Analysis and Experimental Validation of Efficient Coded OFDM for an Impulsive Noise Environment.

The importance of synergy with industry lies in the possibility of experimental validation of the work research results. With Software-Defined Radio (SDR) platforms, it is possible to implement a physical layer and to have tests with hardware in a real environment. In this paper, we investigate the validation of an impulsive noise resistant physical layer based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) and an interesting concatenation of forward error correcting codes: Rank metric Code (RC) and Convolutional Code (CC). We fully design and implement a new block namely RC Encoder + WiFi Mapper in GNU Radio, which acts as a forward error correcting code to mitigate impulsive noise occurring in substations. After showing by simulations that using this coding scheme is very efficient in mitigating the bursty nature of impulsive noise, we then confirm that the same performance is maintained even with various impulsive voltages and experimental scenarios, which confirms the high performance of the proposed approach.

Mathematical model of radiation effects on thrombopoiesis in rhesus macaques and humans.

A mathematical model that describes the effects of acute radiation exposure on thrombopoiesis in primates and humans is presented. Thrombopoiesis is a complex multistage dynamic process with potential differences between species. Due to known differences in cellular radiosensitivities, nadir times, and cytopenia durations, direct extrapolation from rhesus to human platelet dynamics is unrealistic. Developing mathematical models of thrombopoiesis for both humans and primates allows for the comparison of the system's response across species. Thus, data obtained in primate experiments can be extrapolated to predictions in humans. Parameter values for rhesus macaques and humans were obtained either from direct experimental measurements or through optimization procedures using dynamic data on platelet counts following radiation exposure. Model simulations accurately predict trends observed in platelet dynamics: at low radiation doses platelet counts decline after a time lag, and nadir depth is dose dependent. The models were validated using data that was not used during the parameterization process. In particular, additional experimental data was used for rhesus, and accident and platelet donor data was used for humans. The model aims to simulate the average response in rhesus and humans following irradiation. Variation in platelet dynamics due to individual variability can be modeled using Monte Carlo simulations in which parameter values are sampled from distributions. This model provides insight into the time course of the physiological effects of radiation exposure, information which could be valuable for disaster planning and survivability analysis and help in drug development of radiation medical countermeasures.

Emergency surgery in a patient with large spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma determining excellent neurological recovery: review of the literature.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: We report a case of a 75-year-old woman suffering from voluminous idiopathic spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) that was rapidly diagnosed and successfully treated. METHODS: Clinical presentation was characterized by sudden and intense back pain that rapidly evolved into plegia of the right leg and severe paresis of the left leg. Hypoesthesia below T6 and urinary retention were also present. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a significant posterior spinal compression from T6 through L3 caused by an epidural hematoma that involved 10 metameric levels, extending for ∼20 cm, with a maximum thickness of 1.6 cm from T12 to L1. RESULTS: Within 12 h, emergency decompressive laminectomy from T10 to L1 was performed, and evacuation of the hematoma was achieved. The postoperative course and neurological recovery of the patient were optimal. After discharge, the patient continued the rehabilitative treatment started during hospitalization, achieving an excellent functional outcome in 1 month. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) is a rare clinical finding that can occur following trauma or spontaneously (SSEH). We describe, to the best of our knowledge, the second most extensive idiopathic SSEH and the longest with involvement of the dorso-lumbar spine that had a excellent functional outcome due to emergency decompressive laminectomy, which is emphasized in the treatment of these rare pathologies.

Characterization of micellar systems produced by new amphiphilic conjugates of poly(ethylene glycol).

This study proposes polymeric micelles produced using new amphiphilic conjugates between amino- or carboxy-mPEG2000 and three different α-lipoamino acids (PEG-LAA). The characterization of these colloidal systems showed CMC values, in the order of 10(-5 )M, that are interesting in the view of an in vivo administration. The PEG-LAA micelles also showed a good stability at 37 °C and upon dilution in aqueous media. Using a colored probe as a model lipophilic compound, the loading efficiency and in vitro release profile were also outlined.

