ERP correlates of unexpected word forms in a picture-word study of infants and adults.

We tested 14-month-olds and adults in an event-related potentials (ERPs) study in which pictures of familiar objects generated expectations about upcoming word forms. Expected word forms labelled the picture (word condition), while unexpected word forms mismatched by either a small deviation in word medial vowel height (mispronunciation condition) or a large deviation from the onset of the first speech segment (pseudoword condition). Both infants and adults showed sensitivity to both types of unexpected word form. Adults showed a chain of discrete effects: positivity over the N(1) wave, negativity over the P(2) wave (PMN effect) and negativity over the N(2) wave (N400 effect). Infants showed a similar pattern, including a robust effect similar to the adult P(2) effect. These observations were underpinned by a novel visualisation method which shows the dynamics of the ERP within bands of the scalp over time. The results demonstrate shared processing mechanisms across development, as even subtle deviations from expected word forms were indexed in both age groups by a reduction in the amplitude of characteristic waves in the early auditory evoked potential.

Laser Doppler perfusion imaging: a method for measuring female sexual response.

To develop a new noninvasive technique to measure vulval blood flow changes during sexual arousal; 18 healthy volunteers between the age of 20 and 33 years were studied. Each subject underwent two experimental sessions at least 2 weeks apart to coincide with the proliferative and luteal phases of her menstrual cycle. An initial laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI) scan of the vulva was performed. The subject was then given a chapter of erotic fiction to read and a repeat LDPI scan was performed immediately after. The percentage change in flux were calculated: the clitoral skin blood flow increased by 26.4% (P < 0.05), labial skin blood flow by 24.9% (P < 0.05) and the posterior fourchette skin blood flow by 35.3% (P < 0.05). LDPI can detect changes in vulval perfusion during the sexual arousal response and could be used to compare healthy subjects with female sexual dysfunction patients, as well as for assessing the benefits of any treatment for this condition.

The use of cytospin monolayer technique in the cytological diagnosis of vulval and anal disease.

This pilot study investigated the use of the non-invasive cytospin monolayer technique in the diagnosis and screening of neoplastic and non-neoplastic vulval disease. Twenty-three patients (age range 34-86 years) attending a vulval disease clinic had brush cytology performed. The samples were prepared with a cytospin monolayer technique and the slides Papanicolaou-stained. Subsequent cytological interpretation and diagnosis were performed without knowledge of the clinical history and correlated with follow-up biopsy histopathology from each patient. Twenty-eight cytospin samples were analysed in total, of which 11 (39%) contained dyskaryotic cells which were assessed and a predicted VIN/AIN grade given. Ten of 11 samples (91%) reported as dyskaryotic had VIN/AIN on biopsy histology. One of 11 samples (9%) was reported as containing occasional squamous cells with borderline nuclear features and, although the corresponding biopsy did not show VIN, basal atypia was reported. One patient had features suggesting invasive carcinoma on cytology which was verified on subsequent biopsy. The 15 cases in which no dyskaryotic cells were identified did not show VIN or AIN on subsequent histology. Two cases were acellular and considered inadequate for cytological interpretation. The cytospin monolayer technique allows the diagnosis of neoplastic from non-neoplastic vulval disease. It is a quick, inexpensive and non-invasive method that may have a role in diagnosis, screening and surveillance of patients.

Acute second trimester EPH (edema/proteinuria/hypertension) gestosis as an indicator of fetal anomaly.

EPH gestosis in the second trimester suggests the likelihood of a number of fetal anomalies; the status of the fetus and risk to mother are such that spontaneous delivery or hysterotomy is usually the outcome, often without a full prenatal investigation. The types of fetal disorders encountered in this clinical setting are listed. Effects of abnormal endocrine environment as well as primary fetal malformations are distinguishable in these fetuses.

Autosomal dominant anterior polar cataracts associated with a familial 2;14 translocation.

We describe a family in which autosomal dominant anterior polar cataracts are segregating in four members over three generations with an apparently balanced reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 2 and 14. We conclude that altered function of a gene or genes on chromosomes 2 or 14 are important in the embryological development of the lens.