Investigation of the exclusive 3He(e,e' pn)1H reaction.

Cross sections for the 3He(e,e' pn)1H reaction were measured for the first time at energy transfers of 220 and 270 MeV for several momentum transfers ranging from 300 to 450 MeV/c. Cross sections are presented as a function of the momentum of the recoil proton and the momentum transfer. Continuum Faddeev calculations using the Argonne V18 and Bonn-B nucleon-nucleon potentials overestimate the measured cross sections by a factor 5 at low recoil proton momentum with the discrepancy becoming smaller at higher recoil proton momentum.

Serum anti-brain endothelium antibodies and cognitive assessment in patients with Binswanger's encephalopathy.

The pathogenic mechanism underlying the vascular changes in Binswanger's encephalopathy (BE) is unknown. To test whether alterations of the humoral immunity may lead to endothelium damage, we analyzed serum levels of anti-brain endothelium antibodies (ABEA) (IgG and IgM) in 16 BE patients, 19 subjects with ischemic vascular disease without mental deterioration and 18 normal healthy subjects. ABEA IgM were found elevated in 1/16 (6%) BE patients and in 4/19 (21%) patients with cerebrovascular diseases; an increase in ABEA IgG was found in 6/16 (38%) BE patients and in 7/19 (37%) cerebrovascular patients. Association with anti-cardiolipin antibodies (IgG and/or IgM) was found in 50% of BE patients with elevated ABEA and only 10% of those with no increase, whereas high titres of anti-neurofilament antibodies (1:10,000) were detected in 40% and 71% respectively. In BE, ABEA IgG but not IgM showed a trend, although not significant, towards a correlation with the duration of the disease (rs = 0.47; p = 0.07) and significantly correlated with the cognitive function as assessed by the Mini mental state (MMS) score (rs = 0.56; p = 0.02). Higher mean values of the MMS score were found in BE patients with elevated ABEA than in those without (p = 0.04). This difference was not due to language disorders neither to an association with stroke risk factors or anti-neurofilament antibodies. However, there were no significant differences in MMS scores between cerebrovascular patients with ABEA and those without. A "neuro-protective" role is hypothesized for the ABEA in the development of dementia in BE.

Atypical McLeod syndrome manifested as X-linked chorea-acanthocytosis, neuromyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy: report of a family.

We report a family with three members affected by a typically X-linked McLeod syndrome. In the proband a very weak positivity for antigens of the Kell group was detected. His sister showed a normal antigenic pattern. We emphasize the prominent neurological picture characterized by a choreic syndrome with atrophy of the caudate nucleus on MRI, psychiatric disturbances, peripheral nerve and muscle biopsy findings indicating slight neuromuscular involvement, and cardiac abnormalities. The differential diagnosis is discussed.

In vitro and in vivo behaviour of narciclasine released from matrices based on poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate).

Narciclasine (1,2,3,7-tetrahydroxy-8,9-methylendioxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophena ntridone) is a natural substance with strong antimitotic effects on cells and potential antitumor activity. Its release form a hydrogel matrix was studied with the purpose of avoiding the concentration spikes of the parenteral administration. The matrix prepared by gamma ray polymerization of a mixture of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (85%) and trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (15%) was found to release narciclasine for several days, according to a diffusion controlled mechanism. In agreement with its antimitotic effect, narciclasine inhibited the growth rate of healthy mice, when the drug-loaded matrix was introduced subcutaneously. Antitumor effect was observed in an experimental model of Erlich ascitic tumor when low amounts of tumor cells were inoculated. No effect was observed at high concentrations of inoculum or towards solid tumors (Sarcoma 180). This behaviour was related to the rapid clearance of narciclasine from the body which prevented the reaching of sufficient therapeutical concentrations. A pharmacokinetic investigation carried out by an original method of assay demonstrated that narciclasine was accumulated in significant amounts in the kidney only and eliminated in urine with a half time of less than 20 min.

Macrosomia and mental retardation: evidence of autosomal dominant inheritance in four generations.

We describe a large family with 14 persons presenting macrosomia with or without mental retardation in which dominant transmission is evident over 4 generations. A wide range of phenotypic variability was observed, some patients showing macrosomia and mental impairment, others only macrosomia. The cases will be discussed in relationship with other conditions in which the 2 signs may be present, and above all in Sotos sequence.

Cervical myelopathy secondary to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (a case report).

A case of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, documented by spinal X-ray, myelography and CT scanning of the spinal cord is reported. The patient underwent decompressive laminectomy by posterior approach, which was successful. The case is discussed in the light of recent published data.