Author Correction: Oral supplementation of α-lipoic acid (ALA), magnesium, vitamin B6 and vitamin D stabilizes cervical changes in women presenting risk factors for preterm birth.

Correction to: European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences 2022; 26 (23): 8879-8886. DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202212_30560-PMID: 36524507-published online on December 15, 2022. After publication, the authors found out that in Figure 1 a box, including 63 patients included in the final analysis was missing. There are amendments to this paper. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/30560.

Gene Expression Changes in a Prefinal Health Stage of Lethally Irradiated Male and Female Rhesus Macaques.

Radiation-induced gene expression (GE) changes can be used for early and high-throughput biodosimetry within the first three days postirradiation. However, is the method applicable in situations such as the Alexander Litvinenko case or the Goiania accident, where diagnosis occurred in a prefinal health stage? We aimed to characterize gene expression changes in a prefinal health stage of lethally irradiated male and female rhesus macaques. Peripheral blood was drawn pre-exposure and at the prefinal stage of male and female animals, which did not survive whole-body exposure with 700 cGy (LD66/60). RNA samples originated from a blinded randomized Good Laboratory Practice study comprising altogether 142 irradiated rhesus macaques of whom 60 animals and blood samples (15 samples for both time points and sexes) were used for this analysis. We evaluated GE on 34 genes widely used in biodosimetry and prediction of the hematological acute radiation syndrome severity (H-ARS) employing quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). These genes were run in duplicate and triplicate and altogether 96 measurements per time point and sex could be performed. In addition, 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) was measured to depict the ribosome/transcriptome status as well as for normalization purposes and 16S rRNA was evaluated as a surrogate for bacteremia. Mean differential gene expression (DGE) was calculated for each gene and sex including all replicate measurements and using pre-exposure samples as the reference. From 34 genes, altogether 27 genes appeared expressed. Pre-exposure samples revealed no signs of bacteremia and 18S rRNA GE was in the normal range in all 30 samples. Regarding prefinal samples, 46.7% and 40% of animals appeared infected in females and males, respectively, and for almost all males this was associated with out of normal range 18S rRNA values. The total number of detectable GE measurements was sixfold (females) and 15-fold (males) reduced in prefinal relative to pre-exposure samples and about tenfold lower in 80% of prefinal compared to pre-exposure samples (P < 0.0001). An overall 11-fold (median) downregulation in prefinal compared to pre-exposure samples was identified for most of the 27 genes and even FDXR appeared 4-14-fold downregulated in contrast to a pronounced up-regulation according to cited work. This pattern of overall downregulation of almost all genes and the rapid reduction of detectable genes at a prefinal stage was found in uninfected animals with normal range 18S rRNA as well. In conclusion, in a prefinal stage after lethal radiation exposure, the ribosome/transcriptome status remains present (based on normal range 18S rRNA values) in 60-67% of animals, but the whole transcriptome activity in general appears silenced and cannot be used for biodosimetry purposes, but probably as an indicator for an emerging prefinal health stage.

Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of Bordetella pertussis strains used in different vaccine formulations in Latin America.

AIM: To characterize Bordetella pertussis vaccine strains in comparison with current circulating bacteria. METHODS AND RESULTS: Genomic and proteomic analyses of Bp137 were performed in comparison with other vaccine strains used in Latin America (Bp509 and Bp10536) and with the clinical Argentinean isolate Bp106. Tohama I strain was used as reference strain. Pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and pertussis toxin promoter (ptxP) sequence analysis revealed that Bp137 groups with Bp509 in PFGE group III and contains ptxP2 sequence. Tohama I (group II) and Bp10536 (group I) contain ptxP1 sequence, while Bp106 belongs to a different PFGE cluster and contains ptxP3. Surface protein profiles diverged in at least 24 peptide subunits among the studied strains. From these 24 differential proteins, Bp10536 shared the expression of ten proteins with Tohama I and Bp509, but only three with Bp137. In contrast, seven proteins were detected exclusively in Bp137 and Bp106. CONCLUSIONS: Bp137 showed more features in common with the clinical isolate Bp106 than the other vaccine strains here included. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results presented show that the old strains included in vaccines are not all equal among them. These findings together with the data of circulating bacteria should be taken into account to select the best vaccine to be included in a national immunization programme.

