A miniature and mobile intermittent pneumatic compression device for the prevention of deep-vein thrombosis after joint replacement

The WizAir-DVT is a miniature, lightweight (690 g), battery-operated and mobile intermittent pneumatic compression device (ICD), which enables continuous intraoperative use and immediate patient mobilization postoperatively. We compared its efficacy with a commonly used ICD, the Kendall SCD. Peak femoral vein flow velocity was measured in 20 apparently healthy volunteers at rest and with each device: we found no significant differences between them. A second prospective, randomized, clinical trial was used to compare the efficiency of the device in preventing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) after joint replacement in 50 patients (n=25/group). None developed DVT. Doppler ultrasonography revealed no significant differences. The WizAir-DVT antithrombotic compression device is as safe and effective as the Kendall SCD.     

Specific mutations in the HEXA gene among Iraqi Jewish Tay-Sachs disease carriers: dating of founder ancestor

The incidence of Tay-Sachs disease (TSD) carriers, as defined by enzyme assay, is 1:29 among Ashkenazi Jews and 1:110 among Moroccan Jews. An elevated carrier frequency of 1:140 was also observed in the Iraqi Jews (IJ), while in other Israeli populations the worlds pan-ethnic frequency of approximately 1:280 has been found. Recently a novel mutation, G⁷⁴⁹T, has been reported in 38.7% of the IJ carriers (24/62). Here we report a second novel HEXA mutation specific to the IJ TDS carriers: a substitution of cytosine 1351 by guanosine (C¹³⁵¹G), resulting in the change of leucine to valine in position 451. This mutation was found in 33.9% (21/62) of the carriers and in none of 100 non-carrier IJ. In addition to the two specific mutations, 14.5% (9/62) of the IJ carriers bear a known Jewish mutation (Ashkenazi or Moroccan) and 11.3% (7/62) carry a known non-Jewish mutation. In 1 DNA sample no mutation has yet been detected. To investigate the genetic history of the IJ-specific mutations (C¹³⁵¹G and G⁷⁴⁹T), the allelic distribution of four polymorphic markers (D15S131, D15S1025, D15S981, D15S1050) was analyzed in IJ heterozygotes and ethnically matched controls. Based on linkage disequilibrium, recombination factor () between the markers and mutated loci, and the population growth correction, we deduced that G⁷⁴⁹T occurred in a founder ancestor 44.8±14.2 generations (g) ago [95% confidence interval (CI) 17.0–72.6 g] and C¹³⁵¹G arose 80.4±35.9 g ago (95% CI 44.5–116.3 g). Thus, the estimated dates for introduction of mutations are: 626±426 A.D. (200–1052 A.D.) for G⁷⁴⁹T and 442±1077 B.C. (1519 B.C. to 635 A.D.) for C¹³⁵¹G.     

Vitamin D analogs as modulators of vitamin D receptor action

The natural calcium-regulating hormone 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25D(3)) is a secosteroid that offers organic chemists many sites for modifying structural and/or functional groups. Such modifications alter the chemistry, stereochemistry, and biological properties of the natural hormone. The resulting deltanoids (vitamin D analogs) have been used in the past two decades as molecular probes to investigate structure-function relationships based on their interactions with proteins that regulate deltanoid biostability (catabolic enzymes of the vitamin D endocrine system and vitamin D binding protein) and deltanoid transduction of biological activities (nuclear and membrane receptors). In this review we will focus on structural modifications of 1,25D(3) that selectively modulate the nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR). We will discuss the structural requirements and modifications that create analogs with greater potency and efficacy than the natural hormone (superagonists). We will also identify the structural features of an emerging group of noncalcemic selective agonists and describe the pharmacokinetic properties and VDR-mediated actions that promote their tissue- and gene-selective responses. In addition, we will speculate on the possible structural requirements for vitamin D antagonists. We will also examine the evidence from studies in cell-free systems, in culture and in vivo that explain the mechanisms for the distinct actions of each group of analogs, with special emphasis on the relationship between their mode of interaction with the VDR and the molecular and cellular outcome of these interactions. Finally, we will describe the current and potential use of these selective modulators of the VDR for treatment of human diseases such as osteoporosis, cancer, and secondary hyperparathyroidism.     

Lower corneal temperature in neuroleptic-treated vs. drug-free schizophrenia patients

Antipsychotic drugs (APDs) can decrease core body temperature in schizophrenia patients. Core temperature may correlate with corneal temperature and thus, we hypothesized that neuroleptic-treated schizophrenia patients would display lower corneal temperature compared with drug-free patients. Corneal temperature of 12 typical APD-treated and 9 drug-free male schizophrenia patients was assessed using a FLIR thermal imaging camera. The APD-treated patients exhibited substantially and significantly lower corneal temperature compared with the drug-free patients (31.57 +/- 0.98 degrees C vs. 34.55 +/- 1.65 degrees C; p < 0.0001). Our results suggest that APDs may decrease corneal/core temperature in schizophrenia patients. The relevance of this finding to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia or to the antipsychotic effect of neuroleptics merit further investigation.     

Transverse limb reduction and intrauterine device: case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancies with an intrauterine device (IUD) in situ are associated with increased maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality. No proven teratogenetic effects have been attributed to IUDs. CASE: A 29-year-old-woman conceived with an IUD in place. The device was removed at 7 weeks' gestation. Her level 2 sonogram at 25 weeks' gestation revealed transverse limb reduction of the foetal right forearm. She gave birth at term to a female infant with reduction of the right forearm. The rest of the physical examination, imaging and laboratory tests, including serology and karyotype were normal. CONCLUSION: We present a rare case of transverse limb reduction defect associated with the presence of an IUD at the time of conception. The device had been removed in the first trimester of the pregnancy. Data from the literature are reviewed.