Alterations in sperm long RNA contribute to the epigenetic inheritance of the effects of postnatal trauma

Psychiatric diseases have a strong heritable component known to not be restricted to DNA sequence-based genetic inheritance alone but to also involve epigenetic factors in germ cells. Initial evidence suggested that sperm RNA is causally linked to the transmission of symptoms induced by traumatic experiences. Here, we show that alterations in long RNA in sperm contribute to the inheritance of specific trauma symptoms. Injection of long RNA fraction from sperm of males exposed to postnatal trauma recapitulates the effects on food intake, glucose response to insulin and risk-taking in adulthood whereas the small RNA fraction alters body weight and behavioural despair. Alterations in long RNA are maintained after fertilization, suggesting a direct link between sperm and embryo RNA.

[Prenatal diagnosis of a brain tumour--an example of diagnostic and therapeutical algorithm]

The authors describe their cooperation in the diagnosis and treatment of a newborn with malignant brain tumour (rare case of carcinoma of the choroid plexus) recognised by means of prenatal sonography and magnetic resonance. The case history is an example of modern algorithm of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in perinatal medicine and the necessary multicentre collaboration.

[Benign tectal tumors: clinical and neuroradiological correlations]

Benign tectal tumours in children constitute a distinct group of brainstem gliomas, characterised by a usually benign clinical course. The aim of this paper was a retrospective analysis of 1) results of conservative treatment, 2) diagnostic value of CT and MRI and 3) correlation of the MR image with the clinical course of the disease. Our material includes 15 patients aged from 6 to 16. The treatment consisted in the implantation of a CSF-shunting device (6 children), endoscopic ventriculostomy (6 children) or ventriculostomy in a child with malfunction of a previously implanted shunt (3 cases). Follow-up periods range from 3 to 219 months (mean 46.8 mo.). A slight progression of tumour in imaging studies was noted in 3 cases, while in the remaining patients neither clinical nor radiologic progression of the disease was observed. There was no correlation between tumour size and focal contrast enhancement in MRI and the natural course of the disease. The method of choice in the diagnosis of benign tectal tumours is MRI and in the treatment of associated hydrocephalus-endoscopic third ventriculostomy. An in-depth diagnostic work-up and a more aggressive cause-oriented treatment is used only in cases of a documented clinical and radiological progression.

[Surgical treatment of GnRH secretory hypothalamic hamartomas causing precocious puberty]

Hypothalamic hamartomas (HHs) are benign lesions often associated with central precocious puberty. Resection of HHs has been recommended as a treatment option for selected cases, however recent reports stressed the role of effective medical management with a long-acting GnRH agonist. This paper describes incomplete response to the initial GnRH therapy and results of total resection of HHs. Five children two boys and three girls with physical signs of puberty at a mean age of 20.2 months (range 5-36 months) have been treated at our institution. All children had a pedunculated mass below the tuber cinereum. Two children were initially treated with GnRH agonist and had received follow-up care for 11 and 12 months respectively. These patients had incomplete regression of endocrinological disturbances to prepubertal level. Both patients were subsequently operated on. All five children underwent total surgical removal of HHs. The hamartomas were excised through pterional approach. Postoperatively two children showed transient third nerve palsy and one diabetes incipidus. There was no permanent disability due to surgical intervention. The clinical and biochemical symptoms and signs of precocious puberty completely regressed postoperatively including two cases treated initially with GnRH analog. The children have been followed for 1 to 6 years and no recurrence of puberty was observed. Surgical excision of pedunculated HHs is still a valuable option in the treatment of precocious puberty in small children. This alternative should be considered if the initial GnRH therapy failed to suppress++ puberty and reduce bone age advancement.