[A clinical and epidemiological study of the Trypanosoma cruzi infected population in the north metropolitan area of Barcelona]. / Un estudio clínico-epidemiológico de la población infectada por Trypanosoma cruzi en la zona metropolitana norte de Barcelona.

BACKGROUND: As an inevitable consequence of Latin American immigration to Europe, Spain and other European countries, it is necessary to confront the approach to cases of Chagas infection/disease for which, epidemiologically, there are more questions than answers. This study has aimed to describe all the Chagas-infected population in the north metropolitan area of Barcelona (406,000 inhabitants). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective and multicentric study was performed in 3 hospitals and 1 International Health Unit. It included all patients with Trypanosoma cruzi positive serology, regardless of the requesting reason.Results The 139 diagnosed cases represent an annual incidence of: a) 0.68/10,000 inhabitants and, b) 73.2/10,000 immigrants coming from endemic zones. Of the patients, 80 (57.6%) had alterations in some complementary tests: cardiologic 62 (44.6%), digestive 38 (27.3%) and 20 (14.4%) both. According to the Brazilian Consensus of Chagas cardiomyopathy, they were classified as: 0=84 (60.4%); a=40 (28.7%); b1=4 (2.9%), b2=10 (7.2%) and c/d=1 (0.7%). Treatment with benznidazole (5mg/kg/24h for 60 days) was prescribed in 116 (83.4%) patients, 89 (76.7%) of whom completed it. Secondary effects were recorded in 56 (50.9%), which made it necessary to withdraw it in 21 (19.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Fewer cases of Chagas infection/disease than expected have been diagnosed in the North Metropolitan area of Barcelona. The series contains a high number of patients and there may be an elevated number of immigrants from endemic zones who have the asymptomatic chronic stages of the infection and who were unaware of their condition.

Oral supplementation of α-lipoic acid (ALA), magnesium, vitamin B6 and vitamin D stabilizes cervical changes in women presenting risk factors for preterm birth.

OBJECTIVE: Recently, the PTB risk has been related to the objective measurement of cervical length (CL), since a CL of less than 25 mm is an accurate predictor of increased risk of PTB. Primary prevention of preterm labor is based on the early identification of symptoms and on pharmacological treatments with tocolytic drugs for inhibition of uterine contractions that are associated with a shortening of the cervix. Unfortunately, most of these drugs have important side effects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study aimed to evaluate whether the administration of a combination of oral α-lipoic acid (ALA), magnesium, vitamin B6 and vitamin D to pregnant women presenting risk factors for PTB could reduce the rate of cervical shortening at 19-22 weeks of gestational age. RESULTS: A total of 122 women attending the first-trimester aneuploidy screening at 11-14 weeks of pregnancy and presenting risk factors for PTB were included in the study. Cervical length significantly decreased in the control group compared with the treatment group (-3.86 ± 1.97 vs. 1.50 ± 1.26; p=0.02). Although the rate of preterm birth did not significantly decrease (9.5% vs. 5.1%), admission for threatened PTB was statistically reduced in the treatment group compared with the control group (3.4% vs. 14.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Oral supplementation of ALA, magnesium, vitamin B6 and vitamin D significantly counteracted cervix shortening in pregnant women presenting risk factors for PTB.

Laboratory adaptation of Bordetella pertussis is associated with the loss of type three secretion system functionality.

