Brief report on Ziprasidone

Ziprasidone is a new antipsychotic with combined dopamine and serotonin receptor antagonist activity. The initial evidence suggests an effective dosage range of 80-160 mg/day. Clinical trials suggest that the drug is an effective antipsychotic in schizophrenia and schizo-affective disorder with a beneficial effect on negative symptoms and symptoms of depression. The main adverse effects appear to be somnolence (14%) and nausea (10%). Ziprasidone has relatively fewer side effects and yet has at least equivalent efficacy for florid 'positive' symptoms compared to conventional anti psychotics. The additional serotonergic actions deliver further efficacy against 'negative' and affective symptoms of schizophrenia. Reduced effects on cognitive abilities compared to conventional anti psychotics make Ziprasidone more attractive.     

A clinical study on injectable contraceptive Noristerat

Results of a clinical study involving 382 subjects using the injectable contraceptive Noristerat (norethisterone enanthate) is presented. The maximum number of acceptors were between 21-25 years of age and had been married for 6-10 years. 50% began their 1st injection within 1 year of the last childbirth. Continuation rates were very high and about 75% returned for their 2nd injection. Among the users, weight gain was seen more commonly than weight loss. There was no significant change in blood pressure. 52.2% reported a menstrual pattern which was within the acceptable range of normal, while only 12.7% had amenorrhea. 15% showed other types of menstrual disturbance. Only 1 woman in the series became pregnant. Menstrual abnormality was the most common cause for discontinuation among the 71 subjects available for interview.     

Education and infant survival in rural Bangladesh

This paper explores the mechanism through which socioeconomic status affects infant deaths. The data used here come from a prospective study in rural Bangladesh. Both neonatal deaths and postneonatal deaths were found to be higher in number among those whose mothers have no schooling. Again, education of the mother has been found to be related to gestational month at termination and this gestational month at termination (which is the maturity of the newborn) determines the neonatal death. The other factors affecting infant mortality were the height of the mother and the weight of the infant. The taller the mother, the fewer the neonatal and post-natal deaths. The weight of the infant has a direct relationship to its survival during infancy.     

Patient and surgeon experience with the endotine forehead device for brow and forehead lift

PURPOSE:: To report our experience with the Endotine forehead fixation device (Coapt Systems, Palo Alto, CA, U.S.A.), a bioabsorbable fixation method for forehead and brow lift. METHODS:: Retrospective noncomparative case series of 31 patients who underwent forehead and brow lift surgery using the Endotine device in a single center during a 12-month period from 2004 to 2005. RESULTS: A mean brow lift of 2.8 mm (SD, 0.2-7.1 mm) was achieved. There were no cases of recurrence during the follow-up period of 4 months to 22 months. Problems encountered included palpability, tenderness, and numbness. In the majority of cases, these symptoms resolved within a few months and were not troublesome to the patient. Other problems included visible lumps, device mobility, and exacerbation of a high hairline. Patient satisfaction was high, with 95.3% of patients saying they were either happy or very happy with the results; 81% of patients said they would recommend the Endotine as a method of fixation. All surgeons were pleased by the lift achieved and felt the device was easy to use. Problems reported by the surgeons included 1 dislocated device, discomfort, palpability beyond 15 months, a lack of lateral compared with central lift, and cost. Two of the 3 surgeons are still using the Endotine device as the preferred method of fixation. CONCLUSIONS:: The Endotine device is effective, safe, and easy to use, and has high patient satisfaction. Problems included numbness, tenderness, and palpability. A preference for other fixation methods was indicated by some because of cost, length of surgery, and the amount of lift achieved.     

Moving sound reduces arousal in psychosomatic patients

The present study was designed to investigate the possible effect of moving sound stimulation on Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) in psychosomatic patients. Sixteen volunteers (psychosomatic = 8, healthy controls = 8) were exposed to a moving or stationary sound of same acoustic structure while GSR was monitored. Results indicated that moving sound produces a significant reduction of arousal in psychosomatic patients.