Risk factors of recurrence in 157 MB/PNET patients treated in one institution

To evaluate the risk factors for recurrence of MB/PNET we analyzed the medical records of 157 patients treated at the Children's Memorial Health Institute between February 1981 and February 1997. The following factors were evaluated: age at diagnosis, gender, tumor size, tumor cells in the CSF, postoperative status, extent of resection and methods of treatment. We evaluated chemotherapy (CHT) doses, interval between courses, interval between surgery (S) and first course of CHT, interval between S and radiotherapy (RTX), and breaks during RTX. We divided patients into six groups: S alone, S+CHT, S+RTX, S+CHT+ RTX, S+RTX+CHT, S+CHT+RTX+ CHT. Age at diagnosis, gender, tumor size, extent of resection, postoperative status, intervals between courses of CHT, between S and the first course of CHT, and between S and RTX, and breaks during RTX had no statistical influence on relapse occurrence. Tumor cells in CSF were routinely checked for from January 1992 onward. In this group of 75 patients, 40 had tumor cells positive at surgery (28 relapsed), while in the group of 35 patients with negative tumor cells 14 relapsed (P=0.004). Out of 26 patients treated with S+RTX alone, 13 relapsed. Among 14 patients treated with S+RTX and prolonged CHT 6 relapsed. Out of 14 patients treated with S+CHT 13 relapsed; among 49 who received S+CHT+RTX 35 relapsed; and out of 51 patients treated with S+CHT+RTX+CHT 30 relapsed. In the multivariate analysis of treatment methods chemotherapy implemented after radiotherapy had a positive, though not statistically significant, influence on outcome (P=0.06). Among those receiving CHT the mean percentage of the ideal dose administered had a statistically significant influence on relapse: in the group of relapsed patients the mean dose was 76.1%, while in the group in continuous remission it was 83.7% (P=0.0013). On the basis of our data, we conclude that the presence of tumor cells in the CSF had a significant influence on the occurrence of relapse. Administration of appropriate doses of chemotherapy is extremely important for the occurrence of relapse and the final outcome of treatment. Prolonged adjuvant chemotherapy after radiotherapy seems to lower the risk of recurrence.

[Preliminary results of the treatment of occlusive hydrocephalus in children by endoscopic techniques]

The group of 20 patients with the preliminary diagnosis of occlusive hydrocephalus were treated by neuroendoscopic technique. Ten ventriculocystocisternostomies in cases with third ventricle arachnoid cysts accompanied by hydrocephalus, 9 ventriculostomies, and 1 ventriculostomy with fenestration of posterior fossa cystic lesion were performed. It was proven that the neuroendoscopic procedures were effective in 17 cases (85%) in the 10 months mean follow-up period of the study group. With no mortality, transient surgical complications were observed in 5 cases (25%). In 3 cases, inefficacy of the method was caused by false preoperative evaluation, and inappropriate surgical technique.

[Encephalo-cranio-cutaneous lipomatosis (ECCL) -- Haberland syndrome. A case report with review of the literature]

Encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis (ECCL) is a congenital neurocutaneous disorder of the adipose tissue. The dominant features of the syndrome, include: unilateral cerebral malformation, ipsilateral scalp, face and eye lesions and convulsions beginning in infancy. The authors report a case of 13-year old girl with signs of ECCL syndrome treated surgically for to intractable epilepsy.

[Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies of subependymal giant cell astrocytomas in children with tuberous sclerosis]

Ten cases of subependymal giant cell astrocytoma associated with sclerosis tuberosa were reevaluated in order to assess their phenotyping and biologic features. All tumours were multifocal, located within lateral ventricles, often overlying the head of the caudate nucleus or protruding into the third ventricle. The phenotype of SGCA disclosed a complex pattern: giant cells were GFAP positive, some of them were stained with antibodies against neurofilament and NSE. Ultrastructurally, the cells of SGCA contained frequent dense bodies, numerous intermediate filaments and microtubules. Biologically SGCA is not malignant, although its appearance may suggest otherwise. No patient had an apparent recurrence within 3-5 years of observation.

[Craniopharyngioma in childhood. Significance of the extent of surgical resection and adjuvant megavoltage irradiation for event: free survival]

A series of 81 children with craniopharyngiomas is presented. All patients were operated on between 1981 and 1992. According to the applied treatment the presented group was divided into three distinct categories. 28 patients underwent what was considered by the surgeon to be total excision of their tumour, 27 bad partial excision, in the rest 26 children partial excision of the tumour was followed by local rtgtherapy. The impact on the outcome, the statistically estimated probability of event-free survival, following different type of applied treatment was the main aim of this study. The 5- and 10-year actuarial recurrence free survival rate were 78% and 52% respectively, for total removal group, versus 46% and 28% for partial removal, and 49% and 18% for partial removal followed by megavoltage irradiation. The study show a statistically significant advantage for radial surgical removal of childhood craniopharyngioma in event free survival. It is emphasized that total resection using modern diagnostic and surgical methods is the mainstay for childhood carniopharyngioma. Nearly 87% of pediatric craniopharyngiomas can be totally resected.