Although Bordetella pertussis contains and transcribes loci encoding type III secretion system (TTSS) homologues, expression of TTSS-associated proteins has been reported only for non-laboratory-adapted Irish clinical isolates. Here we confirm such a result for clinical isolates obtained from patients treated in Argentinean hospitals. Moreover, we demonstrate that the expression of TTSS-associated proteins is independent both of the year in which the isolate was obtained and of the types of polymorphic alleles for other virulence factors but is dependent on environmental growth conditions. Interestingly, we observed that TTSS-associated protein expression is lost after successive in vitro passages but becomes operative again when bacteria come into contact with the host. This in vivo activation of TTSS expression was observed not only for clinical isolates previously adapted to the laboratory after successive in vitro passages but also for vaccine strains that did not express the system in vitro. The reversibility of TTSS expression, demonstrated by its switching off-on when the bacterium comes into contact with the host, appears to be an adaptive response of this pathogen.

The current screening programme for congenital transmission of Chagas disease in Catalonia, Spain.

Due to considerable numbers of migrants from Chagas disease-endemic countries living in Catalonia, the Catalonian Health Department has recently implemented a screening programme for preventing congenital transmission, targeting Latin American pregnant women who attend antenatal consultations. Diagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in women is based on two positive serological tests. Screening of newborns from mothers with positive serology is based on a parasitological test during the first 48 hours of life and/or conventional serological analysis at the age of nine months. If either of these tests is positive, treatment with benznidazole is started following the World Health Organization's recommendations. The epidemiological surveillance of the programme is based on the Microbiological Reporting System of Catalonia, a well established network of laboratories. Once a positive case is reported, the responsible physician is asked to complete a structured epidemiological questionnaire. Clinical and demographic data are registered in the Voluntary Case Registry of Chagas Disease, a database administered by the Catalonian Health Department. It is expected that this programme will improve the understanding of the real burden of Chagas disease in the region. Furthermore, this initiative could encourage the implementation of similar programmes in other regions of Spain and even in other European countries.

Chagas disease in European countries: the challenge of a surveillance system.

A study of aggregate data collected from the literature and official sources was undertaken to estimate expected and observed prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection, annual incidence of congenital transmission and rate of underdiagnosis of Chagas disease among Latin American migrants in the nine European countries with the highest prevalence of Chagas disease. Formal and informal data sources were used to estimate the population from endemic countries resident in Europe in 2009, diagnosed cases of Chagas disease and births from mothers originating from endemic countries. By 2009, 4,290 cases had been diagnosed in Europe, compared with an estimated 68,000 to 122,000 expected cases. The expected prevalence was very high in undocumented migrants (on average 45% of total expected cases) while the observed prevalence rate was 1.3 cases per 1,000 resident migrants from endemic countries. An estimated 20 to 183 babies with congenital Chagas disease are born annually in the study countries. The annual incidence rate of congenital transmission per 1,000 pregnancies in women from endemic countries was between none and three cases. The index of under diagnosis of T. cruzi infection was between 94% and 96%. Chagas disease is a public health challenge in the studied European countries. Urgent measures need to be taken to detect new cases of congenital transmission and take care of the existing cases with a focus on migrants without legal residency permit and potential difficulty accessing care.

Predicting the Radiation Sensitivity of Male and Female Rhesus Macaques Using Gene Expression.

