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This paper describes 10 core features of a neuropsychological assessment with the aim of helping neurologists understand the unique contribution the evaluation can make within the wider context of diagnostic methods in epilepsy. The possibilities, limitations and cautions associated with the investigation are discussed under the following headings. (1) A neuropsychological assessment is a collaborative investigation. (2) Assessment prior to treatment allows for the accurate assessment of treatment effects. (3) The nature of an underlying lesion and its neurodevelopmental context play an important role in shaping the associated neuropsychological deficit. (4) Cognitive and behavioural impairments result from the essential comorbidities of epilepsy which can be considered as much a disorder of cognition and behaviour as of seizures. (5) Patients' subjective complaints can help us understand objective cognitive impairments and their underlying neuroanatomy, resulting in improved patient care. At other times, patient complaints reflect other factors and require careful interpretation. (6) The results from a neuropsychological assessment can be used to maximize the educational and occupational potentials of people with epilepsy. (7) Not all patients are able to engage with a neuropsychological assessment. (8) There are limitations in assessments conducted in a second language with tests that have been standardized on different populations from that of the patient. (9) Adequate intervals between assessments maximize sensitivity to meaningful change. (10) Patients should be fully informed about the purpose of the assessment and have realistic expectations of the outcome prior to referral. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1 1-[4-(3-piperidin-1-yl-propoxy)-benzyl]-piperidine (JNJ-5207852) is a novel, non-imidazole histamine H3 receptor antagonist, with high affinity at the rat (pKi=8.9) and human (pKi=9.24) H3 receptor. JNJ-5207852 is selective for the H3 receptor, with negligible binding to other receptors, transporters and ion channels at 1 microm. 2 JNJ-5207852 readily penetrates the brain tissue after subcutaneous (s.c.) administration, as determined by ex vivo autoradiography (ED50 of 0.13 mg kg(-1) in mice). In vitro autoradiography with 3H-JNJ-5207852 in mouse brain slices shows a binding pattern identical to that of 3H-R-alpha-methylhistamine, with high specific binding in the cortex, striatum and hypothalamus. No specific binding of 3H-JNJ-5207852 was observed in brains of H3 receptor knockout mice. 3 In mice and rats, JNJ-5207852 (1-10 mg kg(-1) s.c.) increases time spent awake and decreases REM sleep and slow-wave sleep, but fails to have an effect on wakefulness or sleep in H3 receptor knockout mice. No rebound hypersomnolence, as measured by slow-wave delta power, is observed. The wake-promoting effects of this H3 receptor antagonist are not associated with hypermotility. 4 A 4-week daily treatment of mice with JNJ-5207852 (10 mg kg(-1) i.p.) did not lead to a change in body weight, possibly due to the compound being a neutral antagonist at the H3 receptor. 5 JNJ-5207852 is extensively absorbed after oral administration and reaches high brain levels. 6 The data indicate that JNJ-5207852 is a novel, potent and selective H3 antagonist with good in vitro and in vivo efficacy, and confirm the wake-promoting effects of H3 receptor antagonists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measures mast cell and eosinophil mediator levels and indices of vascular permeability in naturally occurring rhinitis. Occurrence of mast cell and eosinophil activation in both seasonal allergic rhinitis and perennial allergic rhinitis; Increase in vascular permeability; Possible use of measurements in lavage fluid for monitoring the mucosal cellular events in response to therapy.

A method for the incorporation of chlorhexidine into acrylic resin using monomer together with the pattern of release of chlorhexidine from treated resin into water at 37°C is described. Release from polished and unpolished resin, and from acrylic prepared by short-curing and dry-curing processes are investigated. The pattern of release in all cases was of an exponential nature, showing a rapid release within the first 10 days becoming almost constant at a level of 0.4-1.5 μg cm-2 at about 20 days. Release was still evident at the end of the test period in all cases. Release of chlorhexidine into water from the short-cure specimens was accompanied by release of monomer, evident from the odour of the test solutions, indicating that polymerization was not complete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]