fistula

A female patient with a preotic fistula caused by a defect in the development of the first branchial arch is described. Repeated surgeries for lateral fistula of the neck brought no success. The pathogenesis of the defect and difficulties in its diagnosis are discussed; the authors claim that fistulography with contrast agents may be effective. Histologic verification is needed in all the cases.     

Psychological consultation with primary care physicians: Obstacles and opportunities in the medical setting.

This article discusses the relationship between psychologists and primary care physicians and describes the training and practice of physicians in the areas of mental and behavioral health care. Issues affecting the relationship between psychologists and primary care physicians are then reviewed. Different models of psychological consultation are discussed, and an integrated behavioral systems model of psychological consultation is presented as a potentially effective model for consultation with primary care physicians. This model provides a framework for psychologists to function as coproviders of primary health care services. Practical strategies to enhance collaboration between psychologists and primary care physicians in private practice are discussed. The need for more research on primary care and for the inclusion of psychologists in managed care and health care reform are also highlighted. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Urate clearance in the diagnosis of kidney pathology in children

Histologic studies can help disclose the design of the knife blade by which a cut wound was inflicted. For analysis, thick (25-30 microns) sections are made, parallel to skin surface near the ends of a cut wound. The ends of the wound formed by the blade edge and back are different, and some specific features of the blade back, primarily its thickness, can be distinguished. When the suspected knife is available, a valid conclusion can be made by comparing experimental wounds inflicted by this knife with the studied wounds.     

Synthesis and antiplatelet effects of an isoxazole series of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists

Despite the excellent in vitro potency of a series of benzamide glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists, which have been reported previously, poor in vivo potency in the inhibition of platelet aggregation was observed when the most potent inhibitor XU057 was dosed intravenously to dogs. In this communication, we report that replacement of the benzamide in XU057 with an isoxazolecarboxamide resulted in significant improvement in in vivo potency. More importantly, the analogue XU065 showed an excellent oral antiplatelet effect in dogs.     

The development of representations: The origins of mental life.

Discusses the notion of representation and its role in cognitive theory. The representational theory of mind takes for granted the existence of such representational states and processes as symbol use, belief, meaning, and intention. A sequence of developments is proposed that would have the effect of reworking the elementary sensory-motor schemata present at birth into the propositional representational states that develop in 2–4 yr olds and that operate on the basis of meaning, significance, and intentionality. The theory is used to explain a series of intellectual achievements of young children. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)