Radiosensitivity differs in humans and likely among closely-related primates. Reasons for variation in radiosensitivity are not well known. We examined preirradiation gene expression in peripheral blood among male and female rhesus macaques which did or did not survive (up to 60 days) after whole-body irradiation with 700 cGy (LD66/60). RNA samples originated from a blinded randomized Good Laboratory Practice study in 142 irradiated rhesus macaques. Animals were untreated (placebo), or treated using recombinant human IL-12, G-CSF or combination of the two. We evaluated gene expression in a two-phase study design where phase I was a whole genome screen [next generation sequencing (NGS)] for mRNAs (RNA-seq) using five RNA samples from untreated male and female animals per group of survivor and non-survivor (total n = 20). Differential gene expression (DGE) was defined as a statistically significant and ≥2-fold up- or downregulation of mRNA species and was calculated between groups of survivors and non-survivors (reference) and by gender. Altogether 659 genes were identified, but the overlapping number of differentially expressed genes (DGE) observed in both genders was small (n = 36). Fifty-eight candidate mRNAs were chosen for independent validation in phase II using the remaining samples (n = 122) evaluated with qRT-PCR. Among the 58 candidates, 16 were of significance or borderline significance (t test) by DGE. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis further refined and identified the most outstanding validated genes and gene combinations. For untreated male macaques, we identified EPX (P = 0.005, ROC=1.0), IGF2BP1 (P = 0.05, ROC=0.74) and the combination of EPX with SLC22A4 (P = 0.03, ROC=0.85) which appeared most predictive for the clinical outcome for treated and combined (untreated and treated) male macaque groups, respectively. For untreated, treated and both combined female macaque groups the same gene (MBOAT4, P = 0.0004, ROC = 0.81) was most predictive. Based on the probability function of the ROC curves, up to 74% of preirradiation RNA measurements predicted survival with a positive and negative predictive value ranging between 85-100% and associated odds ratios reflecting a 2-3-fold elevated risk for surviving per unit change (cycle threshold value) in gene expression. In conclusion, we identified gender-dependent genes and gene combinations in preirradiation blood samples for survival prediction after irradiation in rhesus macaques.

Seasonal influenza surveillance: Observational study on the 2017-2018 season with predominant B influenza virus circulation.

INTRODUCTION: Influenza is a common respiratory infectious disease affecting population worldwide yearly. The aim of this work is to describe the 2017-2018 influenza season and how it affected elderly population in Catalonia despite moderate vaccine coverage among this age group. METHODS: Influenza surveillance based on a primary care sentinel surveillance, virological indicators systematic sampling of ILI attended and severe influenza confirmed cases (SHLCI) admitted to hospital.Analysis of data by Chi-squared, ANOVA, multiple regression and negative control test or case to case for vaccine effectiveness assessment in primary care and SHLCI respectively. RESULTS: Moderate-high intensity and early onset season with predominance of influenza B virus (IVB) (63%) followed by an increase of circulation of influenza A virus (IVA). A total of 419 IV from primary care samples. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) in primary care setting was 14% (95%CI: 0-47%). 1306 severe cases (adjusted cumulative incidence 18.54/100,000 inhabitants (95%CI: 17.54-19.55)). The highest proportion of severe cases were in the >64 (65.1%) (aOR 15.70; 95%CI: 12.06-20.46; p < 0.001) followed by 45-64 yo (25.4%) (aOR 6.03; 95%CI: 4.57-7.97). VE in preventing intensive care unit (ICU) admission was 35% (95%CI: 10-54%). Final outcome death while hospitalized occurred in 175 SHLCI cases with a case fatality rate of 13.4%. CONCLUSIONS: 2017-2018 influenza season was an unusual epidemic season with an early onset, great predominance of influenza B (Yamagata strain) virus with a high hospitalization rate of severe cases among elderly stressing the need to upgrade vaccine uptake in this age group.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La gripe es una enfermedad infecciosa respiratoria común que afecta cada año a una proporción importante de la población mundial. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir la temporada de influenza 2017-2018 y cómo afectó a la población anciana en Cataluña a pesar de la cobertura moderada de vacunas en este grupo de edad. MÉTODOS: Vigilancia de la gripe basada en la vigilancia centinela de atención primaria (AP), indicadores virológicos por muestreo sistemático semanal de pacientes con síndrome gripal (SG) atendidos en AP y casos graves de gripe confirmada grave ingresados ??en el hospital.Las estadísticas utilizadas para el análisis fueron el test ANOVA, la prueba de Chi-cuadrado, el análisis de regresión múltiple y la prueba de control negativo y caso a caso para la evaluación de la efectividad de la vacuna (EV, por sus siglas en inglés) en AP y casos graves hospitalizados, respectivamente. RESULTADOS: La temporada 2017-2018 se caracterizó por presentar una intensidad moderadamente alta, con inicio temprano y de larga duración. El predominio del virus de la gripe B (VGB) (63%) seguido por un aumento de la circulación del virus de la gripe A (VGA). Un total de 419 IV de muestras de AP. La VE para prevención de la infección en casos con SG en AP fue del 14% (IC 95%: 0-47%). Se registraron 1.306 casos graves (incidencia acumulada ajustada 18,54/100.000 habitantes (IC 95%: 17,54-19,55)). La proporción más alta de casos graves fue en > 64 años (65,1%) (OR: 15,70: IC 95%: 12,06-20,46; p < 0,001) seguido del grupo de 45-64 años (25,4%) (OR: 6,03; IC 95%: 4,57-7,97). La VE en la prevención de ingreso en la UCI fue del 35% (IC 95%: 10-54%). Se registraron 175 defunciones con una tasa de letalidad del 13,4%. CONCLUSIONES: La temporada de gripe 2017-2018 fue una temporada epidémica inusual con un inicio temprano, gran predominio del VGB (cepa Yamagata) con una elevada tasa de hospitalización de casos graves en ancianos, lo que subraya la necesidad de mejorar la aceptación de la vacuna en este grupo de edad.