[A case of Galen's vein aneurysm in an infant treated by combined transtorcular/transfemoral embolization]

We present a case of an aneurysm of Galen vein in an infant with concomitant large hydrocephalus, treated by ventriculoperitoneal shunting and combined transtorcular-transfemoral embolization with a good clinical outcome. The technical aspect of the procedure is described in detail; current concepts concerning the pathophysiology and data in the available literature are reviewed.

[Multiple pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma tumors in a 12-year-old girl]

This report presents a case of multiple bilateral hemispheric tumours (pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma) in a practically asymptomatic 12-years-old girl. The tumours were removed radically in a staged procedure, with a favorable clinical outcome. Clinical history and neuropathologic findings are described. A review of pertinent literature is included.

[The tethered spinal cord: diagnosis and surgical considerations]

The tethered spinal cord consists of complex malformations that result from disturbances in the closure of the neural tube early in embryonic development. Among patients with occult or open spinal dysraphic anomalies, late progressive neurologic deterioration commonly occurs due to a treatable cause. Most of the patients treated surgically showed improvement of their presenting complaints. The paper describes modern diagnostic methods and surgical indications. Close clinical and radiodiagnostic follow-up of this high risk patient population is indicated.

Surgical treatment of intraventricular tumors associated with tuberous sclerosis

Six children with intraventricular tumors associated with tuberous sclerosis (TS) were treated at the Children's Health Center, Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, in the period 1987-1992. The age of the patients ranged from 7 to 15 years. TS was diagnosed according to Gomez diagnostic criteria. Computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging showed intraventricular tumors associated with ventricular enlargement and multiple subependymal nodules commonly observed in cases of TS. All tumors were removed totally through frontal transcortical approach, with uneventful postoperative recovery. One patient, with two parallel tumors in the two frontal horns, underwent one-stage surgery with successful total removal. Histopathological examination in all cases showed subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SGCA). The growth pattern of SGCA associated with TS, documented by sequential CT scans over several years, is described. The diagnosis and surgical treatment of the tumor are discussed, and periodic CT scanning, at least every 2 years, is recommended for patients with TS.

Identification of the cerebrospinal compensatory mechanisms via computer-controlled drainage of the cerebrospinal fluid

The constant rate infusion test is still widely used for the diagnosis of hydrocephalus in children. The increased resistance to reabsorption of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is considered the most important factor in the improvement seen after shunting. However, the classic infusion test has some disadvantages: the compensatory model is identified in the conditions of raised intracranial pressure, which may provoke some uncontrolled changes in cerebral blood volume in the mechanism of vasomotor response; also non-linear effects in reabsorption mechanisms may have a significant influence. The controlled drainage of CSF can be considered as a form of pressure-volume testing if the volume of the drained fluid is precisely measured. The main advantage of the method is the possibility of estimating unknown parameters in practically physiological conditions (with only slightly decreased pressure). This paper presents a new method for the identification of an electrical model of cerebrospinal volume compensation. The method has been described theoretically, verified on the simulator and introduced into clinical practice at the Medical Academy in Warsaw and the Children's Health Center in Miedzylesie.

[Results of combined treatment of cerebellar medulloblastomas in children with chemotherapy preceding radiotherapy]

153 patients presenting with medulloblastoma between 1980-1992 were treated at the Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Child's Health Centre in Warszawa. This group was studied retrospectively and assessed for clinical presentation, histology, treatment regimen and survival. 44 cases treated between 1980 and 1986 underwent surgical resection, postoperative staging evaluation, and craniospinal irradiation, additionally patients assigned to "high risk" group received post-irradiation chemotherapy. Beginning 1986-86 patients with "standard risk" medulloblastoma were treated with preirradiation--"sandwich" chemotherapy consisting of either procarbazine, vincristine and CCNU or "eight drugs a day", followed by megavoltage irradiation, while "high risk" group received also postirradiation chemotherapy. The 5-year actuarial survival rate for all patients was 43%. There were no statistically significant differences in 5-year survival rate between the group treated with preirradiation chemotherapy--52%, and without--54%. The presented group was studied to identify variables of prognostic significance. The extent of disease at the time of diagnosis, as measured by M staging criteria was significantly associated with outcome. The extent of tumour resection, histological subtype of the tumour, postoperative complications, T-staging, and age did not influence the prognosis in the present study.

