Serotonin 5-HT2 receptors in schizophrenia: a PET study using [18F]setoperone in neuroleptic-naive patients and normal subjects

BACKGROUND: In the FRISC trial, dalteparin 120 IU/kg body weight twice daily for unstable coronary artery disease was safe and reduced the risk of new coronary events. This risk reduction was maintained during the following extended treatment with a fixed dose of 7500 IU dalteparin once daily. METHODS AND RESULTS: Minor bleeding was more frequent in women compared with men: relative risk (CI) 2.88 (1.78 to 4.67) during the weight-adjusted and 2.36 (1.37 to 2.63) during the fixed dose treatment. The anti-Xa activity determined in samples (n = 175) obtained during the acute phase treatment was higher in women compared with men (P <.001) and in nonsmokers compared with smokers (<.001) in multiple regression analysis. Also, during the fixed-dose treatment (n = 131) an independent relation between anti-Xa activity and sex (P <.001), but not smoking habits, persisted. CONCLUSION: To improve future low-molecular-weight heparin dose regimens for the treatment of acute coronary syndromes, it might be important to consider the influence of sex and smoking habits.     

Psychoneuroendocrinology of anxiety disorders

This article focuses on neuroendocrine measures in anxiety disorders and their relationships to neurotransmitter and neuroendocrine function. In particular, the hypothalamic-pituitary-somatotropin and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axes are emphasized, and a role for extrahypothalamic corticotropin releasing factor is proposed. Additional neuroactive hormones are also considered. A nonhuman primate model of anxiety is discussed in terms of its neuroendocrine relevance. And, throughout, a hypothetical functional-anatomic model for anxiety and panic is proposed using the findings of cognitive neuroscience fear research. Finally, an effort is made to synthesize existing psychoneuroendocrinologic data into a current conceptualization of the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders.     

The genetics of aging

We present a case of a patient who is HIV positive and developed both thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura and visceral Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) with hemorrhage. This case presents a difficult management problem in that the patient's bleeding originated from KS lesions and did not quickly abate with plasmapheresis therapy despite both clinical and laboratory improvement after 2-4 days. Chemotherapy was initiated on day 13 and the patient's condition improved markedly afterward. We believe the addition of chemotherapy to plasmapheresis hastened the improvement of our patient's thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and KS-related bleeding. Therefore, under similar conditions, we recommend combining plasmapheresis and chemotherapy at the onset of therapy.     

Prevention of T cell anergy by signaling through the gamma c chain of the IL-2 receptor

When stimulated through their antigen receptor without requisite costimulation, T cells enter a state of antigen-specific unresponsiveness termed anergy. In this study, signaling through the common gamma chain of the interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, and IL-7 receptors in the presence of antigen was found to be sufficient to prevent the induction of anergy. After culture with IL-2, IL-4, or IL-7, Jak3 kinase was tyrosine-phosphorylated, which correlated with the prevention of anergy. Therefore, a signal through the common gamma chain may regulate the decision of T cells to either clonally expand or enter a state of anergy.     

Isolated agenesis of the mastoid antrum

The first isolated case of agenesis of the mastoid antrum, previously only described in association with the congenital syndromes trisomy 13 and mandibulofacial dysostosis, is reported. The loss of this important surgical landmark may result in disorientation and iatrogenic trauma. The surgeon must be aware of its existence, and where it is suspected the middle fossa dura should be exposed and followed posteriorly until the lateral sinus is encountered.     

Thin layer chromatographic determination of sterigmatocystin in cereal grains and soybeans

A method has been developed for determining sterigmatocystin in yellow and white corn, barley, oats, rye, sorghum, brown and wild rice, and soybeans. A partition column packed with activated magnesium silicate was used for cleanup. Averaged recoveries are 104% in white corn, 114% in rye, 100% in oats, 134% in brown rice, 96% in barley, 105% in sorghum and wild rice, and 92% in soybeans. The limit of sensitivity is 50 mug/kg for any of these commodities.