Neonatal vitamin D status at birth at latitude 32 degrees 72': evidence of deficiency.

OBJECTIVE: With vitamin D deficiency as a serious public health problem, vitamin D status at birth was measured in neonates at latitude 32 degrees 72' (southeastern United States). STUDY DESIGN: In umbilical cord blood, vitamin D status, demonstrated by circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D, was measured and related to race and season of birth. RESULT: The mean+/-standard deviation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in 100 cord blood samples was 13.5+/-8.3 ng/ml for the cohort. African-American infants, with a mean+/-standard deviation of 10.5+/-6.0 ng/ml, demonstrated significantly lower vitamin D status than Caucasian infants, with a mean+/-standard deviation of 19.5+/-9.6 ng/ml (P<0.0001). By season, the mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D level at birth in November-March compared to April-October was 11.3 ng/ml lower in Caucasian infants (from 29.0 to 17.7 ng/ml) and 3 ng/ml lower in African-American infants (from 13.1 to 10.1 ng/ml). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency is high in this cohort. African-American infants demonstrate significantly lower vitamin D status at birth than Caucasian infants. Seasonality, while significant in both groups, had a greater impact on the vitamin D status of Caucasian newborns.

[The effects of bromazepam on contingent negative variation and reaction time in a visuomotor task]. / Efectos del bromacepam sobre la variación negativa contingente y el tiempo de reacción en una tarea visuomotora.

INTRODUCTION: Bromazepam is the second most commonly used benzodiazepine in Brazil. Psychophysiological research on this substance is still in its early stages. AIM: To determine the neurotoxicity of bromazepam by examining reaction times (RT) and contingent negative variations (CNV). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Using a videogame produced in our laboratory for psychophysiological research purposes (Car Acquisition), 14 healthy volunteers (9 males) aged between 23 and 42 drove a vehicle along a road full of curves (i.e. distractors) while they had to respond to imperative stimuli (i.e. orders to press the button on the joystick) that were preceded by warnings (S1-S2-RM paradigm with distractor). We compared RT, amplitudes and latencies of the CNV at each of the three electrodes on the median line (Fz, Cz and Pz) one hour after random, double-blind and crossed administration of placebo (P), 3 mg of bromazepam (B3) or 6 mg of bromazepam (B6) on different days. STATISTICS: one-way ANOVA and Post Hoc Scheffé. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in the RT. At Pz, the CNV amplitudes displayed significant differences for P, B3 and B6 (p = 0.006), and also for B3 and B6 (p = 0.018), with B6 > B3 = P. At Fz, a non-significant tendency (p = 0.074) suggested a difference between the latencies, shorter in B6 than in B3 (p = 0.098), both equivalent to placebo. The mean amplitudes ranged between 2.4 and 5.9 microV. CONCLUSIONS: Behavioural and neurophysiological neurotoxicity was insignificant one hour after administration of a single 3 or 6 mg dose of bromazepam in healthy young adults. Low mean amplitudes were compatible with the interference from distractors and did not result in floor effect.