[Radical removal of a totally thrombosed vein of Galen aneurysm preoperatively diagnosed as a pineal neoplasm]

A case of an eight-year-old with signs of a pineal region tumor who underwent radical removal of a totally thrombosed vein of Galen aneurysm through the infratentorial supracerebellar approach. Pathophysiology of vein of Galen malformations including variety of clinical course, angiographic appearance and prognosis was described. Predisposition to spontaneous thrombosis in that type of malformations indicates necessity of taking into account such cases in the differential diagnosis of pineal region tumors.

[Results of surgical treatment of retrobulbar tumors through osteoplastic supraorbital osteotomy]

Osteoplastic supraorbital orbitotomy in operations of retrobulbar tumours minimizes the necessity of retraction of frontal lobe by change of the direction of the surgical approach. The method allows also reconstruction of the orbital roof preventing postoperative pulsating exophthalmos. The results were supported by comparison of the late control CT scans performed in patients operated by the classical transcranial approach with the examinations performed in patients operated on by the described method.

Cerebrospinal compensation in hydrocephalic children

One hundred and fifteen cases of hydrocephalus in children were analysed. Cerebrospinal compensatory reserve was assessed by a computerized, constant rate, lumbar infusion test. Head circumference and ventricular size were measured and a psychometric examination carried out. A classification of hydrocephalus based on resting cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFP) and resistance to cerebrospinal fluid outflow (RCSF) was introduced. Parameters of compensatory reserve were compared in atrophy (low CSFP, low RCSF), normal-pressure hydrocephalus (low CSFP, increased RCSF), non-communicating hydrocephalus (high CSFP, low RCSF) and acute hydrocephalus (high CSFP and increased RCSF). Significant differences were found between the factors describing compensatory ability in these groups. Sixty-two patients could be classified on the basis of resting CSFP and RCSF. Differentiation between the types of hydrocephalus was shown to be more accurate when all variables measured during the pressure-volume test were considered. The patterns of the time courses of CSFP during rate infusion tests in the different types of hydrocephalus are presented.

[Characteristics of intracranial volume-pressure relationship in hydrocephalic children with reference to age]

The purpose of the study was establishing of the effect of child's age, and thus the biomechanical properties of cranial coverings, on the parameters characterizing the intracranial space in the infusion test. The results of the infusion tests performed as a supplementary diagnostic examination in 59 cases of infantile hydrocephalus were subjected to statistical analysis. The studied material and the methods used for its processing no significant differences were found in the mean values of the biomechanical parameters of intracranial space were found between the group of younger children (aged up to 2 years) and older children (over 2 years). This finding may be important in the interpretation of the results of the infusion test, since it was not found that the biomechanical properties of the cranial coverings had any significant effect on the results of this test.

Tissue response to hydroxylapatite in induced diabetic and nondiabetic rats: histologic evaluation

This study evaluated the tissue response to the subcutaneous implantation of nonporous hydroxylapatite (HA) in 24 induced-diabetic (ID) and 24 nondiabetic (ND) rats. One cubic centimeter of HA was implanted subcutaneously in each rat's chest. Subgroups of 6 rats from the ID and ND groups were killed at 3, 6, 12, and 24 weeks postimplantation. The implants were removed with the surrounding soft tissues and processed for histologic evaluation. This revealed that soft tissue inflammation was mild at each time interval. There was a decreased response at 6 months in ND rats and a persistent inflammatory reaction in ID rats. Collagen maturity and fibroplasia increased within ND rats, whereas the ID rats showed a marked delay in collagen maturity and density. No osteogenesis was observed in any specimen. Dystrophic calcification was observed at the HA-tissue interface in 37% of ND and 59% of ID specimens. It was concluded that HA elicited a greater inflammatory response in ID than in ND rats when implated subcutaneously.

