Report from the Maryland Epidemiology Schizophrenia Linkage Study: no evidence for linkage between schizophrenia and a number of candidate and other genomic regions using a complex dominant model

Our collaborative group has undertaken a linkage study of schizophrenia, using a systematic sample of patients admitted to Maryland hospitals. An initial sample of 39 families, each having two or more affecteds, was available for genotyping candidate genes, candidate regions, and highly polymorphic markers randomly distributed throughout the genome. We used a single complex dominant model (with a disease gene frequency of 0.005 and age-dependent penetrance for affected phenotype: for under 35, penetrance = .45; for 35 and older, penetrance = .85). We report here 130 markers, which met the exclusion criteria of LOD score < -2.00 at theta > 0.01 in at least 10 informative families, and no evidence for heterogeneity. We also report here markers that were tested as candidates for linkage to the schizophrenic phenotype. They were selected based on the following criteria: a) proximity to reported chromosomal rearrangements (both 5q and 11q), b) suggestions of linkage from other families (5q), or c) presence of a candidate gene (5q, 11q, 3q: Dopamine receptors 1, 2, and 3, respectively). We also tested for mutations of codon 717 in exon 17 of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene and were unable to detect the C to T substitution in our schizophrenic group.     

International classification of diseases (tenth revision)

Today, when the number of high-risk patients is increasing, special attention should be paid to polyresistant gram-positive microorganisms staphylococci and enterococci, whose role in infective complications and septic states is increasing. The author analyzes published reports on the rate of isolation of methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) and enterococci in different countries and relationship of this parameter with antibiotic policy. Special attention is paid to unjustified wide use of third-generation cephalosporines and their role in selection of polyresistant bacteria. The rate of MRS isolation vs. all other staphylococci at intensive care wards for newborns is as high as 63.9%. The incidence of coagulase-negative staphylococci (most often S. epidermidis) in clinical material (blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine) from high-risk patients increased 2-3 times during two recent years. Glycopeptides vancomycin and teicoplanine are drugs of choice for the treatment of infections caused by such microorganisms (sepsis, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, pneumonia, etc.). These drugs should be listed among obligatory antibiotics for resuscitation and intensive care wards as life-saving drugs.     

Outcome of the depressed elderly living in the community in Liverpool: a 5-year follow-up

BACKGROUND: Comparatively little is known about the long-term natural history of depressive disorders in the elderly living in the community. This is a follow-up of a subsample of the Continuing Health in the Community study random sample of the elderly population living in Liverpool. METHODS: The investigators followed up 120 cases of depression identified by a semi-structured interview schedule (GMS) for a period of 5 years. A similar number of other subjects defined as subcases of depression, other cases of mental illness and a random selection of non-cases were also included. RESULTS: The 5-year outcome for the cases of depression was worse than the outcome of the non-cases (relative mortality risk of 2.1, 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 3.9). Thirty-four per cent of the cases of depression died and 28% had dropped out during the follow-up. Of the 46 cases of depression who had a complete follow-up, 22% recovered from their symptoms, 30% were found to be AGECAT cases at one of the three follow-up waves, 24% were AGECAT cases at two of the three follow-up waves and the remaining 24% were AGECAT cases at each follow-up wave. Fifteen per cent of the surviving cases of depression were organic cases at the follow-up. Their anxiety comorbid state and depression score were identified as predictors of poor outcome. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that depressive disorders (most of which were untreated) found in the elderly community have a poor prognosis.     

The initiation mechanism of corrosion of zinc by sodium chloride particle deposition

This study details the mechanism of attack by sodium chloride particles on zinc. The dissolution and subsequent reaction of a single micro-particle of salt on zinc has shown explicitly the mechanism by which attack occurs. Following the initial formation of a hemispherical droplet when the particle wets in humid air, a secondary spreading effect occurs. The rate and potential associated with this spreading process has been measured using a Kelvin probe, and the chemistry of the compounds formed as a result of the corrosion mechanism have been determined using spectrographic techniques.     

Aperture placement effects in oxide-defined vertical-cavitysurface-emitting lasers

A study of the effects of aperture placement on the properties of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) is presented. When thin apertures are placed at the peak of the electric field standing wave optical losses are very high for small apertures. The threshold current increases with decreasing aperture size and two-dimensional diffraction like patterns are evident in the far field. For apertures placed at a node, optical losses appear to be negligible, and loss of optical confinement is apparent for apertures below 2 πm     

Microcirculatory disorders in cerebral ischemia in rats and their correction by using leu-enkephalin

Leu-enkephalin (LE) induced mainly a constriction of pial arterioles, diameter of the venules did not change. The effect of the LE involved preservation of the cerebral blood flow and that in microvessels, constriction of some arterioles and reduced dilatation against the background of decreased arterial pressure, bradycardia, increased lymphatic flow and survival of the animals during first hours of occlusion of common carotid arteries.