Optical activity associated with the sulfur to metal charge transfer bands of Zn and Cd GAL4.

The N-terminal DNA-binding domain of the GAL4 transcription factor, isolated as a proteolytic fragment of 63 amino acid residues, GAL4(63), or cloned as a 62-residue subdomain, GAL4(62*), binds 2 Cd(II) ions. Both Cd derivatives show intense ellipticity bands associated with -S(-)-->Cd charge transfer bands at 250 nm (+), 233 nm (-), and 218 nm (+). Molar ellipticity values are (5-7) x 10(4) deg.cm2.dmol-1. The energies and pattern (+,-,+) of these ellipticity bands are similar to those observed for the Cd(II) clusters of metallothionein. The latter are believed to be due to the presence of bridging cysteine ligands (Willner, H.W., Vasak, M., & Kägi, J.H.R., 1987, Biochemistry 26, 6287-6292). Circular dichroism provides further evidence that the GAL4 DNA-binding domain forms a binuclear Cd cluster with the amino acid sequence -C11-X2-C14-X6-C21-X6-C28-X2-C31-X6-C38- found in GAL4(62*). Zn2GAL4(62*) has much weaker ellipticity associated with the higher energy -S(-)--> Zn charge transfer bands. Removal of the metal ions from GAL4(62*) results in substantial changes in the near UV circular dichroism due to both loss of the charge transfer bands and changes in the conformation of the peptide backbone. Binding of the UASG enhancer DNA element to either Zn or Cd GAL4(62*) alters the ellipticity of the -S(-)--> metal charge transfer bands suggesting that DNA binding is associated with some changes in conformation around the metal cluster.

Somatosensory evoked fields and potentials following tibial nerve stimulation.

We studied evoked magnetic fields and electrical potentials following stimulation of the tibial nerve in a group of 24 normal subjects. Both magnetic and electrical recordings demonstrated a series of oscillatory patterns consisting of four peaks (two positive and two negative) occurring between 40 and 100 msec. Magnetic field source localization of all four peaks using a dipole-in-a-sphere model indicated that all four peaks emanated from the same cortical surface located within the longitudinal fissure, an area typically associated with somatosensory function.

Frequency of obsessive-compulsive disorder in a community sample of young adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the frequency and phenomenology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and subclinical OCD in young adolescents. METHOD: A two-stage epidemiological study originally designed to investigate adolescent depression was conducted between 1986 and 1988 in the southeastern United States. In the first stage, a self-report depressive symptom questionnaire was administered to a community sample of 3,283 adolescents. In the diagnostic stage, the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children and the Children's Global Assessment Scale were administered to 488 mother-child pairs. RESULTS: The prevalences of OCD and subclinical OCD were found to be 3% and 19%, respectively. Prevalences were similar in males and females. Females reported more symptoms of compulsions although males reported more obsessions. About 55% of adolescents with OCD reported both obsessions and compulsions. The most common compulsions were arranging (56%), counting (41%), collecting (38%), and washing (17%). Major depressive disorder (45%), separation anxiety (34%), dysthymia (29%), suicidal ideation (15%), and phobia (8%) were the diagnoses most frequently comorbid with OCD. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that OCD is not infrequent among adolescents and that the characteristic comorbidity and symptomatology of OCD may facilitate earlier identification and treatment by clinicians.