Hydroxylapatite granules and blocks as an extracranial augmenting material in rhesus monkeys

This study evaluates the use of the nonporous hydroxylapatite (HA) granules and blocks as an extracranial augmentation material in monkeys. Augmentation was performed in 12 Rhesus monkeys killed at three, six, and 12 months postoperatively. Clinical evaluation revealed that the HA granules become stable within three to four weeks, but there is loss of some augmented height due to settling of the material within the subpericranial pocket. The HA blocks maintained the augmented cranial contours, but 25% of them exhibited mobility. Histologic evaluation revealed no evidence of inflammation or bone resorption with either the HA granular or block form. The HA granules were separated from each other and from the bone interface by a layer of collagen fibers, and the blocks were also surrounded by a fibrous capsule. There was no evidence of bonding between the HA granules, and the bone-HA interface was separated by an intervening fibrous layer in all the HA granular specimens except for one in the one year group which showed evidence of bone formation in part of the HA bone interface. It was concluded that when used as an extracranial augmentation material, the nonporous HA granules were more stable than blocks; however, the blocks maintain a better contour.

Nonporous hydroxylapatite granules as an extracranial and extranasal augmenting material in dogs: technique and initial findings

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of nonporous hydroxylapatite (HA) granules as an extracranial and extranasal augmentation material in dogs. Clinical evaluation revealed that the HA granules became stable within 6 weeks and lost some of the augmented height. Histologic evaluation revealed no evidence of inflammation, bone resorption, or bone formation; also the granules were separated from other granules and the cranial surface by a layer of collagen fibers. This study concluded that nonporous HA granules are a practical extracranial and extranasal augmentation material, but its final augmentation contour is difficult to predict and control because of the consistency of the material. Either researchers need to develop a better method to stabilize HA granules in extracranial and extranasal applications or they need access to an HA block material that maintains better augmented contour.

Analysis of CSF dynamics by computerized pressure-elastance resorption test in hydrocephalic children. Indications for surgery

Since 1982, 23 hydrocephalic children have been studied for compensatory mechanisms of the cerebrospinal fluid system. The authors describe the method and results of a computerized pressure-elastance resorption test (CPERT), a spinal steady-state infusion test, in hydrocephalic children. Computerized analysis of the P/V and AMP/P curve provides valuable data that precisely describe the degree of disturbances of CSF dynamics. The following parameters were quantitatively determined: out-flow resistance, opening pressure, elastance, elasticity, reference pressure and optimum (break-point) pressure. It is concluded that the described test allows the differential diagnosis of chronic hydrocephalus in children. The value of optimum pressure (analysis of AMP-P relation) gives precise indications for surgery and the selection of a valve system with adequate opening pressure. In some cases, the CPERT test can be used instead of continuous ICP monitoring.

Synthesis of thymosin alpha 1 by fragment condensation using tert.-butyl side chain protection

A novel synthesis of thymosin alpha 1 by classical methods using seven tert.-butyl side chain protected fragments is described. Optimum conditions were found for the final DCC/HOBt coupling of the two key intermediates; decapeptide and octadecapeptide. Thymosin alpha 1 was purified by two stages of preparative HPLC (partial purification with C8 and final purification with C18 reverse phase silica gel) to give a 30% overall yield for the final four stages of synthesis (including catalytic hydrogenation of octadecapeptide, coupling, deprotection and purification). The product was shown to be homogeneous by thin-layer and paper high voltage electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing analysis, thin-layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography. Amino acid analysis, optical rotation, 1H-n.m.r. spectroscopy, FAB mass spectroscopy and peptide mapping after tryptic digestion confirmed the structure of thymosin alpha 1. Three minor stereoisomer contaminants were isolated by HPLC and characterized as [D-Lys14]-thymosin alpha 1, [D-Lys17]-thymosin alpha 1 and [D-Ala3]-thymosin alpha 1 resulting from racemization at Lys14, Lys17 and Ala3 during the coupling of the fragments. A final contaminant, isolated by HPLC, was characterized as N alpha-isobutyloxycarbonyl-thymosin alpha 1 (15-28), which results from "wrong way opening" of an activated mixed anhydride.

Effects of peptides cleaved from human fibrinogen by plasmin on rabbit kidney cells in culture

Low molecular weight fibrinogen degradation products (LMW-FDP) containing a mixture of dialysable peptides cleaved from human fibrinogen by plasmin are cytotoxic to an established line of rabbit kidney cells and to primary cultures of rabbit kidney cells. The presence of LMW-FDP in a concentration of 50 micrograms/ml during the cell cultivation caused a considerable release of 51Cr from prelabelled cells and inhibited 3H-thymidine and 86Rb uptake. Among three isolated peptides of established primary structure only one, 6D: Ser-Gln-Leu-Gln-Lys-Val-Pro-Pro-Glu-Trp-Lys, induced a significant effect, i.e. it enhanced 3H-thymidine incorporation. Two others, 6A: Ala-Arg-Pro-Ala-Lys and 6E: Thr-Ser-Glu-Val-Lys, did not influence the examined parameters. Hence other components of LMW-FDP must be assumed to be responsible for the cytotoxic effect on kidney cell cultures.

