Warfarin or Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin Therapy does not Prolong Pig-To-Primate Cardiac Xenograft Function

Microvascular thrombosis is a prominent feature in cardiac delayed xenograft rejection (DXR). We investigated the impact of warfarin or low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) anti-coagulation on xenograft function using a heterotopic pig-to-primate model. Donor hearts were from CD46 transgenic pigs and baboon immunosuppression included tacrolimus, sirolimus, anti-CD20 and TPC, an alpha-galactosyl-polyethylene glycol conjugate. Three groups of animals were studied. Group 1 (n = 9) was treated with warfarin, Group 2 (n = 13) with LMWH and Group 3, received no anti-coagulant drugs. The median duration of xenograft function was 20 days (range 3-62 days), 18 days (range 5-109 days) and 15 days (range 4-53 days) in Groups 1 to 3 respectively. Anti-coagulation achieved the targeted international normalized prothrombin ratio (INR) and anti-factor Xa levels consistent with effective in vivo therapy yet, no significant impact on median xenograft function was observed. At rejection, a similar histology of thrombosis and ischemia was apparent in each group and the levels of fibrin deposition and platelet thrombi in rejected tissue was the same. Anti-coagulation with warfarin or LMWH did not have a significant impact on the onset of DXR and microvascular thrombosis. However, a role for specific anti-coagulant strategies to achieve long-term xenograft function cannot be excluded.     

Discussing options between patients and health care professionals in genetic diagnosis: ethical and legal criteria

The specific characteristics of genetic data lead to ethical-legal conflicts in the framework of genetic diagnosis. Several international organisations, including UNESCO and the Council of Europe, have enacted rules referring to the use of genetic information. This paper discusses possible legal and ethical criteria that could be used in genetic testing.     

Doppler echocardiography of 119 normal-functioning St Jude Medical mitral valve prostheses: a comprehensive assessment including time-velocity integral ratio and prosthesis performance index.

The purpose of this study was to provide, in a large number of patients, comprehensive Doppler echocardiographic assessment of normal St Jude Medical mitral valve prosthesis function using Doppler-derived hemodynamic variables, including the mitral valve prosthesis-to-left ventricular outflow tract time-velocity integral ratio and prosthesis performance index. The pressure half-time was less than 130 milliseconds in all patients, and all but one patient had either a peak early mitral diastolic velocity of 2 m/s or less or a mitral valve prosthesis-to-left ventricular outflow tract time-velocity integral ratio of less than 2.2. There was a significant (P < .001) negative correlation between the prosthesis performance index and prosthesis size. This negative correlation suggests that there is more efficient use of the in vitro geometric orifice area with smaller prostheses.     

The clinical laboratory practitioner.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate potential areas of practice for the clinical laboratory scientist (CLS) and to propose a graduate curriculum to prepare the practitioner for an advanced level of practice. DESIGN: Meta-analysis of PharmD, physician assistant, physical therapy, and nurse practitioner curricula focusing on academic and clinical advanced practice was used to develop an educational model and curriculum for a professional doctorate in clinical laboratory science (CLS). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: (1) New educational model for CLS advanced practice; (2) A proposed curriculum for a Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Science degree. RESULTS: A new curriculum model was adapted from established healthcare educational models. CONCLUSION: Although there is a need for a baccalaureate degree in CLS there is also a role for expanded education and responsibilities for CLS practitioners. The CLS Advanced Practitioner design focuses on moving students from the baccalaureate level to the doctoral level and prepares the individual to become an integral part of the healthcare team.     

Mutations in SOX2 cause anophthalmia-esophageal-genital (AEG) syndrome

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Dental care of patients with autoimmune vesiculobullous diseases: case reports and literature review.

Dental management of patients with autoimmune vesiculobullous disorders is complicated because of prominent involvement of oral mucosa, increased risk of oral disease, and difficulty in rendering dental care. Although these diseases are relatively uncommon, dental practitioners should be familiar with the oral sequelae of these conditions and their management. Pemphigus vulgaris, cicatricial pemphigoid, and epidermolysis bullosa represent the most common autoimmune oral vesiculobullous diseases. This case-illustrated review summarizes the pathogenesis, diagnostic features, and natural history of oral vesiculobullous disorders, placing an emphasis on the treatment and prevention of associated oral disease aimed at maintaining a healthy, functional dentition.