The cross-sectional GRAS sample: A comprehensive phenotypical data collection of schizophrenic patients

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Schizophrenia is the collective term for an exclusively clinically diagnosed, heterogeneous group of mental disorders with still obscure biological roots. Based on the assumption that valuable information about relevant genetic and environmental disease mechanisms can be obtained by association studies on patient cohorts of ≥ 1000 patients, if performed on detailed clinical datasets and quantifiable biological readouts, we generated a new schizophrenia data base, the GRAS (Göttingen Research Association for Schizophrenia) data collection. GRAS is the necessary ground to study genetic causes of the schizophrenic phenotype in a 'phenotype-based genetic association study' (PGAS). This approach is different from and complementary to the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on schizophrenia.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>For this purpose, 1085 patients were recruited between 2005 and 2010 by an invariable team of traveling investigators in a cross-sectional field study that comprised 23 German psychiatric hospitals. Additionally, chart records and discharge letters of all patients were collected.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The corresponding dataset extracted and presented in form of an overview here, comprises biographic information, disease history, medication including side effects, and results of comprehensive cross-sectional psychopathological, neuropsychological, and neurological examinations. With >3000 data points per schizophrenic subject, this data base of living patients, who are also accessible for follow-up studies, provides a wide-ranging and standardized phenotype characterization of as yet unprecedented detail.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The GRAS data base will serve as prerequisite for PGAS, a novel approach to better understanding 'the schizophrenias' through exploring the contribution of genetic variation to the schizophrenic phenotypes.</p

Comment on Conway (2010): The role of the International Monetary Fund in the financial crisis

International Monetary Fund, Financial crisis,

The calcium response of human T lymphocytes is decreased in aging but increased in Alzheimer's dementia

BACKGROUND: A significant increase in the [Ca2+]i response of single T lymphocytes to mitogenic stimulation with phytohemagglutinin is reported for 27 Alzheimer patients compared with 27 healthy gender- and age-matched control subjects, regardless of gender. METHODS: The [Ca2+]i signals of T lymphocytes were assessed using the Fura-2-AM method. RESULTS: In Alzheimer's disease (AD) the reaction pattern is similar to that seen in a group of 27 young healthy control subjects who exhibited a marked [Ca2+]i rise after stimulation. During normal aging the reaction pattern of T cells is significantly attenuated in comparison to that found in young subjects. In healthy control subjects differences in age-related changes in calcium homeostasis are highly significant among women, young women showing the most intense cell response. CONCLUSIONS: The elevation of [Ca2+]i appears to be a prerequisite for apoptosis, which is suggested to be involved in the neuronal death occurring in AD. An increased [Ca2+]i in AD is consistent with processes leading to neurodegeneration in AD

Development of novel membranes for blood purification therapies based on copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and n-butylmethacrylate

Developments in membrane based blood purification therapies often come with longer treatment times and therefore longer blood–material contact, which requires long-term membrane biocompatibility. In this study, we develop for the first time membranes for blood purification using the material SlipSkin™, which is a copolymer, made from N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) and butylmethacrylate (BMA). Specific attention is focused on understanding the mechanism of pore formation and the tailoring of the membrane mechanical and transport properties to obtain the optimal membrane for blood purification therapies. Polymer composition, solvent type and solvent evaporation time influence membrane morphology and membranes with sieving properties of cascade filters in plasma fractionation applications are developed. The new membranes have very good blood compatibility properties; in fact compared to benchmark flat membranes currently used in the clinic, they have lower platelet adhesion while all other properties (contact activation, thrombogenicity, leukocyte adhesion, hemolysis and complement activation) are also very good and comparable to the benchmarks

Pearcey, Lionel. Lionel Pearcey Discusses Boat Types

A clip from David Taylor's March 22, 1979 interview with Lionel Pearcey. Mr. Pearcey discusses different types of boats. Interview takes place in Winterton, Trinity Bay, Newfoundland