Tolerance for deviance: subjective evaluation of the social validity of the focus of treatment in mental retardation

Staff members from an American institution, Israeli institutions, and a number of American group homes were asked to rate the social tolerability of 84 types of behavior that reflected either skill deficits or social maladaptation. There was considerable agreement among the three sample groups about the relative rank ordering of the 84 items. Physical violence and socially disgusting behavior were perceived as most intolerable whereas deficits in academic skills were least intolerable. The Israeli sample was uniformly less tolerant than either American sample.

The effect of some varying lipid A structures on the inhibition of fibrillogenesis in basement membrane collagen

Acid soluble basement membrane collagen (ABMC) was prepared by extraction of the anterior lens capsules from bovine calf eyes in 0.5 M acetic acid in the presence of the protease inhibitors leupeptin and pepstatin. Thermal aggregates formed from soluble basement membrane collagen were facilitated by heating (28 degree C) the collagen solutions in 0.15 M phosphate buffer. The effects of endotoxins derived from Salmonella minnesota R595, Chromobacterium violaceum an Rhodopseudomonas viridis on the assembly af basement membrane collagen were ascertained by analysis of turbidity curves (340 nm) obtained during aggregation in vitro. All of the endotoxins tested were noted to inhibit the final level of turbidity and to prolong the lag period for thermal assembly. Plotting the increase in turbidity against the logarithm of time of analyzing the turbidity curves as first-order reaction indicated that what was altered was the rate of assembly of fibrils in collagen treated with endotoxin, rather than the mechanism of assembly of these fibrils. These conclusions are supported by Arrhenius plots of basement membrane aggregations in vitro in the presence and absence of endotoxins.

The role of intracellular lysosomal enzymes in the autocellular-surveillance of unhydroxylated collagens in dermal and gingival fibroblasts

The turnover of unhydroxylated collagen was investigated in dermal and gingival fibroblasts derived from C57Bl/6J mice. Unhydroxylated collagen molecules were fostered by the inhibition of prolyl- and lysyl-hydroxylase by the addition of alpha, alpha' dipyridyl. Turnover of collagens was determined by single isotope continuous labeling, double-isotopic labeling, the use of lysosomal pH modulators, and proteinase inhibitors. These studies reveal that the turnover of unhydroxylated collagen is an extracellular event, in spite of the susceptibility of these abnormal structural and conformational proteins to proteolysis; the synthesizing cell does not utilize intracellular lysosomal enzymes as a means of modulating the quantities of non-helical unhydroxylated collagen as an intolerable post-translational error of protein processing.

Interactions of lipopolysaccharides, glycolipid, lipid A with acid soluble basement membrane collagen during thermal aggregation

Lipopolysaccharides derived from a number of Escherichia coli and Salmonella species were incorporated into thermal aggregates acid soluble basement membrane collagens. Although most of these endotoxins were noted to inhibit basement membrane collagen aggregation, some lipopolysaccharides possessed little or no inhibitory properties. However, the lipid A derived from all of the latter lipopolysaccharides and the glycolipid from Salmonella minnesota R595 were noted to be significant inhibitors of acid soluble basement membrane collagen aggregation. These data suggest that the nonpolar region of the endotoxin molecule is responsible for the inhibition of acid soluble basement membrane collagen assemblies and that these intermolecular interactions probably occur with the hydrophobic globular domain of acid soluble basement membrane collagens.

Emotional disturbance in mental retardation: an investigation of differential diagnosis

The study sought to determine whether 100 emotionally disturbed mentally retarded subjects assigned four distinct diagnostic labels could be differentiated from each other on the basis of sex, age, degree of mental impairment, and adaptive behavior. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that the autism classification was distinguishable from psychosis, schizophrenia, and severe emotional disturbance in terms of degree of retardation and adaptive behavior. The primary distinguishing feature was the autistic group's low level of language development. The schizophrenics, psychotics, and severely emotionally disturbed subjects were indistinguishable from each other on the variables examined.